The couch minivan

Derek is really into pretend play these days. His new favorite activity is to "drive" in the minivan (or truck) which is the couch with no cushions on it. We usually drive to Starbucks to get chocolate milk and a mocha for Mommy or Daddy. Whose kid is this? The funny part is that Mike or I need to "drive" and D needs a seatbelt too. I must be really buzzing because we drive there at least 10 times a day!

Happy boys

Bumpa's work

Bumpa was really excited to take Derek to his businesss. He knew D would love it as it has so many of his favorite things. Sure enough D loved the pressure washer, the fork lift, and the big scrubber machine. Mr. Kyle came in his UPS truck and let D go in the back too. D's face showed smiles, Bumpa's face showed pure joy.

The turtles

We introduced Derek and MIke to the turtles. Al and I loved them as kids. Apparently they are made for kids and small adults so it was a riot to watch. We all laughed a lot and had fun.

Playing with Geema, Bumpa, and Auntie Alli

While we went and did lots of things in WI, we spent most of our time just playing with Geema, Bumpa, and Auntie Alli. Everyone took off the whole week from work to hang out. We spent lots of time outside. Mike took D around the yard to pick us flowers, D got several rides on Bumpa's lawn mowers, and the babies hung out and snuggled with everyone. It was so nice.

We also ate our share of WI's finest. We had lots of frozen custard, butter burgers, brats, and subs. It was so good--- and good we were only there a week!

John Deere

Bumpa had the great idea to go to the John Deere store. Derek loves John Deere. The store was huge and had combines, tractors, and lots of mowers. D was so excited to sit on them and "drive" them. A very kind salesman came over and gave D lots of catalogues. D was thrilled. For the rest of the week, whoever sat next to D in the car (usually Al) had the job to read to D. We learned lots about tractors.. lots and lots and lots. Mike got D a hat and some toy tractors. The tractors were great for the plane ride home. Now D wants Daddy to have a matching hat. D will be super excited to see all the toy tractors that were Mike's when he was a kid. Mike's Grandpa worked for John Deere in Iowa and MIke has many fun toy tractors he is excited to give D.

Jilly

My college room mate JIll (and family) graciously drove the 3 plus hours to meet us in Madison. We met at the new children's museum which is awesome. Alli came along to help with our troops. We had a great time catching up and D loved the museum. It was fun to watch him paint and play. Of course we only have 1 picture of Jill and I and it is on her camera.

Over the week, I also got to see several other dear friends including MIki, Annie, Kristin, and Jenny. I have no pictures but wonderful memories of our times. It was so nice to see close friends face to face.