Project

After deciding we would stay in our house for a few more years, we want to do a couple home improvement projects. First (and only, for the time being) on the list is a fireplace downstairs. Our lower level is so cold and was built with poor heating, so we knew with Logan's toys down here and lots of space to play, we needed to do something to warm it up! This area has been a constant work-in-progress since we moved in. My mom helped paint while I was pregnant, then we rearranged this summer, and now we're looking to make it a cozy place for Logan to play and for us to watch movies someday.

The fireplace arrived today, so its sitting in its place - looking like a major Logan hazard! Luckily, we will soon have a finished product that will keep us warm and toasty this winter! Of course, John (the resident "do-it-all-yourself-stick-it-to-the-man-handyman") is doing much of the work himself, with the help of a few friends and neighbors. I'm sure it will be a while until its perfectly finished just the way we want it, but I'll just settle for functional, at this point! After all, we are under a time crunch now that the weather has turned...

Friendly Mr. William!

Today we were so lucky to have a visit from our good friends, Sarah and William! They drove all the way from Minneapolis on Sarah's day off work to spend lunch and afternoon playtime with us! The weather was great and we enjoyed the outdoors after a yummy lunch. William is about the happiest boy with the most smiles! So cute! He's a very friendly baby and will be a big brother in February!

Sarah and I both remembered exactly one year ago, when they made the same trip over the first week of October. The boys were so small and just laid in our arms and slept the whole time! What a difference one year can make! It was so fun to watch the boys, both walking, playing, talking, discovering! Well, discovering everything except each other. They still are not old enough to really want to play together, but they did enjoy playing side by side. We hope the boys one day become very close friends!

John was home for the afternoon before going to the football game tonight, so he spent some time showing the boys the trees and long grass in the backyard.

This is a pretty good example of how the boys interact...

"Oh, William, what are you doing back there?!"

I hope this was a nice pat on the shoulder and not a bully move.

Thanks for visiting! It was the highlight of our week!

Fall is Here!

It finally turned cooler and feels like fall! We've so enjoyed the warm weather in September, but its always exciting to feel the change in season, too. It makes me think of this time last year when Logan was just a little babe! Getting out last year at this time was a special treat and this year I feel like we are constantly on the go! Logan is just like John: stir crazy indoors. So, Logan was so excited to go out today, even though we had to bundle up!

Logan by the new tree with his tennis ball (favorite new "toy")!

We made out way back to the small playset...

And he showed me he can go down the slide all by himself! Seriously!


What a babyface!

Perfect Pumpkins

Today, on the first day of October (I can't believe it!!) when John got home from work, he announced that he was going to the tree farm to take advantage of the start of their fall sale on trees and nursery stock. I jumped at the chance to get out of the house with Logan, so we all took a field trip to Lowes Creek. Logan was instantly attracted to all the pumpkins! So while John worked with Tim to pick out some trees for this fall, Logan walked around the nursery, being sure to touch each and every pumpkin.

Given our pumpkin picking escapades last year (picking a pumpkin from a parking lot), I was thrilled to see that the tree farm had so many perfect looking pumpkins. We picked up a few pumpkins, so now we're all set for fall!

Lowes Creek Tree Farm: the nursery stock


Logan picking out his pumpkin!

It was a little chilly!

"Mom, look at this huge one!"

Logan found a leaf.

Walking around like such a big boy!

Dr. Carrie

Today we were so lucky to have a visit from my good friend, Carrie. She is in her third year of med school and is currently doing a rotation with Marshfield Hospital and Clinics in Wisconsin. Since she is normally not within "visiting distance", she took the chance to drive over and spend the day with us.

Carrie and I got lots of time to catch up, and even went to Starbucks (while John and Logan went out to the tree farm). Then we all had dinner and spent more time playing in the living room. Logan loved Carrie...she is going to be a pediatrician - and it shows!! Its been a while since Carrie got to spend much time with Logan and she was surprised at how much he has learned! He was showing off his walking skills, teaching Carrie baby sign language, showing off his nose and hair on cue, and playing silly games!

Logan had a blast showing Carrie all his stuffed animals, and sharing them with her!
Poor Carrie had her arms full!

After dinner, Logan kept bringing books for us to read to him, he even wanted Carrie to read to her!

Thanks so much for visiting, Carrie! It was great!

Budding Artist

On Saturday, we were busy! Early in the morning, after breakfast, we tried using Logan's crayons. They sure occupied him for a long time, but he still isn't quite sure how to use them. Its cute, though, and he was proud of the picture we made (mostly I made) and held it up to show me when we were finished.

Then later that afternoon while John was out mowing the lawn, I made some vanilla pudding and colored it so Logan could finger paint on his hignchair tray. He wasn't too sure at first, but really loved the taste! Once he was done eating the pudding, he had fun swirling it around on his tray. It was fun!

The budding artist, himself.

Mr. Blue Lips!

Sugar High!

This may have set a bad precedent because we have the clear Crayola fingerpaints to break out soon...I am sure Logan will think they are for eating, too! Oh well, it was worth it!

Fridge Fun

We've been having lots of fun on our fridge lately! Logan discovered magnets a few weeks ago and has spent a lot of time playing with them. Since the only magnets I originally had were too small to let Logan play with. My Mom found the foam letters at Creative Kidstuff and then she made the little animals for Logan. So, I think John and I have been having more fun writing notes than even Logan!