Children's Museum

One of the things we did while Kari and family were here was go to the Children's Museum. It was a fun day full of all kinds of experiences. Hailey loved seeing the baby in the mirror. Hannah was an expert shopper in the grocery store. (She, also, had a fascination for hand dryers. Wherever there was water, Hannah was drying her "wet" hands.) Nicolas loved playing in the water, sand and making paper, etc. He had fun in the grocery store, and in the restaurant. I think he enjoyed sitting on a cow. Agustin was in heaven when he saw the play restaurant. Apparently he has already indicated that he would like to own his own someday. The best part is his price. He indicated the food will be free to his customers!!

#2 Monkey

How fast can these grandkids grow up? Too fast, that's for sure. I was looking at Amy's blog just now and saw the cutest picture of Hailey hiding inside the cupboard. She climbed in there herself while Amy was taking out the trash. I am reminded that just a short month ago, she was just starting to pull herself up at the couch at the lake.....and it just continued from there. Once they get the hang of it, there is no stopping them.

Jackson

Last year around Christmas, Tom Bloom presented Tom and Kyle with a present. It was a black lab puppy. His name is Jackson, and he has undergone quite a transformation. He is nine months old now and is full of energy. Yesterday Tom and I took him for a walk down by the Mississippi at Hidden Falls. He hasn't quite got the idea of how to walk nicely on the leash yet. He pulls and chokes himself constantly and turns into a coward when anyone else walks by or he hears a noise. We need to walk him more often so he can learn the "proper procedure". I thought it would be fun to post a few pictures of how he has changed from a tiny puppy to a huge puppy. He is still obnoxious at times and curious and loves to chew on things, but he is getting better at being a passenger in the car. How can you resist that big black head on your shoulder, Tom?

Andres spent time reconnecting with his nieces, too. It seems he had a reputation to maintain since every time Amy asked Hannah about her relatives in Ecuador, Hannah would give "Uncle Andy" top priority. It was heartwarming to see him interact with them. Quite a change from the usual boy games and toys (strollers and dolls vs. legos). I think he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Amy and Brian's little girls.

The Three Best Weeks of Summer Vacation

Kari, Andres, Agustin, and Nicolas visited for three weeks this summer. We had a great time renewing relationships. The cousins got along beautifully....Agustin was so fascinated by Hailey and would often be seen admiring her openly and then reaching out a hand to touch her little head very gently. Nico and Hannah were kindred spirits and seemed to really enjoy each other's company. I loved hearing the name "Grandma" called out over and over again. The kids had plenty of aunties to enjoy. Kari had a chance to be with her nieces....and saw Hailey in person for the first time. The girls got to enjoy their nephews and listen to wild exploding sounds all day. Grandma Bauer and Bob played host to the visitors because they have an extra room in the basement. Benji was a little unpredictable and earned the reputation of being a "dragon". Bati, Andy's brother, was here for the main part of the three weeks, too. Five sisters finally together again was really special. I am such a proud mom!!

Why we really love Pizza Pub...

My last blog was supposed to include pictures of Jennie and Hannah enjoying their blue raspberry suckers. Here's one of Hailey, too. It was her first sucker, and she was really lovin' it, even though it was coconut flavor. She would take it out and look at it, and shove it right back in there with slobber as she was drooling. Sounds gross, but it was pretty cute.