Grandma Kitty and Grandpa Donnie Babysit

I had to go into work yesterday afternoon for a scintillating work seminar, my parents were kind enough to babysit for Auggie.  Again the babysitters reported that Auggie was a good boy all day.  

Grandma Kitty and Auggie on a walk in the neighborhood.

Grandpa Donnie helping Auggie out on his John Deere.

 Cutie Pie

Grandma and Grandpa brought Auggie a great dump truck for his sandbox.

Grandma thought it necessary that Auggie have his very own pumpkin plate to eat peanut butter sandwiches off of.

Trying on Grandpa's hat and hamming it up for the camera.

Storytime.

Naptime.  Those grandparents really know how to wear little boys out.

Back To Swimming!

The summer may be over but that means fall classes start back up!  Many of you know that Auggie has been taking swimming lessons for over a year now, however, all of these previous lessons mandated that Momma be in the pool swimming too.  We have finally graduated to the toddler swim class which entails Auggie swimming sans Momma.  Hooray!  We are still at Swimtastic Swim School but now in Waukesha instead of Mequon.  

Patiently waiting his turn on the steps.

Auggie shares his class and teacher, Miss Amie, with one other boy named T. J. (he's three years old).

Swimming with Miss Amie.

Picking out a piggy-duck as a reward for swimming to the other side.

Jumping into the water.

Smiling and following directions...amazing!!

Miss Amie and her two pupils.

At the end of every class the boys are allowed to take a turn on the slide...ALL BY THEMSELVES!!!  Again in previous classes I had to hold Auggie on my lap and slide down with him.  

Making his way down the slide to Miss Amie.  I'm so proud of the progress he's made since June.

Maintaining Long Distance Romance

Yesterday I had a dentist appointment at my old dentist in West Bend and Sarah, despite being ready to give birth any second, was kind enough to babysit Auggie while I was gone.  Auggie had a great time and reportedly was on his best behavior.

Scene of the crime.  ("Michaya" and "Auggie")

Michaya munchin' crackers.

Hugs.

Two ships passing...

Coloring pictures together.

Gymboree Class

Niccoli and I checked out the Gymboree play and music class at Brookfield Square this morning.  Auggie was not too keen on participating in any organized activities and for the first time appeared much more shy and hesitant than Gordy.  

Nice shot, Auggie!

Contemplating tiny bubbles and I don't mean Don Ho...

Auggie's favorite part of the class was running under the parachute.

The Maracas Brothers: "I'm too cool for this class, how 'bout you?"

After class we headed to the Tot Park at Wirth.

The merry-go-round was a real hit with the boys.  A very precocious 4 year old girl happily pushed the boys round and round.

Auggie making his ascent on the very steep, 'old school', slide.

The boys had a lunch date at Noodle and Co. (their usual) and then we all headed home for nap time.

New Park

On Wednesday, Auggie resumed swimming lessons at Swimtastic in Waukesha and braved his first swimming lesson in the pool without Momma.  Auggie, a three year old named T.J. and his teacher Miss Amie were in the pool.  I was very proud as Auggie shed no real tears while his classmate cried through its entirety.  Auggie actually followed directions and waited his turn on the pool steps.  At the end of the lesson Auggie went down the waterslide all by himself (first time!).  I should mention I had to sit in the pool area (sans camera)  on a bench as opposed to sitting in the more comfortable viewing area with the rest of the moms.  Next week we'll try real separation and hopefully swimming photos will follow.

On the way home from swimming I discovered the perfect park for Auggie, or rather for me and any other moms that don't relish having to push their children on swings for hours at a time.  This park was well planned without swings so Auggie had no other choice but to run around and climb as he should.  Here's the pics:

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

Auggie and I drove downtown to meet Niccoli and Gordy at the children's museum.  Here are the photos from our fun day.

Best friends...

A glimpse of Auggie through a bubble wall.

Tickle monster.

The boy in the bubble.

Mr. Potato Head Table

Sharing the computer work station.

Learning about different types of corral. 

One of the highlights of the day: driving a truck.

The Brio choo-choo train outside.

Auggie overlooking the lake shore and art museum.

Atop the dragon.

Pit Crew.  Auggie checking out the engine.

Impersonating Dada at work by multi-tasking in the office.

Two cuties in the elevator on our way out.

A lunch date at Alterra on the lake.