Red, White, and (Baby) Blue

We spent the Fourth of July in Tennessee visiting Grandma and Grandpa Ueland. Everybody had a blast, especially Guster, who had a very busy weekend. He got to swing in his first tree swing, take his first ride in a boat, and -- unexpectedly announced his early candidacy for the Presidency in 2048!

The flight to Tennessee went smoothly. Guster was busy and curious, but did not cry and didn't wriggle around too much.

When Gus woke up, he was in Tennessee, and was ready to have at it. As you can see from the picture below, Gus really enjoyed the tree swing.

Gus was also excited to play with his Grandma and Grandpa. On a few mornings, Grandma and Grandpa took the morning shift allowing Mom and Dad catch a few extra winks. Guster played hard. So hard that he wore himself and Grandpa right out.

On the Fourth of July, Gus took part in a parade around Kahiti, the community that Grandma and Grandpa live in. The Gus Man took this opportunity to launch his candidacy. His campaign managers, Grandma and Grandpa came up with his campaign slogan -- "You want change? I might need a change!"

Aunt Kelli was also there, and she also played with her favorite nephew. Here Guster shows Aunt Kelli where his belly is.
The family also took a trip to the Knoxville zoo. Upon arrival, it was VIP treatment all the way as the tram took us from the parking lot to the front door.

Gus loved the zoo. Here he is checking out elephants . . .

And here he is checking out the giraffes.

Gus also got to ride the Merry-Go-Round.
Gus got to take a ride in the boat and even took a brief dip in the lake.

Back at Grandma and Grandpa's, Gus checks out Grandpa's effort at child-proofing.

Too much fun. The baby is exhausted.

Que Sarah Sarah

This past weekend we had the good fortune to have a visit from one of our favorite people -- somebody we don't see as often as we like -- Sarah!

We also grilled out for the first time at our Garden Party -- which intentionally sounds festive to disguise the fact that it really was an event whereby Emily's family helped us with yard work. As you can see below, we got a lot accomplished and had a lot of fun.

We hope that Sarah enjoyed her time with us. We look forward to seeing her again soon!

Sarah came into town bearing delicious gifts.

Guster at the Mill City Market trying an egg roll.

Poolside with Sarah . . .

And Mom!

Susu and Grandma A hard at work.

Sam gettin' it done.

Gus knows he could help if we'd give him a chance.

But he'll settle for some more pool fun.

I win!

Father's Day 2008

We are a bit behind on the posts, so I decided it was time to once again break into the Gus Stop and give Kevin some relief from all the blogging. (That's not sarcasm. Seriously, people. We've been busy enjoying summer in MN - you never know when it could snow again so you have to get outside while the gettin's good!) This past Father's Day was technically the second one for Kevin, but the first one he will easily remember as a result of not being so sleep-deprived. Gus did a little shopping and planning to make it a Father's Day to remember.

We started out the day with chocolate croissants and a tie from Gus. That may seem like too obvious a choice for Father's Day but Kevin really can't have enough ties.

Gus is telling it like it is.


After breakfast we headed to the Science Museum to check out the Star Wars exhibit. It was pretty cool and I can't believe I didn't get a better picture of my boys with Darth Vader. We were too shy to keep asking for more pictures - he was one scary dude brandishing a light saber like that.

Taking Gus for a ride.

Grilling out at Grandma & Grandpa Adriaens'.


A fun day was had by all and we think Kevin is one of the best Dads around. Happy Father's Day to all you daddys out there!

Aimee Mann Was Wrong . . .

One isn't the loneliest number -- as evidenced by the great turnout for Guster's first birthday celebration. It was a packed house and a good time was had by all. Emily gets a lion's share of the credit for the food. I have to take the blame for the party hats. A special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Ueland, a.ka., the Decorations Committee. Thanks also to everybody who came and helped make Gus' first birthday a special one.

Pictures of the festivities below:

Grandma Ueland's Craftsmanship

Cupcake Pops

Aunt Kelli helping with the setup

Guster cakes

Nice Spread

The G-Man helping with the decorations

Blowing up balloons

Getting favors ready for the guests

Mom, Guster and Dad

Party hats all around
This one speaks for itself

Oliver, Brad, Rachel, and Brody

Jess, Ella, and Dan Are those for me?
Brody helping with the unwrapping

Checking out the presents
Guster about to attack with love
Hugs
Still holding on
Time to let go, Guster
Here comes the cake
Everybody's watching
Checking it out
Pretty good stuff
Wearing it