PRECIOUS

Going for a walk with Grandpa Russ, Grandma Kathy, and Adam is fun.  But you taking Adam for a walk is even better, now that you're a self-described, "big girl."

You taking Adam for a stroll on the golf course at the Lafayette Club.

CELEBRATE

Celebrating the 4th of July with the cousins and requisite goofy headpieces.  It just isn't a celebration, unless there's accessories for the ladies!

SHOW TIME

No trip to Minnesota in the summer time is ever complete without your dad catching a few runs out on the lake...

Barefooting

Getting in every last minute of daylight, before calling it a night

SAND LAKE

This year our annual trip to Sand Lake with Uncle Erin, Aunt Lori, and Saiyan involved...

 Walking the dogs around the campground.

 Playing on a really windy beach.

 Watching your dad try not to injure himself.

 Going off-roading in Lori's SUV.

Horsing around with Cousin Saiyan.

 Giving the outhouse a try.

Watching cartoons.

 Trying to, as you put it, "Let's run away Saiyan.  Quick!"

Playing with Erin's toys.

And waiting for Mommy and Daddy to wake up so you could do it all over again.  Yes, all three of us fit into this tent.  It's akin to a clown car when you see how big the tent is Erin, Lori and Saiyan use. 

15 MINUTES

Who would bring their 2.5-year old to an outdoor taping of A Prairie Home Companion? Only your Minnesotan-born father. Who would get a lucky opportunity to shake Garrisson Keillor’s hand as he waled around the audience? Only your father.
 

Yes, you had a star encounter with the legendary Garrisson. Your dad was holding you, while shaking his hand. He thought he would have better odds of catching Garrisson’s eye with a cute kid in his hands. It must have worked. It’s nice to know you’re good for something. Where was I to capture this magical moment? Getting a slice of pizza.

PRECIOUS

BIG GIRL BED

After 2.5 years, your dad and I finally have our bed to ourselves.  Yes, we inadvertently fell into co-sleeping.  But when faced with the choice of us getting no sleep on work nights as you learned to sleep by yourself, or getting a full night of sleep and putting up with you in our bed, it was pretty much a no-brainer when mommy and daddy have a king-sized bed. 

As for all those blankets?  It's your deal.  You have to have every single blanket available, on your bed.  There are some mornings when I wonder if this is such a good idea...

Yes, you are under there somewhere.  I think.