Video I forgot to post.

A few weeks ago, we stopped at a park and Jake and Kai went on this ridiculously long slide. It has been there forever and how it has escaped lawsuits causing it to be torn out I have no idea. Enjoy.

Fall leaves.

Although most mornings it feels like winter, it is technically fall in Wisconsin. We have been so spoiled by the mild Pennsylvania winters for the last ten years, we are already freezing. Today we went to dig our winter coats, mittens and scarves out of storage. Afternoons are a bit more mild, most of the time. I have to say that I wonder what in the world we were thinking. I am hoping that some kind of Wisconsin gene takes over soon and it doesn't seem that bad. After moving to Pennsylvania and being there for a couple of years, I came home in January and thought to myself that I did not remember it being so cold. It is my deepest hope that the part of myself that convinced me that it was not so bad takes over. Soon. Seriously folks. I am cold and it is not winter yet. After I post some pictures of Kai enjoying the fall leaves I am going to browse tights to wear under my pants and maybe a knit hat. The look I will sport will not be fashion forward, but hopefully will keep me warm.

Not Kai, but I really like this picture.

Kai is in the middle, hidden by the leaves.

Honestly, how cute is my baby?

A visit from Nana!

Early this month, Jake's mom came for a visit. It was great to see her and for Kai to be able to spend time with her. We had a lot of fun together and we are looking forward to next month when she returns with Jake's sister, Kama!

Getting a ride from Nana in his favorite wagon.

Kai looking serious about playing on the farm with Nana and Daddy.

Jake's grandparents, mom, step-father, Kai and Mama and aunt.
Below, Kai shows off how fast he is for his family.

Mama turns 30.

I had my 30th birthday earlier this month. We celebrated by having our families and close friends for dinner at a German restaurant. It was fantastic to have so many members of our families close enough to attend. Definitely a living-in-Wisconsin perk. I had a great time, I got fantastic gifts which I have not sent thank you cards out for (eek!). During my birthday dinner, my well traveled Uncle Bob introduced us to the boot. It was filled with a wonderful Octoberfest brew and had to travel around the party, never touching the table until it was empty. Penalty for putting down the boot was buying another boot and starting all over. Those who know me well will not be surprised that as soon as the boot hit my hand I set it down. I declared a mulligan...I was holding a squirmy, disgruntled toddler...plus...it was my birthday. I did better on it's other passes by me. The only pictures that I am aware of from the whole evening are of people drinking from the boot. Here are a few.

Turning 30 was not as traumatic as I has suspected that it would be. In fact, I would say that it felt less weird than 25 and 27. Those were a little more strange. Jake and an old friend both told me that it was not a big deal that I was turning 30 because I have a baby. I was a little annoyed. I was all...oh, I guess for a man it is as simple as that, I have a baby I must be fulfilled and I mean really, what more is there for a woman? Thinking on it a little more, perhaps it is having Kai around that helps me to keep things in perspective. It is not a big deal that I am 30. It is a big deal that I have a fantastic son and husband that I get to spend my life with every day.

Kai rocks out.

Please forgive my sideways camera work. I didn't realize I couldn't flip the camera. Doh.

After careful consideration.

Kai has decided to endorse Barack Obama for president.

Kai says please vote with his future in mind.

What I am not.

I am not a mom who can make playdough. Three failed attempts, including one that ended with slightly burned palms, have shown me this. I have made peace with the fact that our playdough will be purchased in a store.

Redo.

So...that playdough didn't quite turn out. It is crumbly. I am blaming it on Kosher salt. A second attempt will be made tonight.

Our week of activities.

So far has been a bust. We have been so busy this week with playdates and hanging out with my sister and Kai's cousins that we have not done even one planned activity. While Kai is napping today I am going to make some playdough. I will definitely post some pictures of our playdough activity along with the recipe that I am going to use and a review of the results. Right now, Kai is working on his grilled cheese sandwich lunch and then will be heading off to nap. Stay tuned. ;)