Northfield Minnesota Flooding Sept 24th 2010

To get inside a child's brain

Eric and I managed to make it to church yesterday after a summer off from the 10 am service. Admittedly, it felt good to get back. While Henry enjoyed the new toys in the nursery and the undivided attention of Tammy (the nursery lady), we got back into the groove of worship. Eric and I found ourselves [almost] crying and laughing. Crying because a lady expressed a heartfelt family concern to the congregation through tears. Laughing because the children brought a special gift the service. During the children's sermon the conversation went something like this:

Preacher: "How could the adults show you that they care and love you?"

Child: "By eating the broccoli and spinach off of our plates for us!"

Ha! Of course, that is not quite the answer they were looking for. But let's be honest. Eating the veggies off of your child's plate means love.

This also made me think of my three year old nephew Marvin. While hanging out with him last week he pulled a few funny comments. And my favorite: (setting: we were leaving and going our own way)

Anna (a.k.a. Marvin's mom): Okay, Marvin. What do you say?

Marvin: Sorry

Hmmm...does he get into trouble much? He didn't really understand why we were all laughing. But then he picked up on the proper response and bid us farewell. Ah, kids.

Happy baby

He's so happy.

Dogs

Henry has a mild obsession with the dogs. Whenever we head downstairs, the dogs are typically waiting for us. Henry will flail his arms and screech in excitement... and the dogs scratch at the baby gate with equal excitement. Walter's excitement stems purely from his need to lick. He can't wait to get to Henry to give him a proper bath--Henry takes it like a man and will clench his eyes shut with the random hand swat toward Walter's tongue. Then there's Ardy...he does whatever Walter does: "Walter's excited? Well then I'm excited too!" (that's me pretending to get inside of Ardy's little head). Anyway, we often get asked how the dogs are around Henry. Walter loves him. Ardy tolerates him. Henry loves to [aggressively] pet them.

Labor Day Weekend

We were supposed to join the Swiderskis at their cabin for Labor Day weekend, but a "mis-read" in Eric's schedule meant that the trip wouldn't work and we were staying home.... But it so happened that one of Eric's good friends, Ryan, was able to make the trek from Texas to visit for the weekend.

It was a relaxing weekend full of "showing off" Northfield and just plain enjoying life...

The three of us before our big night out. We were home by 10:00 pm.

We love Ryan for many reasons. One of them being that he has the best action shots. It's an important quality in a friend.

Mmmm....banana bread!

Walter and Ryan have always had a special connection. Honestly, it's a bit odd. Walter consistently waited for Ryan at the bottom of the stairs all weekend. And when he wasn't waiting for him, he was in his arms, on his lap, at his feet....

Henry shot....

A note to all friends: If you come visit us, we will put you to work. Our fantastic neighbor gave us a heads up on a FREE swingset on Craigslist...we swiped it and the guys set it up. Here's Eric in his classic "Ta da!" pose with the finished product.

Northfield has an awesome Saturday market. As a true Texan would, Ryan purchased the jalapeno jelly from Ruthie.

Root beer envy...

Crabby man on campus (a.k.a. "The Teether" in the wrestling ring)

Big man on campus (a.k.a. "Lean, mean fighting machine")

Stroller pushing boot camp