Summer Visitors

We have had a very busy month of visitors to the great state of Minnesota.  All our relatives in Texas like to come up here for a much needed break from the extreme heat down south.  They were happy to have a little respite from the 3-digit temps, and Mommy was happy to see family and have some help with the little munchkins!!

Oma came to visit in late July.  She stayed for a week, and we had a wonderful time together. We went to both the MN Zoo and the Como Zoo, Lake Harriet Beach, and the Mall of America. Oma also enjoyed afternoon playtime on Beard Ave., where the whole neighborhood comes out to play, usually ending up in our front yard! She met all the neighborhood kids and parents and had a nice time visiting with all of them. I was thankful to have her here to do a little babysitting so I could attend a few Junior League meetings and events.  Oma is lots of fun, and she spoils the kids rotten!  Brody had a blast building a zoo with blocks and the new animals she bought for him, and Leyton loved getting cuddles and kisses from his Oma!  We are happy that she'll be back for Leyton's birthday next month!

It's a block party everyday at the Smith residence!

The boys are teaching me how to play t-ball.  

I have no idea what to say about this pic!  This one is definitely going to be saved for blackmailing when he's older!

Brody and Oma are building a racecar.  It takes lots of concentration!

Lake Harriet Beach

A giraffe's gotta do what a giraffe's gotta do...

A few days after Oma left, Aunt Allyson and Aunt Bethany flew up from Texas for a short but very fun visit. The next day Grandaddy and Grandma Matthys arrived. The big event while they were here was, of course, Brody's birthday party, but we also made lots of time for wrestling with Grandaddy, going to the beach, and visiting the MN Zoo. (We really like that place if you can't tell!) I also got to check out the new Harry Potter movie while the grandparents watched the little men. Grandaddy spent two entire days building us a brand new deck in our backyard! He is amazing!! We are happy that they were able to come up and hang out with us.  It went way too fast!   

Our last guest came to visit last weekend, and Brody and Leyton were thrilled to see her again! Yes, I'm talking about none other than Auntie Kelli, AKA Baby Whisperer! Auntie Kelli came for a very quick visit, just for the weekend, but it was worth every minute to have her here. The weather was not very nice, so it was a perfect time to hit Nickelodeon Universe in The Mall of America for some fun rides. Brody even took a ride on the Log Chute--he was super brave, and I am really proud of him! We are counting down the days until Thanksgiving, when both Auntie Kelli AND Uncle Jeff will be back and we will attempt to whip up a homemade Thanksgiving feast! 

We love all of you and are so thankful that you were able to come see us this summer!  :)