Mall of America

On Wednesday this week it was pouring rain, so we met Roz and Hazel at the Mall of America for some window shopping time. This was our first time being there since it has changed over to Nickelodeon Universe--and Zoey was thrilled to be able to meet and greet some of her favorite characters. Zander was excited to see them, but not at all thrilled about meeting them.

Zander and Hazel held hands most of the time and took in all the sights.

A little Lego time.

This is what Zoey chose to do while at the Disney store.
(She also enjoyed looking at all the Disney stuff.)

I got unny!

Zander: I got uny!
Me: What?
Zander: I got unnyy!
Me: That's good.
Zander: I got unnnyyy!
Me: Oh! You have money! Wow! You should put that in your piggy bank.

Zander proceeds to put the money in his bank.
A few minutes later:

Zander: I got uny!
Me: You have more money? Put it in your bank.

Zander goes and adds more money to his piggy bank.
A few minutes later:

Zander: I got unnny!
Me: Where are you getting all this money?!?

Zander and I take a stroll downstairs where we find my purse open and strewn all over the family room--all my change is gone. I believe that Zoey helped herself to some unny too!

Go Tins!

We were out of town the weekend of Auntie Tammy's birthday so we went over to Nana's and Poppa's house today to celebrate. Before we went over, Zoey wanted to make sure that Tammy's birthday was special and that she got a gift, like kids do at their parties. So she hand crafted a birthday card and then looked at Tyler and said, "We need to find something that we don't want anymore so we can give it to Tammy!" So we found one of our many canisters of pancake mix in the pantry and wrapped that baby up!

Cupcakes anyone?

The next part of our day was spent heading to the Twins game against Cleavland. Not only was it the kids first time (and most likely last) going to the metrodome for a Twins game (and Uncle Eric's) it was also their first time on the light rail train.

Zoey and Zander waiting with Poppa for the crowded train to come.

Outside the dome. . .

Zander has a board book about the Twins and has really enjoyed it--
so it was fun to watch him take in the whole baseball experience.
We had his book with him so he could see that we were in the same place.

Zoey overall had a great time. She wasn't as into the baseball. . .but she loved the cotton candy!

Nana and Zander

For the record: Twins 4, Cleavland 7

Great-Grandparents

Last weekend we had the pleasure of going up to Grand Forks to visit my grandparents. They are up from Florida for a few weeks. They hadn't seen Zoey since the night she dazzled everyone at my cousin's wedding over 2 years ago and they had never met Zander until now. It was fun to see them and play some cards!

4 Generations: Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Somogyi, Grandma Nyhlen, Uncle Rob and myself, and the grandchildren--Zoey (4), Kylie (3), Zander (2), and Kristie (5 mo.)

Just a cute picture to add in. . .

Zoey performs a song from Vacation Bible School

Happy Birthday Auntie Tammy!

Also in honor of Tammy, a little birthday Kung Fu. . .

Sunday Afternoon Fun with the Cousins

Family Pictures

We have a new photographer in the family! Auntie Nicole got to play with a professional camera this weekend and was kind enough to practice on our family--we don't get to have pictures of all four of us together. . .so I am excited that they turned out so nice. Thanks Nicole!

See what I mean?

Above, Tyler and I are imitating Zoey's infamous "UgDoll Face."

The Birthday Bash

This weekend we had a blast hanging out with our family. Grandma, Grandpa, Rob, Kylie, and Kristie all came on Friday night. Kylie and Zoey did a lot of playing and not a lot of sleeping the entire weekend. Kristie needed an evening to adjust, but was fantastic the rest of the time--I am having a hard time remembering if she even cried much!

Zander enjoyed his cake a lot--there were crumbs everywhere! The best part of the party was right before we went to clean him up after his cake, I told him to give his Uncle Eric a great big hug. He turned around and ran into Eric and hugged him, repeatedly. Zander isn't usually so bold around Uncle Eric--so I was surprised that he went for it. . . very cute!

Zander is enjoying all the gifts that he received from his friends and family. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the event!

The girl cousins

Zoey wanted to hold Kristie, and I think Kristie liked it!

Grandma Nyhlen reading to the whole crew.

Zander was enthralled with his baby cousin. Many times during the weekend, he got down on his stomach and hung out with her a while.

Cousin Kristie catching some Zzzzz's before the party.

The birthday song. . .

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ZANDER!

Happy Birthday Little Z! You manage to make us smile each and every day. Part of me wishes that you would stop growing because you are so darn cute! The other part can't wait to see how you keep growing and what you will learn next. . .

Zander had a great birthday and his party is tomorrow. He celebrated with all his friends at daycare and got his special daycare birthday crown. (Thanks, Mary!) As you can see the kids love their birthday crowns--Zoey still wears hers all the time--even though it is being held together by tape and love.

Zander even managed to play some games with Gracie and make some peace--he isn't really a dog person yet.