2.5

Weight: 32.5 pounds

Height: 38.75 inches

And just like that summer is over... You have grown up so much over the past few months, it makes my heart hurt. I miss my baby Jax, but I love the spunky and sweet little boy you are becoming.

Summer always seems to go by way too fast, but this summer was a complete blur! We went on a quick little trip to Duluth with Grammy & Papa and Nicole & Tim at the beginning of the summer. You loved chasing seagulls in Canal Park and jumping in puddles on the pier. A bike ride along the shore of Lake Superior was another highlight.

Your favorite afternoon activity this summer has been running through the sprinkler in our backyard. As soon as you get up from your nap, you're out the backdoor asking me to turn the water on. You often end up chasing me around the yard with the water, but how can I resist when it makes you this happy?

We celebrated daddy's birthday and Grammy's big 60th birthday this summer, too.

We spent the last week of August in a cabin up North (which you quickly dubbed "my little house"). Many thanks, to the dear Hennigar family, for inviting us up to their resort. It was the perfect way to end the summer! You spent your days swimming,

going on boat rides and paddle-board rides, fishing,

exploring,

catching crayfish,

playing fetch with random dogs on the beach,

hanging out with your bud Christopher,

 and what would vacation be without a little relaxing? You were in heaven!

You also got to meet Paul Bunyan. (At the rate you're growing, I think you may be as tall as him some day).

Another day, we went on a bike ride in Itasca State Park and stopped at the Mississippi Headwaters.

It was a really hot day, so we couldn't really blame you for jumping into the water (in all of your clothes).

After all that swimming, you took a little nap in the Burley while we biked (up hills in 90 degree weather) to lunch.

It truly was a getaway- we had no tvs and very spotty internet and cell service. It was wonderful! (Although, I really missed having air-conditioning). I have to admit that we did bring our laptop and you and Chris enjoyed a few movies throughout the week. During one of these movie sessions, you came out of your room and announced, "My eat little rock. In tummy now." I stopped mid sentence and asked you to repeat what you said (I wanted to make sure that I had just heard what I thought I heard). I had. We weren't quite sure what to think. You had been collecting rocks in your pockets all week, so it was very possible that there was a rock in your room. You were also eating a trail mix with peanuts and almonds, so maybe you thought those looked like rocks. When Christopher's daddy went in the room he held up a rock and said, "Eat it." So, he may have fed you a rock. Or maybe you were just playing a joke on us. We decided to go with the last option and to just keep a close eye on you. Luckily, we were going home the next day so we would be close to your doctor if we decided it was necessary.

Everything seemed to be moving smoothly and you were your normal self the following week. We didn't think much of it until, exactly one week after the rock incident, you said (while wincing), "Tummy hurt. Cut rocks out now." You then handed me your toy saw with a very serious look on your face. I panicked envisioning a rock stuck somewhere in your intestines. Daddy walked in the door right around this time (thankfully) and we headed to urgent care. The nurses and doctors seemed quite concerned with our story and I felt like the worst mom ever for not bringing you in sooner. (Every time someone came into the room I was afraid it was going to be child protective services). Three hours later, after an exam (where you pointed out to the doctor where you thought the two rocks were) and a chest and an abdomen x-ray, you were diagnosed with...CONSTIPATION. Thank goodness that is all that it was, but seriously kid?!?!

Earlier this week you had a run in with the sidewalk (after toppling out of your stroller and landing square on your nose)...

I think the sidewalk won. I'm just glad you didn't break your cute little nose.

About a month ago you had your last day with teacher Celeste at the community center. She is such a wonderful teacher and we will miss her!

In just a few days you start preschool (how is that possible) at Berry Patch. At least it's just two mornings a week! You were a little apprehensive at the orientation (which was shocking). Once you found the box of musical instruments and the play grill in your classroom you warmed up immediately. When I left for the parent orientation part you hardly looked my way and you're excited to go to your new school next week.

I'm looking forward to what this year brings!

I love you, sweetheart!
Mom

August Monthly Challenge- Motion Blur

Capturing motion blur from carnival rides at night has been on my "to photograph" bucket list for quite some time, so I was really excited that this month's challenge coincided with the Minnesota State Fair. Unfortunately, I forgot my tripod (a key component when using slow shutter speeds). Woops!! Thankfully, there were several recycling containers scattered throughout the midway that were about the right height... My photo session ended abruptly when it started to pour. Even though the thunderstorm cut my session short, the ominous clouds provided a perfect backdrop for the bright lights.

Thanks for looking! Next, head over to Angie's page. Then check out the other ladies in our circle: Caristy, Gina, Megan, Sarah, and Ana.

Calling All My Girls!

Last Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the Calling All My Girls Tour, hosted by Bethenny Frankel, to kick-off her talk show (which premieres September 9). A few weeks prior to that, I received an e-mail from Bethenny's social media specialist. She had somehow come across my blog and said that they loved it and thought that the Bethenny audience would as well. I'll admit I was a little skeptical because I assume that my mother is the only one who actually reads my blog. After a little google research, however, I realized that this was a legitimate event. I was so excited (I have been a Bethenny fan since her days on the Real Housewives of New York). I immediately returned the e-mail and was told that I would be on the VIP list for this exclusive event.

I could hardly wait for the big night. My friend Jen and I, who was my guest, exchanged several texts in the days leading up to the event in regards to wardrobe choices and what we were going to say when we got the chance to meet Bethenny. We could hardly contain our excitement as we sipped champagne and got ready for the event.

Jen and Jackson had a dance part in the backseat on the way downtown. (My hubby was nice enough to give us a ride).

The event was held at Union, a 3 story restaurant with an amazing rooftop. It was the perfect location. When we entered we were given wristbands and "blogger passes" along with a little card that allowed us to meet Bethenny when our phrase was called. Then, we were handed glasses of Skinny Girl Moscato and were ushered to the pink carpet.

Afterwards, we ran into the lovely woman, Meghan, who invited me to the event. She made us feel so welcome and let us know that the rooftop was where all the action was going to be so we headed up there.

We were greeted by waiters passing around delicious appetizers and various Skinny Girl cocktails. The weather was perfect and we found a nice little sitting area to relax and enjoy our drinks and apps. I was officially in heaven!

We also met, Melanie, another blogger at Beautifully Nutty. We immediately clicked and spent most of the evening laughing with her.

 Soon, it was time for Bethenny herself to come join the party...

Do Jen and I look a little excited, or what? (Hey, we're moms that don't get out that much. Can you blame us?) Bethenny was exactly like I expected. Sassy, smart, and hilarious! For example, she said that saying "Twin Cities" reminded her of Twin Titties, so she gave away several pairs of nipple tassels... (Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky winners).

After telling some stories, promoting her new talk show, and introducing the crowd to the bachelors it was time for the meet and greet. While we waited for our turn, we sipped some delicious Skinnygirl Cucumber Refreshers (That's What She Said). I highly recommend trying out this recipe:

Then it was time! After all the planning what to say, my nerves got the best of me, and I think I just blurted out "I love you!" Awkward... She was super sweet, though!

The night was a whirlwind! Before we knew it we were headed out the door with our swag bags.

I was quickly jolted back to reality several hours later when I was awoken by a sick dog at 2am, 3:30am, and 5am... I'll spare you the details, but it was not pretty... Hey, living the glam life was nice for the few hours it lasted! I can't wait to watch her show when it starts in a few weeks! Bethenny will air weekdays at 3pm on channel 9.

July Monthly Challenge- Mobile Phone Photography

I take lots of pictures with my iphone, but I took even more than usual this month because my "go to" lens was off in Texas getting fixed. (I won't get in to the major separation anxiety this caused). Mobile phone photography is great for capturing those everyday moments when you don't have your "big girl" camera with you (for whatever reason). Let's be honest, there are many times that I just don't feel like lugging it with me or am afraid for my precious camera's safety.

Like when I'm at a splash pad with water squirting everywhere,

or at the park with a bunch of toddlers...

or at a concert...

It also offers an opportunity to get snapshots of ME with my little guy.

Mobile phone photography is also awesome for its ability to quickly share shots (of your toddler's festive 4th of July accessories) with family and friends.

As you can see, these are definitely not works of art or even close to being technically perfect, but that's the beauty of iphonography. I can take snapshots of my everyday life without worrying about things like proper white balance, exposure, and composition. Moments that wouldn't otherwise be captured.

Thanks for looking! Next, head over to Angie's page to see what she has in store for us. Then check out the other ladies in our circle: Caristy, Gina, Megan, Rebecca, and Ana.

June Monthly Challenge- Shallow Depth of Field

This month's challenge wasn't too much of a stretch for me because I often shoot with a shallow depth of field. (Which is sometimes to my detriment because I tend to err on the side of too shallow, which can leave important details fuzzy). However, I just love the softness and pretty bokeh that's created when shooting this way. Here are some of my recent favorites!

f/2.2

f/2.8

f/3.2

f/3.5

Thanks for looking! Next, head over to Angie's page to see her interpretation of the theme. Then check out the other ladies in our circle: Caristy, Angela, Gina, Anne-Lise, Courtney, Megan, Rebecca, Muriel, Sarah, and Ana.