riding in fire trucks

One of the perks of living across the street from a daycare, other than an extra set of eyes to spot your toddler darting across the street straight into oncoming traffic, is getting in on some fun things they organize for their kids. Such as having fire fighters bring a real live fire engine to the front door. And not even to put out a fire.

My oldest girl is a great helper with her younger siblings. She is also has a cute little bottom that I'm sure she will someday thank me for posting on the internet. You're welcome.

As exciting as it is to see a big red engine go cruising past with lights flashing and sirens blaring, Elliot isn't quite so sure he's fond of being inside a truck possessing such great super powers.

These awesome fire fighters turned on the fire hydrant for the kids. And as cool as it was to watch hundreds (thousands?) of gallons of water gush onto the street...

...the real fun was yet to come. Because in our neighborhood when there's an overabundance of water, it all runs down the street and forms a great big puddle...

...where there is all kinds of splashing to be had.

The end.

2010 state fair {minnesota}

The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Where the general public pays, with money, to weave their way in and out of great throngs of sweaty people so that they can wander through smelly animal exhibits, shake hands with a (hopefully not) corrupted politician or two, go on a few overpriced rides, play a few overpriced games and, of course, stuff their faces with all sorts of overpriced cuisine. Most of which comes on a stick. And let's be honest. The food? Is the real reason the masses keep coming back. From the cheese curds to the pronto pups to the roasted corn on the cob, it's all delicious. Well, it's almost all delicious. Fried bacon on a stick? Pass.

Now this however, is worth coming back for. Strawberries and cream crepe. Swoon. This was one of our first food stops of the day. It came shortly after the cheese curds and lemonade. Which came at about 9AM. Why? Because we went to the fair with crazy people (I'm looking at you A).

Despite the fact that it was early September when we went, the day was relatively chilly. Wyatt spent some time warming up by cuddling in his daddy's jacket.

In heritage square, Miss I charmed the socks off of this unsuspecting gentelman.

We had to make a stop in the Miracle of Birth barn. We saw baby cows, sheep, pigs and goats. Aaron may or may not have actually managed to convince some poor souls that he was working at the fair and fed them a line of baloney about goats.

We've been to the fair a number of times before and somehow have always missed the fact that it was home to a place bearing my husband's nickname, The Blue Flame. If you're wondering how my husband wound up with that nickname, let me give you a hint. Think "gas" and lighters.

This girly waited very patiently to do some high jumping. All the waiting was worth it however. It was likely her favorite 5 minutes of the whole day.

Miss O was perfectly happy just hanging out wherever we were.

G was still smiling even after an entire day in the stroller.

Our very last food stop of the day was for cookies and milk. We opted for a "small" order of cookies rather than an entire bucket this time. And they were delightful.

*Disclaimer: I don't know why the text isn't all the same. It is driving me batty. But not batty enough to spend the time to fix it.

over the river and through the woods

When it comes to raising five children, it is necessary to find free and inexpensive ways to build memories. One of our family's favorite such ways is going "over the river and through the woods" to grandma's house. We are blessed to have a number of grandmas to choose from. One such grandma is Grandma "Pancakes". Grandma Pancakes is Aaron's maternal grandma. She makes the most delicious pancakes and waffles hence the nickname given to her by our children. One of her secrets? She saves bacon grease and uses that to lube up the frying pan.

Grandma Pancakes also has an abundance of raspberry bushes. Our kids love going out and picking the ripe berries off the bushes. Maya is especially fond of berry picking.

Wyatt was content this day to just hang out in his daddy's arms and watch all the action.

Grandma Pancakes has four children and a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so she knows all the tricks. Like saving honey bear bottles and letting the kids drink their orange juice out of them. More exciting than a silly straw.

Grandma Pancakes always has real maple syrup and homemade applesauce available to smother the pancakes or waffles with. And here's another Grandma Pancakes tip: for those kiddos who want theirs cut up, a pizza cutter makes the task a snappy one.

Of course, if you're not feeling all that hungry for breakfast food, you can always gnaw on the back of a wooden chair.

After filling their bellies, it's time for some fun outside!

The fact that she's wearing a dress doesn't slow down Maya's ability to have fun!

And once again, this boy just observes. Somehow I get the feeling that he is not going to be quite so willing to sit and watch this summer.

superhero {superstar}

When two worlds collide.

thirst no more

Step 1: Find Mama's water bottle. Check out the mechanics of said water bottle.

Step 2: Dump water out of bottle onto playground. Be sure to shake out every last drop.

Step 3: Get down on hands and knees and assess the situation.

Step 4: Prepare to go in for the kill drink.

Step 5: Using your hand as a filter, slurp the water off the ground. And thirst no more.

dog days {ice cream bars}

I know what you're thinking. Is this the only child she ever photographs? Well, no. Not exactly. This IS, however, the child who is most often near me when I have my camera out. And the one who tends to engage in the most interesting activities.

So what's a mom to do with her very, ahem, active 2 1/2 year old on a hot sunny day? Why, stick him out on the deck with a strawberry bar of course!

And what's a boy to do with his

strawberry bar when he's finished with his treat? Why, set it down on the newly-painted deck table of course!

All done!

mr. fixit