At the Zoo!
Posted by Gretel
Ilyana was thrilled this weekend when she got to got to the Milwaukee Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa. Of course, she didn’t spend too much time looking at the animals. She was very excited about the merry-go-round, the train, the playground, and all the other kids around. Grandma got some great shots while they were out. The best part for us was that not only did Ilyana have a great time, Grandma and Grandpa decided to take her without us so we could have a day off. It was wonderful to have a whole day together.
This will be the last road trip until “Bob” is born. Then we’ll see how she and her big sister travel together.
Enjoy some pictures!
Reading Curious George with Grandma and Grandpa
Looking at a couple animals.
Merry-go-round with Grandma.
Train with Grandpa!
More train (have I mentioned she likes trains?)
Yep, more train!
At the playground getting help on the bars, just like gymnastics class.
A new kind of see-saw.
A view of our bluffs.
Ilyana helping dig up roots in our neighbor’s garden.
Ren Faire!
Posted by Gretel
Unlike the most recent couple years, we actually made it to the Renaissance Faire in Bristol this year. Last year Ilyana wasn’t at a good place to handle noise or crowds, and in years before the heat kept us away with a little one. Overall, we’re very happy to have gone back.
The only downside of this year is that we didn’t actually get to sit down for a whole show. We met up with some friends, ate great food, and headed out around 1:00. If I’d been able to handle the heat better (5.5 mos pregnant + heat + walking = tired mom), we would have stayed longer. Next year, if Ilyana has shaken her nap needs and the baby will sleep in her stroller, we will go in costume for a much longer day.
In the meantime, enjoy these pictures from the Faire!
Ilyana playing in the kids area – with her favorite “rawr” picture pose.
Story time at the pirate ship…..
…where Ilyana decided the sand was much more interesting.
Ren Faire Corn!
Food on the go – the wagon made Ren Faire doable with little legs.
Gotta have the snow cone. Not quite period, but very refreshing.
Ilyana’s favorite part – Dancing to music!
On the way out, the obligatory kids ride. She had a great time despite the heat.
July Visits
Posted by Gretel
We’ve had some fun around the area lately, and had some visitors as well. Baba and Yiayia came to see our new digs, and Grandma Ann is just finishing a visit as well. The summer speed is pretty slow around the college, but there are plenty of things keeping us busy. A trip to Renfaire is in the works, as is a visit from Grandma Sue. Ilyana is in heaven having all her grandmas come within a month’s time!
Below are some pictures from around the area. We went to an art fair at Norskedalen’s Skumsrud Heritage Farm, and also saw the view from Granddad Bluff. The natural beauty of this area is just breathtaking.
Grandma and Ilyana being silly
One of the buildings at the farm…
…where this was the view from the porch.
Lovely farmland as well.
On the way back from the farm.
Our new favorite toy…bubble wrap!
Granddad Bluff
More bluff views.
The view from the top.
The top view of Viterbo.
Playing in the sand at the top of the bluff because, you know, it’s there.
Ilyana’s favorite pose…rar!