Sunflower Fields Forever

Today is a grey, rainy, fifty-seven degree day, so I figure it's perfect for blogging about the BEAUTIFUL sunflower fields here in North Dakota.  North Dakota is the number one ranked in sunflower production.  Sunflowers are used in two main ways, for oilseed production, or non-oilseed which is for the food and birdseed market.  The oilseed sunflower seeds are usually smaller and black in color where as the others are larger with striped hulls.  Once the sunflowers are ready to be harvested they turn black and are ready for harvest. 

This year, there are many fields in bloom right near our house.  Since they are crops we didn't want to go traipsing too far into the fields, but we managed to get some great pictures. 

Lucy's Amusement Park

We ventured off to another local treasure here in Minot...Lucy's Amusement Park!  This place, I'm sure would disappoint so many people, but we had a great time.  It's just South of Minot.  If you weren't looking for it you'd probably miss it, especially since you have to drive through a trailer park to get there.

The place's big attraction is miniature golf, which excites me, because Mason and I enjoy playing mini-golf, and now we could take the kiddos.  Theo seemed to have fun, although usually after a few strokes, he'd pick-up his ball and move it next to the hole to putt it in.  They also have a few rides for the kids go on.  The prices aren't too bad, but you have to pay tax which isn't posted...just a little funny to pay like $15.33 for mini golf (or whatever it was).

Theo got to go on one of the rides, and he had a fun time and didn't want to head home.  I think we'll definitely go back at some point. 

Woodrow's First Birthday

What a difference a year makes! 

Woodrow's birthday was on Tuesday this year.  We had a busy day, but managed to have a great time with our one year old. I love birthdays, as I'm sure you've read about before.  We hung a birthday sign and spent the morning playing with balloons and Theo and I made a chocolate cake (new recipe-it was great!) 

We took Theo to swimming lessons, where Woodrow got to enjoy a whole snack cup of yogurt bites- his favorite snack, and the boys enjoyed afternoon naps.  Mason got home a little early from work so we could open and play with presents and have an early dinner since I had a meeting to go to.  We had a tasty dinner, sang happy birthday, and enjoyed cake. 

Woodrow got his own cupcake.  He didn't seem to care either way for it.  Mason took care of baths, playing before bed, stories, and bedtime snuggles.  It was a great day and we loved celebrating our little guy! 

Woodrow at 12 Months

Wow!  Times flies by with the second child.  It is so hard to believe that Woodrow is already one.\ and is sweet as can be.  After his first month of life, I remember telling almost everyone for several months that if he survived to his first birthday, it would be a miracle...Theo loved to love his brother which mostly involved squeezing and smushing his baby brother.   

Height: 29.5 inches

Weight: 19 lbs. 14 oz.

Diapers: Size 3 diapers













Clothes: Wearing 9mo/12 mo. clothing

-Woodrow started walking before his first birthday.  He doesn't want to be left behind, and was tired of scrapped up knees from playing outside this summer.  He has been working this month on gaining speed and discovering more things to get into.

-What an explorer!  Putting things in the trash, throwing toys everywhere, climbing on tables, trying to play in the toilet if the seat is left up...Woodow likes to get into everything!!

-Teething really bites!  Woodrow is not a fan and can get quite crabby.  He's got 2 bottom teeth, 2 top teeth that are fully through, and 4 more on top that are poking through.  Time for a toothbrush!

-My sweet guy is a little mama's boy, but is warming up to Mason more and more, and definitely LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Theo!  They'll be full on wrestling in a few years. 

-Woodrow likes to watch along with Theo's TV shows, so he sees much less Sesame Street, but lots of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.  He also likes to play trains, and build blocks, and "cook".

-I'm trying to get Woodrow to sit still more so we can read books more.  Theo is a book worm, but Woodrow doesn't sit still much to pay attention.  He does really like to hear songs and music, so I try to sing to him frequently.

-We take lots of little outings and Woodrow likes to sit-up in the cart or stroller and observe the surroundings.  he's started to pay more attention to the animals at the zoo, and what we're doing at different places.   

-Someone is attached to his pacifiers...although we seem to have lost our doggie wubanub.  :(  

-Woodrow loves water!  He loves to play in the bath, shower, pool, his new water table, and he always finds my water glasses that I leave around the house, you'd think I'd learn by now.

-He is still eating some baby food, but has started to eat from the baby pouches which is going to be nice for our upcoming road trip.  He is a little particular about what he eats, but I feel like he's usually changing what he does and does not like.  He likes pizza, fruit, yogurt, cinnamon toast, peanut butter crackers, PB&J, hotdogs, goldfish, and yogurt bites.  He does not like peas, green beans, or bananas.

This little boy is such a blessing to our family, and he has taught me so much.  I've questioned so many things about being a parent and how nature/nuture apply in children's lives.  He's so smiley and personable.  I love him soooo much!