Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Melanie's Birthday/Memorial Day Weekend

Last Wednesday Grandma Diane and Grandpa Dave came up to visit and to celebrate my 32nd birthday or Cole's 17 months depending on how you look at it. On that first day Cole, the grandparents, and I all trekked out to the Mall of America (MOA). As you can imagine we didn't stop much for photos but I did manage to snap a few of Cole with Grandma D. and Grandpa D. at Johnny Rockets while we ate a late lunch.



When we got home the big surprise was our power being out. Apparently while we were safely nestled in the MOA the outside world was enduring quite the rain/hailstorm. Plymouth was the hardest hit with 10,000 homes losing power. Just when Scott and I were starting to panic over lost groceries and having no candles or matches the power came back on. They had told us it would be out for 24 hours but it was actually only out for a few.


Thursday, the 24th, while it was still raining out Scott made me another breakfast in bed to kick off my birthday and the three of us enjoyed a lazy, cozy morning. Meanwhile Grandma D. and Grandpa D. hit the nearby outlet mall. They seemed to have much better luck there than at the massive MOA. We all met up back at our place in the afternoon and visited until it was time to head out to Wayzata for my birthday dinner. We went to a restaurant that I had hoped to take Scott to for his birthday brunch (Easter) but at the time weren't able to get into. Sunsets definitely did not disappoint. It's right there on Lake Minnetonka and there were dozens of sailboats enhancing the amazing view. The food was also incredible and we all left feeling full and satisfied.

Finally on Friday the sun came out and stayed out which gave us the chance to finally get outside! We went to the free zoo called Como Zoo this time and had a blast. The Como Zoo has more than just animals, it also has a conservatory,


and a sizable amusement park with plenty of rides for all ages and stomach ranges.


I myself love the spinny rides so Cole joined me for a twirl in the teacups and then Scott came on board for our spin in the similarly based pumpkin ride. Scott doesn't enjoy being spun and Cole was indifferent to the experience (although at home his favorite thing is to spin or be spun) so from there the boys climbed aboard the little kid train. Cole seemed to enjoy being able to see the other kids riding along as well and of course he always loves being with his papa.


Scott made a special trip down memory lane and started a tradition for Cole as well when he spotted the Mold-a-rama zoo animals being carried around by several little kids.


He managed to mold a blue polar bear and a gorilla for Cole. An excellent accompaniment to the flattened penny collection.



Here are some more pictures from our fun day at the zoo.






Cole loved seeing his Grandma D. and Grandpa D. again and he totally fell in love with their dog, Holly.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Mother's Day In Review

On Sunday we celebrated our first Mother's Day in Minnesota. Scott and Cole must've been planning our day for weeks because it was perfect. Even the weather seemed to be ordered in. Well, actually in the morning it was overcast but we're slow movers so by the time we were ready to greet the day it was outstanding! My boys woke me with breakfast in bed (on a tray even!) of french toast and hot white tea. Perfect! Then they presented me with my Mother's Day cards and the garden stone I've been longing for since Cole was born. Scott had Cole pick out the style and Cole took to the flip-flop style which means I really got two garden stones! They personalized it with beach glass (another of my favs) and of course Cole's foot imprint. That was enough for me right there but there was more!



After Cole snuck in a good nap (which gave me time to read - huge bonus) we headed out to the U's Arboretum. It's another one of the great places the library offers free passes to and I've been dying to go.


It seemed as though all the moms asked for the same thing because it was packed. It didn't feel crowded as you walked around though because the place is huge.


Based on what we've seen of Minnesota so far I think the state could give Texas a run for its money in the 'everything's bigger' category.



Cole loved taking in all the scenery and smells as much as Scott and I did. He even chattered away about some of the trees as he pointed them out to us. We understand a lot of what he's saying but he still only has a few good, clear words that are universally understood.



We know he'll be cracking us up all the time (he's already a great joke teller) but we also know we'll miss this stage once it's gone so we're trying to soak it up now until it's good and dry.


We spent a couple hours walking around and only lightheartedly tried to follow the guide map.




Scott wanted to walk over to the sensory garden but somehow we kept walking in the opposite direction.



Sometimes it was due to a great shot that we just had to take, sometimes it was because Cole wanted to go to the left instead, and sometimes it was just to get a break from the very warm sun.



We didn't realize until we got back and heard the weather report but it'd actually been 92 degrees out there!


With all those trees though you would've thought it was more like 80 - the breeze and the occasional waterfall is what saved us I think.


When we got home we played around for a while and then once Cole went to sleep Scott and I watched a movie. From beginning til end it was a perfect day. I hope all of you had a perfect Mother's Day (or graduation) as well! Congrats to Kate!



Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Cole's Remedy for a Rainy Day

Always curious, always inventive, always adventurous. That's Cole to a 't'. Here's what he did yesterday morning to entertain us on a rainy morning.


Thursday, May 3, 2007

Parking It

As the weather continues to improve we find ourselves trekking more and more often to the local park. Cole loves to run around and squeal and scream like the wild man that he is. He especially loves running up to all the different kids yelling, "HI!" Until last weekend this enthusiastic greeting was met with frozen silence but alas last Sunday a little girl (about five years old) not only said hello back but also put her hand on his shoulder. As you can imagine Cole was over the moon and stars for that one but almost immediately after she said hello it was time for her to say goodbye. Cole ran after her yelling, "Hi," until the last car door was shut.

Here are some snapshots from recent visits!