The Aho Family

Boating fun!

2011-08-09T20:32:00.005-05:00

Exciting weekend in Algoma- testing out Boppa's new boat and he sold his old one!

So long Fat Cat!

Hi!

Skeptical of Grandma's fishing advice... :)

Our little fisherman!

Cheese!!

There was a deep discussion going on in the cuddy...

What kind of fish is that??

Fighting a monster on the line!

Enjoying the open water on his dad's new boat.

Serious discussion in progress...as always!

Daddy and his boys!

Three generations of fishermen!

Sea legs...

Serious driving!

Jigsaw Fun-Run!

2011-05-11T21:47:00.000-05:00

So...haven't posted in a while...maybe I'll catch up...in the meantime, here are pics from the Jigsaw Fun Run at Lake Wazeecha on Mother's Day weekend. Sam did awesome- made it through the whole kids race (took a digger ten steps in) and through the 3.7 miles around the lake! Ryan took it like a champ in the jogging stroller Gatfly borrowed from her friend Karen- Thanks!

Noodles!

2011-02-23T21:41:00.001-06:00

Auntie Mara demanded videos.

Peek a boo

2011-02-23T21:40:00.001-06:00

E I E I O

2011-02-23T21:40:00.000-06:00

Germany Trip: Final Post (Scroll down...)

2011-01-10T21:05:00.003-06:00

I would say that we are almost back to our normal routine...a week later...once in a lifetime! Thanks to all who made it possible!!!!

Paris Trip: Part Two

2011-01-10T21:03:00.001-06:00

Can you tell we were impressed by the Eiffel Tower? And that we didn't practice taking pictures at night??

Paris: Part One

2011-01-10T21:02:00.002-06:00

Travel time...

2011-01-10T21:00:00.001-06:00

This slideshow of pictures reminds me of watching slides of Granny and Grandpa's vacations up on the wall by the fireplace... :)

Bernkastel Kues

2011-01-10T20:59:00.002-06:00

Christmas fun in Germany

2011-01-10T20:59:00.001-06:00

Our Trip to Germany, Day 1 and Heidelberg

2011-01-10T20:49:00.002-06:00

We were very fortunate to be able to travel to Germany December 22nd-31st thanks to the Bacon grandparents! We had a wonderful time and want to thank Josh and Debora and the boys for hosting us- no small feat! And thank-yous to the Aho's for rearranging the holidays and for watching Inga (though Sam thought she should come with...). We made some unforgettable memories, and in case we do try to forget, we have over 400 pictures to remind us...pace yourselves, there's going to be a lot of photos here... :)

2010-11-17T20:18:00.001-06:00

October's End

2010-10-31T21:26:00.007-05:00

Means Happy Birthday to our baby Ryan on the 29th and Happy Halloween! The last year has gone incredibly fast and everyone assures me time only moves faster as you go, so I can't imagine the next few years! Ryan has become such a wonderful part of our family, with his easy smile and giggles, and it looks like he may give his brother a run for his money...should be interesting! And our boys LOVED being dragons for Halloween- a BIG thank-you to Grandma Diane for making Sam's elaborate costume- he LOVED it!! And thanks to everyone for coming and celebrating with us yesterday- video and more pics to follow- I'm only posting this much now because I'm waiting for the washer to quit... :)

My little thumb-sucker...right from the beginning!

He's grown so fast!

Peas in a pod...

(I think I figured out my layout issues, so the next post should make more sense...)

Happy Autumn!

2010-10-10T21:00:00.002-05:00

Even though it's been unseasonably warm this last week, we are getting into the fall spirit around our house- including Apple Pies! Ryan grows and amazes us daily and Sam is too smart, learning to recognize letters and sounds- daddy said he read 'cat' the other day, and I believe it! Always something new, we are in for a ride!!

My big boy! (4 prev posts this weekend)

2010-10-03T20:44:00.006-05:00

Finally caved in to peer pressure and trimmed Ryan's hair. I hope you're all happy- this mother's heart is slightly broken...tear...

Quarry Quest! (and three other new posts)

2010-10-02T10:35:00.003-05:00

Sam LOVED all the big trucks and diggers and dirt! Thanks Boppa and Gatfly!

Fun at the Farm

2010-10-02T10:32:00.002-05:00

My camera memory card was full when I got to the farm- got a few pics of Mara and Family, but see their Blog and Gatfly's for more!

Running of the Llamas!

2010-10-02T10:28:00.002-05:00

I've been bugging Scott the last couple of years to go watch the Running of the Llamas in Hammond (next little town over)...needless to say I am done bugging him about this...

Family Fun and Door County!

2010-10-02T10:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Grandparents' Day!!

2010-09-12T16:29:00.005-05:00

Happy Grandparents' Day to the most wonderful grandparents (and great-grands!) that two boys could be blessed with! We wish they had been able to know them all!

:o)

2010-08-29T07:06:00.002-05:00

This one's for you Auntie Linda! They definitely have some Bacon in them, don't they...

On a roll!!!

2010-08-27T19:27:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Gatfly for donation #2- here's your picture!

Thank you!

2010-08-26T20:16:00.003-05:00

Got my first donation for the Alzheimer's Association- Grandma Diane- this is for you!!

Alzheimer's

2010-08-24T21:53:00.003-05:00

Most of you know that I'm a Social Worker at a Long-term Care Facility (Nursing Home) and I deal with the heart-breaking effects that Alzheimer's/Dementia has on those affected- the person themselves and their loved ones. We have a team through my work to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. Please take a moment to take a look and if you are able to give, please do so and add a personal message. If you're not able to give I understand- believe me! Thanks for taking a look- and I'll post more pictures of the boys after I reach my donations goal. Just kidding, but not doing it tonight!
Sally

Ry-Hawk

2010-08-18T20:35:00.003-05:00

A little catch-up...we spent the weekend in Algoma a few weeks ago- and Sam caught his first salmon! The prima-donna dog is Cosmo, the grandparents Aho's standard poodle.

And Ryan's hair is getting really long (momma doesn't have the heart to cut it yet though) so we molded it into the Ry-hawk (reminiscent of the Ro-hawk, not to be confused with the Tom-a-hawk...)

:o)

Strong Man

2010-08-07T20:54:00.003-05:00

More Summer Fun!

2010-08-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

More Birthday fun!

2010-08-03T21:11:00.002-05:00

Summer fun!

2010-08-03T21:05:00.002-05:00

2010-07-13T21:57:00.001-05:00

2010-07-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

2010-07-13T21:51:00.001-05:00

2010-07-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

2010-07-13T21:43:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend & Picnic time

2010-06-09T21:32:00.002-05:00

Baptism!

2010-05-25T21:34:00.006-05:00

A BIG Thank you to everyone for making Ryan's Baptism day so special! It was wonderful to have Josh & Debora as sponsors/Godparents for Ryan (all the way from Germany) and all sorts of aunts and uncles and cousins! Roger & Diane and Eric were wonderful hosts for the luncheon following the Baptism- even if it was icky sticky hot out! The lasagna was awesome- we've been enjoying it this week too!
Ryan couldn't have been more precious during the Baptism- sucked his thumb the whole time and looked up at the pastor like 'why are you washing my hair in church?'
His brother on the other hand was full of spunk...travelling quietly (mostly) around the church, back and forth across the aisle to his grandparents and uncles and aunt. Thomas got in on some of the fun too and they demolished Ryan's stash of stale cheerios...Oh, and Ryan got his first tooth this last Friday! I'll have to get a picture of it...Hopefully I get this posted before the power goes out- we're having some big thunderstorms- at least the humidity is cut!
Thanks again to all our family- you're the best!

Pictures

2010-05-05T21:08:00.013-05:00

Hi!!!!!!

Dude...

Hi!

My boys!

Squeaky clean!

Did someone order butt cheeks?

There's a smile behind this thumb

I believe that's chocolate on his chin...Gatfly?

Let me measure out some love for you!

2010-04-12T20:15:00.001-05:00

Where does the time go?!

2010-03-30T20:24:00.005-05:00

I lost a month here! Ryan is now five months old, eating rice cereal, bananas and most recently plain yogurt (not too impressed yet with the last one) and groing like a weed...a cute, pudgy weed...and his big brother is growing too- grew right out of his shoes (and pants and shirts...). Scott is keeping busy teaching Hunter's Safety on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I've been busy keeping up with running noses (and work...). Here is a hodge podge of pictures from the last month- had to post them quick before our family gatherings for Easter- Friday we'll be in Albert Lea visiting with Mara and Rohan (she's going to Kirksville for a test and will meet us part way) and Boppa and Gatfly. And then Sunday will be Easter with the Palmberg clan. Sorry for the delay in pictures!

2010-02-22T22:21:00.001-06:00

Teapot

2010-02-15T21:48:00.004-06:00

Sam really likes the fact that the video camera display can be flipped over so he can see himself being recorded- though it makes centering the video a little tougher...and getting the whole body view...

On the move!

2010-02-14T21:58:00.005-06:00

Ryan rolled over today- three times- caught the third time on video but now we need to figure out how to post it (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Aho for the video camera!). More to come (and pictures too I suppose...).

Three months!!!

2010-01-31T21:53:00.003-06:00

I hate tummy time.

Much better!

Smile!

Ryan's fuzzies

I can't move my arms!

Hmm...what to do next...eat, sleep or smile...

Chillin' with my bro...

Capturing hearts with a single smile!

Request for more (Yes, I still have more...)

2010-01-12T21:33:00.002-06:00

2010-01-11T21:09:00.001-06:00

Two Months!

2010-01-05T20:33:00.002-06:00

I'm a little late, but Ryan turned 2 months old just before New Years- hard to believe! He had his shots, took them like a trooper. He weighed in at 13 pounds (90th percentile) and was 23 inches long (65th I think). Gonna be big like his brother!
I'll post from Christmas and our visit to the farm soon...but that's like 100 pictures to sort through...

Seven Weeks!

2009-12-18T14:16:00.004-06:00

No excuses, just haven't posted lately! Ryan is seven weeks old today!! It's almost Christmas, Josh and Debora and Thomas are almost here and then I'll go back to work before New Years.

Pucker-up little brother!

Mom...help me...

Deep in thought.

Ryan's first bottle, Sam feeding Bear.

Roly Poly!

Kachow!

Two of my babies snuggled in...yes, Inga is feeling neglected these days.

Nice to see you again! Stephanie is our Midwife who made it just in time to Hudson.

Cheese!

Happy Birthday...

2009-12-14T16:58:00.003-06:00

Sam was singing to the ornaments on the tree after we talked about Christmas being Baby Jesus' Birthday...

So much to be Thankful for!

2009-12-02T09:01:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! What? I'm on maternity leave...time moves differently! We have even more to be thankful for this year with our newly expanded family. We had Thanksgiving at Great Grandma Palmberg's and were also fortunate to have Great Grandma Aho along with Myrna and Rita there as well! It's been wonderful to be able to spend time with family and we're looking forward to Christmas too!

Kisses for baby Ryan.

Cuddles with Great Grandma Aho

Four Generations of the Aho family

Auntie Myrna and cousin Rita

Meeting cousin Sadie

Meeting Aunt Debbie

Cuddles with Great Grandma Palmberg

Uncle Eric walking Sam on the ceiling..."more!"..."no, he just ate!!"

Meeting cousin Hannah

Daddy and Ryan relaxing after a big meal- I told you I'd post it with your tongue sticking out. Hopefully that teaches you. :o)

And somehow I didn't get a picture of Scott's other Aunt Debbie with Ryan...sorry!

SANTA!!

2009-11-30T21:11:00.002-06:00

Turns out Sam LOVED Santa at the mall this weekend- he ran up and gave him a HUGE hug. A big thank-you to Grandma (& Grandpa) Aho for pictures!

Down on the farm...

2009-11-29T21:37:00.006-06:00

The week before Thanksgiving Sam and Ryan and I packed up and headed out to the farm for an extended stay while Daddy was off hunting. The boys did wonderfully travelling- something I had been quite worried about. Gatfly and Boppa got a good taste of Sam's "two'ness" though he was pretty good most of the time for being so out of his element. It was so nice to be able to spend that time and we thank them so much for everything! I'm also glad Ryan got to meet and spend a little time with his extended Bacon/Hansen family too (see previous post). One of the high-lights of Sam's week was going in the combine with Uncle Roger- he's still talking about it and gets a huge smile! We may have a future farmer on our hands! Now we're looking forward to our December visit with Uncle Josh, Auntie Debora and cousin Thomas when they're home from Germany- should be good times!

Post-popcorn snuggles with Gatfly.

Come on up mom!

Bye bye Rog!

Sam's view from in the combine (we went at dusk...)

I go in the combine now!

Project time! While Gatfly and Great Auntie M made lefse, Sam made pine-cone bird feeders for the dogs...I mean the birds...

Yes, he licked the pine cone.

So proud!

Lucy likes peanut butter too...I'm not sure I hung the first couple high enough...

Ryan supervised the lefse process, taking notes for future reference.

Sam trying out his new barn clothes.

Wash my boots! (he also wanted the knee of his pants washed off- kneeled in poo...)

Sam's on quality control...

Supervising Boppa.

You may carry me home now.

Ryan meets the Hansen Clan

2009-11-29T14:48:00.005-06:00

I'll have to see if Gatfly got pictures of our visit with Heidi, Paul and Anna...

Ryan meets Old Boppa.

Finally stopped screaming long enough for a picture (bad timing of the visit I'm afraid!).

Sam likes this dog- she's more his size than the dogs at the farm! (Mary's new dog Claire)

Ryan and his Great Auntie M

What big eyes you have!

Supervising Old Boppa's workout

Working hard...

11/16

2009-11-16T15:03:00.003-06:00

Ryan and I took our first hike today on a local trail- reminded me of the cross-country trails.

The 'trail-head' as Mike and Mara would say... :o)

Ryan didn't have much of a view but didn't seem to mind.

Grandma's boys!

Sam is a VERY good helper!

Ryan's starting to spend much more time with his eyes open exploring his world.

Two Weeks?!

2009-11-13T17:32:00.005-06:00

A week (+) in review

2009-11-09T19:44:00.004-06:00

Attempt at a family portrait with the timer...

I hold the baby daddy!

Cheese!

Hmm...contemplating life...

Mom...horizontal stripes are so not slimming...

Roarrr...

Daddy's boys!

Ohm...

My little lambs!

Baa

Great Grandma Ele stopped by with Debbie, Darren and Derek on their way to the Packer Party (the other picture with all of them didn't turn out...)

Daddy's hands look so big!

Shh baby!

Daddy's helper- he got a little rake and was helping...

It's hard to believe that we've been home for over a week- it's been a blur so far. Sam seems to be adjusting pretty well most of the time- has his moments but then again he's sneaking on 2 1/2 so it's to be expected. It's helped that he goes to day-care (we have to pay to save a spot for Ryan, so he might as well go and have "normal" time). Ryan has been doing really well too, sleeping pretty good at night though he likes to cluster-feed which can be a bit tiring at times. Mom's doing pretty good- feeling much better for the most part than I did with Sam! And Daddy has been awesome with the boys!!! Momma loves all her boys!

Surprise!

2009-10-31T19:51:00.006-05:00

Baby Ryan James Aho was born on October 29th at 7 pm! He was due November 15th but was ready to come! We didn't quite make it to Woodbury Minnesota where we were set to deliver, so had him in Hudson- got to the ER at 6:48, so just in the nick of time! He weighed in at 7 pounds even and is 20 inches long. He was down to 6 pounds 10 ounces early this morning though they tell us that's good...seems so small (bigger than his cousin Rohan though!). We came home this afternoon and have been settling in nicely. Sam had spent the last couple nights at Grandma and Grandpa Aho's house and came home (asleep) this afternoon and has been doing really well as big brother so far. We even braved the weather and took the boys trick-or-treating tonight...to two neighbors houses. More to come later but here's a start to the pictures...

10/18

2009-10-18T21:45:00.004-05:00

Sam has had a SUPER busy weekend! He spent the night at Grandma and Boppa Aho's on Friday night so Momma and Daddy could go out for our anniversary, sleep in the next day and practice having Sam away from us for a little while when the baby comes. He did awesome and his grandparents seemed to survive too! Unfortunately he's got a cold right now, but still managed to be in really good spirits most of the weekend.

Sunday Boppa and Gatfly came up for the day and helped with a few things around the house...my large belly has impeded my cleaning of the bathtub, so Gatfly gave it the scrubbing of a lifetime- I didn't remember that it was supposed to be shiny... :o) And Boppa helped Daddy with a couple of projects too while Sam focused on being cute. Boppa Aho also stopped by with his buddy Wally so we got a shot of him and Sam with his workbench in the garage too. Daddy attached a small bench to the wall of the garage for Sam which has been a source of endless enthusiasm and pounding for Sam. And we got to watch the Packers win, so it was a pretty good weekend overall!

Gatfly and Daddy doing the dishes- thanks for your help!

Boppa and Sam watching the John Deere video Sam keeps asking for from the library.

You hold it Boppa!

Concentration- he comes by the tongue thing from both sides of the family...

I love my bench!

Good job Gatfly!

Hey Ma, you missed a spot!

Busy bees!

Three Years!

2009-10-14T20:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary Honey!!! Just think how much has changed these last three years!!

Our trip to Door County before we got married.

This day three years ago.

Our Family

The beautiful flowers that my loving husband had delivered to me at work!
LOVE YOU!

Weekend travels (and some random stuff)

2009-10-11T21:45:00.005-05:00

He wanted his picture taken with the cows "I just stand here and you take my picture!"
The back-hoe turned out to be a good distraction while Boppa, Roger and Daddy got a few loose heifers back in the lot- the cows got out!
Hugs for Great Uncle Rog!
You want me to test the fence?
Family!
I drive Boppa!
Two out of three...
The photo turned out a little dark...
Old Boppa's doing really well! Momma's looking more pregnant...
The small broom and dust-pan were almost as coveted as the semi and trailer toy!
I'll just help feed baby Rohan!
As Mike/Mara would say, Bacon Grandparents and 2/3.5 of their grandkids...
Strong finish on a cold friggin' walk!
Sharing secrets with Daddy
Playing chase with Eric, Cosmo and Emma (Eric's pug)
Kisses for Great Grandma Ele
Go Packers!!!!!!!!
Proud Boppa with his home-grown Pumpkins

I like this one Boppa!

Another random post...

2009-09-26T14:57:00.008-05:00

Brushing up on my Portuguese for this winter...

Yum!!!

Have you seen my baseball?!

**Please note: Boppa and Grandma arrived just post-bath and Sam was still in snuggle-mode prior to receiving his new glove and ball...he does on occasion wear clothes.

Had to go to the baseball fields that we drive by each morning on the way to day-care to try out Sam's new baseball & glove from Boppa and Grandma Aho. They are a hit!

Labor Day Farm visit

2009-09-09T21:15:00.007-05:00

Dad and Sam cleaning up the parlor

Open that gate!

Over there Gatfly!

Plowing the grass clippings...

Checking the hitch

Dumper Truck!

Sam and Baby and the calf...

Noise!

2009-08-31T20:01:00.004-05:00

Sea legs...

2009-08-26T20:18:00.003-05:00

Combination post...

2009-08-25T21:12:00.006-05:00

Emma! (two new posts today)

2009-08-09T18:35:00.005-05:00

Sam got to spend some time with Uncle Eric's new puppy Emma- she's a very spunky pug!

Big boy Bed!!!

2009-08-09T16:16:00.004-05:00

Thanks Grandma and Boppa Aho for the new big-boy bed for Sam! It's actually bunk-beds but to help keep the room from looking tiny for now we just set up the one. He slept really well last night- actually stayed in bed unlike when he was in the crib with the front off...Video to follow. Seems to work!

Visit to the farm

2009-07-26T21:16:00.006-05:00

Newest farmhand...

Peek-a-boo Boppa!

Choke up...

Getting tuckered out...

Checking on the cows.

Forward march Grandma!

Horsie Grandma!

Did you look both ways Grandma!

No hands!

Hi!

Now they're checking HIM out.

Have a rock cow!

Sam Elyse and Erik playing while the other grow-ups help my Aunt Mary move.

Old Boppa with a lap-ful of great grandsons.

Thanks for the new toy Thomas!

Giraffe outside the petting zoo...had to reach up and say hello because there were no giraffe's IN the zoo...

Hi deer! He did get brave enough to touch her, but that's on Grandma's camera.

I touch the camel?

Boppa's braver.

Hi camel!

Lemur-back-ride...

Hi turtle!!

Wood-chucks hiding in the log...

Yee haw Da!

Walk this way (part two)

2009-07-19T21:48:00.002-05:00

Walk this way...

2009-07-19T17:31:00.004-05:00

Hamming it up... I love my Fire-hat! On the run...

I like to dance!

2009-07-12T14:58:00.005-05:00

Sam's Birthday Weekend

2009-07-10T14:48:00.006-05:00

So July 5th Sam turned 2!!!!! We Birthday'd him over in Algoma- a BIG thank-you to the Aho grandparents for hosting such a fun time! We're still working on getting the videos uploaded (I'm not as tech savvy as some of the other bloggers out there!) but here are some pictures of the fun.

I'm two! (if you ask him though he'll say three or four...)

Helping decorate with candles.

Showing restraint...

Mmmm...

Yummm! Going for two fistfuls!

TROUBLE!

THree generations of Aho's studying the directions...

Ooh paper!

Hey there's cars on this card!

Read me a story Granny! (It's rare to catch him without a cheesy grin...)

We found another fun playground to visit in Algoma and Sam had a blast!

What kind of a fish lives in such a large bowl...

Go 'round dad!

Blast off!

Sam's co-pilot...

2009-07-08T17:52:00.001-05:00

2009-07-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

E-I-E-I-O

2009-07-01T17:26:00.002-05:00

It's a....!!

2009-06-30T21:31:00.004-05:00

We had the 20-week ultrasound today and baby was not the most cooperative- the Ultrasound Tech spent most of the hour trying to get baby to move so she could get better views of the heart and brain and spine- baby DID NOT want to move! Baby was however rather forth-coming with the view between the legs and was not shy about showing his male parts! Another boy! We are so excited and know that Sam will be an awesome big brother! We weren't able to record the ultrasound but got a few pictures:

Here he's chewing on his fingers.

More finger-chewing...

It's a boy!

Snuggled in with his surroundings.

When the Ultrasound Tech looked at this one she said it looked like he was gnawing on my uterus...I liked my co-worker's comment of it looked like he was kissing me better... :o)

Sam seems to be doing OK with all of this so far, but we'll see!

videos

2009-06-27T21:16:00.004-05:00

Reunion and Cheese Curd Festival

2009-06-27T17:14:00.006-05:00

Scott's 10-year HS reunion was held Friday, though he and his friends decided to hold an anti-reunion party/bonfire. This worked well as a couple of his class mates had small kids and so it was fairly family friendly and Sam LOVED running around with the girls who were 1, 3 and 4 (something like that anyway) and he was fascinated by the 8 month old baby boy too. Saturday morning Sam and Momma went to Ellsworth to meet my friend JJ and her almost one-year-old daughter Rylie at the Cheese Curd Festival. Sam especially enjoyed the petting zoo and of course the cheese curds!

Sam flirting with the girls at the reunion.

I like cheese!!

Rylie Jo- look at that red hair!!

Yum!

You must have meant to be taking MY picture, right?

Hello chickens.

Here piggy piggy!!!

Hello goat

I touched it!

Oh, I would if I could!

A little less brave around the big animals...

Safety in numbers.

Dig those cheeks!

This made me giggle...trailer treats...?

Happy Father's Day Da!

2009-06-21T20:26:00.009-05:00

Happy Father's Day the father of my children. Thank you for all you do and for being such a great "Da" to Sam and his soon-to-be sibling! Love you!!!

You helped me enjoy one of my first boat rides.

You took me on my first snow-mobile ride.

Got me all cleaned up after my first Birthday cake.

Gave me my first lessons on football.

Getting to know you...

Letting me cry it out...(something we practice now at bedtime too...)

Helping with my first bath- and many since then!

We love you Da!!
Sally, Sam and baby too!

Busy weekend!

2009-06-14T21:25:00.003-05:00

We crammed almost as much as we could into this weekend- our first at home in a while. Baldwin's festival "June Bug Days" was going on this weekend so Friday night we headed downtown (about four blocks so we walked) to the tractor pull and met up with Kristin Jimmy and Jayvid- Jayvid is one day older than Sam and we met his folks at birthing class and then again at the hospital and have kept in occasional contact to compare notes. The boys had a blast and Kristin got a few pictures, so I'll wait to get those posted. It does confirm that Sam is a monster, but we'll see official stats sometime in July. Saturday we took Inga to the vet for shots, got some vegetables for our garden, ran to Walmart and then spent the afternoon outside planting and enjoying the beautiful weather. Saturday evening was fireworks so we headed back to the festival and watched some softball and it's amazing Sam didn't pick up any colorful language standing by the dugout. It started to get late and Momma was tired so we headed back home and watched the fireworks from our yard which was awesome. Sunday my folks came up and delivered Sam's early Birthday present- a sand-box and all the trimmings! So we spent the majority of the day outside and covered in sand. Awesome!! Now tonight Scott is headed to my folks as he has a meeting in Fondulac tomorrow morning.
And I forgot to post on the sleep issue...mostly because last week stunk. He was up at least once a night every night but we wore him out sufficiently the last two nights that he slept through in his own room- I say room because he has ended up on the floor both nights...whatever works for him!!

Open wide!! Sam's like root beer floats!

Sam LOVES the sand box! But this outfit kills me- this will be filed away and used when Sam brings his first girlfriend home...the rubber boots and no pants make the outfit...and the hat that's too small...

You can tell even Sam is embarrassed at this point...

Whatcha doin' Da?

Thanks so much for the sand box Boppa and Gatfly!!

Reunion & Weekend at the Farm

2009-06-09T21:14:00.005-05:00

So to add insult to the injury of turning 28...my ten year high school reunion was this weekend. Out of almost 90 people we had close to thirty show up- the rest of you are chickens. Gatfly and Grampa graciously agreed to watch Sam and we took advantage and stayed out until midnight...my usual bedtime is nine, so yes, I'm still paying for that. Sounds like Sam had a blast (including a half-hour bath) and we had a good time too- it was fun to reconnect with Kari and compare preggo notes with Mel and see the other folks too. Sam enjoyed the farm even though the weather did not cooperate he got to see the cows and the tractors and Rog and the barn and the silos and the kitties and the cows and what's that? As Grandma and Grandpa Aho had noted "what's that?" is his favorite question!! Roger and my grandparents joined us for a Birthday lunch on Sunday before we headed back, and Sam was exhausted and lasted about five minutes in the car before he passed out and slept most of the way. Speaking of sleep, he's been a bit spotty with sleeping through the night...so this evening we took the front rail of the crib off in the hopes that if he wakes up he'll just crawl in with us rather than wake us up...good parenting, right? I call it survival- Momma's tired!!! We'll keep you posted on how that goes...

There were five of us in our class that are pregnant (and at least two of the guys wives too).

Sam demanded to travel in style requesting his daddy's hat and sunglasses.

Sam thought Gatfly's guinea pig Nutmeg needed a change of scenery...

Cheese!!

This is actually the first time Sam got his head stuck somewhere- usually it's too big!

Hmm...what kind of trouble is there to get into?

What's that?

What's that?

Sam is very fast with that cheesy smile...

What's that Rog?

One tired boy with his new cow.

2009-06-01T22:18:00.001-05:00

Leslie's Wedding & Crystal Cave

2009-05-24T14:45:00.005-05:00

Saturday we had Sam's Great Uncle Roger with us; he was in town for cousin Leslie's wedding Saturday evening which was held at an indoor park in Woodbury and was beautiful! I don't have more pictures of the ceremony as I was taking pics with Andrea's camera, so watch her blog for those...The Bride was lovely and it's always nice to spend time with family...Auntie Linda and Sam's 'honorary Auntie' Stephanie, Aunt Alice and Sara and Hailey, John and Marina and Roger all made it over while my folks held down the fort at the farm. Sam did pretty well for the first five minutes of the wedding...then required some chasing by his Daddy...there were lots of little ones there, so it was funny to see them being carried out of the amphitheater at different times...Sam LOVED running around the different paths in the indoor park and charming his Aunties and Uncles. Roger spent the night with us in the "mother-in-law suite" in the basement and took off this morning with Sam waving and blowing kisses at him through the door.

Then this morning John and Marina called and invited us to go to the Crystal Cave in Spring Valley with them- I've been bugging Scott for years to take me there, so Sam and I went along. Good thing Daddy had him put his boots on because it was wet and dirty in there! Sam did fairly well considering it was an hour long tour and I was grateful to have more arms to pass him off to when he got restless. And Auntie Marina won Sam's heart by getting him a little turtle in the gift shop- he has a thing for the lawn ornament turtles in our yard and insists on carrying them around and having them "talk" to each other...he's got imagination! It was great to see everyone and now we just have to figure out what to do with our extra day off...I'm sure we'll manage something!

Come on Rog!!

Gotcha!

He was calling out for "Rog" during the wedding...why won't he play with me?!

Losing interest...

The Blushing Bride!

Sisters after the wedding. (I forgot to get a shot of the newly-wed-couple...)

Maybe the first shot was better...

Woodgywoodgywoo Wyatt!

Now that's a well-trained bride; always look at the camera!

Sam found a bench outside the Crystal Cave.

Panning for Gems.

Uncle John Helps look for gems.

Photo-opp area after the cave tour.

Figured out the timer on the camera for a group shot.

He brought the Ham and the Cheese...

Springtime

2009-05-17T21:42:00.003-05:00

Our beautiful crab apple tree.

Lilacs are in bloom too, so that's all you smell.

Dude!

Working Daddy's hat...

It's dark in here...

NOW I can see!

Dirty...

2009-05-11T22:05:00.004-05:00

Getting so big...

2009-05-11T20:54:00.011-05:00

Yumm finger-paints...

Dirty!!

Contemplating the back yard.

\\

What's left of Hunter's last ball...look close...

Making a break for it.

Home, home on the range...in Baldwin WI...

Takin' my puppy for a ride!

SO BIG!!

Catching up

2009-04-28T12:46:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Grandpa Aho's birthday a weekend or two ago...we now have a small garden tractor living in our garage that Sam LOVES...and if you notice our ticker, we are expecting another little Aho in November! Not too much new... :)

Went to the playground downtown Baldwin and Sam only wanted to run around in the gazebo...

The new addition to our garage...

If I bounce it, it will go...

Why won't it go?!

Spring-time in Baldwin

2009-04-13T21:54:00.001-05:00

Catching up

2009-04-08T21:20:00.004-05:00

So we were a little behind the times with blogging.

Sam, can you give Hunter kisses?!

Such a strange sense of adventure...he was riding the tyke bike and playing with the basket...then riding the tyke bike IN the basket...Grandma Bacon captured this scene.

Helping Grandma make dinner- she watched him when we were all recovering from the stomach bug...no fun!

Until a distraction of the pan of brownies...

I can do the dishes! Such a good helper.

Concentrating with that tongue out.

Exploring the palms before church started.

Dells!!

2009-03-15T16:57:00.006-05:00

We packed up the family (minus Hunter- Thanks Aho Grandparents for watching him!) and headed to Wisconsin Dells to meet our nephew Rohan and spend time with his family. The Wilderness Lodge where we stayed was awesome- though we joked that our room was about a mile away from Mara & Mike's... :) We got to spend lots of time cuddling little Rohan and watching the little boys play- Mara's sister-in-law has a little guy Jackson who is two months older than Sam and Cousin Cari brought Elyse and Erik on Saturday- he's four months older than Sam. Lots of little boy-ness going on, but no major injuries. Sam played so hard at the waterpark- he loved the giant bucket that would tip and splash the kids area every few minutes, the warning bell would ding and he would look right up there- "wow." Scott was the brave one of the family and went on several of the water slides- go daddy! And we all loved the "lazy-river" water-tube path and Sam cracked up after the waterfalls. Unfortunately he swallowed a good deal of water and we fear that is what may have contributed to a very upset stomach today. But we won't dwell on that- we had a great weekend!!! SO good to see everyone and get my Rohan fix as it's hard to predict when we'll see them again with VERY busy schedules- go Mara go! Oh, and we played at the dry-park- climbing, running, jumping, sliding, falling area which Momma decided she is too (pick your descriptor- old, out-of-shape, slow, lazy, tired, etc.)for but the kids loved it! Thanks to the Syring family for hosting several meals in Mara & Mike and Chris and Michelle's suite! And for the awesome taco dip Gatfly brought- have to get that recipe! We'll have to plan this again in a year or two so Rohan can enjoy it more!!

Checking out the bunks in Mara & Mike and Chris and Michelle's suite (there was another bedroom for Mara and Mike, and no, Jackson did not sleep on the bunk...)

Wanna count my teeth?

No one in this group can make a straight face!

Learning to climb a ladder...thanks Auntie Mara! ;)

Hello there cousin!!

Hi Uncle Mike!

Pucker up!

Uncle Scott bonding...

Fits right on my shoulder!

On one of our three 'fun' stops on the way back home we saw these real life TowMater and Lightening McQueen (from the movie Cars) Sam was impressed.

Sleeping off the weekend...

*Sorry there's no pictures from in the water-park, check out my parents or possibly Mara's blog.

Trip to the Farm

2009-03-08T20:06:00.004-05:00

Scott went up North this weekend for their annual shooting competition they call the "Bunny Hunt" (*note: no bunnies were harmed) so Sam, Hunter and I headed to Amherst for the weekend. We got to see lots of family (and family friends)- Great Aunt Linda and honorary Auntie Stephie (sorry, no pictures- Linda escaped again!), Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Hansen and another cousin Stephanie of mine, and we went to a baby shower for Grandma's friends daughter who is having TWINS! Good luck to Becky and Trent!! We headed back early today after a wonderful breakfast at IHOP with the Grandparents and Great Uncle Roger- Grandpa and Roger got the joy of sitting next to Sam and tending to him...humorous for all! Okay, it was humorous for Grandma and Momma...We headed out early with the threat of a snow storm which fortunately took a differen route than I did- Grandma said they had six to eight inches and I didn't see any the whole way. Now we told Sam he has a few days to rest up before his next busy weekend- The Dells to see Auntie Mara, Uncle Mike and his family and Rohan (oh and Grandma and Grandpa again). We hope he likes the water!!!

Momma packed a picnic dinner for the road so we could get going quicker on Friday- Peanut butter is not the best option in case you were wondering...

Visiting with the Great Grands and Stephanie

Being waited on by his elders... :)

I'm so good with a fork!!

Goodbye Great Uncle Roger!

Weekend Review

2009-02-22T18:48:00.006-06:00

Well, a little beyond the weekend too...Sam's "Uncle Milly" came over on Thursday to help finish mudding the wall, and of course Sam helped too! He is going to be SO sad when this project is over (we'll have to start brainstorming our next project...for Sam...). Saturday was pretty mellow, cleaning up around the house and grocery shopping. Sunday we went to church and got the little girl sitting in the pew ahead of us in trouble- she was sharing toys so nice with Sam, but got a little noisy when we were praying...great distraction for Sam though!! Then it was a rousing trip to Target and back home to nap. We're trying to maybe transition to an afternoon nap instead of morning and occasional afternoon...we'll see. Then this evening Sam helped Momma make some chocolate chip cookies- he does love to help! Now we're just watching cars drive in circles- Sam thinks it's hilarious, but I haven't been able to catch his reaction in a video...

I'm a very good helper...

Like this?

Can never be sure when I'll need to measure something (Look close and you can see his little measuring tape from G&G Bacon)

Kicking back and enjoying a beautiful Saturday.

Waiting so patiently- he was perched on his little stool watching the cookies bake.

Feeling less patient...

You may not be able to see it but he is actually DROOLING for these cookies!

Enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Rewind...Children's Museum!

2009-02-17T20:44:00.006-06:00

Earlier this month when Scott and his dad went snow-mobiling up North Grandma Diane took Sam and me to the Children's Museum in St Paul. We had a blast but underestimated how much it would wear us out (especially Grandma post-knee replacement surgery!). Sam ran NON-STOP and especially enjoyed the Habitot Area (different ramps and slides and area to RUN) and the Ball-o-Rama room where there was a section for the little ones in a netted enclosure were they could throw and roll balls of different sizes and textures- Sam was running around throwing balls and yelling TOUCHDOWN!! What was funny to Grandma and me was that with Sam's first experience in the Skyways of St Paul looking down at the traffic and people walking on the street- we could have spent a whole day just watching him squat down and point and yell at the people on the street (good thing they couldnt hear him!). Grandma and Momma both forgot their cameras but luckily Grandma's phone has a good camera built in! Thanks again for a great day Grandma!!

Random Post

2009-02-15T21:14:00.003-06:00

Everyone else is posting randomness, so here you go! We celebrated Valentine's Day with Scott's folks and Uncle Eric at Famous Daves for a lovely dinner that Sam really got into- especially the corn! Thank you! Most of our time was spent doing laundry and dishes this weekend it feels, but it feels good to have things tidy... Uncle Milly (Matt) came over today to watch the Daytona 500 and help finish the door frame from our project, looks like another night or two and that will be mostly done and then Momma can paint (part of the deal of getting Daddy to sign on for a project he wasn't sold on in the moment...) so if there are any volunteers to come for a painting party, let me know!! Sam was his usual Hammy self- he's such a fun little boy! Hope you had a great weekend too!

Post dinner bonding with Uncle Eric...Sam is stuffed!

Da's attempt at a self-portrait with Sam

Momma's attempt at a self-portrait with Sam

I LOVE strawberries! He even holds them by the stem and usually doesn't eat the stem!

I also love corn...

Sunday project...

2009-02-08T20:13:00.006-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit Sam (and have Chinese) today on their day off and they got a little more than they bargained for! We have been talking for quite a while about knocking a hole in the living room wall to connect to the kitchen by the door to the garage...no time like the present huh?! Scott didn't believe me that I really wanted to start this today until I waked into the kitchen with screwdriver to take the trim off of the wall. After some electric/wiring snafu's it went pretty smoothly and really opened the place up! Sam and Hunter will have hours of fun playing chase! Thanks to Scott and my folks for helping this happen today!!!

What's in there?

That doesn't look safe Da!

Is that sharp?

What if I push here?

I can still reach it!!

Done for the day- Scott's buddy Matt will help finish this next weekend.

Forgot to take before pictures, but it opens now where the Christmas tree was...Awesome!!!

Explanation of the milk shower

2009-02-06T19:54:00.005-06:00

Sam wanted to drink from my glass so when I finished I let him have it and his daddy was filling it from Sam's sippy cup which he thought was hilarious. We do have smaller glasses to use, but his sip and "ahh" was cracking us up!

Milk Shower

2009-02-05T17:05:00.004-06:00

Sam was being such a goof at dinner last night, we had to document it.

2009-02-05T17:05:00.001-06:00

Super-Bowl

2009-02-04T21:28:00.005-06:00

Trouble Trouble Trouble!!!!

Little Linus (from the Peanut's cartoon; with the little blue blanket...)

Watching the big-game with 'Uncle' Milly

The 'Sam-sized' snow-man at the Millins' house (Super-Bowl Sunday)

Big-boy Haircut and Tantrums...

2009-01-26T20:10:00.003-06:00

Sam let us give him an actual with-the-clippers haircut...only required him standing on his stool looking in the mirror, playing with water and bubbles and toys in the sink and Momma and Daddy singing and taking turns clipping. The tantrum pictures are from a few days ago...someone is learning how to express his anger...

Not sure what the facial expression is about, but note the no-longer-luscious-locks.

See how many top-teeth I have!

Feel my anger...

I don't know what to do with all this mad...

Tantrums tire all of us out!