AJ & Hilary

The last week of July Andrew and I headed over to Minneapolis to see Hilary (and her parents, Carol & Mark) before she leaves for her freshman year of college at Georgetown. I started babysitting for Hilary when she was 6- 12 years ago! I would go and stay when her parents went on vacation or act as an extra chaperone at her birthday parties. We have had some great times together! They were like my second family when I lived in Minneapolis. Hillie was in our wedding, I drove her to her sailing lessons and tennis and math tutors and now she is going to be sailing on Georgetown's Division I Sailing Team and studying Government. I couldn't be any prouder of her!

So while we were there AJ had to go on the super cool rope swing that they have hanging in their front yard! He enjoyed every minute of it!!

And then he mowed their lawn afterwards.

A trip to Wildwood Zoo

Last week AJ and I went up to Minocqua to visit with my parents, my oldest brother Craig was in town from Chicago) and my niece (Adreanna, 7.5) and nephew (Parker, 4). We went to Wildwood Zoo (even though to my dismay the goats are unpenned but I sucked it up for the team) and visited with the animals. We saw lots of them that aren't pictured and got to pet a porcupine and groundhog.

This was a different day but how funny is AJ?!? He already broke 2 pairs (at least) of my sunglasses so I bought him a pair for himself and he can do what he wants with them...

I don't think anyone in our group was into the goats. They were way to aggressive and chewing on the stroller and creeping me out especially. Adreanna decided to ditch the food and get out of there!

Petting the baby bunnies

I love this picture of Adreanna!

I didn't want AJ to pull a Lenny (Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men) so I told Adreanna to hold it for him.

Isn't it just a little weird that this deer just stands here and takes all the people and petting?

The parakeet house. I'm not sure how many birds were in here (250?) but if you held out your finger or a stick they landed on it. Parker & Adreanna got them to come to them but AJ was moving around too much.

Prairie dog tunnel. AJ freaked out half way through it and ran back the way he came in. Not sure why...

Uncle Craig and his nephew AJ.

I don't think Adreanna and Parker knew I was taking a picture of them too. They look bored!

Grandma Jan (or Uma) and AJ

Sprinkler Fun!

I was a little over zealous with the camera this particular Monday... I should have collaged these pictures before I put them up but I wanted to get them on here since my subject is so cute. :)

He loves to mow the lawn! I must hear 'mower' 50 times a day at least! Doesn't he do a great job?

My two favorite boys!

Throw a football into the mix...

This is one of my favorite pictures since he looks like he's getting sprayed in the face but totally taking it! ;)

Trying to time getting the football out...

Not very successful!

I like the way the water is suspended in this picture.

Another one with my favorite two boys!!

One random Wednesday in June

Hanging with daddy, watching the game before bed.

Momma chasing them up the stairs before bed. This is a nightly ritual... Always gets a ton of giggles and screams! :)

One random hot Saturday in June

It was hot on this particular Saturday and I filled up AJ's water table and added some dish soap. He was thrilled at all the bubbles! And was drenched when he got inside!

Pure joy! :)

Stomping the bubbles on the ground.

Look at that silly little face!