Jam-Packed

These last two days have been full of fun and busyness--summer at its finest.

Yesterday, Jillian and I enjoyed a fun play date at the Oxbow Zoo, followed by a lovely lunch and playtime at Jayson's house.
Here's the crew in front of the large bird exhibit (Malea, Jayson, Isaac, and Jillian)

The bear was quite friendly on this visit

A young deer was rather interested in the babies. He stood close to the fence for several minutes while we got multiple photos.



We hurried home (Jillian caught a nap in the car seat) and prepared to go to our final Gourmet Club. Matt and I joined Gourmet Club as part of the Mayo Fellows Association when we moved here. It's a group for couples who like to cook and enjoy good food. The association puts out a monthly menu and then groups take turn hosting and bringing parts of the meal. We were placed with three other couples, and have so enjoyed our time together. When we first met, only one family had a child. Three years later, there are now five children in the group! Perhaps something in the wine?
We are sad to see two families move away, but we are thankful for the fun and friendship we've enjoyed. You will notice in the below group photo (L-R: Howes, Groebners, Van Tonders, Aronsons) that two little people are not looking at the camera....Jillian and Sean only have eyes for each other!

Around the table for one last meal together

It was a perfect summer evening, so the kids had fun playing (or crawling, in Jillian's case) around the yard. Jillian was quite interested in Reinier's camera, and he took a great series of pictures to capture her curiosity.






We got up bright and early this morning and headed east to Winona for my first 5K race. It was a beautiful morning, and certainly a great day for a run. Jillian was incredibly good before, during, and after the race. She loved all the people and activity going on around her. She and Daddy were cheering loudly as I ran by them to the finish line.

Here's that big open mouthed grin of hers--love it.

Mommy getting ready to run

Mommy and Jillian post-run....hmmm, something must be wrong with this picture: I ran, yet Jillian was so exhausted that she had to nap.

We spent lots of time this afternoon enjoying our neighbor's shady yard and good conversation. Jillian was exhausted and in bed by 6:30! I should head to bed myself...never know when Jillian might decide it's time to get up!