Time to Blog

Time has flown by in this family, just like it does for all of you, and our blog has gone neglected. I'm starting to realize the importance of blogging both for sharing information with people we love whom we don't see often and maybe more importantly, to keep a record of the ever-changing progress that Miles is making. We have thousands of photos and hundreds of videos of Miles that we take every day. I'm trying to capture more and more of our favorite routines like bedtime prayers, reading books, playing with the dog, etc. so that we remember these great times when we have a little boy who will still sit on our laps! So, if you're out there reading, you can expect more short every day posts. If no one is reading, these posts will be for future Katie, Jason, and Miles to look back on. :)

Summer 2011

Wow! Summer has flown by and our blog has been totally neglected! What that really means is that we've been blessed to share so much time with our families this summer. Instead of seeing videos of Miles online, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and little boy cousins have gotten to see and play with him at home! We've had a lot of fun just watching Miles be a crazy boy playing outside at the park, playing frisbee, tee ball, watering flowers, splashing in the pool, and riding his new tricycle!

We've spent lots of great time with our families including a long 4th of July weekend with the Selbys in Bismarck. That weekend was a whirlwind celebrating Jason's parents' 40th wedding anniversary, our nephew's baptism, family photos, and a good old fashioned 4th of July parade! We spent time with Katie's family at a cabin in Hayward, WI including lots of time on Poppy's pontoon boat, grilling out, a trip to the zoo, and feeding the ducks! Jason and I spent 3 nights away kid-free in Door County and really enjoyed sleeping in, relaxing by the lake, and eating out with no toddler! And of course, no summer is complete without a day at the Minnesota State Fair! Photos of all of our summer adventures are in the Picasa link to the right.

At this point, Miles is speaking in sentences and gets frustrated when we don't understand him. He insists on doing everything himself (washing, dressing, opening doors, getting into his car seat, etc.) He's also starting to get a bit of humor so when something makes us laugh once, he'll say it over and over again! We love seeing the world though his eyes and are enjoying each little new learning for him. In the words of our day care provider, "I'm not sure which he loves more: puzzles or books!" He's still a very curious guy and has great patience and focus when learning new things.

We're looking forward to cool fall weather, our apple harvest, evenings in front of the fireplace, and I always love this time of year when students return to campus! Enjoy our photos and your fall!

Happy Retirement, Mrs. Boyce!

In June, Katie's mom retired after 33 years as an educator. We traveled home to Wisconsin to surprise Grammy on her last day of school and spend a fun weekend with her and Katie's family. We are very excited for her and selfishly excited to have more Grammy time with Miles! Congrats, mom!

Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo...

We spent our Saturday at the Minnesota Zoo and a great time was had by all. This was Miles' 2nd time there, but this year he understands everything so much better. This little video was one of the most excited moments when he could stand at the glass and watch the otters swim by. We also had a blast at the Family Farm where we at ice cream, petted the cows, and fed the goats. More photos on the Picasa link to the right. We will certainly be back there soon!

Birthday Partaaay!

Yep, we survived Miles' 2nd Birthday Party at Todd Park, just south of our house, and were happy to have lots of friends and family around to celebrate with us! Grammy, Poppy, Grandma Jan, Grandpa Jim, Uncle Nicholas, Auntie Sara, and baby Nolan all stayed at our house for the holiday weekend filled with presents and sweet eats! Miles received lots of awesome gifts, including a handmade rocking horse from Grandpa Jim. I also earned my mommy membership card with my first homemade kid's birthday cake and it turned out well! More photos of the whole birthday celebration at the Picasa link to the right. Happy Birthday, Miles!

2 Years Old!

Happy Birthday, Miles! Our little man turned 2 yesterday and he continues to entertain and amaze us! Last year at this time he was just starting to walk. This year he is jumping off of anything in sight, repeating words that we say, and trying to dress himself. Miles continues to be very focused when working on things: puzzles, blocks, Marbulous, etc. We have learned that he likes everything in its place: drawers closed with nothing hanging out, chairs pushed into the table, doors closed, and all things buckled (car seat, stroller, shopping cart.) Our magic words for him right now are "We need your help!" and he is ready to jump into washing veggies, setting the table, picking up sticks in the yard, or whatever 'work' we create. We plan to cash in on this trend when our yard is full of fallen apples in fall. Miles is affectionate, always hugging and kissing everyone good bye at day care every day. He is spirited and expressive in everything he does, excited or angry. One more thing, he's cute as the dickens!!

Every night when we go to bed we talk about how much we love Miles even when he's being naughty. We can't imagine life without him and are thankful for our healthy spunky little man. Happy Birthday, Miles!

Welcome, Austrians!

This weekend we had the pleasure of hosting Katie's Uncle Rolf, Aunt Ingrid, and their friends, Willie & Hermi from Linz, Austria. Rolf & Ingrid hosted us last June and we were eager to repay their kindness. We enjoyed sharing Miles and Minneapolis with them. On Saturday, the ladies treated us to a huge Austrian dinner complete with wienerschnitzel. On Sunday we had an all-American day with a trip to the Twins game and steak on the grill. This crowd is in the U.S. for one month and they're off to the Black Hills of South Dakota from here. We can't wait for Tanja & Andreas to visit us next!