July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 4, Thursday - Playtime

Here's a good mohawk picture...

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 4, Thursday - Video of Jack making Charlie laugh

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 4, Thursday - Going to the ice cream shop

We had an early dinner and took the stroller brigade to a local ice cream shop that just opened this past winter while Grandma was in Houston. It was lots of fun. Everyone enjoyed the ice cream including Charlie.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 5, Friday - Three boys

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - Mall of America 1

Today we went to the Mall of America. The first ride we put Jack on was the classic coin-operated pony. He was not amused. I have several pictures of him with a not-amused look on his face, but somehow convinced him to smile for the one you see here.

We also saw this great little coin operated airplane that Jack sat it when he was Charlie’s age. Very cute.


This one is from two years ago with Jack.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - Mall of America 2

We rode some real rides too including the merry-go-round. My camera isn’t fast enough for Grandma to get a good shot. I've also posted a picture of us two years ago. Funny that we ended up on the same lion.

Ronny and Jack rode in the big rigs too. Ronny thought Jack would be too scared to ride up front by himself, but Jack knew EXACTLY where he wanted to ride. Ronny got a bit scared in back by himself.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - Charlie & Grandma

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - Video at Espen's house

We went to drop Grandma off to babysit Espen and visit with Hobey & Lady – the dogs. Jack was very funny. He liked the dogs, but they made him a little nervous whenever they got close. The video shows his reaction.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - A visit from Jen

Jen came over to visit and spend some time with the boys. She brought a great fire truck puzzle for Jack and a super cute wooden helicopter for Charlie. After dinner, we walked down to the ice cream shop and had a treat. The boys got good and messy.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 6, Saturday - Babysitting Espen

This is a gleeful Espen at 10pm when he was supposed to be in bed. I just love those rosy cheeks.

July 16-22 Minnesota Trip - Day 7, Sunday - Going Home

This morning the boys played while we finished packing up before heading back to the airport and back to Texas. Yesterday Jack started mentioning “Jack’s house” out of the blue. I guess that means he is ready to go home. I’m not ready to leave, though. I could use another week of playing in Minnesota with its cooler temperature, lower humidity, and clean air – not to mention our great family and friends. Goodbye Minnesota!

July 11th - Commander Jack

Jack got a great present from Nana and Papa today - this awesome astronaut flight suit. He absolutely loved it!

July 8th - Children's Museum Part 1

Leslie, Daniel, Camilla, and Violet were back for another visit this weekend. We celebrated Michelle and Gary's wedding on Saturday 7/7/07 and then we played all day Sunday. We went to the Children's Museum of Houston and had a blast. The kids milked a cow, played in a VW van, baked bread in a stone oven, and went shopping in a great pretend grocery store.

July 8th - Children's Museum Part 2

Jack and Camilla enjoyed playing in the post office - writing letters and putting them in the slot.

July 8th - Dinner at Lupe Tortillas

We all went to dinner at Lupe Tortillas. Jack loves eating their chips and quesadillas. He loves playing in the big sand box even more.

July 8th - Backyard fun

Camilla found a little tiny lizard. We all took turns holding it.





I put Charlie to bed before we went outside. Then I just couldn't resist holding sweet Violet. It is amazing how much she changed in just two weeks.

July 8th - Bathtime

After about a month of rain, the backyard is a muddy mess. We brought the kids straight upstairs to the tub. They had a great time splashing around together.

July 8th - Compare and contrast

July 8th - Bedtime

Both nights that Camilla was in town, Jack's bedtime slipped a couple of hours. We were all having so much fun, it was hard to stop. After bathtime, Daniel read books to the kids and then there was a little horsing around. They finished off the evening with a big hug - one of many between Jack and Camilla this weekend.

July 7th - Big Boy Bed

Here are some pictures of the boys on the morning after Jack's first night in a big boy bed. He has been climbing out of his crib lately, so we figured it would be safer if he was a little closer to the floor.


Grandma bought Charlie this great little drum. Charlie loves to drum his hands on the table or his highchair or the floor - anywhere really. Now he can use a real drum. Jack is quite fond of it too.