Isaac's Songs

Isaac recently started singing with us on many familiar songs (and asking for them by name). Last night we caught him 'in a moment' at the dinner table. What you're about to see is him playing 'repeat' game with Papa, followed by "ABC's", "Doe, a Deer"...(from Sound of Music), and "Tiny Tim." We're glad to know that our musical genes have carried through to Isaac as this boy can already carry a tune:

And then after dinner we moved into the Living Room and sang "Jump Jump Went the Little Green Frog, One Day..."

http://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/IsaacSingsAndDances?authkey=Gv1sRgCI_M46buibTT8QE&feat=email

Afternoon Bike Trip

This afternoon we hooked up our brand new bike trailer and decided to go for a long bike ride. We've been talking about doing this for quite awhile, and now that the weather has been getting nicer, we've been even more excited to get outside together and enjoy the Lakewalk and many other trails that Duluth has to offer. We took 43rd Ave down about 12 blocks and hooked up with the Lakewalk on London Rd. From there, we followed the Lakewalk all the way down to Canal Park. For you non-Duluthians, it's about 5 miles down (one way). The weather outlook for the afternoon indicated that the winds were supposed to die down by late afternoon, but unfortunately we found that the wind gusts were still high at times, especially once we were down along the shores and in Canal Park. Even more unfortunate was the fact that we were biking back against the winds nearly all the way home (another 5 miles). But - we made it. We were glad to know that our bikes still function after a couple of years not being used (since before I was pregnant), and we were also pleased that Isaac did so well in his new "ride" (snacks in tow and plenty to look at around him were a plus). Yes, I think we'll be doing that again, but perhaps next time not quite so far - or at least not with the winds the way they were. While biking along the Lakewalk, we of course experienced many amazing views of the Lake and even Isaac was chiming in exclaiming "big water!" Sometimes it still amazes me that this is now our home and I try not to take the local attractions for granted after these 8 months of living in Duluth. Here's a couple of snapshots of Isaac in his new cart. Also, Joel snapped a couple of shots of the Lake, which he commented looked more like an ocean today with the winds creating such powerful waves breaking against the shore. I think we'll all sleep well tonight, and for now, we're glad to have our feet up and give our legs a break (though not literally)!

Scooper Giggles

This past week my parents came to visit for a few days. While on a "guys night out," Grandpa John and Joel took Isaac to the park for a little while before they went out for supper. It was a good thing Joel grabbed the camera on his way out the door, otherwise they wouldn't have captured this moment you're about to see. Apparently Isaac thought the sand digger/scooper was hilarious when Grandpa would "dump" the sand out. Who knew it could be so funny?! :-) I don't think I've ever seen Isaac laugh so hard - and the guys tell me the video clip was taken even after he had been laughing for a couple of minutes already. See for yourself...

Easter Weekend Fun

Happy Easter! We spent our first Holiday away from extended family and stayed here in Duluth for a long weekend together with just us 3. Here are a few highlights:

Friday, 4/2: Afternoon field trip to "Thrillz" - an indoor amusement/entertainment park in Canal Park (we needed an indoor activity due to cold/rainy weather). Isaac enjoyed the giant inflatable slide and climbing around the structures within "Kiddieland" (an indoor structure designed for toddlers). He also enjoyed his unlimited rides on the carousel (3, to be exact). Dinner at Famous Dave's to follow.

Saturday, 4/3: Afternoon field trip to "The Depot" - weather still overcast and cool. Inside "The Depot," Isaac marveled at the trains of all sizes - huge locomotives (some we could tour inside), small model trains that were actually in motion, and everything in between. There were 2 floors also called a "Children's Museum" which we didn't get to spend too much time at due to the majority of our time being spent looking at the trains. :-) But...we did manage to find a little play area tucked away in the corner and rested for awhile (mama and papa, that is).

Later Sat. evening Joel and I watched "The Passion of the Christ." For those of you who have seen the movie, you know that it is not enjoyable, and it doesn't get easier to watch even though we have seen it a few times now. Lest it was good for us to pause and remember the true sacrifice of our Lord and Savior on this Easter weekend.

Sunday, 4/4: Church service at 9:30 a.m. Isaac wore his first shirt & tie combo and looked like such a big boy! Home afterward for brunch (buckwheat and blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, chicken/maple sausage, hashbrowns, and fruit). Isaac ate just about as much as Joel did! That boy sure does have an appetite when he wants to! Later in the afternoon, we trecked (Isaac in wagon) to a park nearby for a little while and then returned home after we realized how cool it really was with that wind coming off of the Lake. Sometimes we forget we're in Duluth! Once home, we began the indoor egg hunt with Isaac. He sure got into it once he realized what was waiting for him inside the eggs (1 marshmallow or 1 M&M). He actually told us that one of the eggs was "broken" because it was empty! We then relaxed for a bit before our 2nd large meal of the day (Ham, Baked Potatoes, Veggie Casserole and Pistachio Salad).

All in all, great weekend. We were glad not to have spent half of our Holiday weekend in the car traveling but enjoyed just being together.

Rather than including several photos in this post I thought I'd include a link to our gallery from this weekend:
http://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/April2010

Enjoy - and Happy Easter!