R.I.P BA-lloon

 Maddox and I ran a quick errand this morning and he was lucky enough to walk away with a pretty sweet balloon. To say he was in love with it would completely understate the pure bliss he was having while pulling his balloon around with him.

Unfortunately the love affair was short lived.... He did not listen to Mommy when she told him he couldn't roll on, bite, jump, kick, scratch, or punch it. Let's just say when he laid on it the final time it didn't end pretty. A loud bang and it was over.... RIP BA-lloon, it was great to know you.

Coins

Though I truly do appreciate Nana's lesson in saving money, I am a little over the phrases "Coins, Mommy. Coins! Feed piggy?"

Last weekend when we were back at home my mom taught Maddox where to put his coins and now that he figured out where his piggy bank is here, we can't get enough. Beware he is on the hunt for coins and has no qualms asking people for them!

Great lesson but now I have to figure out how best to hide piggy so we don't have a repeat of nap time this afternoon where I heard a loud crash. I opened the door and found the little stinker carrying his piggy around. Not good since it was on the 2nd shelf of his bookcase. SCARY!

Big Boy Bed

We have made another change at house... Maddox is now in a big boy bed. We made the decision after several nights of discussing how he couldn't jump in his crib/toddler bed we knew we had to do something.

To say he adjusted well would be an understatement.... As you can see he has made himself right at home.

Farmageddon

Last weekend we enjoyed the 2nd annual Hoedown at my parent's farm. This year's theme was Farmageddon so the requested attire was either cowboy/girl or farmer attire which quite a few people partook in this year. There was TONS of GREAT food and even more fantastic friends in attendance. Can't wait till next year's shindig!

In the Books

Well, Day 1 is in the books.

Don't worry I won't recap every day of work from here on out!

For my first day I would say things went really well. No major disasters and no one quit! :) Though I realize I have worked for LEEP for a 3.5 years, today felt much different. I don't know what exactly makes me feel so different but I feel like the possibilities are endless now.

Please remind me of this when I start to get overwhelmed

I am excited to see what these next few days, weeks, and years will bring. Thanks for all of the support on my first day. I can only hope I have as much enthusiasm everyday as I do today!

Changes.....

It's official, I now have a new job!!! A few weeks ago my boss took me to lunch to tell me the news that she was moving on to a new position and that her position as the Executive Director was going to be opening up. Nervous as I was to pursue it I bet on myself and applied.

Yesterday was my interview and they called me to offer me the position last evening! I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life and though I know there will be many challenges, I am ready for the change. Thanks to those that offered their support during my butterflies and I especially appreciate all the kind words when I needed them most!

So, I can finally announce that I am now officially the Executive Director of LEEP in Mankato!! (the wait was killing me!)

Minnesota Zoo

Since the beginning of summer I have wanted to take Maddox to the zoo. I knew he would enjoy it and I was right. Even with only a 45 minute power nap he was SO good and was having a blast! He loves animals so being up close and personal was really "cool".

He figured out that if you moved your hand by the glass the otter would follow it.
He got lots of entertainment out of that.

I have no idea why but Maddox found laying on the ground in front of the exhibits pretty fun. He did it at several but I only captured a few.





The petting zoo went over REALLY big. Maddox may have hugged EVERY goat in the place. Thankfully they were all friendly. :)

Look at me Dad!

Well, hello Mr Tiger. Very nice to meet you!

The day turned out to be a gorgeous day and we had a good time together.We even made it home in time for Justin to watch the Vikings..... yay...... :) Can't wait to go back again!

Cody

My sister's BF Cody is probably one of Maddox's favorite people in the world. Don't get me wrong, he loves April but as soon as she walks in Maddox is already looking or asking for Cody. Even when he isn't around we'll hear him talking about Cody.

We are careful not to mention his name because if we do that is all we hear for the next 12 hours!

The other night we had April and Cody over for dinner and he and Madman got to work playing. It wasn't long before Maddox was copying everything Cody was doing. Had to snap a picture just to show you all. Enjoy!

Thanks Cody for humoring Maddox, he loves you!

Wedding Weekend

This past weekend Justin's best friend got married and he had the all important job of Best Man. I had the honor of being one of Hilary's Personal Attendants so I was able to be part of the action as well. There were 3 of us and I think we did a great job keeping Hil's nervous at bay (well for the most part!)

The Wedding Party- all the boys together again

The Three Amigos!

A quick family photo..... wish we could have kept our eyes open.

Maddox was at the wedding and did get to briefly see all 4 of his grandparents. Thankfully my mom had arranged for a sitter for him so we were able to enjoy the afternoon/ evening. After the ceremony the wedding party jumped on a bus and hung out together before the reception. We hit up a few quick local hot spots and then headed to the Community Center.





Matron of Honor and Best Man

Some of my favorite guys

 I know Justin would never admit it but I think he was a bit nervous about giving his speech. I thought he did a GREAT job and he even went the sentimental route.



One of the coolest parts of the day (which of course I don't have a photo of) was Tommy's dad got up and spoke about Justin and Tommy's childhood relationship.  PB&J's and "Duke's of Hazard" re-runs along with some funny stories. He then talked about the ring that Tommy is now wearing..... it was the same wedding band Tommy's mom had put on his hand 41 years prior. (can you say tear- jearker?!) 

Time to get the party started!

Friends Forever

Thanks to both of you for allowing us to be part of your special day. We wish you the best of luck in your future!!!