Today is October 8th, 2008

The funny thing about this blog title is that I originally typed in October 7th. Ooops. Tanner corrected me. Yet another reason why I married him - so he can verify the accuracy of my blog titles! Thanks honey :)

Anyway, it was a beautiful day -- one of the few warm, sunny days remaining this year. Miles and I decided to venture over to River Bend Nature Center again. Remember when we went last time? Remember the picture of Miles sitting in front of the sign? (Hint: If not, click on the "last time" link). Here's evidence of how much he has changed since then...I couldn't get him to sit still for the picture! He was determined to play in the mess of leaves and pound on the bench.



Miles was fascinated by the colorful leaves hanging in the trees and coating the path. He was a quiet, content little guy during the entire walk -- not once did he squirm and try to break free. Makes me think he may have a future as a naturalist. (Before or after his stint as a fire fighter, you ask? That has yet to be determined.)He was eager for me to take this picture...evidence of what a brave outdoorsman he is to stand (sit) alone on a rickety old bridge over a pond full of green goobers and monsterous snapping turtles. Oooooh!

Just kidding.

And finally...this one is for you, Grandpappy:

A widow maker! Better call Vern and have him hussle over to the nature center. They've got lots of these things.

Wow, that went fast.

It seems like just yesterday I was telling you why we love Fridays. Three days have since past, each one going way too quickly.

Saturday was the official GDO (Girls' Day Out) with Natalie and Chelsea. Here we are after racking up the credit card bills for 9 hours at the MOA (oofdah) and polishing off several plates of pasta at the Olive Garden (whoever invented the "endless pasta bowl" was a genious).

Tanner stayed awake just to take our picture. Thank you, Tanner! You were such a gentleman.

Miles offered us a lazy start on Sunday morning, as he didn't wake up until nearly 8:30am. I know what you're thinking... OMG!!! It was amazing. Absolutely wonderful! He's a champion sleeper just like his mommy, and I'm very proud of him. We had a nice morning that consisted of playing in our jammies (okay, that was all day), eating pancakes, and going for a walk. We were all so exhausted that we had to take a super long nap by lunch time. That, too, was absolutely wonderful :)

Sunday evening proved adventurous as we joined Miles' girlfriend Claire and her mommy and daddy for the annual Owatonna Fire Department's chili feed fundraiser. We're not sure who took home the pot of gold this year, but they definitely made a haul. The place was jam packed with chili eaters. Unfortunately Miles spit out his spoonful of chili faster than anyone could say...well...don't spit out your chili. He preferred to munch on Saltines and eat his mixed veggies. Mmmmm! That's my boy. Claire didn't seem very interested in the chili, either. Judging by the taste of her sweet potato Puffs, she chose wisely. When our bellies were full, we played around on the fire trucks until it was time for two little babies to head home and go to bed.

They sure had a good time, and so did we. It was so much fun, we're already looking forward to Chili Feed '09!

This photo deserved to stand alone. It's the perfect ending to a delicious chili feast. (Pardon the glare.)

TGIF

We're happy that it's Friday for a number of reasons:

1. Tanner came home from a week long work trip in Virginia (the state, not the little MN city)

2. It's payday for me

3. It's pop day for Tanner (he only drinks pop on Fridays and Saturdays...weirdo)

4. It was casual day for Miles at daycare, so he wore sweatpants (just kidding. Every day is casual for that kid)
5. Tomorrow is Saturday, October 4th, which means Miles will experience his first Gustie football game and I will be binge shopping with my girlfriends at the MOA (Tanner even wrote "Annie shopping" on the calendar...I love him!)

Obviously the greatest thing about this day being Friday is that Tanner is home. We missed him! I can't complain about single mommyhood, though. Miles is such a good little boy -- easy to predict and very playful. He definitely had some spaz sessions and was a bit bipolar at times, but he's my boy and I'll take him in any form. All of the grandparents pitched in and helped take care of him while I had meetings in St. Paul on Tuesday and Wednesday. I think Miles liked the change of pace with them. I'm sure he got away with lots of things...none of which I want to know about. :)

Here's the balloon Miles picked out for his daddy:

It even says "Welcome Back"! Who would've thought Miles would be such a good balloon picker outer?

Lots of adventures to come this weekend. Although nothing compared to what Cousin Hannah is up to... She's going to Florida with her mommy and daddy and gets to make a pit stop at her Great Aunt Mary's house. Rumor has it her second cousin Matthew might even make an appearance. Don't forget your camera, Hannah! And watch out for those tootsie sharks.

Happy Friday!