Mini Chef on The Floor

As we were rummaging last Friday, Tate and I found the gem of all rummage sale finds (thanks to my mother-in-law). And now, all Tate wants to do is go "ou-side" and "cook".

The boys getting it done.

The master of seasoning and flavor.

Getting tips from Dad.

Desperately Seeking Jelly

We had some friends over for a wonderful cookout/get together on Friday evening. The majority of Friday afternoon was spent at the grocery story and in our kitchen as I attempted to ready the house and prepare the food while Tate got in the way played golf inside. At one point, we were both in the kitchen as I was making some delicious guacamole and I noticed that Tate had gone into the pantry and was eating peanut butter. (Totally will own this one as I allow him to dip his finger into the jar whenever I use it, because 1: peanut butter is super scrumptious and 2: he looks so cute doing it). All was well until I realized it had been quiet for a bit too long. Here is why...

Awesome.

My first step was to take a deep breath because, really, who lets their 20 month old boy eat peanut butter out of the jar?! (Answer: me) My second step was to take Tate outside and literally hose him down. Thankfully it was pretty nice out and thankfully he thought it was funny. Then we took a bath. His second one of the day. At least it wasn't something gross, like poop, and at least he didn't get it anywhere but all over himself. Lesson learned.

Real Life Practice

Dave was pretty pumped when the NFL lockout was resolved. We celebrated by heading to the Packer's first official practice of the season.

This may be my favorite picture because of James Starks' smile right before he gave Tate a high five. Dave told me later that when Starks saw Tate, he said "hey, little man!". 44 bonus cool points for James Starks.

High fives.

Fives for Mr. Bishop as well.

There was a charter plane on display that provided flights around Lambeau field and the guy who was part of the charter company was super cool and allowed the kids to climb in and look around. Tate adores airplanes and was way more interested in this plane than the practice going on.

Pilot Tate

At the controls.

My boyfriend (#12) with his team.

Da Pack

Tate and Mr. Starr. Tate stood at the base of the statue and asked, "High five?". And then politely waved, "Buh-bye" as we walked away.

Just Like Daddy...

Sometimes our morning routines just go more smoothly when everyone is included...

Notice the toothbrush in Tate's hand. He's come a long way.

Alive and Kickin'

Hi. We're still here. We are just super busy. And I have every intention of sharing some of our busy-ness with you via pictured stories, but not today. Today I just wanted to say "hey" and let you know that we haven't forgot about you, or that we love you any less. Because we haven't and we don't. If nothing else, our absence has made us love you even more. What I will leave you with is a conversation I had with my incredibly smart, sassy, fun and crazy son...

Dave was gone for about 5 days in the middle of the month on his annual "Epic Man Trip". It was a long time to be alone with Tate who is at such a sometimes makes me want to pull out all my hair and drink a whole bottle of wine frustrating yet fun age. The following conversation took place on a Saturday, when it was incredibly hot and humid out and we were attempting to get ready to leave. And Tate had been acting all kinds of crazy, all morning.

Scene: in our tiny, hot and stuffy bathroom. Mama is sitting on the side of the tub while Tate is channeling the spirit of a monkey.

Mama: Tate, I love you but Mama is really frustrated and is trying super hard to keep her cool. It has been a very crazy morning and I am just trying to get us ready to go buh-bye. Would you please go into your room and find your shoes?

Tate stares at me with his I totally know what buttons to push while simultaneously being super cute devilish slowly spreading smile.

"No." with a slight shake of his head.

We engage in a 4.5 second stare down that felt like it lasted an hour.

"Ah-yeah." to which Tate walks confidently out of the bathroom, into his room and comes back with his shoes.

"Help, Mama."

And so Tate is the boss of my life. And I love it.