Joe

Kai has been planning for days the perfect father's day celebration for Joe. On his own, he decided we would have breakfast out (a huge treat) at the new Turtle Bread Bakery which opened just down the street, then we would head to Ft. Snelling State Park and buy a new annual state park sticker and hike to the river.

Kai jumped out of bed this morning and had Joe close his eyes all the way to the bakery and then into the bakery. I really thought he might burst from excitement. And, it just kept getting better. Ft. Snelling State Park was a favorite place for Joe and I to hike (or ski and snowshoe) before we had kids and now we agree it's the perfect family park. It's only 10 minutes from our house, but we feel hours away.

It was the perfect place to celebrate Joe and the fact that he is just about the most kind, devoted, fun, silly, and caring dad that our two kids could ever wish for. I know I couldn't be half the mom I am without him by my side. While hiking today, I leaned over to smooch Joe and when I did, I peeked down at Kai and saw him beaming while grabbing for Joe's hand and then Ruby June snagged Joe's hat off his head with a giggle. It was just a second, but it left me with such a huge amount of gratitude for the trees, our two kiddos, the water, our love and most of all, for Joe.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Here is a video I made for my dad- we couldn't ask for a better Pops!

We love you. Happy Father's Day~

Underwear

Kai and I didn't take off our swim suits today and in my mind, this equals just about the best summer day there could be!

We spent the day in the pool, playing on the slip and slide, running through the sprinkler with our good friends Walter and Owen, going on a walk, drinking mojitos at Jane's house next door (well, the adults did and the kids drank homemade limeade), eating spaghetti outdoors, and doing a little painting.

I hope we get to have days like this over and over again all summer....

(and if you wonder why I have so many more photos of RJ posted than Kai, well, check out the smile (or lack of smile) that Kai gives me every time I say, "cheese!")

Summer Lovin'

Here are some snapshots from our summer so far (and a couple from the spring) - It is going to be a fun summer here. I felt like last summer Ruby June was mainly sleeping or in the sling..and now, we have bigger stretches of time to explore, swim, play, and hang out with friends. Come and play with us!

My favorite photo of Ruby ever! Ruby loves the dirt best of all.

Ruby June and her best buddy Eloise - sharing a kiss

Leesa keeps Ruby June looking way more fashionable than anyone else in this family!

Our lilacs were amazing this year- we filled our house with them.

RJ & Kai's favorite lunch place

Warm Fuzzies

So, there are a few things this week giving me warm fuzzies:

1. We're back from an incredible week in Ely with Joe, Kai, Ruby J, my Dad, and Kit. It was one of those weeks that you dream of deep in the winter and then it comes true. We did plenty of swimming, paddling (my Dad taught Kai how to paddle in his own canoe), hiking, eating, and just plain playing.

2. We had a puppet show on Monday right here on our block. We closed down the street and I hoped for 50 people, but 250 + came! Seriously. It was a lot of fun and a lot of root beers. At one point, I looked over the crowd and thought I might burst from happiness that I have so many lovely people in my life.

3. My mom is in Spain right now and we have been without child care (for the two days a week I work) and my friends have stepped right in to care for Kai and RJ. You know, I have some of the kindest, most generous, and loving friends....on Tuesday mornings, we have a play date with families from Sunny Hollow and I arrived to the park after working and saw so many loving moms playing and caring for my children. It's just how I always wished my life with children to look like- for my children to be loved and also then to love other important adults in their lives. Like I have mentioned to many of my dear friends- my friends and family help me to be the mom I want to be. Smoches!

Thanks to Darcie Norby for these lovely photos (and the lovely care)!

It's summer!