Zoo Trip

Now that we are members, we get special perks from the Zoo! One of them is Nights at the Zoo. Basically, the zoo closes early, kicks everyone out, and sets up exhibits and food from local restaurants. Then, the gates open again for Zoo Members! It was really fun to see the animals in the evening. The weather was perfect, no mosquitos, rain or terrible heat. There was also really great food and music too! The best part was, it wasn't nearly as crowded! We took advantage of seeing the animals closer and getting to talk with animal caretakers! We even got a little daring and fed the birds! It was a little challenging to get the birds, but once you get one, they all come! Ascher wasn't hesitant at all either. I was very impressed! Immer and I got birds, and then shared them with Ascher. He was a little too low to actually get the birds himself.



He also got a really nifty tattoo....which he eventually cried and said he didn't like it and wanted it off. Yeah.....not going to happen at the zoo!

The best part was definately the carosel! We weren't sure if he would love it or hate it....but we took our chances! Luckily, he loved it! I rode very nicely, waving and screaming and laughing the whole time. Towards the end, Immer started to get a little concerned becuase Ascher was looking a little green.....but it cleared up when the train came around! All in all, it was a really fun night, and I'm glad we went. The weather was perfect, the animals were great, and it was a fun night out as a family. Which doesn't happen often enough.

Valet Service

Ascher loves the library. What kid doesn't? He also loves to look at pictures. Doesn't matter what it is. He loves looking at the people, what they are doing, and what's in the background. So I found these books at the library....and he's addicted! He is always looking at the pictures, pointing out things in the background that we would never notice right away. Luckily, there are several different types we can check out.....so they should last us through the summer! He loves to bring them with on road trips, which is nice because then he is not always trying to make me look at things!

Sweet Rewards

Well, it's finally official. Ascher is out of diapers! Yesss!!! He caught on really quickly with the potty part, it was the other one we had trouble with. But with a little rewarding, he got it! Nothing like an ice cream sundae to make things work! He now only wears diapers at night, but usually wakes up dry! We tried several different techinques, but finally got one that worked. Every 30 minutes, he was on the potty. Once it worked a few times, we went to every hour, then every 2 hours. In about two days of trying, he had picked it up! His potty chart is now full!

Father's Day

This year, we decided to get a little creative with our gifts. Ascher colored a shirt for Papa, including hand prints, polar bears and roads. He also colored a tie for Lito (oops, forgot to take photos of that one). I think both of them were very excited with their gifts...and hopefully are wearing them proudly! As for Immer, he got a double bonus! It was Father's Day and his birthday! So we showered him with tools and a new swimsuit (hopefully he will take us to fun places and make sure it works).

We also had the honor of Immer's cousins in town for a visit! They decided on a roadtrip from Arizona to Wisconsin....and stopped by for a few days. Ascher had a great time playing with Barnaby(Austin) and Cold (Nicole). I don't know where he got those names from, but he was constantly correcting me so I wouldn't mess them up. We enjoyed stories of them growing up and how bad they were, hot chocolate and donuts, watching the kids run, scream and play. You know, the usual family from out of town visit. Hopefully we can make the same kind of trip to AZ....but when it's not so hot.

Calm after the Storm

Well, the parties are finally over...and everything has calmed down. Ascher has gotten back into his normal routine, with a few extra toys in tow! He really loves his beanbag chair, and is always dragging it around the house. He loves to sit and look out the porch window at the birds and traffic. He jumps on it, plays on it, and loves to read books in it. I'm glad that he can find so much joy in things that aren't toys!