Minnesota State Fair

This year we decided to get up and go to the fair first thing in the morning. Turned out to be a great plan. We got there a little after 8 am and didn't have to deal with crowds for awhile. First stop, breakfast at French Meadow Bakery. The dough-sant (donut croissant) was new this year and we all loved it. Might have been my favorite food this year! The scone was delicious too.

breakfast from French Meadow Bakery:
iced coffee, dough-sant, and
scone with cream and strawberries

Oli tries (and loves) the dough-sant

Some of the other foods we had this year (we ate a lot!): fried olives, corn on the cob, applesauce, and of course honey lemonade and honey ice cream (old favorites). We spent a lot of time looking at the animals. Oli seemed to like the baby animals in the Miracle of Birth barn and even got to pet a piglet and a baby rabbit.

trying to get a closer look at the cow

petting a baby bunny

and a piglet!

He also went on his first rides (accompanied of course because he's too little to go alone). He went on the carousel (twice!), small train, and big slide (in the Kidway). He loved the big slide and carousel most and cried to go on them both again. We also all went on the Sky Ride which he liked too.

looking out over the fair on the Sky Ride

an attempt to get a photo of the three of us
in our yellow gondola on the Sky Ride

first time on the carousel

little train

big slide

second time on the carousel

my boys

last stop, honey ice cream!

Watching Oli have these new and exciting experiences made this one of my favorite visits to the fair. We could have easily stayed all day, but left around 2 pm and got him home for a late nap. Last year the Ayres-Wilhelms went with us to the fair and we missed them this year! And the year before, I was pregnant with Oli for the fair!

End of the summer trip to Iowa

Took our last road trip of the summer (and likely our last trip before the baby arrives) to Iowa City. We had a pretty relaxing time (or as relaxing of a time as one can have with a toddler) visiting family and friends, going to some of our favorite places in Iowa City, and enjoying the quiet countryside. Oliver especially loved watching the Amish horse and buggies go by. It was great to see everyone and thanks especially to Bruce and Jenny!

have sunglasses, will travel

Chris & Oli in front of one of the barns

I love photos by a barn, can you tell?

Oli playing with the old water pump

Amish ice cream and local blueberries

fun at the Kalona City park

teeter totter with Grandpa Bruce

Oli & a stump

Jesse taught Chris how to use the wood lathe
 and he made this beautiful top for Oli

On the way home we stopped in Mason City, IA to get some coffee and stretch our legs and happened upon an awesome city park and train. The combination of inexpensive coffee, beautiful park with amazing play equipment, and a train that you can get in, we'll definitely be stopping here on future road trips!

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And just for fun, our trip to Iowa City last June Part 1 and Part 2.

23 months

It's hard to believe Oliver is only one month away from turning 2. He seems more like a little boy and less like a baby every day. We love him so!

Madison and celebrating #4

I had a conference in Madison the second week of August so we decided to all drive over and see family too. We spent a few days in a hotel downtown and then stayed with Shell and fam for a few days. Although sharing a hotel room with a toddler is not the most relaxing, we had a blast. Oli had breakfast in bed and got to watch PBS each morning so he was a happy camper. 

roadtrip!

a litte car snooze

gorgeous view of Lake Monona at sunset from our hotel

loving hotel life

The Ayres-Wilhelms were moving (congrats on the new house you guys!) so things were a little hectic, but it was great to see them and their new house. Their new place is in a great neighborhood and we took advantage of the nearby park. While everyone else was moving, Oli and I took a walk through the community garden. He loved seeing all the vegetables growing, especially the yellow squash. He did great on the trip overall. Right before we left he fell off the bed and hit his head which resulted in a huge goose egg above his right eye and lots of tears. He was pretty upset and didn't sleep well that night but thankfully was fine by the next day.

walking to get pizza for dinner

cousins waiting for ice cream

goofy family shot

sisters!

While in Madison we celebrated our wedding anniversary (#4!). Scott (a friend and colleague of mine who was also at the conference) watched Oli for us so we went out for dessert and walked around downtown Madison. It was low-key (especially compared to the canal cruise we took in Amsterdam last year) but nice to have some time to ourselves.

Chris got me some delicious local chocolates

photo in the elevator on our way to celebrate

candlelit Italian restaurant

dessert!

Visiting with friends

Our friends Vickie and Marc from Santa Cruz came to visit us in early August. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and had a blast (as always) catching up with them. Thanks for the visit you guys!

picnic by the Lake of the Isles

dinner at Seward Cafe in Minneapolis

at the pool!

floating at the pool

snack time

at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium for Mates of State and
The Postal Service

gorgeous morning at Swede Hollow Cafe

Oliver & Vickie

Oli getting his pennies back out of the fountain

me & Marc

*Thanks to Vickie and Marc for some of the photos.