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We did a quick photo shoot of the boys Friday at the farm so I could have a nice photo of the two of them together.  These are my two favorite photos from the 10 minute shoot:)  I learned a few new tips to get Brody to cooperate; 1. Have Smarties in your pocket.  2. Promise a tractor ride if he is good.

Brothers

Summer Fun

 This pool is not meant for 2 people, especially an adult!

 Claire and Max enjoying Papa's tractor.  Funny I didn't get a photo of Brody, but he enjoys it equally!

Brody driving Claire on the motorcycle.  He LOVES this toy!

Brody Chases A Wolverine

Sorry its just a link, but I assure you it's not a virus. ;)

http://db.tt/fvuu2NPW

Water Slide, Toddler Style

Best idea I've had in a long time!  Need I say more?

Living Life, Enjoying Moments

 The best part of helping Daddy make cookies?  It's a toss up between licking the beater and sampling the dough.  It's not even about the final result of the baked cookie, it's all about the process!

 Maverick catching some Zzzz with Daddy.  When his little arms stretch out around you in a hug it just melts your heart!

 Little Mav started with a few good smiles while we were up in Ely around July 7th and now he's giving them out like a pro as long as you catch him with his tummy full, diaper clean, and awake!

 A rare moment of Brody holding Maverick:)

So far during our time off as a family of 4 (an amazing gift after doing the whole commute between Duluth and Apple Valley for 2 years, then a crazy month of Barry studying unlike I've ever seen anyone study before, then Barry's first month of rotation) we've spent a lot of good time having random moments of fun in between just every day life.  We've enjoyed water activities primarily and will top that off with a visit to Ely!  It'll go by way too fast, that I know for sure!

MN Zoo with Uncle Zach

 Uncle Zach getting Maverick to stop crying, it worked!

 Brody and the Wolverine at the zoo ran back and forth together.

Checking out the moose.

Uncle Zach stayed at our house before flying back to work.  We all went to the MN Zoo and had a fun morning even though it was sooooo HOT!  We went to the dinosaur exhibit and learned that either the zoo got things wrong or we were all outdated on our dinosaur knowledge.

My Boys

Ely Visit

 Fishing off the dock at The Point on Burntside Lake with Daddy and Grandma Cindy

 Zach & Aimee got a floating alligator for Brody to use in the lake.  He was pretty nervous, but he managed to warm up and have some fun!

 Playing trains with Zach & Aimee.  I'm not sure who's more excited about taking out old toys (trains, cars, Lincoln Logs), Brody or Barry, Zach and Eric!

 Aimee meeting Maverick

 Mommy & Maverick, a morning snuggle

 Grandpa Steve & Brody ready to go out and do some chores.

 Moving dirt...

 Hauling wood...

 Picking up storm branches...

 And loading them into the wagon.

 Checking out the sauna converted into a bunk house.  Someday he'll get to sleep in the bunk house at the lake!

 My Mav-man rocking it.

 Grandpa Steve and Mav

 Catching rock bass with Grandpa Steve

 While on the dock Brody spotted the deer swimming in the lake.  I have never seen this before!

 Floating the little boat by the shore, but mostly just getting wet.

Grandma Cindy & Mav

Uncle Eric prepping the alligator for a ride.

July 5th we picked up Eric at the airport in the cities and we all headed up to Ely the following morning.  Maverick and Brody did well on the drive...just kidding, Brody screamed his brains out until I finally stopped past Forest Lake.  Maverick was a champ though!  Everyone was up at the lake so we got to spend it with the whole family.  Brody was sooooooo naughty!  I fear the worst for the terrible 2 1/2s!  He's smart so he knows when he's in a place where we're going to let a little more slide.  Time to reign in the beast and get our cute little boy back!  The weather was great in Ely so we had a lot of fun sitting by the water and sitting on the deck relaxing.