All four of Meredith's grandparents had congregated at our house by Meredith's birthday. An afternoon, outdoor party commenced. Meredith loved opening her presents. She loved the balloons. She loved the cake. But mostly she loved having a grandparent to play with around every corner. Talk about being spoiled! Meredith also got to go on a bike ride with Grandpa Kerry, Grandma Gail, and Grandpa Dave (pictures below).

In the mornings, Meredith is becoming accustomed to waking up her parents and crawling in bed with us. She likes to poke and proddle a sleeping parent while inquiring, "Daddy awake? Daddy awake? Daddy not awake?" She then lays between her parents and nustles down for a few moments before deciding it would be very fun to start kicking and hopping on the bed.

Last Tuesday was a Primary Election in Minneapolis and the family went to vote. Meredith was told how exciting voting was and that she might get a sticker afterwards, which she did. As Meredith rode on to daycare, she kept on asking about voting. Eventually we figured out she thought we were going Boating. As we arrived at the daycare it became clear to Meredith that there were not going to be any boats in her near future and she felt very betrayed and upset. It was almost as bad as when she thought her dad told her we were going to the grandparents' house and went to our own house instead.

It's getting colder in Minnesota now. Our summer garden looks pretty pathetic these days. There are much fewer tomatoes for Meredith to pick each day. All good things must end. Soon enough we'll have to brace for a long winter. But in the meantime we'll enjoy a beautiful, mild fall.