Halloween

 

 

 

Dear Jude,
You picked out your Halloween costume all by yourself this year.  We asked you what you wanted to dress up like and without hesitation your response was....."HANDY MANNY".  You borrowed a few key items from your cousin Rita and rounded up the tools you have pilfered from your dad's tool box and you were set!  We made it  to a few friends houses and although you started out shy, you didn't want to stop at the end of the night. 

Pumpkin Carving

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figured I had better get the pumpkin carving photos up before Christmas is here!  We had a great weekend in Huron just before Halloween full of fall activities.  We carved pumpkins, made apple cider, and visited the Hofer farm.  Jude got to ride in the combine with Uncle Nick.  He was trilled!  Can't wait to be back together with everyone over the Christmas holiday.

Really?

 

Guess our son likes to relax!  Love this photo and hope it brightens your Monday!

Fall Farm Day

 

 

 

Dear Jude,
We had a great day out at the Nelson farm: petting baby calfs, going on a hayride, and picking apples.  Thanks Danny, Tracy, and Wyatt for a fun day.  Jude now calls his little people farmer "farmer danny".  You are legend in our house now Danny!

Birthday Party

 

Dear Jude,

You helped me celebrate my birthday with so much enthusiasm this year.  We went on a long bike ride and played at the park with Jude.  This photo really says it all....your smile is adorable and you were so happy to help me blow out my candles and sing happy birthday. Thanks to my boys for a great day!

Highlights of Summer

 

 

 

Dear Jude,

One of my favorite summer memories was going to McCory Gardens with you and your dad. You were initially so disappointed that there was no playground equipment as your dad and I had told you we were going to a "park" without realizing that your definition of "park" is playground equipment!  You warmed up to the idea though, and had a great time running from area to area in your rain boots. Thanks boys for a fun day.   

Growing Up

Dear Jude,

Summer is over.  As your dad and I looked over photos from the summer last night we couldn't believe how much you have grown.  You really transitioned from a baby to a boy in our eyes this summer.  We can't get enough of you and are surprised daily with what you already know at the age of 2!  You are shy and have a soft heart, but are witty and a jokester when you get to know those around you.   You love to play construction and do projects with dad, try to use scissors, and do high fives. 

State Fair

Driving the big tractor with Dad

Getting comfortable on the lawn mowers with Papa

Checking out four wheelers with Dad

Coloring with Great Aunt Candy

Eating your weight in corn dogs

Dear Jude,

We took in the state fair in August with Gma and Gpa Meendering.  We spent nearly the entire time touring tractors, lawn mowers, and four wheelers.  Your dad and I got such a kick out of your excitement!  You also took in a concert with Gma and Gpa, petted farm animals in the petting zoo, and ate your fill of fair food.  Wishing I had some cheese curds right now!

Lazy Summer Day

Dear Jude,
It is a cold and rainy weekend and you are wishing you could play outside. It was only a week ago that we were playing in the water bucket in shorts and tank top. I will never forget the fun you had last weekend sitting in your new patio chair with your feet in your water bucket. You would kick the water out when your dad and I walked by and race around throwing balls into the bucket and laughing uncontrollably when the water would splash out all over you and whomever was near. This weekend we are snuggled inside wondering if there will be more warm sunny days to play outside this summer?

Hofers

Dear Jude,
Oh how you love your cousins.  We made a trip to visit Aunt Sam, Uncle Nick, and Cousins Ava and Eden a few weeks ago and boy do you love these girls.  You are still talking about the picnic you had on the porch in your PJs with these cuties. 

Mall of America

Dear Jude,
While we were in Minneapolis we went to the Mall of America to celebrate Ava's 5th birthday. Your dad and I didn't know what you would think of the rides because of your history with motion sickness, but you LOVED going on the rides with your cousins and thought the day was super fun. Ava, we can't believe you are 5! Thanks for a fun birthday party!

 

Jon and Jude riding the Thomas Train....

 

Love this one, because you can barely see Jude and it looks like Jon is riding the magic bus by himself ..

 

 

Go Twins

Dear Jude,
You had a super fun weekend in Minneapolis with the Meendering clan in late July. We all had a great time seeing a Twins game in Target Field for the first time.  I would have to say some of your favorite parts of the weekend included  riding the train toand from the game with his cousins, eating hot dogs at the ball park and and yelling "GO TWINS" during the game.  More fun times were to be had at Ava's 5th birthday party celebration the next day, but we will share those pictures in another post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tee Time

I love the feel of being out on the golf course. Brings back such great memories of high school golf, collage golf, and the summers I spent working at Edgebrook. We played some great courses while we were in Rapid City and loved every minute. Jude even came along for a round. Hopefully he will love the game as much as his parents!

Connor and Jude sporting their golf hats...

Gpa, Julia, Ali and Jude taking a water break...

Love this photo of Julia and Jude. Julia you were so good with him!