Toddler Rules of Ownership

I heard this on the radio this morning and I thought is cute. Alex is one sweet boy but he is definitely entering this stage right now.

Toddler Rules of Ownership
1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.

17 Months

Park

We have had a lot of nice days lately to enjoy the park. Alex's favorite thing right now is going down slides. He likes the small ones that he can go down by himself but the big ones that he can go down with mom and dad definitely get the most giggles.

Toys Toys Everywhere

Emptying every single toy from the toy bin is one of

Alex's favorite past times...

This is the reaction I always get when I ask him

who took all of the toys out...

But hey, at least he's happy...

New Moves

We love when Alex dances for us. It's even funnier when he cracks himself up. Here are some of his latest dance moves.

Mohawk

These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago before Alex got his second haircut but it's too good of a mohawk not to share.

Here's a reminder of what his mohawk looked like 9 months ago.

It's certainly come a long way...

Beautiful Weekend

We had a really nice and relaxing weekend. Friday night started off with a surprise birthday party for me which was really fun and yes, I was truly surprised by it! We spent much of the rest of the weekend outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Alex helped Dad put his wagon together that he got for his birthday from Grandma and Grandpa Ausman. We took it out for a couple of rides already and it's pretty slick. Alex definitely approves!

Alex's new wheels

First day this year in shorts!

It's hard work mowing the lawn!

The Big 3-0

I hit the big 30 year mark (middle aged as Andy likes to say) on Monday and was showered with lots of birthday wishes, cards, gifts, and surprises from family and friends. Thank you to everyone for a fun birthday!

A big picture of my head awaited me on the

main door to our offices for all to see.

My desk was filled with balloons, streamers, cards,
and even a trophy.

No birthday is complete without red velvet cake!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We had a nice relaxing Easter weekend in Wisconsin. We spent some time with Sara, Jeff, and Krista and went out for lunch with Andy's grandparents on Sunday. Alex was once again spoiled with cards and gifts from both sides of the family as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Giving his new chick from Nonna a hug

Checking out what the Easter Bunny left him

Flying a kite with Sara and Rosco at the farm

Alex was pretty amused by his singing card from

Grandma and Grandpa Ausman.

Dying Eggs

Alex and I dyed Easter eggs on Friday. He was a lot more interested in it than I thought he would be. I was particularly impressed by his ability to decorate the eggs with stickers.

The setup

Alex "helping" me stir the eggs

Putting the stickers on

Tada! Our finished product!

And this is what the blue egg looked like after Alex

chucked it- not quite as fun as balls to throw.

Minnesota Zoo

Spring break is a beautiful thing! Alex and I headed to the Minnesota Zoo with a group of friends on Thursday to enjoy the 75 degree weather. All five little ones (ranging from 4 months to 16 months) did great and we all really enjoyed the day.

Jack, Alex, Wyatt (on top), Henry, and Bailey

The sheep were a big hit, especially with Alex. He was full of "baaaaas."

The three "big" kids really liked the aquarium at the end of our trip.

They were all enthralled despite being well beyond their normal nap times.