Picnics mean visiting creatures

Time to prepare...

Just under two weeks out for the big B family event of the year - aunt Shannon and soon to be uncle Ryan's wedding. This means haircuts. I had the privilege of bringing both of you in for yours. Zoe, hers in imperceptible. Roman was in need of his little boy haircut. They both did really well and I think the dum dum at the end helps. So discussed before I am sure. 

A few minutes ago I threw some moco de gorila gel   in Roman's hair(intriguing name, si). It had been too long for it until this haircut. Don't think he'll be sporting this 'do on the big day, but I enjoyed the smile that spread across  Roman's face when I took him to the mirror to check it out. Genuine. I asked him if I could take his picture and he nodded.

 Then gave the standard "I'm having my picture taken" grin (above) and then the full out over the top eyes shut cheesy grin.  But a few more snaps and I did something silly that made him give his gen-u-ine smile. Got it!

But oh my, you're looking so big!

We gotta get your Dad here

Your Dad has made plans two time to try to take you to Como Zoo. Why? He's missed out on a couple of opportunities and hasn't been there yet this summer.  I was able to take you on one of my Wednesdays off a few weeks ago. And although we were in and out in less than 3 hours (lunch included!) I think a good time was had by all.  I think it started out well - there were actually seals (plural) in the round outdoor pool!

This area (and the stinky monkey house of course) are what I remember of Como. Well and the mini train and the huge snake. And the fire engine (?) classmate Shannon fell off and broke his arm on. Ok, I remember lots of things, but I remember the seal area fondly. oh yeah, and the stinky fish you could feed them that even at the time seemed gruesome. Chunks of flesh. Ick. I don't know if that memory is correct, but that's what I remember. At ANY rate...

It was a good day to be at the zoo.

And you even talked your Grandma Jane into bringing you here 2 days later (!). As Dad said "Grandma is getting bold". Good for her. It is actually a bit easier to take you out. Sometimes. Except for last night when we took you to Lowe's to look at flooring and you (Zoe) freaked out at the entrance because there was a HUGE inflatable pirate display (Halloween is just around the corner?!) and INSISTED on being held the entire time. Roman followed suit. Just gotta say you guys are getting too darn heavy for that. But then again in my reflective moments (i.e. when I'm not holding you for half an hour) I realize that those days are going to go away too and I better well enjoy them. Dang tootin'.

Every little thing gonna be all right

As I cuddled with the fidgety Roman and got him back to sleep,  I thought of dinner time tonight. "I want to sit by Mom". That makes my day.

Not going to focus on the persistent "carry me up" (you guys are getting HEAVY) or away-from-home-at-naptime meltdowns...No, I'll think about how sitting next to me makes you happy. I know it's not a forever thing.

But man, oh man, I love you both soooo much. A few weeks ago Grandma C brought over some birdies. I should have had a clue when I came home that night and you two were making nests in the living room with blankets and pretending to be birds.

Rob and Jay (so knighted by your Father)

Sittin' in a tree 

Nice birdie.

After this I couldn't get "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley out of my head. Grandma C had said there had been a Cardinal, but her store was out. So among our Saturday chores was to see if the local version of her store had one left in their clearance pile. They did. And now I can sing it for real...

Rise up this mornin',

Smiled with the risin' sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true,

Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,

'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.

A brief history of our hour at Lake Superior

 

 

Rocks to the right.

Rocks to the left.

  

Rocks over here.

Rocks over there.

 Building with twigs - almost as good as Legos!

 Wind. Water.

 Rock throwing.

Little boy heaven.

 Uncle Dave bonding time.

 Woo hoo!

Miss Zoe dream time.

Day out with Thomas

When I think of Thomas the Tank Engine, I usually think of your cousin (my nephew) Zach. He's newly graduated from high school, but when he was little he was very much into Thomas and all his friends. He had a collection of figures, and I think I've said it before but I was amazed at how easily your uncle Dan could name them all. I certainly can't (ask me about the major Cars characters, though), but I  can appreciate it.  So when the Day out with Thomas came across on a half price deal, I grabbed it.

 True, we had to drive 2 hours to Duluth to get to him, but to see a life sized Thomas was pretty cool. He actually took us along Lake Superior a bit, so after our ride we went to the section of the Lakewalk where we knew Thomas would make an appearance. You know, this is actually all we would have needed to do - you get to see him in action!

And we got to see another train - the more regular excursion that leaves from the train museum as well. That was pretty awesome too.

You two weren't going to go stand by Thomas by yourself, but did oblige the obligatory pose. Ro's with Uncle Dave, who came along. Your Daddy was in the midst of a crazy work week and couldn't make it.

And even Thomas' playful "toot toot" was a bit much for little ears.

When Thomas pulled in from his previous ride, he wiggled his eyes. Amazing how much life that brings to him!

The train ride was fun too. I think we're up for just about ANY excursion. This is something I'd been wanting to do anyway. We still might do one here in town...

Who's that rowdy kid?

Good Times.

And a bit of a lake view - although I'd have to say 2/3 of the ride was looking at parking lots filled with Blues Fest-goers cars and cement barriers and structures for the highway.

Oh well. The lake is worth it. There's something about it. I love it.  There were some activities scattered throughout the Train Museum where this took place. I have to say  that I realized how spoiled we've become. Standing out in a gravel parking lot under the highway lacked the prettied up atmospheres I think we've become used to. That, or your Dad's influence has worn off on me. A few banners don't a exhibition make. But I digress.

Blue Sand? Why not. It sure is colorful :)

And what kid activity would be complete without a tattoo?! Roman couldn't be pulled away from the sand and train tables, but Zoe was all in on that one. Even got a girl train. How do we know it's a girl? She was purple. Don't tell that to the Vikings ;)

Anticipation

What could be next? There's a mighty big hint in that tshirt...

Friday

On your mom's birthday, we enjoyed a pizza dinner at Village Pizza (****yum!) in NSP with your grandma and grandpa and uncle Dave.  It was car show night and we hadn't been yet this year. It's somewhat of an effort since I work late ("late" is relative I guess), but I took a few hours off so we could get together. Plus it's been h-o-t most nights.
It's kind of cool how the downtown has morphed. There were a bunch of businesses there that weren't there last time we went. And the Chinese restaurant even added some tables outside to dine al fresco. It was a perfect night to stroll.
Here's what Roman is telling me as I type:
"I don't like the very, very loud Mustangs.... I like the ones that aren't very noisy. I like the better ones."
Yes, Roman, I think we can agree to that. We like the better ones.

We even found a pink one for Zo!

Just us chickens*

* I know. And I just bet I've used that title before and will use it again. Limited brain capacity here, people.