September Fun

Zachary has grown and changed in so many ways over the summer, its quite amazing. His language has really exploded and he is mimicking us in almost everything we say and do. Its fun to hear him try out some big words and phrases, but now we have to be even more diligent in what and how we say things.

We enjoyed a nice Labor Day trip to Okoboji Iowa, tourist destination capitol of lake seeking Iowans I think. Actually, Jason and I celebrated 7 years of Marriage on the actual Labor Day, and we seized the opportunity to let Zach enjoy a little time away overnight from Mom and Dad to play at the water park with his Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. This was a first overnight since Zachary has been home from Russia, and it took us about an hour or two to actually stop thinking and talking about him, before we could just be Heather and Jason again. Parenthood really changes a marriage- mostly for the good, but we were really glad to be able to enjoy a relaxing stroll by the lake and eat good Mexican without worrying about a 2 year old making a mess or causing a scene. We had fun relaxing, talking, biking and seeing the sights.

On the way to Okoboji prior to dropping off Zachary, we stopped in Le Mars, Iowa at Blue Bunny the Ice Cream capitol of the World. We enjoyed a quick museum tour and of course the ice cream!



When we went to pick up Zach from Grandpa and Grandma, we enjoyed a nice round of Mini-golf. Zach did pretty well for his age but he got bored after about the 6th hole.

After that we took him to scout around the other activities at the golf course. He had lots more fun!


Yes, our son is ALL BOY and loves anything and everything that has wheels, gears, or a motor. If there is no motor, he makes the sounds very well!

Last weekend we took a little day trip to Boone, Iowa for Puffer Billy Days. This is a railroad town with a great train ride. Zach has just recently gotten interested in trains, Thomas, etc. so he was thrilled! There was also a carnival with rides- which he loved- he wasn't afraid at all.


And here he is riding the train. If I could have captured his face as we were pulling out of the train station- it would have been priceless. If you are in Iowa and your child loves trains, it would be a shame not to take this trip!

September is flying by- summer is almost gone now. We've harvested and canned most of the garden now except pumpkins and sunflowers. Last week we were swimming in pears, and they were so so good! We've been on the look for a Halloween costume for Zach- first one he went to was spider man. We almost bought it, but thought it best to wait in case he grows a little more between now and then. He's popped out two bottom molars, and I'm waiting on the top two- so far I haven't seen anything (he's been pretty crabby this week and having more tantrums than usual so I'm thinking that may have something to do with it.) Other than that life is good, Zach is great, and we're eager to enjoy the colorful fall weather together having more fun times like these.