Apple picking we will go!

In late September we went apple picking up at Helene's Hilltop Orchard in Merrill. We do this every year since we like apples so much! AJ had a ball this year since he really understood it this time around!

Yeah!

He had his mind set on that wagon as soon as he spotted it.

Running through the orchard

Mom and dad didn't really have to do any picking this year- it was all Andrew! AJ wasn't really into taking this picture with me... oh well!

Fire Station Open House

On Sunday the Rib Mountain Fire Station held an open house and what better way to introduce AJ to the heroic people that live just down the road from us!

AJ was fascinated with Freddie! He talked and everything! That little engine was pretty cool!

He really didn't want to wear the hat. Of course at home he'll put it on all the time!

Cool! I am sitting in a helicopter!

With momma by the fire engine.

Labor Day

Labor Day weekend was spent close to home. We went to Harshaw on Sunday to visit my parents and my brother's family. That was pretty much it though. Steve went to Madison on Saturday to see the Badgers season/home opener. I laughed when I turned around at the gas station and saw him sitting in his car seat like a little adult! He's a funny kid!

Jumping off the rocks in my mom's garden.

Cool picture, huh? He looks like he's flying!

Landing with a smile on his face!

Monday he got a new toy... I have been looking for one all summer but the stores were always out. This one will grow with him up to 6 ft. He'll be able to use it a long time.

Eating a popsicle with daddy.

Daddy & AJ playing 'baketball' together!

I can shoot all by myself.

I love when kids squat/sit like this! I think it is so cute!

Daddy hitting a bomb with AJ's ball & bat. He kept putting dents in the ball. Daddy!

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!!