Our Baby Turns 1!

Happy Birthday Wyatt! He's one and I am still tired. He hasn't been our easiest, most laid back baby like people said the third would be. It might be because the poor guy gets dragged all over and hasn't had a schedule of his own due to his brothers' activities. It might be because we are tired and not up to listening to any more whining. It has been a fun year of seeing him grow, learning how to do "so big", clap, throw kisses, wave good-bye, play peek-a-boo, crawl, stand, say mama and dada, and go up and down and up and down and up and down and up and down the steps. He's got big blue eyes, shy looks, and a sweet smile. He's a great hugger. He is much loved by his brothers, sometimes a little too loved. He's up to 5 teeth and we'll check in on Monday as to how big he is officially.

Wyatt got up this morning to find his birthday present in the middle of the living room. He and Gavin played with the Learning House for a while before we headed off for a MOMS Club meeting. Then Grandma and Grandpa J came down and we went out to eat at Buca's for lunch. Fred met us there and Drea stopped in to wish Wyatt a happy birthday too.

Wyatt with his birthday present.

Gavin and Wyatt playing.

Being a big 1 year old means you can face forward in the car, hopefully that makes it less of a struggle to get him in his seat.

Such a big boy with his straw cup.

Happy Birthday at Buca di Beppo's.

Drea and Wyatt.

Jacob, Grandma, Wyatt, Grandpa, and Gavin.

After supper it was cake time! I made Wyatt his own little cake to dig into and destroy. He was a little tentative at first, but made a mess of it by the end.

Our family before cake.

Single serving cake for Wyatt.

Hmmm...

Liking the frosting.

Getting into it!

Making a mess.

Done.

Apples to Apples

We've made a couple apple field trips lately. First Gavin, Wyatt and I went to Belle Plaine to Emma Krumbee's, but decided it was too chilly (and we were too cheap to pay the entrance fee) to pick apples. We had a yummy lunch though and bought some baked goods and apples. Our friends Cori and Avery (Gav's good friend) joined us.

Gavin and Avery on a cute bench at Emma Krumbee's.

Wyatt and Gavin on the "You are my Sunshine" bench.

We also made a field trip to REI last week for Drea and Jacob to do some climbing. Jacob tried a harder wall this time and made it about half way up.

Jacob on the rock wall.

I was a volunteer chaperon on Jacob's field trip to the Arboretum's Apple House this week. It was an interesting, educational and fun field trip and the rain stayed away, so it was a good trip. It was funny to have Jacob's little friends want to sit by me or hold my hand as we walked, I was never so popular in school. It was fun to see Jacob's teacher in action, she is full of energy and fun cheers (firecracker, cheese grater, hip hip hooray, etc.). The tour guide told us how the scientists have to wait 5 years before an apple tree grows apples to see how the hybrids turn out and I said to Ms. Kennedi that it takes a lot of patience to be an apple scientist, almost as much patience as a 1st grade teacher.

Jacob with classmate Max.

Jacob's class at the end of the tour.

First Days of School

Jacob has started 1st grade. His teacher is Ms Kennedi and she is awesome. She teaches them all sorts of fun songs and is really great about communicating with the parents. Jacob has some friends from church, school and preschool in his class, which we didn't know before open house night at the end of August. It was nice to see familiar faces in his classroom.

Jacob on the first day of 1st grade. Gavin was not to be left out.

Another before school picture.

The whole gang waiting for the bus.

Gavin started 3 day a week preschool at the Preschool Place this year. His teachers are Ms Debbie and Ms Anne. He seems too like it so far. His friend, Avery, is in his class along with some other friends from MOMs Club.

Gavin on his first day of preschool.

Avery and Gavin.

Wyatt is just hanging with me this year. We hit the gym while the other boys are in school and he gets to hang out in the childcare.

Wyatt loves Peek-A-Boo, here he is peeking.

The little boys and I went to the Mall of America for Toddler Tuesday when Curious George was meeting and greeting.

Last Hurrah of Summer

To complete the summer, we made a trip to Como Zoo with my parents and Alyssa and kids. It was kind of a hot day, but a breeze made it tolerable. The kids got to enjoy rides, see some animals, and then ride some more. Como is the perfect size for the kids and my Dad.

Maddie and Gavin driving.

Jacob, Isaac, Maddie and Wyatt.

Wyatt

Gavin and Jacob watching for bears.

Polar Bear

Wyatt looking for the Polar Bear

Jacob by the ape

Grandma and Grandpa with Wyatt

Isaac, Gavin, Maddie and Jacob behind a display screen.