Jammed packed last week of summer!

   We just wrapped-up our last week of summer vacation and man was it busy! We had the chance to see and do A LOT and we have a few pictures from each event to share! It started last weekend with a visit from Grandma Theresie. The boys had fun showing Grandma their favorite parks, the pool and the library. Also in town that weekend were my Uncle Don, Aunt Linabelle and cousins Hannah, Sarah, Jennah and Aleah. Sarah was competing in the Visa Championships (the national championship in women's gymnastics) in St Paul. The boys loved playing with their second cousins and really loved going to see Sarah compete on Saturday. Owen was devasted when it was over and continues to ask when we catch go and watch Sarah again! Sarah did an amazing job and placed 3rd overall in the Jr age division. She made the US National team and will get the chance to compete in international competitions in the coming months. She also has a chance to make the Olympic team next summer as she will be turning 15 (the minimum age) in November. We'll be routing for her!
   The next big event was the arrival of their new cousin Drew! Uncle Jennon, Aunt Beth and proud big brother Cooper welcomed their new addition early Monday morning. We were able to go and visit baby Drew that evening and the boys both loved holding their new cousin. He's a cutie!
   On Tuesday the boys got a surprise from Daddy, tickets to go and see their first Twin's game! Both boys loved seeing all the sights of the stadium and did a good job sitting. They lasted for most of the game (a little over 2 hrs) which we thought was pretty good for a night game. Owen's favorite moments were the opening fireworks, sitting in the giant glove, eating kettle corn and watching the Target racers on the giant screen. Gavin also loved the giant glove and seeing TC Bear shoot out t-shirts to the crowd.
   The rest of the week included our final trips to the pool, playdates with the Springer and Bruecken buddies and the arrival of  Uncle Daniel, Vanessa and their little dog Cheeky, who came to visit for the weekend. The boys enjoyed going on walks with Cheeky and did a good job sharing the responsibility of holding the leash. Joel and I enjoyed getting to partcipate in some adult activities too. Daniel, Vanessa, Joel and I went to another Twins game Friday night. Saturday,Vanessa and I went to Lake Harriett to a free yoga event and Sunday Joel and Daniel got in a round of golf. We also got another chance to see baby Drew and family on Saturday afternoon. Grandma Cyndie, Grandpa Carroll and Great Grandma Donna drove up to meet Drew and we had fun visiting with them before they headed back to IA.
   Whew! I wasn't kidding when I said it was a jammed packed last week! As busy as it was, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to see and do so many fun things before we head back to school and daycare on Tuesday. We are fortunate to keep the same schedule and arrangements as last year and I think that will make the transition back a lot smoother.
   The boys grew and changed a lot over the summer so here are just a few tidbits of what they are up to- Owen is now 44 inches tall and weighs 36 1/2lbs. Which means he has grown 2 inches and gained about a 1 1/2 lbs since his 4yr check-up in February. He still loves cars and books! However his imaginary play has expanded immensely in the past few months. He is very creative and can script hours of play between his cars, stuffed animals and Gavin! He has also begun reading which is very exciting! He really enjoys reading the cereal boxes at breakfast, street signs while we drive and print on his and other's clothing. He has over 2 dozen sight words and when motivated can read entire Level 1 easy reader books with very little help. I think Ms Bonnie Jo is going to be impressed with his progress! Owen has also become a stronger swimmer this summer. He is now able to swim 2-3 full strokes under the water. This is the skill he is most proud of!
   Gavin is now 36 1/2 inches tall and weighs 31 1/2 pounds. This means he has grown an inch and gained a half a pound since his 2 yr check-up in May. Gavin's interest in books has continued to grow along with his vocabulary. He is attempting to rival his big brother with his ability to talk non-stop! He can recite several books and repeats everything Owen says like he is Owen's personal parrot! He has also taken to learning letters and can label 18 of the 26! He also knows all of his colors. He is continuing to use his left hand more than his right so we bought him a left handed baseball glove and he loves playing catch! Gavin also continues to show more confidence in the water and on climbers at the park. Gavin also continues to love trains and swings! When we are at a park it is hard to get him to do anything but swing!
   Both boys continue to be such characters! We have no shortage of entertainment at this house! It has been so fun to see all of their differences and similarities. It is also wonderful to see how closely they are connected to eachother. They are truly amazing little guys!