A Little Bit of "Sunshine"

Anyone who lives in Minnesota or knows anyone who lives in Minnesota knows that the people of this state have been lacking some vitamin D. What we thought was the first day of spring in March, was really just a day that got our hopes up only to be crushed by the snowstorms we've had EVERY week of April so far. Despite the endless shoveling (my poor husband who shovels the sidewalks outside of our apartment complex) and the not so springy weather, we've managed to try to not let the snow slow us down. Here's a little bit of "sunshine" that's been in our lives lately, despite the lack of sunshine:

This little man has always been some sunshine in my life.  Look at that smile!

Hanging out with friends despite life's busyness and trying new restaurants.

Going to see a Twin's game while it was snowing/raining. At least we got free hot chocolate and cool buttons that said, "I survived 'sprinter' at Target Field". 

Indoor parks like Edinburough and the play place at Southdale Mall where I can take this little man and run around with him.

Despite the fact that it's supposed to be spring and we all wish the snow was melted, you have to admit that it is breathtakingly beautiful! I love the morning after a dumping of snow when the snow softly rests on the branches of trees, the sun is shining, and the world seems quiet and still. What a beautiful sight. Hoping this is the last sight like that until November after Thanksgiving though. Hope all you Minnesotans are surviving "sprinter". 

Spring Adventures

It's that time of year when people start to get stir crazy. The snow is hanging on too long (it's April right?) and there isn't much more you can do indoors. The kids are wanting to get outside, but it's still chilly enough out to make you sit by the window and look out, daydreaming of summer. That is how Leo (the boy I nanny) and I have been feeling lately. Since it's still too chilly and wet to play outside, but we needed to get out of the house, we decided to venture over to the Children's Museum and check it out. We had a lovely time there and Leo made many friends. Here are some snapshots I took with my iPhone of Leo having a blast:

I did not know he could climb like this… He climbed up this rope to go down a slide.

He loved watching the fish swim around

Being a butterfly

He was fascinated with the water

Putting the balls in the tubes...

Watching the balls plop out the other end.

He probably would have stood there all day touching that water.

He was fascinated. 

Moving around some wooden blocks.

Taking a seat.

Cute boy.

He loved these mirrors.

He kept trying to give himself a hug.

We will definitely be visiting again on a chilly or rainy day when there is nothing better to do. Leo loved learning while exploring all the new things the Children's museum had to offer. We had a blast. Next time though we will be sure to remember where we parked so we don't have to search for our car for 20 minutes… oops! Here's to hoping spring is just around the corner!

A Fall Walk

Today I decided to take little Leo out for a lovely fall walk. After all, it truly looks like fall outside now with the bright leaves on the trees and some fallen on the ground. You never know how long you exactly have to enjoy this part of the season before everything turns dead and gray. The temperature read a warm 76 degrees and sunny today. I thought we should take advantage of one of the last beautiful days of fall before the weather quickly changes to be a bit chillier and in the 50's tomorrow. I quickly strapped Leo into his stroller and we were off. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the beautiful canopy of color that surrounded us as we walked down the quiet streets of his Minneapolis neighborhood. I love everything about the contrast of the dark trunks against the vibrant orange, pink, and yellow leaves. I tend to favor the orangish, pinkish colors. They are the prettiest in my mind. As we walked along I took in the musical sound of fallen, dried up leaves crunching beneath my feet and the stroller wheels. I have been dying to hear that sound since last fall. As we turned onto a new street a slight breeze picked up and showered us with dead leaves not strong enough to hold on any longer. It looked like we were in a storm of colorful leaves as they danced around us in the wind on their way to the ground. I loved every minute of it. It was magical and it gave me a feeling deep inside that only fall can give you. I don't exactly know how to exactly explain this happy feeling, but it is wonderful. My senses were alert and I could not get enough of the fall beauty all around me. I could have walked for hours if Leo hadn't interrupted my thoughts with his tired cries. As we slowly walked back to his house for a nap, I couldn't help but whisper to the trees as I tried to soak it all in, "Hang on to those leaves a little longer. They are beautiful!"

The sun peeking through the leaves

I love the contrast with this one

Lovely contrast of textures and color

July

Well the month of July sure flew by!  I had intentions of blogging at least once every week, but apparently that didn't happen.  Today is August first and with the first of the month comes a new start.  I will be better about blogging in August.  Here is a recap in pictures of what I did in July:

I shaved Andrew's head to start out the hot month of July.  For those of you that don't know Andrew this is a big deal.  He's always had long hair, hated hair cuts, and he's only shaved his head two other times in his 23 years of life.

I think he looks handsome with long or short hair.

We celebrated the 4th of July by watching fireworks from the roof of our apartment building… One of the perks of being the managers.  The fireworks were phenomenal!  We could see them everywhere we looked! (Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of one going off)

We went up north the first full weekend in July to celebrate the 4th with Andrew's aunts and uncles.

I caught a mouse while we were up north.

We checked up on Andrew's parent's house while they were on a missions trip in Ireland.  This is a photo of Andrew watering the plants.

I got a new summer hat.

I attended the 2012 Monticello Royalty banquet.  My mom and I are both past Monticello princesses.

I did some wedding hair

We celebrated the new marriage of some friends.

I met Captain Jack Sparrow

My Queen Kristine and I were nostalgic and watched the new 2012-2013 Monticello Royalty get crowned.  I can't believe we were getting crowned 5 years ago already! 

We had some lovely thunderstorms in July

Leo and I took advantage of the shade at the park quite a bit this month.

I celebrated the life of a dear friend when he went home to meet his Father.

This was the beautiful sunset the night of Derek's wake.

We got some ice cream with friends at Hometown Creamery (more on this later).

We hung out with Audrey, Luke, and Laura as much as we could before Luke left for training.

A rainy July morning

Here is Lake Harriet where I love to go on morning runs.  I started lifting weights in July, running at least three times a week and eating healthier.  I have more energy, I feel healthier, and my body is becoming toned.

We went up north again just this last weekend in July for some family time with Andrew's family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We visited Paul Bunyan land long enough for me to take a picture with Babe.

I took Leo swimming in the pool for the first time yesterday to end the hot month of July on a good note.

He was more interested in the duck than the water.

I hope everyone was able to stay cool during the hot spells we had in July.  I can't believe it's already August!  Part of me is ready for the fall, but the other part doesn't want it to come.  With the fall comes big changes for Andrew and I (more on that later).  I hope you all enjoy your last month of summer!