Fair Time

We just got back from an awesome day at the State Fair.

We:

• Ate corn on the cob, cheese curds, corn dogs, apples from the agriculture building, cookies with milk, honey ice cream, and more fresh lemonade than I'd have thought possible.
• Took Victoria on rides. She loved the big slide at Kidway and screamed when Daddy told her she couldn't go again.
• Watched the parade.
• Started and ended our day at the Pet Center (kinda appropriate if you know our family). While there, we bought treats for Piper and Hannah, who got left behind today, and Molly (my brother's dog) who had to help "babysit" her cousins.
• Helped V "farm" at the kids farm (what an awesome exhibit!).
• Visited the DNR Building and the Agriculture Building. I've never seen a 1200 pound pumpkin before.
• Watched about 15 minutes of a horse show before our tired toddler lost patience.
• Visited cows, horses, and sheep. Because of the swine flu warnings, this pregnant lady decided we should pass on the pigs this year.
• Enjoyed a "free" ride: kids get to play on the equipment at the Rainbow Play Systems booth.
• Discovered what Victoria wants to do most at the Fair: ride the Skyride! She kept pointing to it, visible across the fair, everywhere we went.
• Saw two kids from day care, one of whom had told her mom the "first thing" they had to do at the fair was to "find Victoria!" She succeeded.
• Merged paths with my aunt and uncle, who we didn't even know would be at the fair. We enjoyed walking with them for awhile. It's amazing who you run into at a fair with thousands of other people.

It was so much fun not only to enjoy my favorite things at the fair, but to share all the sights and sounds with Victoria. She soaked everything in, often just staring at the crowds, colors, and activities around her. Here are the pictures from the day:

At the entrance to the kids farm. This place was awesome! The kids get to don aprons and carry

buckets, then do all the "chores" -- feeding animals, harvesting vegetables, collecting eggs,

picking apples. They can "sell" them at the market for "money," which they can trade for a prize.

Real corn on the cob. Victoria tried to pull it out.

Yes, I'm taller than two chickens!

Driving the tractor took a lot of concentration.

Pointing to the ride she was mesmerized by all day. Some day, Baby Girl, we will take you!

Bucket slung over her arm, ready for chores.

A train ride at Kidway

The big slide with Daddy.

So much fun she screamed to go again!

Her first corn on the cob. Those front teeth came in handy, and she was a champ at corn eating.

Enjoying some of that State Fair lemonade.

So cute to see the look on her face when she saw the sheep for the first time.

Very proud of how gentle she was with the horse. 

I could have looked at the horses all day.

With my aunt and uncle, Ron and Teresa. So awesome to see you guys!

The parade was full of spectacles, from gigantic cow statues to decorated bikes, from stilt walkers

to dance teams. Her jaw dropped open at the large cow and stayed that way for the rest of the parade.

Getting tired at the end of the day, but I have just enough energy to eat a cookie.

Zucchini Overload

In May, I planted all the seedlings I started earlier in the spring. This included two zucchini plants.

Or so I thought.

As stuff started growing, I was shocked to realize that what I thought were cucumbers or winter squash were actually ... more zucchini.

How could I have done that?

I love zucchini. Grilled, sauteed, in burritos or on salads, even zucchini fritters. But there's a limit to how much zucchini a 3-person family can eat.

Here is my harvest from just one day ...

... and this scene keeps repeating itself over and over. As you gardeners know, a pencil thin zucchini can become a five pound zucchini overnight.

I finally acknowledged I needed to preserve some of it. The only way I'm aware of is to shred and freeze it, then use it in cakes/breads/muffins. I've never been a huge fan of zucchini baked goods, mainly because they all seem to be a way to mask the zucchini. You can't really taste zucchini in those zucchini brownies, now, can you?

I had no other option, though. So I dug out my handy Kitchenaid shredder.

I shredded and packed 18 cups of zucchini.

(Sigh)

Even after that, there were 7 more zucchini in my fridge, and then I walked out the garden and harvested 4 more.

Now I understand why Minnesota legends include tales of large zucchini left on people's doorsteps anonymously. I am getting very tempted ...

I then remind myself to be grateful for the sense of abundance that comes with harvest season. In this day of convenience, we don't fully appreciate the blessings of harvest season. When I think back to the days of my great-grandparents, who struggled in winter and times of shortages, I imagine harvesting late summer vegetables could make one feel positively giddy.

Meetup Moms Picnic

Shortly after V was born, my friend Nina moved away (boo) but before she left she told me about this moms meetup group (yay). This is an awesome group of women, very helpful and supportive. Because of my busy work schedule, I don't get to see them as often as I would like, but last night we went to their annual picnic. Love the group photo! We had a great time ... Victoria just kept "munney" ("running" ... I have no idea how "munney" means running in her world) all over, between slide and swings and monkey bars. She was so tired when we got home that she had a complete meltdown outside the bathtub. We decided to skip the bath, she even said "no" to books, and was happy to go straight to bed.

Waning Summer

As much as I love fall, I am growing really sad that summer has almost ended. I see the light changing in the evenings, the cooler temperatures, and it's natural to wonder -- did we do everything we wanted to this summer? I always feel this way, but it is more pronounced now that we have a little one, who will only be this age once.

We are trying to make the most of these last days of August. This weekend, Matt traveled to South Carolina to officiate at a track racing event. He had horrible flight delays on the outbound trip, but said he thoroughly enjoyed the "Southern hospitality" which included delicious food for everyone at the track and -- his favorite -- sweet tea.

Victoria and I came home Friday evening to two very hyper Brittanies (being kenneled almost all day is no fun!). What is the best way to make all three of our girls happy simultaneously? Grab the four wheeler key and head outside! V and I rode while the pups got to run through the woods, smelling for birds and critters and wearing off some of their pent-up energy.

Saturday morning, I hosted a couple friends for a knitting session, then packed up the girls to head to my parents' house. V napped at their house (and I guess the dogs napped too) while I drove the few blocks to my aunt and uncle's house to visit with my cousins -- one of the first good girl times I've had in months!

Saturday evening, my parents cooked a Prime Rib Dinner (capitalized because this is a big event for them) for a gathering of friends, family, and neighbors. The food was delicious, the company enjoyable, and I even got in a game of ladder ball (we lost, boo!). We spent the night at my parents' and were treated to homemade waffles for breakfast.

Victoria spent part of her morning playing on Mommy's new iPad. She loves it so much that this morning after waking up, instead of calling "Mommy" or "Daddy" or "out" for us to go get her out of her crib, she just yelled "iPad!!" over and over until we got the hint.

Matt was scheduled to return around 3:00 on Sunday. I was tempted to take Victoria to the county fair, or a local art festival, and had just decided that I didn't have energy for that on my own when Matt called. He was at the airport, ready to board -- and finally shared no, he wasn't at the airport in North Carolina, he was actually already in Chicago! His early arrival in Duluth was a very welcome surprise.

 

The girls and I went home and worked in the garden/ate vegetables/played in the sandbox/ran around the field until Daddy arrived. V and I met him on the driveway and she was very excited to ride in Daddy's car the rest of the way home, then ask Daddy to a) twirl her around the yard, b) run down the hill with her, and c) lay in the hammock (she says "twirl," "running," and "hammock"). After lunch and an afternoon nap, we decided to celebrate Daddy's return with going out for ice cream, then playing at our local park. The picture is a little blurry, but she loved being pushed in the swing.

 

Boy, is our daughter a daredevil! She wanted to climb on monkey bars, and go down the highest slides, and climb the most technical ladders, as well as swing in the big kid swings and tire swings. Gotta love that energy.

It was a great weekend, and--given how much she screamed when we left--hopefully we can squeeze in a few more days at the park soon.

"Golfing"

Updated 8/20/12: I can't believe I forgot to share this story from the day! At one point around the 6th or 7th hole, we had to drive to pick up Grandpa's ball. My dad had V in his lap, and I drove towards his ball. I picked it up, and gave it to Victoria for safe keeping: "hold Grandpa's ball for him." She held it securely tucked into her hands while I got in the cart, took the parking brake off, and started forward. At that point she looked at me with an impish grin ... and threw the ball overboard! She gave a little chuckle, like she meant all along to be funny. Silly girl! My dad and I both laughed at her and I tickled her before going once again to get the ball. This time I handed it straight to Grandpa -- no more games of fetch for Mommy.

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Last Saturday we went "golfing" -- that is, most of my extended family got together for a golf outing, and Victoria and I tagged along so we could drive golf carts enjoy the company.

Daddy had just switched her car-seat to front-facing that morning. Look at this big girl!

She was particularly excited about her "nack" (snack) and her sunglasses.

At the golf course, I loaded up on M&Ms and bottles of water, and grabbed a golf cart. I had never driven one before, but V and I agreed we could drive around all day. My family had three teams on the course, so we could even drive around and visit everyone.

Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Doug took turns riding with us too, and of course on every green Victoria could get out and run in circles, or watch them try to hit the "baw" (ball).

Golfing 9 holes was taking longer than anticipated, and it was already past nap time, so I announced I was going to take Victoria to the restaurant early and get her some lunch. 

We left after the team teed off on the 8th hole. Victoria happily came into the clubhouse with me to return the key, but when we came back out, she ran straight to the golf cart. No amount of asking or cajoling, or promises of lunch or snacks, would get her to leave the cart.

Finally, I tried the trick of leaving her and walking to the car myself. After about 15 steps, I turned around to look at V. Sure enough, she had gotten out of the golf cart ... but had she followed Mommy? Noooooo ..... she was marching the exact opposite direction, somewhere towards the direction of the 9th hole, I suppose determined to find Grandma and Grandpa and continue the fun. I laughed, cuz you just gotta love that little girl. Then I had to chase her, and she was hiking so fast she managed to cross a little ditch before I could catch her. Ohhh, Victoria! 

We ordered our lunch and were soon joined by the rest of the group. Delicious lunch, beautiful sunny day, and great company. Perfect.

Needless to say, I think she will be very happy next time we take her "golfing."

Three Years Ago

Today is cooler and sunny, perfect for a stroll down a brick sidewalk or lounging by the lake. A perfect Duluth day. Music from the Bayfront Blues Fest sails through the office window, bringing me back three years, to 2009.

Why is the Blues Fest so memorable? It's not that I've actually attended the festival. But that Friday back in 2009 was right after I started at the City of Duluth. I had just moved up from the Twin Cities, where my soul had craved this city and the lake for a long time. Hearing blues notes was one of those moments in the early days living here where I wanted to pinch myself. I was really in Duluth! I had so many of those surreal moments where it struck me that I was living out my dream ... watching the bridge go up, hearing the foghorn, stopping at Amazing Grace for a sandwich, visiting an art fair at Bayfront.

It's been a great three years. I no longer have my private office overlooking our beautiful courtyard, but I can still see out a window, and am happy with my workspace. My coworkers and their families are dear friends. I've been able to work on a new zoning code, small area plans, and planning commission files. I have learned a ton and am still challenged.

I get to see the lake every day. Sometimes it is easy to take that for granted, but most days on my drive to work I take a quiet moment to be grateful for the water and trees, the hills and the magic. I think back on the Friday evenings (and Sunday evenings) we would spend in stop-and-go traffic just to get north -- I don't miss that at all. All those things that used to require a lot of planning and driving -- wandering around Canal Park, wading in the lake, hiking up the North Shore, visiting family -- are all right here!

Wild Child

Our "toughie" as our day care provider likes to call her. Loves pretty dresses and pink shoes, but begs to be outside climbing on rocks and riding four wheelers. Check out the wild hair too!

 

At her first baseball game -- she loved watching the "baw." This shot shows her munching

on cotton candy while watching the two mascots in a dance-off.

Emily and Kai's Wedding

A couple weeks ago, we journeyed up the North Shore on a Saturday morning for one of the most memorable weddings I have been to.

Emily is a former intern at the City of Duluth. She was an awesome intern and I loved working with her ... AND for better or for worse (pun intended), I somehow convinced her to pursue planning, and she is starting at my alma mater this fall, pursuing her master's degree.

But back to her wedding. She and Kai chose an outcropping of rock in Lake Superior at the Tofte Town Park. The bridesmaids were barefoot, and carried wildflowers they had picked the previous day. The weather was warm in the sun, so the occasional lake breeze was very welcome.

The guests were seated and standing on rocks around them ... which of course was an open invitation to our little one to crawl, scramble, and play in ponds, thoroughly scratching her legs and knees and not even caring about her pretty pink dress.

After the ceremony, guests gathered under a large tent on the lake shore for brunch with mimosas and bloody marys (it was a morning ceremony). The afternoon was to bring even more fun ... after brunch, people could change clothes and join in an afternoon of canoeing. That evening, one of the couple's favorite bands was playing a concert.

However, we had a little girl who needed a nap, so we headed home. Here are a few more pics of her enjoying the sunny day on the rocks:

Munching on graham crackers ... mmm

She loves her sunglasses ... and her daddy

Thanks to Daddy, who spent a lot of time climbing all over the rocks with her!

Beach Day

Back in July, we took Victoria to the beach -- Mom, Dad, Uncle Adam, and Molly.

I had never been to Wisconsin Point before ... but check this out.

It was perfect. Sandy beach, warm water (for Lake Superior, anyway), beautiful beach grasses, and no one else sharing the beach with us.

Victoria got to try out her new life jacket. She LOVES to wear it. Mom and Dad love that it automatically turns her face up in the water, but that feature sure makes it hard to do any "swimming." She did love walking in the water and playing in the sand.

 

And Molly had just as much fun as Victoria!

It was such an idyllic morning. We are so lucky to have such beauty around us. We need to make use of the beach more often!

First Trimester

I am through the first trimester, and wow -- is this pregnancy different than my first.

First, the obvious -- as expected, the belly is bigger this time. Check out the below picture at three months.

I think it's about where I was at five months last time. Or maybe even more.

Second, the sickness (or lack of). Don't get me wrong ... I was again sick as a dog between about weeks 4 and 8. At my 8 week appointment, my doctor suggested Vitamin B6. I've had very little nausea ever since, which is awesome (I was sick all 9 months with Victoria). It means I've been able to eat better meals, which means I have more energy. I don't think I could have survived on months of saltine crackers and ginger ale.

Speaking of energy ... I'm much more relaxed this time about having a little caffeine. Last time, I avoided Diet coke like the plague, and felt like I was in withdrawal, like I was completely missing out. Yes, it's sad that I like Diet coke that much. But let's be honest ... it's one of life's pleasures. After doing some research with this pregnancy, I've felt comfortable indulging in some black tea, or soda, and some days that makes all the difference in the world.

Same thing with Tylenol. I didn't have any pain killers with the first pregnancy. And particularly during the first trimester, I had such awful headaches I could barely function. This time, I took Tylenol three times, after finding out from the doctor it was a-ok. Each of these times it seemed to nip the headaches in the bud. Much better!

Yes, last time I felt like I was "missing out" on a lot. All I knew was the stuff I was giving up, and all I could focus on was the discomfort. Now that I know how much fun it is being a mom, and I know that Matt and I can do an ok job at this parenting thing, I am more excited about this second one. Still nervous at times about handling the pending chaos, still a little scared of labor and delivery, but definitely more excited.

And if I forget about the joys, I have Victoria here on a daily basis to remind me. Or distract me, if that's what's needed. No matter how tired I am when I get home from work, I find energy to play with her. And most days, our play time reenergizes me and makes me feel great again.

More energy, more excitement, less pain and discomfort. All is well! If I was having a similar pregnancy as last time, I don't think I would have been able to function while taking care of a 1 year old.

Keeping my fingers crossed that everything keeps going well. In 4-5 weeks we should be able to find out the baby's sex!