Trip to the MN State Fair

Connor and I went with Grandpa and Grandma Wicklund to the MN State Fair yesterday. We hit the animal barns, watched the parade, went thru the exhibit buildings, went into the Butterfly House, had some caramel apples, and even were on TV during the Fox 9 news. We made a sign for Grandpa and Grandma Bass in Okabena and that got us on TV. Had a fun time. Connor did pretty well. Slept the whole drive down and the whole drive back home. He took a little catnap during the afternoon, but was otherwise too busy checking everything out.
Check out the pictures below.

Oh How He Has Grown

Connor emptying out his toy bin

Just Not Quite Yet

Dad trying to show Connor how to keep his knees together. No crawling yet.

Eeks! Nosedive into the rug.

Mom, Help!

Reading with Dad

Connor likes the Clifford books

8 Months Old

Connor turned 8 months old last week on the 22nd. We weighed and measured him here at home since his next doctor appoinment isn't until next month. He weighs 21 lb. and our measurements put him at 27 inches. Of course we had to take his monthly picture in our big blue chair. I figured I better get one of his monthly pictures in one of his John Deere shirts before he outgrows them.

On the Road Again

We just don't stay home for long. This past Monday we were gone again. Mark left Monday and went to Michigan and then on to Arkansas for work. Since he was gone, Connor and I went and spent a few days in Sartell with Mark's brother Adam and his wife Becky and their daughter Ali. Becky had the week off from work for vacation and invited us to come and stay for a few days. We went shopping in Albertville on Tuesday and then hit a few places in St. Cloud on Wednesday. Mark returned home from his trip on Wednesday night. He went to work from Sartell on Thursday morning and Connor and I came home that afternoon.

Ali playing blocks with Connor.

Connor tries out Ali's sunglasses.

Becky and Ali with Connor

Uncle Adam playing with Connor

Vining Watermelon Days

The Saturday when we returned home from vacation was Watermelon Days in Vining. Dave and Janelle and their girls and my sister, Crystal stayed for the weekend. We went and checked out the craft vendors, had some watermelon, played some bingo, and went to the parade. Karen Nyborg, the astronaut that went up to space this past May who is originally from Vining, was the Grand Marshal for the parade. I didn't really get a good picture of her as she wasn't looking our direction when she went by in the parade. Check out the Fergus Falls newspaper article for a full story on the astronaut's trip to Vining. http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2008/aug/18/astronaut-vinings-still-home/

Vacation at the lake

We are back finally! We've been gone for a while so I have lots to post. First, from Aug. 9th - Aug. 16th we were on vacation. Well not too far from home, but to Alexandria. We stayed at a resort on Lake Darling with a bunch of the Bass relatives. I've been going on vacation each year to the lake with my aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, sisters, etc. probably since I've been born. And now Connor gets to go too. We caught lots of fish, had a bonfire and smores most nights, good shopping, went to the Douglas County Fair, had nice weather, and what would a vacation in Alex be without a picture with the viking. Connor took his first picture with the viking. It was an all around good week. Check out the slideshow of pictures below.

The Cruiser

Connor has mastered his walker and now checks out everything that he can get to. I clear a path for him around the couch and into the kitchen. Oooh, the computer. I've got an extra computer sitting on the floor right now that he stops to play with. I call him Mr. Long Fingers.

My Little Pea Picker

Last night, Connor and I took the wagon and a bowl down to the garden to pick peas. We got a bowl full again. He guarded the bowl while I picked. Actually, he gnawed on the empty pea pods while Mom picked.

Connor's new wheels

Yesterday, Connor and I went and picked up his new wheels. I spotted the wagon and trike on Craig's List. They are both in pretty nice shape. I was telling Mark that when Connor gets older that we can send him outside to pick up starter sticks to burn for winter.

Family Reunion

This past Saturday we went to my Grandma's for a family reunion. Following are a few pictures:

Connor getting Great Grandma's glasses.

All the Great Grandkids that were present

Connor and Grandma Bass

Mark helping the kids load up water balloons.