Weekend Project

In our backyard we have 2 large planters boxes that have been collecting yard waste since we moved in 2 years ago. We've talked about different ideas for this space, but nothing that we liked enough to act on. A while ago I was thinking about that space and the idea came to me for a big sandbox for the boy(s) to enjoy. This past week we began exploring the idea further and cleaned out the box in preparation for the conversion. This weekend, the idea became reality. Joel and Isaac made a trip to Menards on Saturday to pickup all of the sand and other items and today we finished the project:We're excited to have another alternative for Isaac (other than his beloved dump truck) when outdoors - one that keeps him within eyesight in our backyard! I've heard from others that I may regret the decision when I'm cleaning up sand all the time, but I say let it come! Every boy needs a sandbox!

And here's a photo that I had to share from earlier today. While staging the boys for a photo, Isaac leaned over and gave baby brother a "smooch" totally unprompted by me...so sweet!

Life with the Boy(s) after 1 Month

We're getting more adjusted to life with 2 boys in the house, and Isaac is equally adjusting to having a "little brother." It's been neat to see how he fits himself into the new routine with David. For instance, David's frequent feeding times are "story times" when Isaac joins me on the couch with a book and we read together. You can see how Isaac even sometimes continues the storytime with little brother:

Just recently, Isaac has joined diaper changing times, during which he sings a song to brother David...if you look carefully, you can see David's happy face in the background:We managed to catch at least one photo of "Big Brother" / "Little Brother" shirts. Really makes Isaac look all the "bigger" when he is next to his "little" brother:

And, there are lots of smiles in our house these days! Just for fun, here are some happy boys!
Happy 1 Month, David!

The Newest Addition

As you all probably know, we welcomed David Thomas into our family on June 21st. These past couple of weeks have been a time of adjustment for us all as we settle into our new "normal" and realize day-by-day what it means to be a family of 4. It has been neat to see Isaac's interest in Baby David and how he wants to include him in various activities (not all of which Baby David is able to participate in just yet). Already in these couple of weeks, we are starting to see David have more alert/awake time and display interest in his surroundings. We've even managed to get a few smiles out of him. Here's a few highlights that show what we've been up to the past couple of weeks...

Soothing/Swaddling (Baby David loves the Ultimate Wrap!)

Keeping 2 kids busy at once ...Sleeping and being cute (David, that is)...Crying (the boy needs to be swaddled!)And being happy! We look forward to sharing many more experiences with you all - stay tuned for more photos!

Whatta Place

There are a lot of reasons I enjoy living in Duluth. The pic below shows one of them. Quick and convenient access to unlimited rock-throwing fun.

Isaac 3rd Birthday

This past week we celebrated Isaac's 3rd Birthday (May 12). Following a day of celebration with his friends at preschool, we enjoyed a pizza dinner (Isaac's choice) and a "big birthday cake" (which he has been talking about for a few weeks). This year's theme: Lightning McQueen and Mater (from "Cars") - a new favorite of Isaac's:Isaac also enjoyed opening / putting together a few birthday gifts following our cake. Isaac was a great help to papa putting together his soon-to-be-favorite. Doesn't every boy need a big wheel?! Although we had to test it indoors due to the cool/rainy weather...
On Friday (the 13th), we spent the day as a "family day" doing some fun/favorite things together in continuation of the birthday celebration. First, we headed to The Edge, a large indoor waterpark here in Duluth where we enjoyed some pool/waterslide action for a couple of hours:
Then, that afternoon we enjoyed a complimentary tour of the downtown Duluth Fire Department where Isaac enjoyed seeing all of the big fire trucks, and even enjoyed witnessing a practice "drill" during which 8 firefighters slid down the pole into the main garage area of the fire station. To round out the day (excuse the pun!), we stopped by the St. Luke's Birth Center (where Baby J will be born in little less than a month) and toured the Center as a family, giving Isaac a chance to see the babies in the nursery and where "Baby J would come out of mama's tummy." We caught this photo of Isaac looking into the nursery and speaking softly/quietly to the new baby inside:
A funny moment occurred when we were waiting for one of the nurses to take us on the tour. When she approached us, Isaac looked at her, pointed to my tummy, and said "Baby J is ready!"

At the end of all the celebrating, Isaac has stated on numerous occasions, "mama, I like birthdays!"

Isaac as Humpty Dumpty & Preschool Spring Program

Last Thursday we enjoyed the Spring Program at Isaac's Preschool (Happy Time Daycare and Preschool). Much to our delight, Isaac was participatory in the songs and even made his stage debut as Humpty Dumpty. We've been practicing his "big fall" for some time, so I'm glad to see it paid off! The videos with the songs show Isaac and his "best bud" Keshawn from preschool on his right, and another good friend, Nate, on his left. Here's a few clips for your enjoyment:
https://picasaweb.google.com/joeltjohnson/HappyTimeSpring2011Program

Easter Getaway and Fun

Over Easter Weekend, Joel and I took an opportunity to have one last "getaway" with just the 2 of us before Baby J arrives. We enjoyed our time of relaxation at Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay, MN (just 1 hour north of Duluth). We got out to visit one site - Split Rock Lighthouse - even though it was windy and cool.
We headed back to Duluth early Sunday morning (Easter) to reconnect with Isaac and Joel's parents for Easter (who had been staying with Isaac during our getaway).
After church we went out for brunch and much to Isaac's delight we ran into the Easter Bunny along the way:
Later in the day, we conducted an indoor egg hunt and Isaac enjoyed the thrill of the hunt (albeit, 10 minutes long)!