Treasure Hunting

Quinn loves dressing up like a pirate, so every few days, we do a treasure hunt. He gets his pirate hat, eye patch, sword, and even his big gold coin, and I draw a treasure map and hide a piece of candy somewhere. He takes it very seriously, and we look at all the places on the map until we find the treasure. I always mark the spot where the treasure is with an X on the map, but somehow, he still hasn't put it together that that is where we should look first! I'm glad for that, because it's more fun searching all over. I just think he's the cutest little pirate ever. :)

He found the treasure in the mailbox!

We even had a nighttime search!

First Day of School and More

While I didn't get the best first day of school pictures ever, I did capture a little boy so excited to be going to school that he didn't want to hold still for a picture (top) and a little boy so happy from how much fun he had after school (bottom)! I have debated for the last 6+ months about whether or not to send Quinn to a preschool this year. Having a December birthday is a bit of a dilemma because I felt he was a little too young this year but would almost be a little old if we waited until next year. Finally, Quinn was the one who decided. He told me in many different ways he was ready--wearing his backpack around, telling me he learned things at his (non-existant) school, and my favorite, almost every time we'd drive by a school say, "Mama, that's my school. You need to take me there." So, I found the shortest program available, a 2 year old class that is only 2 hours, once a week. Both Andy and I couldn't stand the thought of sending him somewhere where he'd have to take his lunch! He's still our baby. :) Anyway, he is thrilled about school and loved his first day.

Every year in August, my side of the family poses in the same place, in the same order, in the same chairs in my backyard. Then we do the guys' pic and the girls' pic. Here they are for your enjoyment. :)

I know I've posted Conner Prairie pictures several times already, but I just have to say that it is my favorite place right now. I love taking Quinn there! Every time we go, we have a different experience. Last week when we went, there were hardly any other people there. As a result, we got a lot of individual attention from the interpreters. Sometimes that makes me uncomfortable because I don't really like pretending it's the 1800's when I talk to them :), but this guy actually didn't stay in the historical mode that much, and he had so much fun with Quinn and my niece, Fiona. He showed them around the schoolhouse (which Q loved!) and took Q out to the baseball field and pitched balls to him until he hit one. It was gorgeous day too, so we had the best time.

My mom bought these shirts for Andy and Quinn. I thought they were adorable!

The next picture is Quinn with his wonderful friends, Colin, Issac, and Simon Kuhn.