Blue Mounds State Park

I wanted to enjoy some fall color and visit a couple of state parks before the snow flies (again). So I planned an trip to Blue Mounds State Park and invited Grandpa and Grandma to come along. The day started out cloudy, but relatively warm - mid 40's on it's way up to mid- 50's. So we headed out, optimistic that the sun would peak out. A few miles from the park, heavy fog set in. We reached the picnic area, got out and quickly lost site of the car, the fog was so thick. Sebastian was tired of being cooped up in the car so he excitedly grabbed his pail and shovel from the back of the car and started running with them while kicking a soccer ball. It was very, very wet, but it didn't bother him one bit. He shoveled wet leaves into his pail and kicked the wet ball through the wet grass. We even played ready-set-go until our shoes and socks were soaked through. Sebastian had a grand time. However, we decided to take our picnic back to Grandma and Grandpa's. I think that was the first time I have ever been the only people in the park. Not even a park ranger to be found.

See above for a picture of our outing. (and you thought I didn't include a picture :)

Run Away Monkey

We braved the Halloween celebration at the zoo! Grandma made Sebastian a monkey costume because he has monkey fever. Just say "zoo" and he says "monkeys".



His cousins came too! So we had Hannah the beautiful butterfly and Caleb Diesel the dog.

Monkey with sticks - watch out!

Butterfly in action

Three little monkeys hang'n on a rail...

We spent most of our time chasing after a certain monkey. However we were not crazy like the rest of the people who were waiting in very long lines for a piece of candy or a coupon.

(yes these pictures were taken by daddy)

Hannah's Birthday Bash

Leaf fun! What better way to celebrate a fall birthday

We all enjoyed pizza and cake afterwards. Hannah picked out all of the cake ingredients and helped her mom make it.

Sebastian enjoyed his ice cream

August Iron River Trip

Sebastian and I took another trip to Iron River with Grandma and Grandpa, from August 20 - September 8. Remember August when it was warm? Sorry it's taken me so long to post this, too many pictures to sort through.

Just a few general notes: Once again, Sebastian loved to run, run, run! He also liked to explore and hike the paths through the woods. This time he was able to go much farther on his own. His favorite activity was picking up sticks and throwing them off to the side, just like Grandpa does. He also loved investigating Grandpa's machines; truck, tractor, trailers, boats, lawn mower, tools, to name just a few. We took him for his first row boat ride and he was lucky enough to see his first deer of the trip! Just like last time, he like to swing, swing, swing. I'll let you in on a little secret, if you want Hannah to come out of the house, just swing on her swing. She will come running!

Here are just a few of the highlights:

We're back!

Back at Moon Beach! We had many nice beach days.
During the week we had it all to ourselves.

Grandpa gave tractor rides! Sebastian quickly learned to say "tractor"

Lawn mower rides! Sebastian coaxed Grandpa into a few rides. For the first ride he was quiet, absorbing. But with each ride he became more animated, waving to me as rode by. Soon he was pointing and telling Grandpa where to go. When his cousins were riding, he got upset and ran after the mower until he got another ride.

Morning smiles

Little helper

Apples fresh from the tree! Sebastian was so excited about apples.

not so excited about the taste though

Lake Superior's frigid waters did not bother Sebastian one bit.
He walked right in, splashed around, filled his buckets...

Making sandcastles with Grandpa.
For some reason Sebastian would only smash the sand castles I made, not Grandpa's.

Sittin' with granny and gramps on the steps of the little cabin,
otherwise know as Grandma and Grandpa's hideaway.

Sebastian is into all things soft.

The cousins enjoying bedtime stories.

Kristine, Dave, Hannah and Caleb came up for labor day weekend. Unfortunately I don't have anyother pictures to post, I took videos after that.

Indain Lake

It was such a warm and sunny day so Sebastian, Grandma and I went to Indian Lake to celebrate, as these days are numbered.

It's always about the sticks...

We found a nice bench to have a snack on

Enjoyed the sun...

In the evening, daddy came home a little early so we all headed out to play on the Capitol lawn. Gotta soak up the warm weather the warm weather while we can...

Sebastian the Polar Bear

It was a beautiful, sunny fall day with brilliant colored trees. Even though the temp was only in the 30's, we decided to run to the zoo. Sebastian still has monkey fever, and today they did not disappoint. They put on quite a show swinging, eating and talking. Although Sebastian talks about monkeys all the time, he doesn't seem as interested up close. Unfortunately the play equipment inside the children's zoo was closed for maintenance again. So to make up for it, we went on a private train ride. We also saw the tiger pacing by the window, a real crowd pleaser. On the way out we stopped by the polar bear. His cage was being hosed down, which interested Sebastian more than the polar bear.

Sebastian as a "happy" polar bear

Sebastian as a "thoughtful" polar bear

Sebastian the two headed polar bear

Pizza Fun

It's always a fun time when the three cousins get together.

The party ended up in Hannah's room,
where butterfly Hannah was serve'n up pizza.

Olbrich Gardens

We took a family trip to Olbrich Gardens on Sunday so Sebastian could run among the beautiful gardens and water features. He especially loved the ponds with the low stone walls, perfect for climbing over and jumping in.

Notice the high quality of these photos, they were taken by daddy.

Sticks, always sticks...

We worked up quite an appetite so we decided to go to the Avenue Diner for brunch. Sebastian did surprisingly well. Our waitress took very good care of him by bringing him crackers to start out with. Daddy put butter on the crackers to increase the appeal. She also slipped him some strawberries and blueberries. Sebastian happily ate his pancake that was the size of a plate and then proceeded to eat some of my toast as well.

Pumpkins and apples

Sebastian and I went to the market today. After our shopping was finished, we stopped to organize. Sebastian was excited about all of the produce, especially the ornamental pumpkins and apples.

Now we just need to work on what is edible and what is not...

After biting into an onion and a pumpkin, he got it figured out. He gnawed on that apple for the next half hour. I don't think much was actually ingested, but his teeth got a workout.