The sweetest of blessings

Yes, that's right! The Alcott trio is expecting a new little lad to join our family this winter! Last week we found out it was a boy and we couldn't be more thrilled. Such a gift, this soon-to-be built in best friend for Theodore....and for Ryan and I, the blessing of another son! There are no words to describe our excitement and gratitude.

It is this gratitude that has filled my spirit throughout the pregnancy. After been given the gift of motherhood with Theodore, there is a quiet and powerful awe that comes with knowing such a miracle will enter our lives again. My heart has an impenetrable bubble of happiness surrounding it. We are so thankful.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:27

Minnesota Children's Museum

I'm a huge Children's Museum fan. Throughout our travels we've frequented many and let me say that Minnesota Children's Museum is the BEST! (Should I mention the worst? Okay, I will. Albany. Don't waste your time little mamas.) Last fall, I ventured to MCM with Theodore for the first time. At a mere 15 months, I wasn't sure how well he'd be able to interact with the different activities and displays. I knew they had a toddler exhibit though, so if everything else turned out to be a bit much I planned on hunkering down there. In all honesty, even for a one year-old nearly all the exhibits turned out to be a blast! I took Teddy back to the museum last week for a return visit, and oh my if I thought he enjoyed it the first time...he REALLY loved it at 2 years old. Above are two photos from the two different trips. Can't get over that drool soaked shirt in the first one! Thank heavens, the faucet has finally turned off!

Fake or real, he's smelling the flowers. (15 mths)

Rooftop garden. Complete with sandbox and fresh produce for the little ones to eat! (25 mths)

A wee bit older, but interest in driving the bus hasn't waned.

Teddy Ryan and Grandma Alcott (15 mths)

Grocery shopping. (25 mths)

Notice that even his shoulders would get wet in those days!! Poor pumpkin!

In the dog house. ;-)

Different ages. Same big eyes.

The Twin Cities (really, Minnesota in general) is such a great place for families. We're so thankful for all the time we've spent there this summer!

Grand Forks, ND

Lincoln Park wildflower gardens

Grand Forks, ND

After a month off between projects, Ryan is back at work! He's scheduled to start a project in Brookings, South Dakota in the coming months, but due to delayed permits, we don't yet have a specific start date. In the mean time he's working on a pipeline that runs in the far northwest corner of Minnesota, right about the spot where MN, ND, and Canada all meet. We rented a furnished apartment in Grand Forks, a city that surprised us with its charm.

We've had many adventures over the course of the summer, including a 3 week stint at Leech Lake in northern Minnesota. However, due to limited Internet access and warm weather busyness, I've blogged little. I hope to do better now that we're settled in Grand Forks for a bit. In the next few weeks I'll post past photos and catch you up on all the Alcott family news.

Yesterday was a simple summer day. Perfect really. Just the three of us exploring a new city. We spent the morning at the Farmers Market and the afternoon at the wildflower gardens along the Red River. Our little flower enthusiast was most happy. We all were.