One more sweltering hot day...

Chris and Xander playing with the water rocket. Xander manages to not get wet!

But Chris is determined to get him wet and cool him off.

We managed to create a shady spot for Nate to be in so that I could get wet for a few minutes. Which is exactly how long Nate lasted in the oppressive heat before whining at me that it was time to go inside.

Two of my most favorite photos I have ever taken of baby Nathan. He looks like an angel!!

The Gator

Taking his John Deere Gator for a spin around the yard. Thank you great-grandpa! And thank you grandpa Jimmy for hauling it to our house!

Nathan's diapers...precious cargo!

Meixner family reunion

Chris' grandma Pichner (Rosemary) passed away when I was pregnant with Xander. Her family had it's first family reunion in many years and we all drove down to Owatonna to attend. Here is a photo of all the Pichner boys and the women that keep them in line. :)

Chris with Xander, me holding Nathan, Ernie, Jimmy and Patti

Rub-a-dub, three boys Pichner in the tub!

The more the merrier!

First time fishing!

The day Xander has been looking forward to for a long time! It was his first time going fishing and being able to ride in grandpa Jimmy's new boat. It was extremely humid and hot but he had such a good time. He even caught a fish! His dad and grandpa have been working on teaching him how to show people how big his fish was. But pictures don't lie!

Looking very hot!
Smiling proudly at his big catch (tossed right back in, of course)
How sweet is this?
Checking out his own fishing rod
Grandpa is looking more than a little wilted from the heat

Art Car Parade

Our fabulous Mayor R.T. Rybek! Just one more reason to love this city...

Every year, Minneapolis has their Art Car Parade. We usually find out about it after the fact, but not this year. I knew Xander would have fun looking at the cars. We joined our friends, Ann, Viet, Ava and Lily at their house and walked down to the parade route. There were some interesting cars to look at!

One of Xander's favorites
That is a lot of mirrors!
What a statement this one makes! A "soccer mom" in her Volvo station wagon, talking on her cell phone while her "baby" is forgotten on top of the car. Simple and yet powerful.
Ava and Lily kicking back
Xander trying on Ava's cool shades
Xander having a hard time saying goodbye to his friend, as usual. We had to talk him into coming with us when we were getting ready to leave.

Cute baby contraption photos

Our living room is over run by things to entertain this little guy!

Sometimes he jumps until he can jump no more! Kind of pathetic, but I don't dare move him or wake him up!

Potty Training

After wondering if and when it would ever happen, Xander announced on this day that he needed to start wearing big boy underwear. Just like that! And the training begins, mostly at his own pace and it really doesn't have much to do with us. Once he decides he is ready to do something, that is all it takes. He really has been doing so well that it makes me a bit nervous!

Reading a potty book and relaxing
Showing off his cute bum with his favorite animal rescuer on it!
So cute in his new undies

Daddy time

While I gave Xander his bath, Chris spent a little time playing with his littlest boy. It is so cute to hear him giggling while daddy has him.

Nate did not get his daddy's complexion. He is all red and pastey, just like mommy.
Big smiles!
Taking a break to chew on his burp cloth.

Hot summer day

It was a hot day (one of so many this year) and we ventured into the heat. Xander is lucky because he actually gets to go into the cool water. I spend my time trying to keep Nate cool and out of the sun. I am guessing it will be easier next year when Nate is walking and might want to go into the water too? Who knows!

Borrowing Ava's floatie and loving it!

"Mommy, why do you ALWAYS forget my floatie? Thankfully, Ann always has extras for that very reason!"

Daddy might have deflated the pool, but any water left behind is fair game!

Daddy trying to show that he is not so uptight :)

Lake Harriet

It was the perfect day to hit the beach for the first time this season. It was actually easier on me in some ways because rather than being on hard concrete around a pool, I put the picnic blanket on the soft sand in the shade. The down side is that I have to deal with all the sand, sand sand! Well worth it!

Water and sand - Xander's favorite!

Thank god people bring extra floaties. Mom, get with the program!

Ava tends to look a bit nervous whenever Xander is around. Can't say I blame her!

Snack time and naptime for my boys! How cute! I love it when Nate is able to get a little rest when we are on the go.

Trip to the zoo

We met friends at the Zoo today. I had no idea it would be open on the 4th of July, but since we had nothing planned, it worked out great. It wasn't too busy at all. After checking out the usual stuff, Chris and Viet took the kids in to look at the butterflies. After lunch and saying goodbye to the Dos, we got a special tour of the new Minnesota Trail that doesn't open until the weekend. Now, I have never been a huge fan of this part of the zoo and haven't walked through in years, but I must admit that I was very impressed. What a big difference! It was great because we were the only ones walking through, but I know we will be going back again very soon to see it again.

Must have been something interesting up there...
Beautiful photos taken by Chris

Cat nap!
Beautiful!
Wassup?
Check out Xander's wing span!

A shot of the beautiful wood and fireplace as you walk into the newly redone Minnesota Trail. It has a warm and cozy...Northwoods feel. I am guessing that was what they were going for and they did a good job.