Summer Update!

A whole summer has come and gone and I have not updated!  Where to begin?  Alaina turned 1 on May 24th.  We had a party for her at University Park.  She loves any event with lots of people so she had a blast.  We celebrated Nolan's 3rd birthday in August.  He turned 3 on August 21st and we had a pool party for him a few days before.  It is so fun to see him enjoy and understand what his birthday is all about and he got to choose who he wanted to invite.  He even got a second birthday party at daycare on his actual birthday! 

The kids got to stay home for the summer thanks to my cousin, Jenna, who nannied for them. Both kids loved the splash park and even more running through the sprinkler in the backyard. We did make a little family trip this summer to the Cities for my cousin's graduation party. We were bummed that the weather did not allow us to go to the Como Zoo, but we had lots of fun at the Minnesota Children's Museum. Both kids are in love with animals, so I would say a highlight for both of them this summer would be the petting zoos at the Grand Forks Fair and the Warren Fair.

Nolan is still a huge book worm, and now Alaina has decided to share his love for books. I often have to break up fights over books. I guess it could be worse! We do struggle, also, with Nolan's affection towards Alaina. When he hugs and kisses her, he doesn't realize his own strength and doesn't understand that hugging someones neck is not the proper way to hug. Long story short, Nolan means well, he is just a little ruff on Alaina and she really hates it.  Both kids are keeping us busy.  Also, to add to the summer excitement, I started a new job in July.  I am now working as a Informatics Analyst for the Surgery Department.  Basically, all that means is that I am helping keep the computer charting system for the OR up and running as it should.  LOTS to learn for me, but I think I will really like it.  The summer went exceptionally fast for us this year, but I think that is the trend when you add kids to the family and life gets even more busy.  The kids were so excited to start back at Holly's for daycare.  They had a good first week back and I can say that without a doubt Nolan really missed his buds from daycare.  A little rude awakening (literally) since they have to start waking up earlier now, but bedtime will be easy for Dan and I!  I have added a ton of pictures.  Enjoy!

 My happy boy on the Fourth of July

 

 The kids enjoying the sandbox Daddy and Uncle Jake (and Nolan helped) built

 No more bottle for Alaina at bedtime!  She is a big girl now and wants a snack and water

on the couch like her big brother.  She also LOVES Mickey Mouse!

 

 I think this was a highlight for them!

 

 An example of how Nolan is a little ruff for Alaina, but can also be sweet!

 

 It's always fun to have friends over for lunch!

 

 Nolan is such a great helper!

 

 

My birthday boy!  A whole 3 years!

 

 These 2 are best friends.  Alaina is so in love with Bauer and he loves her right back!

 

 Diving in to her 1st birthday cake that Grandma B made especially for her!

 

 My pretty birthday girl

 Alaina learning at the Minnesota's Children Museum

 

 Big boy driving the bus at the Children's museum

 

 He got to cook there too!

 

Oh I love these two!