BEAR!!!

I just had to throw this photo in. We did actually have a bear cross through our backyard this summer at dinnertime, but it was only a black bear - teeny tiny in comparison to this one lounging in a pool behind protective plexi :-)

More Company!

Cousin Justice spent the first weekend of August with us. We took him and Mateo to Duluth - it was a nice first trip there for both of them. We hit the zoo (note Dad's creative camera angle on the zoo train), the aquarium and Park Point beach - Justice plunged right into the cold waters of Lake Superior (brave soul!) and said he couldn't ever imagine swimming being this good in his entire life. Sweet.

Company!

Cousin Reggie stayed with us for a week at the end of July while attending art camp - we all enjoyed having her here, but Mateo especially loved the extra attention! Mateo kept calling her Justice (her brother's name) - we corrected him all week long, but he didn't quite "get it" until Justice appeared the following weekend :-)

Teo's Too-Tall Tower

Mom scored a giant bag of MegaBlocks at a garage sale - they're one of Mateo's new faves - check out this tower! (I think Dad must've helped out???)

Teddy Bear Park - what fun!

A playdate at Teddy Bear Park with Jonathan, Connor and their Moms. A beautiful day in late Spring or early Summer. (again, don't mind the dates on the photos!)

Children's Museum!

On one of Mateo's first playdates, we joined Adrian and his Mom at the Children's Museum. The boys ran and ran and ran - so much energy - what a great spot for them to tucker themselves out! (pay no mind to the date on the photos - this was before I figured out how this camera works)

Who's 2? Mateo's 2!

Long time, no update! Thank you, Mary, for "encouraging" me to get up to speed :-)

The big news since February was Mateo's 2nd birthday! The extended family joined in the celebration one drizzly day in May with a Boowa & Kwala theme, complete with games, presents, and a menu including banana-marmalade sandwiches, lots of strawberries and, of course, cake! Mateo had a great time entertaining and being entertained - thanks everyone!