Happy Halloween!

Click on the collage to enlarge. It is hard to believe that this our 3rd Halloween with Mr. Z. We started a tradition last year with the Hardt's & Schulman's of spending Halloween together. Had a great time tonight with Zach's best buddies...and Mom & Dad's too! This was the first year that they really got into Trico-or-treating. The boys would run up the driveways, racing to push the doorbell. That was more exciting than the candy they got. Molly even went to the first 5 houses!!

Workin Man

Zach told me he was "a workin' man" and needed to rake leaves. When it was lunch time, he told me "no lunch for a workin' man". I did finally convince him to come in but only if he could bring his workin man gloves.

I told my workin' man he should have some fun and jump in the leaves...at least once. And that is what he did...be sure and look above his head and see if his "work glove" flying over top of him.

Playing in Kansas

One day in Elmo Underwear

If you don't recognize this move...it is the proud "poopy in the potty" dance! Saturday was the first time Zach has done anything except sit and read while on the potty...he went potty 3 times and poopy once. He didn't want his diaper just his Elmo underwear. Even slept during his nap in just his underwear. Who is this kid? Today, the excitement was over and he was back in the diapers with no interest in the potty. At least we know it can happen!

He loved his underwear so much that he didn't want to wear his pants! He is still talking about the marathon...."watch me...I am a runner!"

SNOW covered October 10th Morning

Zach was so funny this morning, he ran to the front window yelling...what happened, what happened?

Cousin Brian & Zach

Cousin Brian (Mom's cousin...Uncle Mel's son) was in town for work this week, so we got to see him! He came over on Monday night to take part in playing, reading books and all the bedtime rituals. Then met us out for dinner on Tuesday night. It was great to see him!

TC Marathon 2009

This morning, we bundled up and went to watch the 28th Annual Twin Cities Marathon. Two of the three marathons that Daddy ran were the TC marathon. It is such a fun thing to do...so many amazing athletes!! It always happens the first weekend in October. One year that fell on the weekend of our wedding, so we didn't watch it. For the most part, if the weather is good, we try "to see the runners". Zach really loved it!!

Back to the amazing athletes...before the runners start, the wheelers start.

Zach loved everything about watching the Marathon...but the next few pictures were some of his favorite parts. Here some the first runners....
Again, AMAZING athletes, amazing stories. I have heard a story about this guy last year but when I saw him today at mile 6 & mile 19, brought a tear to my eye. What an amazing gift, what a great father!! Here is a link to his story: http://www.dutri26.com/Display.asp?Page=DadD

We decided to call it a day after watching for an hour at Mile 6...this made Zach really sad. So we dropped Molly & Dad off for morning naps...and Zach & I went to Mile 19 to watch more.

We even got to see Erin who works for Mommy.

2 1/2 years old

It is so hard for me to imagine what my life was like before Zach. The last 2 1/2 years have gone by so fast and he is growing up...too fast for me. I am not sure when a baby becomes a toddler but one day, I woke up and realized my baby was no longer a baby. Maybe it is now that when I refer to him as baby (i.e. Good job, baby) and he tells me..."my a boy, Mommy!" So when does a toddler become a boy? Not sure but it is happening right in front of my eyes. So what is Zach up to...what is he not up to is more like it. Zach has quite the vocabulary. He likes to give me the play by play on everything we do and everything we see. He doesn't want music on in the car, he wants to talk. He is very inquizative about...you name it. He is also understanding the big picture and wants to understand it all. Constantly asking where someone/something's Mommy or Daddy is. If I don't know, he tells me. Most Daddy's (including Elmo's) is at work...downtown Target. This is where all boys including Zach work in the world according to Zach. He still loves sports and is very athletic. He is totally my kid and always on the move...and loves to be entertaining. He loves to laugh and make others laugh. Oh, I love him so. He can be testy, but for the most part, he is a keeper.

Highlight of my day was this conversation:

Mommy: Zach would you like some grapes?

Zach: No thank you Mommy (big smile).

Mommy: Thank you for using your manners.

Zach: Giggles...and runs into to hug his proud Mommy

Zach loves books!

"reading" to himself... pictures by Daddy while Mommy was out

Freezy Pops

It was a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! The weather was stunning; August-like. The perfect day for a Freezy Pop with the neighbors. You can see this is a strange concept to a 2 year old. He wasn't sure about the pushing it pull and eating it.
Blake, Zach & Samantha

Weekend with Grandpa & Grandma Hawk

Praying for a Miracle for our friend Grant

It has been a hard weekend as we found out on Friday that one of Zach's best buddies is very sick. Our neighbor, Grant has a tumor on the stem of his brain; Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). This is inoperable but not unprayable (is that a word). Grant goes in for radiation tomorrow. He is 6 years old and has been a part of our daily life for the last 4 years. Zach looks up to him and he loves Zach. Here are some pictures from earlier this month and a good one from the 4th of July parade. Please include him, his parents and the twins in your prayers and thoughts. We love you Grant and are praying for a miracle!

The Horn on the Bus...goes beep, beep beep!

Zach loves that Molly is now old enough to play more with him. He kept saying "Molly sit right here"...after she was in position, he started loading his toys in the bus with her.

The jump-o-line is BACK!

Neighbors ROCK!

We love our neighbors! Zach can't decide which Steensland is his best buddy...guess they all can be...the best part is the feelings are mutual.
Blakey, Samantha, Zach & Grant

Look at this boy jump!!

Check out the dirty feet...