Minnesota....part 4

And last few pictures of Minnesota 2013.  The second half of the week we were there, Tyler made a new best friend in one of the owner's daughters, Brooklyn.  These two were inseparable for about 4 days - which actually was very nice for both me and her mom because they entertained each other!  He literally made himself at home with their family, playing bubbles, play dough, swimming, and even thinking he should join them for supper and smores!  I think he really missed her when he left!  Overall, Andrew did a lot of fishing, Tyler did a lot of playing, and Blake and I did a lot of bonding.  Happy to have gone, and glad we have 11 more months to recuperate and prepare for next year!

 

Blake in Daddy's favorite pj's - it was pretty cold at night and early mornings!

Daddy and his fish.

Tyler hanging with Brooklyn at their camp fire.

I should really be worried, right???

Last day - no one wants to leave apparently!

Minnesota....part 3

And more pictures!  Tyler this year had so much fun playing in the sand and water, and he was a pretty good kid in following the rules about water!  We were happy to see him not afraid of getting in and playing, but smart enough to wear a life jacket or just wade close to shore!  There were a LOT of kids here this year, as you can see below in the annual Zorbaz picture!

Cousin Belle holding Blake.

Annual Zorbaz kid picture!

The Newman clan

Johnathan, Tyler, and Mason - crazy cousins!

Minnesota....part 2

Few more pictures....

 

Tyler was a part of Uncle Kyle's workout.  Here are arm curls....

...and I think this was the end of push ups.

Apparently Dad's version of his turn to watch Blake!

This is me getting creative.  Once I gave Tyler a bath, I didn't want him playing in the sand again (and before some say I am mean mom on vacation, bath was at like 8:30 PM!).  So, one night we set up the DVD Player on the deck for outside movie night!  Amazingly enough, Tyler and Cooper watched this in sweatshirts and blankets for quiet a while!

Sleeping Blake - don't wake him!!!

An odd moment where we got some expression out of him....that wasn't tears!

Couldn't resist this one!

Minnesota....part 1

The last week of July-first of August marked our annual Minnesota trip.  Blake claimed the title of youngest to attend at 5 weeks old.  Many would say I'm nuts......and I may agree now!  :)  Here are a few posts and pictures of the highlights.

 

Looks like Blake was having fun at the breakfast stop! 
My guess is that this is the work of Daddy & Uncle Kyle.

On the drive up we stopped at a new Zorbaz in Alexandria, MN. 
Of course, Batman was there, too! 

Blake hanging out with cousin Mauve (approx. 6 months).

Cousins John & Ashley McDonald...love the stash!

The Perkins brought up some kayaks, and Johnathan took Tyler for a ride...

...looks like they had a blast!!

Trip to Stanton....

July also marked Blake's first trip to Stanton.  We spent some time at the Montgomery County Fair and Tyler really enjoyed hanging with his cousins (Perkins) and seeing all of the animals.  We then stopped to see Papa Knute's new shed and combine.  Last, we made sure to have supper and some fun at Papa's pond. 

 

Papa Knute & Grandma Denise have some fun toys.....

Tyler & Papa Knute in the new combine.

Tyler & mom fit inside the huge tires!

Some day he will realize just how high up he really was - above him is the ceiling of the shed!

Checking out the inside of the crib.

Fishing with Dad - priceless!

Tyler & Blake enjoying the deck of the cabin.

Big Bro and Little Brother!!

Blake & Papa Knute napping.

Family Photo

Zoo & Waterpark

We decided to take a few family afternoons in early July to spend some quality time with Tyler.  We spent one afternoon and the Des Moines Blank Park Zoo, and then a local splash park.  Although it was super hot and Allison & Blake spent some time inside instead of roaming, we all had a great time!

 

Andrew and Tyler feeding the giraffe!

Me & my boys!

We were a little scared of the bridge at first.....

.... but we figured it out!

Still amazes me he isn't afraid to lay in the water and cover his ears!

Father and sun laying around!