Remembering summer in Ely...

These photos were all taken by Aimée Park during a summer trip to Ely. I just love them all and had to post them! I wish Colorado wasn't so far away (and I'm sure Brody would agree since he just loves Aimée and might cooperate better with her being the photographer). Now we're on to fall, apple orchards, pumpkins, and more....

Brody Starts Preschool

At the farm ready for his first day of preschool.

At home before heading to the farm.

Sweet backpack, right?! Omi found it awhile ago and it's just the perfect size!

Omi took him to preschool at the Lonsdale Christian Learning Center. First day, Friday, September 6, 2013.

Brody had his first day of preschool on Friday, September 6, 2013 at the Lonsdale Christian Learning Center in the morning. Omi took him and he did just great! After two Fridays of preschool I hear from the teacher and Brody that he's pretty excited to be Line Leader next week! He's with the 4/5 year old class and going on Friday only, but I think he won't notice an age difference and will enjoy the least crowded day of the week.

Happenings at the Park house...

I'm getting grief about Maverick's long hair (even though we've cut it and buzzed it), so I thought I'd take a moment to put some pretty clips in it:)

Aww, isn't he precious?!

Brody loves to fix hair, yes loves. Kelly was patient enough to let him fix her hair for a long long time!

Clearly this is a house with boys. It isn't enough to give Ellie a ride, Maverick needs to be in the cart, too.

I can't believe I got Brody to stop for 10 seconds so I could capture a great smile.

Brody got rollerblades and he's always wanting to use them. Hopefully his determination will payoff and he picks up on it quickly.

Only a picture can capture the awesomeness of that belly on my otherwise skinny mini.

This is the first season Brody has liked corn so much. And by "so much" I mean that he eats it clean to the cob and around all of the edges!

We manage to keep busy pretty much all of the time even without making plans!

Minnesota State Fair 2013

Barry & Brody went on the giant slide. Brody loved it.

Brody & Mara pose for a pic.

Farmer Brody carries Mara around in his wagon.

Planting seeds at the farm.

I don't know which one had more fun.

We had a great time at the Minnesota State Fair! Brody really enjoyed Little Farm Hands and we all enjoyed sharing a variety of food; cheese curds, mini donuts, and more!

Fun at Sue & Julie's

His very own sprinkler.

Showing off his body suit.

I'm sure he has "a great idea" here.

Swimming in the middle of the lake.

Mav enjoys a paddle boat ride with Aunt Sue. Brody pulls them on/off the beach over and over again.

A picture just to know that I'm around in the background, too.

Mav catches a nap on Papa's shoulder.

Brody handing skipping rocks to Papa.

Omi helping Brody with his Go-Gurt.

Mav enjoys getting sand everywhere ~ his mouth, his hair, his hands, and even in his diaper.

He also likes to throw sand.

And he doesn't mind that it's a pain to wash those clothes!

Brody & Mav are lucky boys. Not only do we get to spend time on the lake in Ely during the summer, we also get to spend time on the lake at Sue & Julie's. Brody is getting braver in the water and Mav loves nothing more than to play in the sand and walk the dock.

Ely August Visit

Monkey

Ellie & Mav

Sit still for a photo? No!

Run away from a photo? Yes!

He thinks it's funny that I'd try to take a picture of him sitting still with his yes open.

Mosquitoes love Mav, especially the forehead. 

Such a ham.

Walking down to the lake.

Brody giving out his landscaping expertise. 

Surveying the property with Grandma Cindy

This is Brody fishing...making someone else hold the pole.

Ok, he really did catch quite a few fish on his own. Grandpa Steve took them off the hook.

First ride on the pontoon, complete with snack time.

Brody did well swimming on his own in the deep water.

Jumping in off the dock with daddy.

Swimming with Grandpa Steve.

He had moments of hesitation, but if you don't ask him and just do it, he usually ends up having a blast!

Outside the wake.

Is that a boy having fun or what?!

Leave it to daddy to push the limits.

More tubing!

Brody & Grandma Cindy took the inflatable boat to a nearby floating dock...."don't lose the paddle!".

Making Grandma Cindy do all the work.

Making Grandpa Steve do all the work pulling him around the dock.

We made a visit to Ely in August and the weather was picture perfect! Brody got to do everything on his wish list. He went tubing, he swam in a nice wetsuit, he went fishing, he went on the pontoon, he took a sauna, he went for a nature hike, he picked and ate lots of berries, and lots of other fun stuff. Maverick had a blast, too!