Little Boxes

Well, I guess they're big boxes. Giant Instagrams! I just can't help myself - the Instagram is my new favorite thing because a) I really like how the pictures look and b) I don't have a nice camera, so I figure that mediocre pictures with cool effects will have to suffice for now. Happy Friday from the Land of Ludwig.

Kitty sits in the windowsill. He watches for birds, rodents and the neighbor's dog. When he sees these creatures, he does not move. He remains still and vigilant, plotting silently.



Suggie was exhausted last night. She had a big day, I guess. Her smooshy face is so cute. Since Bennett joined our household, the pets have definitely taken several giant steps down the ladder of importance. Sometimes, I feel kind of bad about that. I must remember to dole out more love to the loyal pets.



It finally cooled off enough yesterday for us to take a walk around our lake. I say "our" lake as if we own it. We do not own it, but we like it. And it is pretty much (more or less) in our backyard. One could almost mistake Minnesota for a tropical paradise this time of year. Almost.



He crosses his little chubbers feet. Just chillin'.

Climbing

Back in the long ago and far away days of my childhood, my sister used to climb trees. I never really got into it, but she looked like she was having fun... until that time she fell out of the tree and fractured her arm. I think Bennett is going to be a tree-climber. He didn't get too far on this giant oak tree, but what a good start!



Playing outside is the best. It cuts the number of times I have to say "no" at least in half.

Inside: No no, don't touch the dog bowls. No no, don't climb on the fireplace. No no, don't open the cupboards. No no, don't pull all of the toilet paper off of the roll. No no, don't crush the kitty. (Well, maybe you can crush the kitty for just a minute, because you think you're giving him a hug which is so sweet).

Outside in the big giant park with tons of space and trees: No no, don't eat that. And that's it! Pretty much just a few reminders not to eat things, and otherwise freedom reigns. Climb away, Bennett, climb away.







My little guy is ten months old today. The big one year mark is creeping up much faster than I'd like it to! Party planning has already commenced, of course.

Summer Fun

We are really soaking up summer these days. Grilled food, pool parties and the like. In a state where you really only get three-ish months of this stuff, you have to live it up while you can. Bennett's first Fourth of July was rather uneventful. We didn't stay up late to watch fireworks. We did have a picnic at the park, and Bennett thought that trying a taste of a cherry Mr. Misty (which are now apparently called Arctic Blasts, but I will never call them that) from DQ was pretty awesome.



I just watch this kid go and go and go. It seems like he never wants to stop! The piles of new information that find a place in his baby brain every day must be massive. The latest to be added to the pile: how straws taste.



And just look at this crop of blond summer hair! If you had told me 10 months ago that my kid was going to have my hair and complexion, I never would've believed you. I thought for sure he'd have daddy's hair. For now, it's blond all the way, baby!



Hangin' with Suggie is still a preferred activity. They really are best buddies. Too cute.