A few fast summer pics

Adventure Galore

The kids have been cranking things out. Niles is now in full gear with his walking officially started on 6/15/11. He is officially running and jumping at this point, what a difference 2 weeks makes. The kids got a chance to take a ride on jet-skis on Lake Mendota, play at a bunch of parks, fly some kites, wrestle with each other, build a bunch of things out of 'trash', and sing protest songs at the capitol. It was another great father's day just being in the presence of these great young humans. I had a blast, (as usual) and really enjoyed all the treats, surprises, and the ignorant lobster puppet show. Along with all of his kids songs that Jonas has been singing, this one below has been a frequent song choice, but it always is sung at a very loud volume...

Spring is almost over...

The last couple of weeks have been filled with the normal adventures, but with the nice days the kids have had a chance to get some playtime in the water. Not only in sprinklers, but lakes, splashparks, and pools. We got a chance for the kids to go out to the cottage for the first time to celebrate Grandpa getting a little older....they had a blast. Jonas also got a chance to go in the medflight helicopter which often flies overhead on the way to saving people's lives. Below is a great video of a recent splash dance session. Props go to Jonas's offscreen choreographer who can be overheard giving Jonas the motivation and direction to make those dance moves happen.

I had to add this video...How long would would you last with all this action going on? Props goes to mom on this one!

Fitchburg Days Carnival and Arboretum blooms

We had quite a busy Friday. While Jonas went berzerk at an indoor play/adventure center with Grandma Sue, Niles and I headed to the UW Arboretum to soak up some nature. It was a feast for the senses. Four of my senses were on board and Niles used all five of his, as you will see in the slideshow. He tends to bite everything within a few feet of him.

After dinner I took Jonas to the annual Fitchburg Days just south of Madison. He went on some rides, including a kids' roller coaster that was pretty fast! We ate ice cream, watched fireworks and avoided making eye contact with my former students who were in rare form. All in all a very busy and fun day.

Summer: here we come!

Jonas pitstop school pics

Jonas stopped up to my class and got an anatomy lesson.  He touched the human brain took his gloves off and went for more.  A few swim pics from earlier in the week, Niles, Jonas, and mom left before the rest of the body.  Evidently niles was ready to let off some screams.

To the market!

We went to the Dane County farmer's market for the first time this spring. Niles got his chance to experience cheese curds on the Capitol lawn for the first time. Jonas has been quite the adventurist lately, climbing and sliding on anything available. Quite a change from his former self. Niles, not to be outdone, has taken suit and started climbing anything he can hoist his little kiester upon. I didn't think he'd climb vertical surfaces before he could walk on horizontal ones, but if motherhood has taught me anything, it is that I am usually wrong.

Some UW environmental ed students were hosting a kids' sustainable gardening fair and Jonas got to pick a great kids' booklet and a themed garden to plant. He had a choice of "pickle garden", "salad garden" and "pizza garden". What do you think he'd pick? Well, you'd be as wrong as me (again) because he picked the salad garden. The woman helping him out said he was the first kid to pick "salad garden". I'm quite pleased because he snagged us a tomato plant, a pepper plant, a lettuce plant, and two green onion plants, none of which I have planted in our raised boxes yet. Way to go, kid!

Olbrich Gardens

We spent the morning at Olbrich Gardens in the warm sunshine (finally!). There weren't many flowers blooming just yet, but we all had fun roaming around looking at the ones that were up and soaking up some vitamin D.

Niles's Birthday Party

Niles loved his cake, his family, and his friends on his birthday. We can't believe he is already one. Happy birthday, baby love!