Minnesota State Fair

In the sea of people...

do you see someone you know?

Potato Tornado

With a joint effort Sarah and I managed to win Papa Smurf for Jacob.

Turkey sandwich, check.  Mini-donuts, check. Martha's Cookies, check.  

Sarah and I left our boys at home and spent the afternoon at the Minnesota State Fair.  It was a lovely day and I don't think I will be able to resist going back for a Turkey sandwich later this week.  

The boys

Jacob is an awesome big brother

12 weeks of pure joy

Just Jump

Thanks Uncle Tom and Aunt Sarah for the gift certificate to Just Jump!  We can't wait to go back!

Eyelash envy

One big happy

No love for Wal-Mart

This morning while watering my plants I realized I needed to get some fertilizer on them.  On a whim (I should know very well that at this stage of the game, anything that is a "whim" is not going to be successful) I went to Wal-Mart for Miracle Grow and a few other items for which I had coupons.  It would have been a much better idea to visit Target...but I just wasn't sure if they had Miracle Grow.  Sitting here thinking about it...of course they do.

I left Wal-Mart with no Miracle Grow, no other items (although already bagged),  a screaming baby and a sad (almost crying but he held it together really well) 3.5 year old because I told him he could have a turn in the car ride.

Not sure what disappoints me the most...the self-check out lane that wouldn't accept the coupons, the employee that couldn't get the coupons to work or even cancel out the whole thing so I could go to a different lane with a person (despite the crying baby and clear sign that I was in a hurry she was annoyed with me and asked me what she was supposed to do with the groceries...I told her to put them back), or myself for even thinking a quick errand would be easy.  I sure would like a re-do on my morning.

As for Wal-Mart...the few trips a year I brave that place has been diminished to something more like zero.  I know it is silly to make rash decisions but every single time I go there something goes awry.  Whether it is the cart that keeps pulling to one side, the checkout lanes that don't work, or mediocre produce...Wal-Mart and Nikki just don't get along.  After telling Jacob he could ride another time, just not at this store, he says to me..."Daddy likes to come here".  I told him he can come here with Dad.  Lucky Scott!

Date Knight

My knight in light azure took me out for dinner last night.  Sarah Mac (thank you for babysitting!) was armed with two bottles for Nathan and we went on our merry way to enjoy some Sushi.  It was fantastic.  My favorite of the evening was the Winter roll.  I resisted the urge to order another one.  We then strolled a bit and had dessert and coffee at Meritage.

We knew we'd been cooped up too long when we felt like we were driving "really far" while making the 20 minute trip into St. Paul.  It was nice to get out and about...a homeless man asked us for money, we watched the SWAT team (with back doors open and guys geared up hanging out the back) drive by, saw a guy riding his bike with his dog on a trailer behind him, and had to look up to see buildings in their entirety.  It felt just like the old days before we became so comfortable in suburbia.  

Multiple Choice

Why is Nathan beaming with happiness?

A.  He slept from approximately 11 pm to 5:30 am the previous night.

B.  He thinks his Daddy is HILARIOUS.

C.  He has had his Mommy all to himself this week while big brother is at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

D.  He eats and sleeps whenever he wants.

E.  All of the above.

Something else that is old...

...turned into something new.  (New for us, anyway).  This is the house.  Isn't she beautiful?  I have pictures of the inside as well.  But, it isn't official yet so I will hold off on those photos. We have signed the purchase agreement but are still waiting to get the appraisal and inspection done.

Okay...maybe just one sneak peek...

Something old...

...being turned into something new.  Inspired by HGTV and a week of "free" time without wife and kiddos.  Stay tuned for finished product!

Sinclair family 2011

6 boys and a girl

Noah, Hayden, Jacob, Weston, Gwendolyn, Wyatt, Nathan

Hidden Haven Resort 2011

Grandpa's little helper

Sarah and Mike's friends weekend

After a week at Hidden Haven resort (stay tuned...that post coming soon!) we made a pit stop on Lower Hay lake for the weekend to join Sarah, Mike and friends to relax and hang out.  We had great food, great fun, and great company.  Thanks Sarah and Mike for a great weekend and a special thank you to Denny and Lynne for once again sharing your beautiful home with us. 

Look who's smiling!