State Fair...again

Of course we can't just go to the fair one time! I think this is his 5th trip to the fair and he is only 2 years old! We usually have to go at least twice.

on the merry-go-round with grandma Linda
Still isn't ready to go on a moving horse
yummy corn on the cob!
checking out the new butterfly exibit. Xander thought they were cool, as long as they didn't come too close to him.

They were so big and beautiful!

State Fair

It is State Fair time again! I am not really that big of a fan, but it is kind of an inherited family tradition that we have to go every year. Since Chris grew up just blocks from the fairgrounds, he is used to going several times every year. I only ever went for the food, but now that Xander is here, like everything else in life, I start to see things through his eyes. So, we tried to do things that he would enjoy. He is such a good kid and easy to take places, that it makes it even more fun!

Fair attire
On the merry-go-round. He opts for a bench because all of the horses go up and down and he just wasn't ready for that.
Of course, we had to try out every tractor!
Notice the bucket of cookies hanging on the stroller...yum!
Petting newborn baby lamb named Zack
These rides are a little more his speed!

We waited around for the fireworks to start. It was a late night! But Xander always handles it well, and the look on his face makes it all worth it.

Playtime with daddy

I wasn't feeling great this morning, so Xander and Chris hung out together while I slept in. I am assuming from the photos that there was a lot of TV watching and playing with toys.

Open mouthed, not blinking and staring at the tube!

Playing on the floor while daddy makes breakfast

They made a cool fort to play in!

Sculpture Garden/Loring Park

Xander has been asking to go to the Sculpture Garden for a picnic ever since the last time we went. It was a beautiful weekend, so we packed our lunch and headed to the park. We even got to spend some time with our friends Ann, Viet, Ava and Lily who met us at the garden. After they left, we walked across the bridge to Loring Park and had a picnic in the shade.

Big spoon and cherry that sprays water. Cool.

Taking a break and leaning on a huge sculpture.

The squirrel that we fed

Eating lunch

Feeding the crusts to the ducks and a goose

Checking out the pretty flowers and plants

Watching the cars go zooming by under the bridge

Getting ready to head home and take a nap!

Playing with Aunt Patty!

Yay! Aunt Patty flew in from California for a quick visit and we got to spend some time with her. Xander was so excited and talked about getting to see her for days before she got here. As soon as he saw her, he seemed so comfortable with her, like he gets to see her all of the time. We went out to dinner and then back to grandma Linda's house to spend some time visiting and playing. It is just never long enough... :(

Playing with trains and cars

Xander is starting to get goofy... it was a late night for him. But it is entertaining to watch!

Trying to reign the tired, goofy boy in for a quick cuddle.

Connor & Kadyn's birthday party!

We were at Fuller Park again today to help celebrate Kadyn and Connor (two friends in the playgroup) turning two. Xander was thrilled to get a cupcake with a chocolate chip cookie sticking out of the top! I must admit, it was a very yummy cupcake. After treats, the kids played at the park until they were all pooped out. Napping came easily today... for the both of us. :)

Still covered in frosting

Ann. Truly, the love of Xander's life.

Zach, Connor & Xander playing in the sand. Xander loves Zach's toys!

The kids were playing a game where they would lay in the sand. Xander is completely confused by it all.

One more afternoon at the park

We are trying to pack as many days of outdoor fun as we can as I am feeling summer passing us by. So when our friend Lori suggested the park, we jumped at the chance to go. Xander enjoys the park more everyday and really loves digging in the sand and building sand castles.

A trip down the slide

Xander and Lily "jumping in a hole". The little things that make them happy... :)

Sweet Lily. She kept wanting me to take her picture so that she could look at them on my digital camera

Ikea

We headed out to Ikea for dinner and fun. It is one of Xander's favorite places to eat and play and we like it too, so we use any excuse to go!

Crawling through the tunnel (for about the 100th time)

Getting ready to dive in!

That's daddy buried under the balls

Off to grandma's house

We are trying to prepare Xander was spending the night at grandma Linda's house in the near future, so we decided to start with an afternoon of playing and napping. We went to a park nearby to play, ate lunch and then took a nap. I was so tired that I took a nap with him. I wanted to make sure he wasn't scared since her spare bedroom is completely unfamiliar to him. We both zonked out for a long time!

Bringing his own, familiar stuff along

All the stuffed animals and books a backpack can hold

Playing at the park

Special day at Pearl Park

It was a beautiful day to head to the park and play in the pool. But today was special because one of moms, Pam, is going to be starting law school in less than two weeks and her son, Daniel will be starting daycare on Monday. Sadly, we won't be seeing them very often anymore. So we wanted today to be extra fun!

Xander digs the spraying water!

Everybody taking a lunch break. Thanks for the towel, Beth! I remember not too long ago Xander would never sit down and eat with the kids. Now, as soon as he sees the towels getting spread out, he is ready to eat! I love when we all get to sit and talk while our kids eat each others food. I look around and think about how lucky we are to have found such a great group of friends

Taking a ride in Daniel's awesome boat. They are actually having a good time, even though they look so serious. In order from the front: Xander, Keegan, Lew and Kadyn.

Lookin' good!

TV

We don't watch a lot of tv at our house, and Xander barely pays attention to the thing. But once in a while he is just in the mood to veg-out in front of the tube while he plays. I can't complain since it happens so seldom, and it is surprising (and a bit sad) at all the work I can get done. After Chris came home, I went out side to pick some herbs and veggies. It is so cool to make a meal and have so much of it grown in our own yard! But I am not a good cook, so I am usually at a loss as to what to do with it all.

Just finishing with Barney

Home grown!

Another photo of him playing and chillin' in front of the tube