The Sharrow Show

August Catch-up

2010-10-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Camping in Hayward with The Schomberg and the Ripley-Krois families

Cole's first attempt at miniature golf with Jacob

Zonked out!

Hello???

Wednesday Night at the Races

Apostle Islands trip with Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow and Taylor and Dana

Wednesday Night at the Races

Spider Lake Golf Resort in Hayward with the Iversons

Bowling. When Cole attempted to bowl "Granny-Style," the ball rolled so slowly that on several occasions, we were certain it would stop before it reached the pins. He would even get tired of waiting and watching and would get bored and wander off.

Meyers Beach Sea Caves

Summer Snow!!

Ready for snow!

Geocaching up the North Shore with Todd and Steph. No kids!

Waiting to ride the Timber Twister

July catch-up

2010-10-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

In July, Emily Law from Flom Designs came out to our house to capture our 3.5-year-old and our almost 1.5-year-old in their element. She did a great job. Enjoy!

The Boys' First Camping Trip

2010-07-23T04:57:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, we bit the bullet. To be a Sharrow, you must also be a camper. And a happy camper at that! We made the trek to Wisconsin Dells with our friends Josh, Amanda, Max (4), and Lila (1) Buck. Yes we did, in fact, camp with four children under the age of 5. The drive, which should be less than five hours, did take us about 6 1/2 when you factor in about eight potty stops plus a lunch/run around break. Too bad we discovered AFTER eating our Culvers/Taco Johns that the patch of grass we selected to picnic upon had been recently treated with fertilizer and/or pesticides. OOPS!

Amanda, thankfully, enjoys photography as a hobby and obviously took all but one of these pics. I bet you can tell which one I took!

Friday morning we headed to Noah's Ark where we had a blast! It was very hot and sunny, a perfect day for playing in the water! We smuggled in a picnic lunch and aside from my bikini top clasp breaking and Grant's ninja move off the picnic bench, we had a relatively successful and uneventful experience! The older kids LOVED the slides and the babies were very content on the Lazy River with the moms. Friday night we were joined by my (2nd?3rd?) cousin Laura and her daughter Emma who came to our campsite for dinner. Saturday we followed up on Laura's recommendation to take the boat out onto Lake Wisconsin. It was gorgeous! It was so hot we had to either keep the boat moving to get a breeze or be in the water. We ended up finding a coveted sandy beach spot on a small island and we anchored there for the afternoon. It was a great day of picnicking, swimming, sunning, floating, and we topped it off with a little screaming and crying (we may have pushed it a little too long with the little ones). When we returned to the campground we made dinner and started packing things up to prepare for the impending rain. It did rain that night, so Sunday morning, rather than take everything back out and cook breakfast only to pack it all up again and head out, we decided to pack up camp and head to I-Hop. A great way to end our trip. All in all, it was a huge success and we are already planning it again for next year! Thanks, Bucks!

Preschool "Graduation"

2010-07-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was preschool graduation at Early Childhood with Nora and Nicole. The boys have gone there since they were only weeks old, so it was a bittersweet event. Although they are not technically graduating because they are moving to a new place (Kidz Kollege) they still got to participate in the annual graduation ceremony.

Sunny Sunday

2010-06-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Throwing rocks in the water with Uncle Scott

While Uncle Scott and Aunt Mikala were here from Montana, we took a short drive up to Brighton Beach to find a couple of geocaches. Then it suddenly became so nice we decided we really should be out on the lake! So we headed for the boats and had a beautiful afternoon and evening on the lake. Scott and Todd tubed for a bit on our new tube and had a

Goodbye Great-Grandma Truedson

2010-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Daddy reading to Cole before the funeral service. Yes, he is wearing his favorite "fire shoes" with his suit. It was part of the compromise for wearing the suit and tie. Give and take.

Thank God for Tide. And washing machines.

Grant snuggling with Daddy's cousin Jeff. Would that make them second cousins?

Now this looks like trouble.

Umm....this can't be good.

Twenty more years, buddy.

Yesterday all of Great-Grandma Truedson's family and friends gathered to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes. She had a beautiful, intimate service that paid tribute to her and celebrated her life. After the service we had a very nice lunch and then all went to the cemetery to lay her to rest. At the grave site, Grandma Sharrow's friend Phyllis was whispering to Cole. He replied to her (in a whisper): "I can't talk right now. Gwandma Twuedson's body is vewy sick and tired and she needs to west."

The New Playfront Park

2010-06-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the boys and I went to the new Playfront Park in Bayfront. The old Playfront was torn down a few weeks ago and replaced with new equipment, so we were eager to check it out. It turns out, it was a huge hit with the little ones. It had more equipment geared toward the younger kids, so it was fun even for toddlers and preschoolers who didn't have to worry about being plowed over by the older kids. They had a great picnic spot too with new tables and benches under a pavillion. We had a great morning of playing and topped it off with sandwiches, juice, cheese, and apples we brought from home. We even ran into a few people we knew, which is always fun!!

Grant loved the bubble window. It was so nice and new and clear...not all scratched up like most of the ones we see at other playgrounds.

Busy, Busy!

2010-06-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

Trying our hand at Geocaching in Hartley Field

Yay! We found it!

Cole likes to read the GPS

Watching Big Bro Cole and Daddy mow the lawn

Tribute to Great-Grandma Truedson

2010-06-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Great-Grandma Truedson and Cole on the day of his birth: February 13, 2007

Grandma Truedson and Grant on Fathers Day: June 2009

Great-Grandma Truedson helping Cole put on his Buzz wings: Christmas Eve 2009

Great-Grandma Truedson and Grant on Christmas Eve 2009

The boys' Great-Grandma Truedson was welcomed into heaven on Friday, June 18, 2010. We feel so fortunate to have had so much wonderful time with her. The boys are truly lucky to have had her in their lives. We will all miss her very much, but we know she is in a place now where she is healthy and energetic and we look forward to being reunited with her one day!

Here you go, Dave!

2010-06-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

So Ryan's Uncle Dave gave me a hard time about not updating the blog. I've been a little busy lately! May and June are brutal in the education world, and finally, I am free. Here is a compilation of pics from May. They boys and I have been busy this first week of summer "vacation." We went to the Duluth Children's Museum, Story Time at the Proctor Community Center, the playground at Hermantown Elementary School, the greenhouse, the grocery store (a couple of times), and a new children's boutique in town called "Sproutlings." We are anxious to attend Toy Story 3, which was released in theaters today, as soon as possible. We are big fans.

Grant "helping" with laundry.

falling asleep at the table

playing at the playground in Grandpa and Grandma Iverson's neighborhood. The boys spent Memorial Day weekend with them while Mom and Dad enjoyed a weekend away for our 9th wedding anniversary.

taking a ride in our new car, much more room!!

That wasn't flying, that was falling with style!

2010-05-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

On this chilly, WINDY day, we decided it was the perfect day to introduce the boys to kite flying in our backyard. Cole picked it up right away! Anytime the kite started to dive toward the ground, Cole would start running and it would go right back up again! We only had a brief moment of despair when Buzz (yes, of course we have a Buzz Lightyear kite) became tangled in the branches of a tree. But fortunately, Daddy was able to quickly free Buzz. We had so much fun, we can hardly wait for another windy day!!

Happy and Healthy!

2010-05-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

Grant had his 12-month checkup this past week. He is a very healthy boy! He weighs 24 pounds, 3 ounces, which is the the 66th percentile. He is 30 1/4 inches tall (58th percentile) and his head is 18 1/2 inches around (64th percentile). He is growing like a little weed and walking short distances. He isn't very fast yet, which will give us some time to adjust to chasing a toddler again! He is into everything: drawers, cabinets, his brother's toys....you name it. It is going to be a busy summer!!

Grant is One!!!!

2010-04-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Birthday Bath

2010-04-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Spring Break

2010-03-19T07:54:00.001-07:00

Making a basket!!! (With a little assistance).

Snuggle Bug...we ran into some of my former students and one of them took this picture.

Waiting for our pizza

While Superior schools closed for spring break, we spent some quality time together as a family. Sunday night we went to the Edge Waterpark and spent the night. The boys had a blast playing in the water, particularly floating down the Lazy River!

Spring randoms....

2010-03-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Cole doing his "work." Notice the pencil behind the ear.

Snuggle time with Daddy

The boys love lazy mornings in their pajamas playing on Cole's bed

Yummy! Chocolate chip pancakes!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cole!

2010-02-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

January has been rough at the Sharrow household, plaguing us continually with illness! Early in January, three of us were sick for two days with a stomach virus of some kind. Then two weeks later, Cole and Grant both came down with pneumonia and high fevers, keeping them home for three days! Fortunately everyone is on the mend, but today we are experiencing a winter storm warning so we have hunkered down safely in our house. Luckily none of us has anywhere we NEED to go! So Cole and Daddy went out on their snowshoes to build a huge snowman with all of the great fluffy new snow we've gotten so far.

Waterpark Christmas

2010-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

These pics were taken while on the 10-story family raft ride. Cole appears to be enjoying it!

r

eCole wanted to pretend to be an alligator. For most of the time.

We spent the nights of December 26 and 27 at the Radisson in Bloomington, most of which we spent at the largest indoor waterpark in America. We had a blast with the Iverson side of the family, and Uncle Brad and his girlfriend Michelle were also able to join us for a short time (bearing MORE gifts). Cole enjoyed the Lazy River and also agreed, twice, to go on the 10-story family raft ride. Monday morning, we headed back home.

Christmas, continued....

2010-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Grant likes the taste of tissue paper....

After the storm had (mostly) passed the day after Christmas, we packed up and headed down to Forest Lake. We found the roads to be mediocre, but thanks to Ryan's new GPS, we easily found our way to Grandpa and Grandma Iverson's house (seriously? Oh yes, we had to try out the new toy).... Upon our arrival, we opened even more gifts before heading to the waterpark.

Grant's First Christmas....#3 for Cole

2010-01-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Due to the blizzard, we ended up staying the night at Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow's house and making some modifications to our Christmas Day plans. Luckily, Santa was able to make last minute adjustments to his routine and made his stop at Grandpa and Grandma's house instead of at ours!
Yes, Grant is still in half of his outfit from the night before. We were only semi-prepared to spend the night.

Our original Christmas Day plans included a trip down to Grandpa and Grandma Iverson's house and then two nights at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington at the Waterpark of America. However, Mother Nature had other plans for us and we had to delay our reservations by one day. Instead we enjoyed more time at the Sharrow's house, opening more gifts, eating more delicious food, and enjoying more wonderful company.

Christmas Eve

2010-01-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

These are what I thought were pretty valiant attempts to get a picture of both boys in their Christmas outfits in front of Grant's first Christmas tree at our house on Christmas Eve. Too bad I didn't realize Grant didn't have socks on yet.

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow's house. We had a delicious dinner, opened up gifts with the extended family, and enjoyed each other's company. We missed Uncle Scott and Aunt Mikala, who stayed with Mikala's family for this year's Christmas. We prepared to be snowed in as the Christmas Eve/Christmas Day blizzard approached.

SnOw FUn!!!!

2009-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend was warm enough for Ryan to play with Cole outside. They had fun looking at animal tracks (they found deer, dog, and rabbit tracks) in the snow, riding bikes, and just being together.

Bentleyville Tour of Lights

2009-12-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Cole greeted the reindeer in Grandma and Grandpa Sharrow's yard too.

Thursday night we took the boys to Bentleyville. This year it was set up in Bayfront Park, which was much more viewer-friendly. It was so fun to see Cole enjoying the lights this year and actually having some understanding of what was going on. We saw Santa Claus, although he stated firmly that he didn't want to talk to him, he just wanted to wook at him. Since there was no line to "wook," we didn't press the issue! Cole was also on a hunt to find Baby Jesus....we weren't sure whether he would be successful, but He was in fact there, right at the entrance! Grant took in all the sights as well, but at eight months was pretty clueless as to what was going on.

The neighbors across the street sold their house and have moved out, and we anxiously await for the arrival of our new neighbors! It turns out it is the niece of a teacher I work with, and her husband and baby girl. We are excited to have a young family near us!

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Feast for Four

2009-11-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

We started off the day with a morning hike.
This is Cole imitating how Bailey goes potty.

Grant fell asleep in the backpack, so we stopped to let Cole play on the playground before heading home.

For the first time ever, we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with just the four of us. We had planned to spend Thanksgiving with the Iverson side of the family, but since Grandpa and Grandma Iverson had to suddenly go to North Carolina to send Great-Grandma King off to heaven, our plans changed abruptly. Although we missed spending time with extended family, we rather enjoyed the peace and intimacy of the holiday with just our little family of four. We have so much for which to be thankful!!

Thankful Tribute to Great-Grandma King

2009-11-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

Great-Grandma King and Cole, June 2008

Four Generations....June 2008

May 2009

On Tuesday, the boys' Great-Grandma King was welcomed into heaven. She died peacefully at a beautiful hospice facility near her home in North Carolina. I am thankful that despite the distance that separated us, she was able to meet both of her great-grandsons: Cole in June of 2008 and both boys this past May, when Grant was just 6 weeks old. She lived a long, full life of 88 years and will be missed here on Earth. She was a spitfire down here, so I am sure the other angels have their hands full with the new feisty one! We will miss you Grandma!

Family Photo Session

2009-11-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

At the end of October, the four of us drove to Hibbing to Emily Law's photography studio, Flom Designs and Photography. All of the framed family photos in our house were missing our newest member, so it was time for an update! Emily did an amazing job with the photos, particularly working with Cole who was very uncooperative at first. He did NOT want to have his photo taken. She did such an amazing job that I think we'll have her come to our house next summer and take some 3-year-old and 1-year-old pics of our boys in our backyard. It's hard to believe that they will be 3 and 1 next summer already! Perhaps Cole will be more cooperative on HIS turf! Here are just a few of over 200 shots Emily captured of our family!

To Infinity and Beyond! There's a Snake in my Boot!

2009-11-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Of course Cole HAD to be Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story for Halloween. There was no question. So, we may as well dress Grant as Sheriff Woody! We had fun taking the boys to UMD to trick-or-treat in the dorms. We met up with our friends Josh and Amanda and their kids, Firefighter Max and Lila the Duck. They had Disney games, cookie decorating, and lots of trick-or-treating for the kids, and we got to stay inside! Afterward we trick-or-treated at Grandma and Grandpa Sharrow's house and their neighbor's house. Lots of candy was eaten. What a fun Halloween!

Grant on the run!

2009-11-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Sleeping angel...

Hey! Why did you wake me up?

I think this is the glare I will get when I wake him up as a teenager...only worse!
Luckily he wasn't crabby for long! Back to happy Grant!

We are back to the baby gate these days as Grant is just starting to try crawling...but he has mastered the army crawl - scoot! He loves being mobile and able to get where he wants and what he wants....we are not so sure! We can't let him out of our sight!

Bathtime!

2009-11-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

Grant can sit up better these days so we decided to try a bath without the baby bathtub. The boys seemed to enjoy it and had fun playing together.

Thursday we drove to Hibbing to have our family pictures taken. Hope to post some of those pics soon!

October Harvest Fun

2009-10-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Brotherly love

Getting reading for pajama day at Miss Nora's and Miss Nicole's....Toy Story, of course!

We went to this super fun corn maze in Wrenshall and had a blast

trying to find our way out...until Cole had to go potty....Sorry!!

Finally we found our way out!

Riding the Pumpkin Train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

....which stops a a "pumpkin patch" which, believe it or not, is the
field area behind Miss Nora's house! She and Nicole came out to greet us!Cole was NOT cooperative during the photo op. When we drive to Hibbing later this week for our family photos, he had BETTER behave better.

Grant supervised the pumpkin carving

We had to carve....who else? Buzz Lightyear!Buzz seemed happy with his likeness.

Congratulations Uncle Todd and Aunt Stephanie!

2009-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Sharrow Family

The new Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Stephanie Sharrow

The three Sharrow boys and their wives
Brothers and sisters-in-law!

Eek! We're married!

Cole with his Auntie Stephie

I guess we need to photoshop Grant into this pic!

Celebrate!!

On Saturday, October 3, Ryan's brother Todd tied the knot with Miss Stephanie Findley, making her officially part of the Sharrow family. The Sharrow family has added three new members this year: Grant, Mikala, and now Stephanie!

Despite the miserably dismal rainy, cold weather on October 3, the wedding was beautiful and we enjoyed the company of friends and extended family. Luckily for us, Grandpa and Grandma Iverson were able to come and spend the weekend with us so that Cole and Grant could be a part of the festivities, while also allowing Mom and Dad to be active wedding party participants. Whew! It was a little crazy, but we had a blast and couldn't be happier for the new couple. Congratulations, Uncle Todd and Aunt Stephanie!!

September Catch-up

2009-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Teeth!!!

Fun on the St. Louis River

A little fish in a big pond.

Fun with our friends, the Bucks

More fun with the Buck family

Father and Son

2009-09-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

We ordered the digital download of this photo taken by the photographer at Scott and Mikala's wedding. Isn't it amazing?

Summer Randoms

2009-09-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Boy!

Rice cereal? Yum?

Taking time to smell the flowers near the Lakewalk

Lounging in the hammock with Daddy

With school starting this past week, I have been too busy for a couple of weeks to post anything new....so here are some recent pictures from the tail end of summer. Cole and Grant are back at Miss Nora's house for preschool and rat race resumes. The days of lounging in our jammies until mid-morning are gone....we are back to our early, hit-the-ground-running, crazy mornings of trying to get four people dressed and fed and out the door before 7:30! Goodbye, summer!

Iverson Family Fun Weekend

2009-09-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Looking at the exhibits at Underwater Adventures with Grandma

We HAD to climb up on this thing to look through the telescope!

Cole followed the "one finger rule" for the most part when at the touch pool.

Checking out the dinosaurs at Lego Land

Fun on the boat

oGrant liked the boat too!

"Fishing." Is it called fishing when you don't have bait or a hook?

A couple of weeks ago the four of us traveled down to Forest Lake to spend a 4-day weekend with the Iversons. We had a blast! Ryan went golfing with my dad on Friday, so my mom and I took the boys to the Mall of America to experience the Underwater Adventures aquarium and Lego Land. While we were there we also spent some time on the boat on Forest Lake, during which Cole "fished," and had dinner at 'Za!, a great pizza and calzone place on the lake. We had a great time, and actually ended up towing their boat home with us, so we have been enjoying exploring the lakes and The Lake around home. Thanks for the fun time Grandpa and Grandma Iverson!

Pinehurst Park, Cloquet

2009-08-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Max and Cole had fun with their beach toys. Too bad we donated a shovel to Pinehurst Park.

On Tuesday, the boys and I met our friends Amanda and her two kids, Max and Lila, and Jess and her two kids, Ben and Grace, at Pinehurst Park in Cloquet. We had never been there before, but we will definitely go back! It is a manmade lake with a sand beach, kiddie waterslides, concessions, picnic tables, a huge playground, and grassy areas. We had a blast! Between the three of us moms we had six kids between 8 weeks and three years, so we were very busy keeping sunscreen on everyone and keeping track of everyone! We set up a tent in the shade for the three babies (two months, four months, and six months!) and took turns playing in the water with the big kids and rocking babies in the tent. We had fun, but it was a lot of work and hauling gear! We will return....but not TOO often. We need to recover from our first trip!

Apostle Islands -- August 2009

2009-08-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Cole joined Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow on their sailboat in the Apostle Islands last weekend. Despite a fairly severe thunderstorm Saturday night, they had a great time and enjoyed primarily cooperative weather. Cole loved throwing rocks into the lake, as usual, and riding in the dinghy the most. It looks like they had a blast!!!

Just some fun pics

2009-08-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hiking on the trail Ryan made behind our backyard
Here Cole is feeding Bailey some raspberries they found!

Cutie patootie.

Wow! Cole actually smiled and looked at the camera!

Grant seems to like having his picture taken.

All clean!

The boys and I are enjoying our last couple of weeks together before I head back to work. Of course, they don't know that that's the plan. Yet. Cole loves going to Miss Nora's house where his friends are, but we have become quite attached to each other over the summer so I think the transition will be hard on him this fall. He was not thrilled when I dropped him off there a few weeks ago for a day when we had the closing on our house refinance....I don't think it's going to be pretty.

Late July 2009

2009-08-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Making homemade pizza. Cole liked rolling out the dough.

This pesto looks gross but it was delicious!

Happy Boy!!!

Lots of smiles from Baby Grant

At the Children's Museum sitting on a bench made of bones with Ben. Cole, smile! Throw me a bone!

My lillies

More smiles from a very happy baby who is just starting to use his Excersaucer

Throwing rocks into Lake Superior on Sunday night - July 26

Big Boy Undies!!

Bren, Nicole, Erin, and Me at Bren's baby shower. Somehow I didn't get a picture of Laura, Kirsten, Bren, Erin and me on my camera....I will have to get one from one of you! =)

Here are a few pics from the end of July. Cole has been busy using the Big Boy Potty and wearing Big Boy Underwear! So exciting! We had a very busy week last week. Last weekend we had a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Iverson. They stayed with the boys Saturday night so Ryan and I could have a dinner date at Pizza Luce. Tuesday the boys and I went to the Kaleidescope show at the library, which was a comedic juggling act this week. We met up with my friend Jess and her two kids, Ben and Grace, and with Miss Nora, Miss Nicole, and the kids there. We had a blast! Wednesday Jess, Ben, and Grace met us at the Children's Museum where we had fun exploring and learning (Jess and I are both teachers -- poor kids) and having lunch out. Then Wednesday evening we went to Wednesday Night at the Races, which was at Bayfront Festival Park this week. Cole ran his little heart out with about one million other kids ages 4 and under. Thursday we made our weekly trip to the Gymnastics Academy for open gym time for toddlers and then had lunch at our friend Josh and Amanda's house with their two kids, Max and Lila. Whew!! Sunday we had my friend Bren's baby shower at our house and had a blast getting ready to welcome Baby Schomberg who is due August 26. Busy, busy, busy!!

Milestone Mania!

2009-07-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

This week we are celebrating two major milestones in our family. Grant is now able to roll over unassisted, and Cole is Champion of the Potty. As of this moment, he has had zero accidents today, and even used the public toilet (ew) at Target today in an emergency. Yesterday we had to leave the Gymnastics Academy after only a half hour of playing due to a potty emergency in which the public toilet simply wouldn't do. Unfortunately, the drive home proved to be a bit too long to wait, so we actually had to pull over on the side of the road and Cole took care of business in the grass! Believe me, it was better than having to deal with an entire bladderful on the carseat. YAY!! We are so proud of our boys and their accomplishments. Now we just need to get Grant to start sleeping through the night....

Congratulations Uncle Scott and Aunt Mikala!

2009-07-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Just before the wedding (but after the tantrum) when we still weren't sure whether or not this whole "ring bearer" thing was going to happen.

Touch and go at this point. Will he put down the bear and walk down the aisle holding little Madison's hand?

Dan (Ryan's cousin) and Soon-To-Be Aunt Stephanie

No way. He is actually doing it!!!!
You would be surprised too if you had seen the knockdown drag-0ut tantrum he threw.
Actually, I think we have video of it.Are they not the cutest things you have ever seen??The ceremony. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S.The happy couple, Scott and Mikala

Cole gettin' jiggy with it at the reception

Cole and Dana tore it up!

Taylor (Ryan's cousin) took Cole for a break from dancing to throw rocks into the water.

Another break with Taylor

The morning after the wedding....They crashed right after breakfast.

Jumping on the trampoline with Dana at the house we rented in Paradise Valley --
not a bad backdrop, huh?
Hiking to a cave
These dogs are Ryan's cousin Jason's and his wife Kathi's (See September 2007 blog posts for their wedding)
Amber and Cooper
Ryan's cousin Jeff reading a story to Cole (and to Buzz)

Yellowstone National Park

On Saturday, July 11, Ryan's brother Scott tied the knot, making Auntie Mikala Hancock a part of the Sharrow family. The nuptials took place in Big Sky, Montana at Moonlight Lodge. The weather was perfect and the event was beautiful. The trip ended up being quite an adventure, with a 17+ hour drive on either end (with a two-and-a-half-year-old and a three-month-old) and two visits to the Bozeman ER. We left Wednesday night and during the drive I suddenly acquired a nasty fever and sore throat, and upon arriving in Bozeman we realized I needed a doctor. The only option after hours was the ER. After receiving Penicllin for Strep, we were on our way. The next day, while driving to Big Sky for the wedding rehearsal, I suddenly started having severe abdominal cramps. We left Cole with the extended family to attend the rehearsal and dinner and the three of us headed back to the Bozeman ER to find that I was suffering from kidney stones! After getting a prescription for pain medication, the rest of the trip went fairly smoothly except for when Grandpa and Grandma's car broke down and had to be taken to the car dealership while they found a rental. Other than that, smooth sailing. Oh, and the severe, major, over-the-top tantrum Cole threw when it was time to put on his tuxedo. But after three of us held him down and forced him into it, he was finally able to stop screaming, thrashing, and foaming at the mouth in time to walk down the aisle in perfect fashion, holding little Madison's hand. Priceless.

We had a blast visiting with family we don't often get to see as people arrived in planes, trains, and automobiles from all over the country. Congratulations Scott and Mikala!! We are so happy for you!!!

Grant is 12 Weeks Old!

2009-07-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Grant is 12 weeks old today and loving sitting in his Bumbo chair these days. He is SO SMILEY! He must know how cute and lovable he is.

Current events in the Sharrow household include:
Two separate trips to two separate Great Clips stores on Monday in two separate attempts to get Cole's hair cut. The second trip resulted in a haircut. Any subsequent trips to either Great Clips store will require a disguise for both Cole and the parent accompanying him. Otherwise we may have to visit yet a third franchise.

Tuesday we close on the refinance of our house-- we took full advantage of the lower interest rates and locked in at an amazing rate of 4.25% for 15 years! After the initial shock of writing a gigantic check on Tuesday, we are looking forward to paying off the mortgage before Cole starts college!

Wednesday we leave for Montana for a week Ryan's brother Scott's wedding. The 15-18 hour long drive should be interesting with two very young children, but we are leaving in the evening and planning to drive through the night so they sleep. Here's to hoping! We are keeping our fingers crossed for a well-behaved ring bearer and hoping the Great Clips disaster is not a sign of things to come.

Happy Fourth of July!!

Bearer of Joy?

2009-06-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

For some odd reason I was unable to rotate this picture. I think you can still get the idea.

Cole is preparing to be a ring bearer in his Uncle Scott's wedding on July 11. I was able to convince him to try on the tux to make sure it would fit...although it took some convincing! When I showed it to him he said, "I don't want it." I had to make sure it would fit! Now he just needs a sharp new haircut and he'll be all set...as long as he cooperates on the big day!

Grant the Tank

2009-06-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma Truedson and Grant on Fathers Day

Trying to make Baby Grant smile

Grant had his two-month checkup today. He tipped the scales at a whopping 15 pounds, 5.5 ounces!! He is in the 96th percentile in weight for his age. However, I do wonder if that is really accurate since he is almost eleven weeks so is therefore about three weeks older than he should be at the two-month checkup. Don't worry, he is also growing lengthwise: he is now 24.5 inches which puts him in the 85th percentile for height. He had to get three different vaccinations today too, which always breaks my heart. The big elephant tears started falling and his expression was clearly one of confusion as he looked up at me while I betrayed him by intentionally allowing some stranger to inflict pain on him.

Today was extremely hot...we had to stay downstairs for much of the afternoon to find a somewhat comfortable escape. Then this evening we turned down the heat on the hot tub to make a very fun pool for the three of us to play in while Grant slept. I am relieved that this "pool" has a cover, unlike the inflatable kiddie pool on our patio in which Cole discovered a dead mouse today. Ew.

Happy Boys!

2009-06-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

So smiley!!
June 16, 2009

Cole is so gentle with his baby brother.

No, KISS him. Don't LICK him!

Are you starting to wonder if they are ever BOTH dressed at the same time? Hmm...I guess I have something to strive for.....

Green Bay

2009-06-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

"Dana, let's go jump on twamp-ween!!"

Wildlife Sanctuary

Lambeau Field

Playing with fire

The Giant Maze at the Railroad Museum
Everytime you found a checkpoint, you got a stamp!Riding Thomas the Train!

Even Grant had fun riding Thomas! This is the first smile I've caught on camera!
In his eight weeks of life, Grant has been on planes, trains, and automobiles! He's a travelin' man! Even if the train only did do two little loops....
THOMAS!!!!!!

Bye Thomas!

Poor Cole! As Thomas was pulling away from the station, he blew his
whistle and it scared Cole half to death!

Thomas Tattoo!!

Playing "trains" with his tater tots

As soon as school got out on the last day, the four of us loaded up the Jeep and headed for Green Bay to visit Ryan's Aunt Sandy and Uncle Bill and their kids, Taylor and Dana. Sandy called a few weeks ago to say that Thomas the Tank Engine would be making an appearance at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay this weekend, so we decided to make a weekend trip of it. We arrived in Green Bay late Friday night (or maybe early Saturday morning) and had a blast seeing the sights of Packerland. We visited the Wildlife Sanctuary, where we saw snakes, coyotes, and all kinds of other animals. We checked out the famous Lambeau Field and enjoyed a beer at Curly's Pub there. On Sunday afternoon we got to see and ride on Thomas the Train, which was likely the highlight of the trip for Cole, with a close second being jumping on the trampoline in Taylor and Dana's backyard. Poor Dana rarely got a break from Cole's pleas: "Let's go jump on twamp-ween!" She was a very good sport. Dana and Ryan had a photo shoot with some sparklers and some experimentation with a slow shutter speed on the camera -- fun! We had a great time during our first visit to Green Bay. Can't wait to see our cousins again in Montana in a few weeks!!

North Carolina

2009-05-30T04:45:00.001-07:00

All bets off....out comes the DVD player

Grant's first flight - six weeks old

Mooooo!
Watching the cows eat their "vegetables"

Cole spent quite awhile trying to count the pigs....he only counted seven but I think there were more like a dozen.

Uncle Brad, Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma King, Grandma Iverson,
Grant, Cole, and Mommy

How much fun can two boys have with a pair of sunglasses that came in a Subway kid's meal?

For an extended Memorial Day weekend, Grandma Iverson, Uncle Brad, Mommy, and the boys flew to North Carolina to visit the boys' great-grandparents. Their great-grandma has been having some health problems, so we wanted her to be able to spend some time with Cole and meet Grant for the first time. We flew out of Minneapolis Friday morning and returned Monday afternoon. We had a great trip! Grant was pretty well-behaved on his first flight, and Cole was a bundle of energy on his third airplane trip...having been too young to really appreciate the others. Fortunately we planned ahead and brought plenty of in-flight activities for Cole to do (and finally resorted to a portable DVD player when all of the other activities had gotten old). It was an act of desperation. Plus, I felt I had something to prove to all of the passengers who gave us dirty and/or fearful looks as we walked down the plane aisle with a toddler and an infant.

Cole enjoyed seeing the cows and pigs again, but most of all, he LOVED the TRACTORS!! My Uncle Wayne took Cole for the ride of his life on a huge green John Deere tractor. When they came back, tears of joy were streaming down Cole's face and his smile was a mile wide. (Of course, did I remember to bring my camera to this event? The only pics I got of this were taken with my phone....BUMMER!). When we arrived back in Duluth late Monday night, Cole had fallen asleep in the car. Ryan went to get him out of his car seat and carry him upstairs to bed, and Cole said (in his half-asleep state) "Daddy, I rode tracko. I rode tracko." It was so precious.

The flight home to Minnesota

Peace at last....

All in all, we had a great trip, although we missed Daddy a lot!! We enjoyed spending time with Grandma Iverson's family whom we get to see so seldom. I have been back to work for a week now, with two weeks left to go in the school year before summer vacation....which has made me very busy and is why it has taken almost a week since our return to get this posted! Grant has been adjusting to Nora and Nicole's preschool extremely well at only six weeks of age. Ahhh....the craziness is what keeps our lives interesting....never a dull moment! =)

Brothers

2009-05-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here is some brotherly love....
I'm sure we have plenty of arguing, fighting, toy stealing, pushing, and tattling in our future, but just let me enjoy these precious moments.

Grant is One Month Old!

2009-05-12T06:36:00.001-07:00

Sleeping sweetie

Whee! The Children's Museum is fun!

Can't miss Clifford and Emily Elizabeth!

Making bubbles

Sunday afternoon we walked to the park in Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood. See Grant in the stroller?

We spent a long Mothers' Day weekend in Forest Lake with Grandpa and Grandma Iverson. On Saturday Grandma and Mommy took the boys to the Children's Museum in St. Paul. Cole had a blast!! Sunday Uncle Brad joined us all for brunch at the Lake House restaurant on Forest Lake. It was a little too cold to boat there yet, so we drove :) . It was amazing!! I enjoyed spending the day with my mother, as well as my first Mothers' Day as a mother of TWO wonderful little boys!

Playground Fun

2009-05-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

We spent this weekend walking off the baby weight, trying out our sweet new double stroller, and playing at two different playgrounds. Saturday we drove to Hermantown Elementary School to play at the playground and then walked a few miles on the Munger Trail. Sunday we walked two miles (four miles round-trip) to Bay View Elementary School in Proctor to check out that playground for the first time. It did not disappoint; we shall return. Everybody was happy (except Bailey, who was left behind. We think we would be biting off more than we can chew to take two boys and a crazy dog). Cole got to play, Grant got to sleep, and we got some fresh air and excercise. Since I am expected to appear in a bridesmaid dress in front of people in Todd and Steph's wedding in October, I have some major work to do. Thanks for the deadline, guys! I need it!

Happy Boys

2009-04-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Cole practicing his big brother skills on a doll we borrowed from Miss Nora

Grant loves his swing!

Daddy and Baby Grant enjoying a nap on Sunday afternoon

Today the boys and I took a field trip to my school to visit the Cooper 5th graders and staff. Cole had fun after he warmed up to everyone, but initially, walking into a classroom full of 25 "big kids" who all knew his name was a little overwhelming. By the end of our visit, he was giving high-fives and knucks to all of the kids. Needless to say, the boys were a huge hit with the 5th graders. It was, by the way, my first attempt to take both boys on an outing all by myself. Mission: accomplished. I even packed a lunch for Cole to eat at school! Cole got to eat his lunch in the teachers' lounge, something most kids only dream about. What a mysterious place.

Also, here is a link to Grant's birth announcement in the Duluth News Tribune:
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/118778/

Grant Benjamin Sharrow new arrival

I WAS BORN: April 9, 2009, in St. Mary's Medical Center.

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I WAS BORN: April 9, 2009, in St. Mary's Medical Center.

MY PARENTS ARE: Emily and Ryan Sharrow of Duluth.

MY BROTHER IS: Cole, 2.

MY GRANDPARENTS ARE: Greg and Rita Iverson of Forest Lake, Minn., and Jim and Kathy Sharrow of Duluth.

MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS ARE: Hugh and Essie King of Lawndale, N.C., and Chet and Marge Truedson of Duluth.

MY PARENTS CHOSE THIS NAME BECAUSE: It is simple and strong.

PARENTS’ WISH OR ADVICE: Always know how much you're loved. We are so excited to finally have you join our family!

SOMETHING SPECIAL: We seemed to wait forever for you to come into this world! You were a few days past your due date and we were getting anxious but, when the time came, you were not messing around. You wanted out fast and you arrived at 4:21 a.m.

FAMILY WEBSITE: www.sharrowshow.blogspot.com

Spring!!

2009-04-25T16:07:00.001-07:00

Our family enjoyed a beautiful spring day outside getting ready for summer. Ryan (with Cole's assistance) de-thatched the yard (which I think just means "raked," using the de-thatcher attachment to the lawn tractor) to get it ready for fertilizing and seeding. The boys and I mostly played in the yard while Daddy worked. Well, Grant just rode around in the Baby Bjorn while Cole played. Cole is very busy these days, running around, riding his tricycle, swinging, and going down the slide, all while somehow being able to get into everything he is not supposed to get into. It is going to be a very busy summer at the Sharrows' house! I think I need a leash. Or a shock collar.

Family of Four

2009-04-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday: April 12, 2009

3 days old

Baby Grant: six days old

Using weights like Mommy - A little tip from Cole: don't drop them on your toes! Ouch!

We enjoyed a rare, beautiful 75-degree Duluth day already in April! Last year at this time we were experiencing a blizzard that closed local schools. One thing can be said about Duluth weather: it is unpredictable. The four of us went down to the Lakewalk where we were actually overdressed (for the first time ever, perhaps?) for the weather. Cole enjoyed throwing rocks into the lake with Daddy and didn't want to leave.

Baby Grant

2009-04-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Grant Benjamin - hours old

Cole, Baby Grant, and Mommy

Grandma Iverson and Baby Grant

The boys' teacher, Miss Nora

Grandpa Iverson and Baby Grant

Uncle Todd and Soon-To-Be Aunt Stephanie with Baby Grant

Grandma Sharrow and Big Brother Cole with Baby Grant

Our new little family of four

Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow with Baby Grant back at our house

Helping Daddy put up a new mailbox (the snowplow did our old one in)

Baby Grant with Daddy

Happy Easter!!

Brothers - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009

Grant Benjamin Sharrow entered our lives on Thursday, April 9 at 4:21 AM. He is a beautiful, healthy baby boy and we feel so blessed to finally have him join us. The four of us are adjusting well and Cole is going to be a great big brother. In the car Cole gives us minute-by-minute updates: "Baby Grant crying" or "Baby Grant sleeping" or "What wrong Baby Grant?"

Ryan is off from work for the next few days and then is going back half-days next week. He plans to resume full-time after next week, so I will be home with both boys starting then until I go back to work for the last few weeks of the school year.

Grant Benjamin Sharrow

2009-04-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Grant Benjamin Sharrow was born Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 4:21 AM. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 21 inches long. He is a healthy, adorable baby boy! He is going home later today to join his big brother Cole. Pictures coming soon!!

Cole Birthday Video

2009-02-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Cole is Two at the Zoo!!

2009-02-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

Looking at the animals with Grandma Iverson

Ozzie

Two big bellies. Ready....to....pop.

More Ozzie

Happy Birthday dear Cole....

Yummy! Cake!

Buzz, Woody, and Bullseye!

Magna Doodle

An add-on kit for Cole's train set

Looking at the animals with Evan and Grandma Iverson

Playing with Gabe

BIG bear and Uncle Todd

Cole is turning two this coming Friday the 13th, but we celebrated this past Saturday at the Lake Superior Zoo with family and a few close friends. We had a visit from Ozzie the tortoise and a chinchilla, ate pizza and cake, opened presents, and toured parts of the zoo. We had a blast, and hope everyone else did too! Cole got some great gifts and is enjoying playing with them. I can't believe he is almost TWO!!

Lutsen and Bluefin Bay Resort

2009-02-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Cole was not too sure about the gondola ride to the top of Moose Mountain.

What icky fogginess!

Little fishy. Hopefully those tubes will fall out soon and we won't have to mess around with the earplugs anymore.

To celebrate the big birthdays in our family, Ryan's 30th and Grandma Sharrow's xxth, we spent the weekend of January 30-February 1 at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, MN so everyone could get in some good skiing at Lutsen Mountain. Well, most everyone. Cole and I were unable to ski, but we took the gondola up to the top of Moose Mountain to meet the others for lunch. Unfortunately, it was unbelievably foggy and a little rainy, so the skiing wasn't very good and the normally gorgeous view of Lake Superior as you ski down the mountain was indiscernible. We all had fun anyway, and Cole and I got to go swimming twice! Lucky for me and my self-esteem, we had the pool all to ourselves.

Christmas 2008 -- albeit, a bit late

2009-01-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! But I refuse to admit where we found the camera cord....Christmas Eve at our house: the calm before the chaos.
Cole wore the suit that Ryan's Aunt Debbie made for Ryan when he was Cole's age!

This Christmas was so much fun. Cole loved opening his presents, although he is so spoiled that he actually got tired of opening them and had to be repeatedly reminded to keep opening. We had four Christmases, sort of. On Christmas Eve we had Christmas with Ryan's extended family. There were 21 of us, I think. After church we all went back to Grandma and Grandpa Sharrow's house for dinner and then presents. All of the people and animals (did I mention the four cats and four dogs???) were a little overwhelming for Cole at first, but he quickly warmed up to the large crowd and took over as the center of attention. Better not get too used to that, Buddy!! Baby Sharrow #2 is not far behind! Next year, I guess there will be 22 of us....scary.

Buried in gifts...what troubled economy?

Cole and Dana (and Curious George)

Oh my gosh!! A huge truck!!

And it's full of MegaBlocks!!

This thing is a crazy spinning snow globe thing. It is truly crazy.

Playing with Dana

and Jeff

Early Christmas morning, we had our own Christmas, just the three of us, at our house. We have decided we like this tradition. We started it last year, and it gives us a chance to be just our little family, enjoying Christmas morning together. More presents....it never ends. Poor kid.Ooh! A train set!

New DVDs!! One can only watch "Monsters, Inc." so many times.

Helping Daddy put together the train table.

Reading intently about the latest adventures of Curious George.

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A few hours later, long after we had opened all of our presents, put them together, played with them, eaten breakfast, and gotten dressed, we headed back over to Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow's house where the last few Sharrows were just getting up. Ahhh....I remember those days.....It has been nearly two years since we've slept past 5:30.....even on the weekend. Again more presents. Cole has it rough. Seriously.

After a filling brunch, we packed up and headed down to Forest Lake to spend the remainder of Christmas Day with the Iverson side of the family. It is so funny how different the two experiences are: 21 people and 8 animals down to six people and no animals. They are both fun, and it is nice to get to experience both, but almost like whiplash to have them on the same day.

Reading Dr. Seuss with Grandma Iverson....wearing the Santa hat that Grandpa finally got Cole to agree to wear....

Um, yes. That would be more presents.

Yes! Building blocks!

Opening the musical instruments from Uncle Brad: a drum, maracas, a
harmonica, and a tamborine. Very fitting gift from someone who lives hundreds of miles away and is therefore well out of range. Just wait. You know what they say about paybacks....

Cole had to settle for the Merry-Go-Round at the Maplewood Mall when we arrived at the Minnesota Zoo just one hour before closing time. Didn't anyone think to check the hours on the website before we left???

Cole didn't seem too disappointed after Grandpa continued to

shell out $2 after $2 for ride after ride.

Uncle Todd and Cole in their matching jackets

When we got back to Duluth, Ryan's extended family, most of whom were still in town, decided to go on a sleigh ride. We drove out to the country and had an amazing time being pulled by these two gorgeous, enormous horses. It was cold, but we had hot chocolate and hot cider afterward and then dinner out at The Sunset.

Our family of three.... for a bit longer anyway!

Sorry Jason!

2009-01-08T05:27:00.001-08:00

Since I know Jason will harrass me for not having posted Christmas pictures yet, I will explain the trouble I am having this time: apparently during the chaos that was our Christmas holiday, we have misplaced our camera cord! That means, until we find it or buy a new one, there will be no new pics on our blog!! This is really unfortunate for those of you who check our blog regularly, as we have some really cute pics! I will try to remedy this situation and get some new pics up soon! Happy New Year!!

Late November -- Mid-December

2008-12-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

Well, we've been getting harassed for not updating our blog frequently enough, so I would like to provide some excuses for our negligence in this area. In the past few weeks, we have had two extremely busy work schedules, developed three cases of strep throat and a case of pneumonia, made four trips to the doctor, picked up four prescriptions, planned a baby shower, plowed about 20 inches of snow, organized and executed a major fundraising event, purchased and wrapped Christmas gifts for 63 people in local shelters, taken two sick days to stay home with a sick kid, attended two work Christmas parties, and still have somehow managed to purchase and wrap almost all of the Christmas gifts for our own family members...and a partridge in a pear tree!

As you can see from these pics, Cole had his first professional haircut just before Thanksgiving (finally no more unskilled haircuts by mom). The salon where I just started going is owned by our PTA president and she has this sweet race car toddler chair where Cole could sit while he got his hair cut. She also gave him a squirt gun so he could squirt himself in the mirror, but he preferred to squirt Mommy instead. She did a great job working fast and keeping Cole busy!

We are now preparing for Christmas...Have a wonderful holiday!!!

Now

Fall Fun

2008-11-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

These are some gorgeous pics that Nora had taken by one of the kids' moms. Okay, so Cole's shirt is buttoned wrong, but Nora had a lot of kids to prepare for pictures that day!

We just got back from a wonderful Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Iverson's house...complete with early shopping on Black Friday!

Other than that, we are busy decorating the house and preparing for the holidays, as well as thinking about names for our baby boy, due to arrive in just four short months!

Costume Collage

2008-11-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Our little gonkey

The Haunted Hayride

Trick-or-Treat at Boo at the Zoo

Cole's first jack-o-lantern. Ryan copied a face from a jack-o-lantern decoration. Cute, huh? Cole is obsessed with his "gunkin."

Giving out candy to the trick-or-treaters with Grandma

Cole has gotten our money's worth out of this year's costume. He has been a monkey ("gonkey") four different costume events this October!

First he wore it to Evan's 3rd birthday party, which was a dress-up event. Then he wore it to Boo at the Zoo. Then we went to the Costume Ball at my school, and then of course, on Halloween.

We took Cole trick-or-treating for the first time this year. We decided to go to Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow's neighborhood. We have learned after two Halloweens in this house that it is not a trick-or-treating hot spot. We went to four houses in Grandpa and Grandma's neighborhood. Although it was nice out, Cole got tired of walking and we got tired of carrying him. Plus, we really didn't see a huge need for tons of candy. Cole ended up having more fun handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters that came to the house anyway.

Fall Fun

2008-11-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Our driveway a couples of weeks ago....

Swimming with daddy....with earplugs and headband....hopefully the Bartons didn't judge us!

The waterslide

Okay, so these leaves had all fallen by the time I got these pics posted, but better late than never I guess! A couple of weeks ago our friends from college, Todd and Bridget, came up to visit. They have three kids now and invited us to their hotel Thursday night for pizza and swimming. Then on Saturday we all went to Boo at the Zoo. The Haunted Hayride was the best part.

The video of Cole falling asleep is from this Friday. We both had Thursday and Friday off, so we had some family fun. After a hike in the woods, Cole was having trouble staying awake during lunch.

The other video is from Grandma and Grandpa Iverson's house last weekend. They got Cole this "Retro Rocket" for Christmas last year, and he's been a little bit afraid of it...until now. When it blasts off, the seat vibrates and it freaks him out. However, Daddy has introduced a new element to the rocket, and now it's a hit.

Never a dull moment...

2008-10-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

These videos were taken awhile ago, just in the interest of full disclosure. We're pretty sure that the jumping video is a sign that we will be spending quite a bit of time in ERs in the years to come.

Great Lakes Aquarium

2008-10-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon we went to the Great Lakes Aquarium with Grandpa and Grandma Sharrow. Who knew it would turn out to be the Educators Open House during which teachers' families get to go for free? What are the odds? Anyway, Cole LOVED watching the otter, seahorses, and fish. He squealed every time the otter swam by him. There are places where kids can touch a stingray and sturgeon....Cole had no interest in touching the stingray (smart kid) but had no problem touching the sturgeon. I have a feeling we'll be going back pretty regularly!

Bayfield Apple Fest

2008-10-06T17:36:00.001-07:00

Playing on the tires with Daddy at the marina playground

First Merry-Go-Round Ride!

Evan was so nice to show Cole which apples were ready for picking and which ones were not.

On Saturday we continued our tradition of going to Bayfield for their annual Apple Festival. We branched out and did some new things there this year, since it was our first year attending with our very own toddler. For example, we had never gone into the carnival before, but Cole needed to ride on the Merry-Go-Round with Evan. Also, we hadn't made a habit of stopping by the playground to play, but it seems is may now become part of our routine. Cole and Evan had so much fun playing together and talking about apples. After we all got back to town, everyone came over to our house to eat (more) and hot tub....except for Evan, Cole, and myself, who are not allowed in the hot tub. Bummer.

Catch-Up

2008-10-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Cole climbed into this bin and pretended to drive it like a car. Then he wanted
Daddy to get in too, but only his feet fit.

Wrestling with the big stuffed lion (and of course, juice)

Standing on the weird indoor lightpost at Tobies in Hinckley when we met Grandpa and Grandma Iverson for dinner one Sunday night.

Cole got his own potty chair! He's not quite ready to use it yet, but he is excited about it and we are hoping he will start thinking along those lines....

As the primary blogger in our house, as well as teacher, I apologize for the lack of September posts. September is always crazy for me, but things are starting to settle down a little bit. Of course our big news is that we are expecting to add another bundle of joy to our family in April! We are looking forward to expanding our little family to include one more member! We hope to find out whether Cole will be a big brother to a little sister or a little brother so we can prepare him (and ourselves, and the house) for the big arrival. Here are some random pics from September.

Spider Lake Golf Resort, Hayward, WI: August 14-17

2008-08-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Fun on the boat

Watching Uncle Brad tube

Steering the boat with Grandpa

Cole and Mommy tubing (very, very slowly)

Riding in the golf cart (although Cole kept calling it a tractor)

Cole didn't even seem to notice he didn't have his bath toys when he was in this gigantic tub.

Famous Dave's on Round Lake

Famous Dave himself with Cole and me (Cole looks ticked because I tried to make him sit on Dave's lap for a picture. Did not go over well).Famous Dave being filmed saying "Famous Daves: The best barbeque in the country" over, and over, and over, and over again. They took A LOT of takes of this.

Leaving Famous Dave's dock

Cutie Patootie

Last Thursday we spent time with Grandpa and Grandma Iverson and Uncle Brad at Spider Lake Golf Resort in Hayward, Wisconsin. It is the same place we stayed last year, and we are starting to catch on to the best things to do in the area. Last year we went out to eat at Garmisch, this really unique place in Cable. But this year, we had been out boating and didn't feel like getting all dressed up. So we decided to go to Famous Dave's. Turns out, you can dock your boat right at the restaurant. Perfect. To make our adventure even more special, who ends up being at Famous Dave's? Well, Famous Dave himself, of course! He was there filming some training video for the other Famous Dave's restaurants. And of course, Brad had to be "that guy" who asks him to take a picture with us (he lives in L.A. and does it all the time to random stars he meets, so it doesn't even faze him). Luckily, Dave obliged.

We spent the majority of the weekend relaxing, golfing (the guys), watching the Olympics, eating, and boating. Ryan was able to join us Saturday morning after Mark's wedding Friday night. It was a great trip, except that I had to ruin it by turning 30 on Sunday. Oh well.

Happy 18-Month-Birthday, Cole!

2008-08-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

Well, today our baby boy turns 18 months old. Before we know it, it will be 18 years. Jeez. Cole and I started off the day by going to the library for toddler storytime. Afterward, we went to McDonald's for a Happy Meal....(since you can now get them with apple slices instead of fries and juice or milk to drink, it takes some of the guilt away!). He enjoyed waving to all of the people at McDonald's and midway through his meal he began to rub his eyes. I wore the poor guy out! One of my friends recently told me that kids are supposed to be able to say 50 words by the time they turn 2. I started making a list, and I think he is about there already!

BTW, I know it looks like he is dressed for winter. When we got dressed this morning, it was about 60 degrees and cloudy, so we wore jeans and sweaters. Then it got warmer and warmer. When we were driving home from McDonald's I saw a sign that said 76. Not hot, but too hot for how we were dressed! We were roasting!

We are leaving for Hayward tomorrow morning. My parents reserved a condo again (same place as last year) at a golf resort. My brother Brad is flying in from California, and we are all going to spend Thursday-Sunday golfing, boating, fishing, and hanging out. Well, Ryan will only be there Saturday and Sunday, as he is a groomsman in his buddy Mark's wedding in Minneapolis on Friday night. We will miss him! Congratulations Mark and Jenn!