What's that smell?

After enjoying KidStuff at the YMCA last week and reading a story called "What's that smell?", Aidan showed me the picture of a pig that he colored/painted.  He told me it was a "dirty pig".  When I asked why it was dirty...(with a look on his face that said I might just be the stupidest person in the world) "Uh, because I painted all over it."  Yep, that's my literal 3-year-old.  Fifty or more times a day now he is asking me "what's that smell?"  Thank you, YMCA, for tuning Aidan in to his sense of smell.  Let's work on a new skill now.

Another funny example of his super-literal mind...
We visited the zoo this week with our friends Stephanie, Addie, and Kate.  Aidan and Addie sat together to watch the bird show in the outdoor amphitheater.  When the trainer told everyone to "be on their toes, and on the lookout for flying birds" Aidan stood up and SHOUTED (in the silent amphitheater) "Addie, STAND UP, he said we need to be on our toes!" He proceeded to stand on his tiptoes and look around for flying birds.  Thankfully the people around us thought he was amusing; I was slightly embarrassed.

A Wee Bit 'O the Irish

We headed out to Harriett Island (in the Mississippi River, by St Paul) on Sunday to the largest gathering of pasty white people that you're ever likely to see.  Yep, the Irish Festival. We supported our Irish heritage by eating chocolate ice cream, drinking mango smoothies, and playing miniature golf.  Very Irish of us.  :)

1st time playing miniature golf

So excited!

Yep, she drank that whole mango smoothie all by herself

If it doesn't go in the first 7 times, just pick it up and drop it in

Camping Trip 2011

Kyle took a deep breath, packed some bags (with my help, of course) and took the plunge.  Aidan and Kyle went on their first annual camping trip last weekend, and it was so uneventful that Kyle has agreed to do it again.  Whew!  No one was eaten by a bear or fell in the campfire, and there were very few bug bites in need of After Bite.

If it's Noon on a Friday, and you drive a Dukes of Hazzard car, clearly the bar is the only place to be.

Ben, Wendy, and Aidan

Kyle using Aidan as a billboard to remind his friends that the Gophers beat the Hawkeyes last season

This is why Aidan doesn't have a squirt gun at our house

On the boat Saturday a.m. Disregard the feminine Dora the Explorer life vest.  Beggars can't be choosers.

Aidan hangin' with the big boys

Thirty?

Can it be true?  Am I really 30?  My birthday came and went and I don't feel any different than I have the past three years, so I guess being 30 isn't a big deal.  I don't think being a certain age changes you, it's the other things going on in your life (namely, children) that make you act more mature and drive the decisions you make. 
Besides, Aidan can't count to 30 yet, so technically it doesn't exist, right? (he can count to 29) Let's just say I'm 29 + 1.

Photo Recap

Enjoying the nice (hot) weather

Wagon rides with Weston (1.5) and Eli (almost 4)

Driving the antique fire truck in Krape Park

Kid's Castle with Poppa

1st time on a merry-go-round

The fam

Reese is 1!

We spent last week/weekend in IL and Madison visiting Nana and Poppa and celebrating Reese's 1st birthday.  With 160 pictures taken, finding just a few to share was a tough job!  The kids enjoyed swimming, playing with Eli and Weston, riding the merry-go-round, and seeing Kali, Kyle, and Reese!

Next Step

I took a giant leap of faith on Friday morning (as we were stuck inside AGAIN by the rain) and converted Aidan's crib into a toddler bed.  After setting the rule, (don't get out unless mommy or daddy gets you out) Aidan took a test run during nap time and did great.  So far, so good.  Three days in and no problems.  Aidan has stayed in bed, and he knows that if he wakes up before anyone else that he can read or play with toys in bed.  I think Aidan's favorite part is that I can sit next to him and tell him stories before he goes to bed. He's even asked for breakfast and snacks in bed! I nixed those ideas. : )

Mini-Vacation

We took a weekend trip Up North to Lac Courte Oreilles Lake (pronounced Lacooteray) over the 4th of July weekend, then Nana and Poppa came for a visit last week.  A whole week with extra hands to help with the kids was the best part of my summer vacation so far!  Quick recap of the past week and a half...Kyle and I celebrated our 6th anniversary, we boated/golfed/swam/had lots of fun at the lake, Aidan and I watched fireworks, Nana and Poppa completely re-landscaped half of our backyard, we took Nana to Rockin' Lunch Hour, we went to the zoo, and we watched a parade of vintage cars.  Yes, we've been busy!

Tim and Aidan on the first of many rides in the golf cart

 Braving the chilly water

 Queen Bee

 Another botched attempt at a cute brother-sister picture

 Helping Aunt Marsha husk the corn

 Driving the boat!

 This little boy LOVES to go boating

 Swimming in the lake with Grandpa and Uncle BJ

 More toys to play with!

  

A very tired little girl by the end of the trip

 

 The newly landscaped half of our backyard

Thanks Nana and Poppa!!!

 

 Cooling off after a hard day's work.

  I don't recommend trying this at your house.

Slip 'n Slide + 3 year old + almost 30 year old = bruised shins for everyone

 

Aubrey Update

Aubrey and I visited the doctor this morning for her 15 month appointment.  All continues to look good, minus her not being able to eat dairy.  The doctor was very unconcerned about it, saying that lots of kids can't eat dairy right away, but that she might be able to eat cheese when she's two, then gradually be able to tolerate milk and other dairy products.  Easy for him to say.  He's not cleaning up nasty diapers multiple times a day because something Aubrey ate doesn't agree with her stomach.  I still plan to take her to an allergist to make sure it's just dairy and not some other food allergy also.  That appointment is on Tuesday morning.  Aubrey handled her two shots (HiB and Hep A) like a champ.  Minimal screaming and then she took a nap when we got home.  Gotta love the return of a morning nap!

Stats:
Weight: 21 lbs (20th %-ile)
Height: 30.5 in (51st %-ile)

Happy 4th of July!

15 Months Old

Up close and personal with Aubrey

Ohhhh! She can walk!

(usually with her mouth wide open, must help with balance)

And play in the grass...

And be a little wild!

Check out my curls!

We go to the doctor this Thursday for Aubrey's 15 month check-up, but I'm guessing she's catching up in the percentiles. Now that she's walking, and I've pretty much figured out what she can/cannot eat (basically anything without dairy), she is getting stronger, taller, and filling out. I'll update later in the week with height/weight.

The Best Dads Around

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads/Poppas/Grandpas in our lives. We love you!