State Fair - A Family Affair

Unlike previous years where we were the people wondering how and why folks drag their kids out to the Fairgrounds for the day and manage to keep them under control and not have meltdowns, and for the umptenth time have our foot run over by a stroller wheel - the tables were turned and yep, that was us this year, we were one of those families!

Surprisingly it was a chilly September day.  Which I guess we preferred over it being 95 and humid!  With jackets in hand and a full diaper bag we traveled to the State Fair with the Atkinsons for some fun, good eats and good company.

The boys tried all sorts of foods and James enjoyed his first chocolate chip cookie and a cheese curd.  He enjoyed everything but we of course rounded out the meal with some milk!

Elliot took his first amusement park ride on the cars and him and Dad went on the Ferris Wheel too.

We visited Machinery Hill and sat on some tractors, toured the animal barns and the visited the Miracle of Birth barn to see baby animals.  After the animal barns James was about ready to turn in for his nap.

We left early afternoon as the crowds began to build - now I was the one running other people's feet over with our stroller wheel ... time to go!  As we left - literally as we are crossing the street to catch our bus back to the Park and Ride lot - the axel lug nut on our jogging stroller popped off.  With it no where to be found we trudged along and just held it together until we got home.  Had this happened earlier in the day we might have had some major issues - lucky for us it was at the end of our day!
All in all the Fair trip was a success and I'm sure James will enjoy it even more next year and he might even be asking for his own cookies!

We're Home!

August 24 was moving day to St. Paul for the Clarks! 

As many of you know we have been living in a two bedroom condo in Minneapolis since we got married and although we loved the condo lifestyle, James was in need of a little more room to roam, a backyard, and looking into the future - some good school choices - so we began our home search in earnest in late July, found a home, closed and moved all in about a month's time, YIKES!  But thus far, as we continue to get settled, we are so happy with our decision. 

Living amongst boxes for the last month or so has been ... well a challenge, but we've managed to do it as we've had house projects to accomplish before getting completely settled.  But nothing helps you get unpacked more than the moving company needing your "free" boxes back 30-days after your move date!

James continues to explore the house - and his new favorite activity is climbing stairs - baby gates have now been positioned - which is something we never had to worry about at the condo!  He's been very helpful about unpacking things in his room as well - as depicted above.

James is also enjoying looking at the view of the street from our front door.  I guess you could say he's now the family watchdog!  

With sidewalks and a backyard to play in - it's been nice to just head outside, if even just for a few minutes, to soak up what's left of summer.  We've enjoyed lots of walks and runs along the river already and James and his 'Cozy Coupe' debuted on our street this past weekend as we finally got to putting together this birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa Clark.  He loved the bright colors and I think we might already have a mechanic on hand!

We look forward to enjoying time at our new home this fall as we continue to unpack and try to get settled before the snow flies!

If you are in the Highland Park neighborhood - stop on by!

Cabin Weekend 2010

We spent the weekend after our big move (more on that coming soon!) relaxing up north in Park Rapids, MN.  Last year we missed out on the annual cabin weekend with our college gang because James was just a few weeks old.  This year we packed him up and brought him along to experience what has become an annual tradition. 

James was one of four kids at the cabin so he was in good company.  He had lots of friends to chat with and toys to play with, but I'm guessing next year when he's walking he'll be able to keep up a little more.  But James did take quite a few rides on the swing at the playground and loved it!  He even managed to fall asleep in it one morning - which doesn't surprise us at all for how much he loved the swing at home when he was an infant.

James took his first dip in his swim attire in a lake this weekend too.  We've walked a bit on the shore line at the cabin, but as you can see he wasn't too thrilled about it.  He prefered to sit on the beach and have the sand in his feet.

Elliot and James were bunk buddies all weekend and they both slept well - almost on the same schedule even.

With the great weather we had all weekend Mom and Dad got a chance to catch up with friends, read books, and relax at the beach and around the campfire.

We can't wait to go again next year and enjoy the company of good friends once again!

Aunt Jenna's Wedding

It's a good thing James has a suit as he had the honor of attending Aunt Jenna's wedding a few weeks ago.   As usual James just wanted to talk to everyone so Mom and James enjoyed the ambiance outside the ceremony hall during the ceremony, but Dad noted it was a beautiful ceremony.  The evening was shared with family and friends and we had a great time catching up with everyone - and James had a good time entertaining everyone too!

Congratulations Aunt Jenna and Uncle Arthur!