Mina and Bumpa take a trip with Petra

From Boulder to Colorado Springs Mina and Bapa (Bumpa) took Petra on a few adventures. They hiked and drove and visited the chairs above Skunk Canyon in Boulder, the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs and the Zoo down there too! Petra had a ton of fun! In fact I think everyone did.

I see you looking at my icecream..

Mina? Bumpa?

For some reason, I never take pictures of my mom and step-dad when we visit. They'll be here in August, so this is my public vow to take quality photos of them with pdog.

IA!

Petra had some QT with the grandparents in IA over Bix weekend.

Petra likes to eat dirt.

Backyard Bliss

The Stangrets!

MN!

Riddle: How many cousins are pictured here?

(Hint: One in the oven)

How many cousins pictured here?

4

The Paulson's

This is a little past due, but these are picks from hanging out with Auntie and Uncle Meghan and Joel, cousing Gretta, Auntie Jess, and Grandma Peggy in good old MN. Gretta and Petra are too little peas (princesses) in a pod.

Little Homemaker! (Minus the dreadlocks:)

This cupboard was made for my mom by my great grandfather, Fred Matz. This apron was also my mom's when she was little. They suit Petra well!

The Denver Zoo

Our good friend Greg and former resident of Denver is an avid Zoo goer. He told us a while back that the Zoo in Denver is a good one. Today, Joseph, Petra, Jeff and I decided to do away with naps all together and check out the wildlife. Petra can now say "monkey" with great accuracy. We saw a lot of cool stuff and will surely be back.

More friends from the hood....

This is Jocie and Sarah. They are our good friends that live on our block. Sometimes Jocie comes over to play, and Jeff and I watch Petra's world slowly crumble as she realizes that she is no longer the center of our universe. These visits make us see the importance of maybe having at least one more child.

The man pictured here is another neighbor. He and his wife own the exact same van as Jessi and Jesse, and you can find pictures of the sibling vehicles on their website at spacevan87.blogspot.com. Neighbor: "Oh what a special rock you brought to me. It's special because it's smooth and shaped like a moon!" -Petra then walks away, walks back, hands him the rock, "Oh what a special...." and this was repeated about 20 times. Petra loved it.

4th of July Block Party

Since September, we have lived in this really cool neighborhood on the edge of town. Every year, the neighbors have a big potluck, beginning with a parade, and ending with games for the kids.

Petra walked up to a woman that lives across the street from us (who she has never met before), demanded to be picked up, and would not come to Jeff or me willingly after that. It was very funny.

Finally, some real friends!

While on Pearl Street today, Petra met some kids that she really connected with. Even though they were made out of bronze, she really enjoyed their overall compliance with her commands and poking. I see some play dates in the future!

In Style Summer Edition

Petra would like to extend a gracious thank you to all of you who have made it possible for her to have a stylish summer this year. Without you, she would just be a cute face with ugly clothes!