The Beginning of Many Friendships

This weekend we took Luxie with us to Mankato for some fun while her parents were getting little jobs done around the house. On the way to town, Charlie and Lux were chatting and sharing toys like old friends. After naps, we went to a block party in St. Peter for some more excitement with Luxie and her mom Missy, as well as Grant (born 2 days after Charles), Emma (Grant's big sister), Scott (who works with Tim), and his wife Jamie.

Friends make the days seem brighter!

Luxie and Charlie on their way to FUN

"The wheels on the bus go round and round"

"Where to Sugar?"

Charlie's new favorite, the carousel (now his third ride)

"What the heck did we do to deserve this?!"

(Charlie and Luxie were extremely nervous about this unstable "toy" but Grant dove right in)

Scott and Grant in the jumper @ the block party (Charlie's trying to sneak in the pic)

After Mom joined Luxie she thought it was great

Charlie felt much more at ease with Dad's grip on his hands

Grant says "Lets go again" Charlie says "I think my snack is coming up"

"Lets get one for the backyard Mom!"

There's No Place Like Home

We just returned from the Black Hills and already miss everything about the place, especially my favorite people! It was an eventful weekend, as it always is, including a trip to Reptile Gardens, somebody's birthday, and Sophia and Kyra's baptisms. I always say that we don't have enough time to do everything on the agenda, but that just means I have to start planning for the next trip! Charlie thrives when we are out there - the atmosphere, people, and all of Papa's dogs make him smile, chatter, and "jumpy". I miss it already and we got home last night. Love you guys!

REPTILE GARDENS

The tots checkin' out a 100 year old turtle

Turtles are Grandma's favorite so she was in heaven

The Three Stooges w/ moms in tote

City Slickers

Everyone is accounted for - for now

A WELL DESERVED NIGHT W/O KIDS

"Good night Charles - Mom and Dad love you!"

"Don't wait up Malaki!"

Pretty ladies

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Another great birthday for the books

Charles and Malaki enjoying the sun at Boston's

"Hey Teen, should you turn the camera around?"

Brother-in-laws chillin'

No reason to cry at this party

"Would it hurt ya to smile on your sister's birthday?"

Soph and Papa posing at the pool

Dad and Charlie soakin' up the sun

The 3 amigos at it again

Sisterly Love

Kyra and Sophia's Big Day

Brotherhood to Fatherhood

The Tim Haggar Family

I've never seen Tim happier - Thanks Faye, Isabelle, and Sophie

Gabe's baby girl with Grandma and Grandpa

Surrounded by love and support

The blessing that lasts a lifetime

The three fairy godmothers

(Kyra is suppose to be in the picture as well. We are their godmothers, aunties, and friends)

Hangin' with the Haggars

Tim's lap was designated for reading over the weekend

I know what you're thinking! It was his idea and didn't think it through. Instead of backing out the way he went in, he tried to turn around. What can I say - anything goes at Grandma's house.

Charlie had to try out Grandma's new sink

Everyone was accounted for, even a few of the dogs. Maybe one of these times, we can get them all to look at the camera.

Relaxing Weekend @ Home

Pilsener and his boy on a walk to the park

"I'm too cute for my own good!"

"Peet-a-boo" (Charlie doesn't have his K's yet)

"Watch out Mom here we come"

"My dad is the best"

"Ohh I can't stand it! I think I just wet my pants!"

We decided to let Charlie go by himself w/o our help.

Right after this picture was taken, Charlie's mouth hit the side of the slide!

He looked up at us and wanted to go again. Don't worry Grandmas, he still has all of his teeth.

Ridin' T-Rex

"A little help please"

"Does my head look big?"

Time to head home

A Night with Friends

Thursday night we went to the Nicollet County Fair with our friends Missy, Michael, and Luxie. The kids had a blast looking at all the huge animals. Luxie was very good about telling Charlie what the animals sound like. They enjoyed a few rides and a nice stroll around town. Luxie gave Charlie a nice head rub on the way home while he slept. (TOO CUTE) To our surprise Charlie was ready for bed after a bath! (he has been very stubborn about bedtime for a week and 1/2)

A great way to spend a summer night - enjoying the company of friends and smelling the pigs! oink oink

Charlie and Luxie in Luxie's backyard waiting to go to the fair

Michael informed Charlie that horses kick but he didn't care. "Bring em on!"

Charlie's favorite ride at the fair

Scary but thrilling for the babes - nerve racking for the dads

The tots with their dads

(Moms are always behind the cameras!)

It was hard to keep Charlie OUT of the cages!

All I could think about going through the pig barn was "Silence of the Lambs!"

(We just watched that movie with my dad last week b/c he is reading the series)

"What is that smell?"

I think we have a farmer on our hands!

Tim had to hold Charlie back from getting in the straw w/ the cows