Thank you for the birthday present Aunt Karla!

We arrived home today with a big box on our doorstep. It was Brock's birthday present! As you can see he liked it right away. I didn't even have the handle on it and he was trying to ride it. He also has had a liking to spoons lately. He wouldn't take it out of his hand. Actually, now that I think about it he has left 2 spoons at daycare the last 2 mornings because he would freak out if I tried to take it away.

Brocker's 1st birthday

We celebrated Brock's 1st birthday today. Since it has been a very long week, we decided that a small family party would be the best option. We invited Nana, II, Lukie, Riley, Karla, Dan, Val & Dan. The morning started out with a blow out - literally. Tony, II and I were downstairs in the kitchen and all of a sudden a naked Vaughn yells from upstairs that Brock pooped in the tub. I ran up stairs to find Nana wiping off the birthday boy. I ended up washing him in the shower while Nana scooped up poop and flushed it down the toilet. Vaughn and I then went to Target to get a cake for Brock. I am usually more on top of ordering the cake, but didn't have time this week. We ended up getting a chocolate sheet cake and bought candles for the top. Vaughn picked it out and insisted on putting the candles on himself. It could have set the whole house on fire - someone asked if the candles represented the #of months old he is. I ended up ordering pizza for dinner and then we opened his presents. At 1 , you don't really need much. Tony and I gave him a giant Tigger the tiger stuffed animal, a soft bert and ernie ball and an elmo bubble machine. He was also given college fund money. When it came time for the cake, Brock showed he had nice table manners. He was so clean about the whole thing at 1st. He also had his 1st cow's milk today. He sucked it down more than the cake. Tony thought it was because he was super thirsty from the frosting. Vaughn and Luke enjoyed the cake too. They were busy screaming around the house getting chased by Brock and me, jumping in the jumpy castle, and singing happy birthday while Lukie played the guitar. Brock has a funny way of looking at us funny - a little pissed off and a little annoyed. :)

By the way - the day before - his real birthday - Tony kept up the playing hooky tradition and took the boys to Edinbourgh indoor park. Apparently, it is a giant McDonalds climbing playground. Vaughn lucked out too - he got to go to McDonalds while Tony and he waited for Brock to wake up from his nap. Vaughn also "camped" in the porch with II. He is completely into camping right now.

Fun times on the lake

Tony, the boys & I have really enjoyed our time on the lake this summer. Here are some pictures of swimming fun at boy scout island. Unfortunately, it was super buggy that day. Brock enjoys being in his "cage" watching boats of the "tuna" boat. He is pretty stable and has sea legs. Another thing I have learned is both of the boys are addicted to raspberries.

Brocker's 1st hair cut

Since it was a beautiful day, we decided to get the boy's haircut. :) Brock did not move at all! He was a pro. They even were able to use the clippers around his ears. He looks like a little toddler now. :( Vaughn too loves to get his haircut. I don't know if it is the movies or suckers at kids hair that makes them sit so still.

And were off!

The best word to describe Brock theses days is "determined". He is determined to get into every cabinet, over every person while wrestling, and determined to climb up our stairs. One might say - "didn't you baby proof the house a long time ago with Vaughn" - actually no - he didn't move. Now, we are blessed with a mover and shaker. Last weekend, I went up to the top of the stairs to get Brock at least a dozen times. We had been planning on putting the second gate at the bottom of the stairs, but now I am scared. If we did, he would stand and shake it and cry until we opened it. In any case, I guess we just have to be careful he doesn't get wild ideas of climbing through the stairs or getting to the top and shaking the gate until it releases and he falls down the stairs. He has already gotten to the top and stood to shake the gate (see picture evidence). This week he starts to climb the stairs, gets 1/2 way and looks for us - then he sees us coming and books it up the stairs. I guess I will lose weight with the exercise! :)

Summer Fun!

I took these pictures a few weeks ago. We had been out on the boat at the island swimming. Tony has a pontoon boat or "tuna" boat as Vaughn calls it and it is great for swimming.

Carver County Fair!

It is hard believe that it is already time for the Carver County Fair. Last year, I was pregnant with Brock and this year he is already in 18 month clothes! We started our outing by eating of course. Mini Doughnuts for mom, a banana strawberry smoothie for Vaughn, cheerios for Brock, and Brat for Dad. Vaughn had a great time going in the bounce castle, the truck ride, slide, and dizzy dragon ride. Rachel, Cade and Jim joined up with us for the alligator show and demolition derby. Tony, Jim and the boys were excited to go. Even baby Brock was jumping up and down. It was loud. Louder than we all thought and dirtier than I thought (we were in the front row and the mud went through the gate)- we were only good for 1 battle. I guess it was $8 x4 adults down the drain. Other notable notes - Vaughn went on a pony ride ( Cade didn't he thought it was too smelly)and we got a cariature (spelling?) done (Vaughn, Mommy, & Brock). The day at the fair was a total of 6 hours and I don't know where the time has gone.

New teeth

Brock is getting his 2 top teeth this week ish - I think it might have started last week, but they are popping through now. More pictures from last weekend.

Vaughn off to North Dakota

This week has turned out to be a true vacation for Vaughn. As you can see by the picture Vaughn found his cowboy necklace, cowboy hat, and cowboy shirt for a little work at the farm. Nana rode with Mommy & Vaughn up to ND on Sunday. Of course, we stopped at McDonalds on the way (I wonder how long it has been for Nana to eat a McDonalds) On Monday, Nana had to go to work and so did mommy - so Vaughn and II went to the farm. Apparently, Vaughn makes quite the farmer. He ate beans fresh from the field (organic as my II reminds me:) and played on a giant dirt pile in front of the new morton building. I am happy I wasn't the one to give him a shower later. Then, Vaughn had a chance to celebrate Avery's birthday and played on the neighbors trampoline. He tried to jump and everytime he said "mommy - watch me watch me I am doing a monkey jump" then the next time it was "mommy-watch me do a camel jump" I couldn't tell them apart. When we finally, got back from the neighbors and I told Vaughn it was time for bed he declared "I didn't get to do anything today - I didn't watch TV" Tuesday, mommy went to Bismarck and when I came back I was informed the tent was up in the backyard and that Vaughn was going camping with II. II is smart - he is camping with an airmattress. Vaughn wanted to have hot chocolate with marshmellows - it was in the 60s so kind of cold, but not hot chocolate weather. After a while, I went in to sleep and the boys told stories. Wednesday was another trip to the farm to check on the cement pouring for the floor. Highlight of the trip was Vaughn making roads in II's garden with his giant yellow truck. Vaughn also got a ride on the tailgate of the pickup and drove the tractor. I left to go back home on Wednesday, but continued to call for updates. Will report more later.

Brocker and his new cup

Brock has learned to drink water out of a cup. Actually, I just gave in to him and let him do it. The good part is he is on his way to saying "goodbye" to the bottle. The bad part is he hasn't figured out that the water shouldn't go down your shirt. From the looks of the picture he doesn't seem to mind a little wet t-shirt contest. :)

vaughn - off to work

A few weeks ago Vaughn saw Tony wearing his tie and decided he needed to wear one like daddy. This morning it happened again. Instead of fighting it we put the clip on tie and sent him off to "the office". I fully expected it to be gone when I picked him up - boy was I wrong. Is this a little strange or a completely normal reaction to 2 work crazed parents?

Brocker - getting teeth

Yesterday while Brock was eating I couldn't resist getting the camera for these pictures. He has 2 bottom teeth and is currently getting a top tooth too. Where did all his chins come from - his thighs? :)

Vaughn practicing for the ladies.

Vaughn is a very sensitive guy. He likes to hug and give kisses. He is also wise. I went shopping today for some shoes and found 4 pair. ( 4 pair too many) Unlike his dad he, watched me put on each pair and said with enthusiasm "I love them, they are my favorite" He even went as far as to ask if I needed his help taking off my sandals. If he keeps this up he will make his wife happy someday.

Fruit Bars

Vaughn is addicted not to chocolate or soda - nope not him - fruit bars for this addict. Every night he wants one before bed. I guess I could look on the bright side at least there is a little bit of fruit juice in each bar (and lots of sugar :)

Watermelon....Baby

Tonight Brock almost finished a whole watermelon. I am serious! I couldn't keep up to him cutting. He just kept eating and eating and grunting and grunting for more. Guess it comes from my side of the family. I think it is his favorite food.

Vaughn "thats a good idea"

Lately, Vaughn has tried to persuade Tony and me by saying "I have a great idea" and then proceeding to tell us how he wants a fruit bar or to go somewhere. After he makes his initial pitch, he follows it up with "that's a good idea". I think I should start using it in my sales pitch, because it most often leads to a compromise.

Brock on the move!

It only took a week. I need to go back a bit. On Fathers day at my sister's house he started to crawl. Then is was a combination of the butt scoot and crawling. This past week the floodgates opened up. Brock pulled himself up on Monday night on his activity table. Then he repeated his performance the next night while waiting for his bath by climbing up the stairs. Now he is standing in his crib and tonight he stood in the boat while in his pack and play through the waves. He also decided he needed to move. We put him behind his walker and he actually took some steps. He is such a determined little guy. He is obsessed with the gold knobs in our bath tub. Tonight when Tony and I gave the boys a bath Brock proceeded to crawl over Vaughn to get to them. Tony and I commented he isn't afraid of going under. He is also going up a few stairs at a time. Time for the baby gates. :) Pictures soon!

Vaughn's Birthday Continued

The birthday week continues. Vaughn brought fruit bars and licorice to his friend and teachers childcare this week. He loves Edy's fruit bars.

On Friday, Nana and II came and picked up Vaughn at childcare and took him to the playground. That morning, I came upstairs and Vaughn was telling Tony what his day was going to look like. He said - " I am going to childcare then we will eat lunch and then Nanna and II are coming to pick me up" I told him he need to call them to see if they would do that. When they picked him up he was napping - apparently so hard that he was drooling and didn't know if he was dreaming or not. Then they went to the playground. That night, Vaughn got his birthday gift from Nanna and II. My mom gave him her mom's rock collection. It is in a cabinet with lights. She has agates and other rocks she found in fields that look like items - like steak rocks and doughnut rocks. He was very excited to put them in the cabinet.

pony boy

II has a song that he likes to sing for the boys. He will also put the boys on his knee to bounce them up and down like they are on a horse. Here are some pics.