On the Road with Dad to visit the new addition

Andrew and Jennifer's Sawyer Adams Landstrom was born on July 15th, and thankfully everything went as well as hoped, except for the tragedy of the missed final Harry Potter movie. Mom was able to stay in Rochester with the family for a couple days after the birth, then just after she returned to Raleigh, Dad and I decided to drive to Minnesota to have a visit for ourselves. We spent two days in the car, appropriately listening to the audio-book of 'On the Road', and enjoyed the greenery along the way.

I think this was in Kentucky

I couldn't believe my eyes; a Rally's in Indianapolis. I hadn't seen a Rally's since growing up near one in California.

It is nice being in Rochester with the newly enhanced Landstrom clan. I haven't seen them since Grandpa's funeral a year and a half ago in Colorado, so it has been wonderful to visit and spend time with Carter. Carter is such a good kid--leaning towards the mild and sensitive side--and really fun to be with, so I wouldn't mind staying for much longer. Poor baby Sawyer is still too tiny for my comfort level so I am afraid I haven't been much help in that department. Andrew has been on call almost the entire time since we have been here, so Dad and I are happy to lend a hand as we can, so that means lots time with Carter playing frisbee and t-ball, walking the river trail to the grocery store, checking up on his dinosaur, and watching 2-minute monster truck videos!

These could be branches but they are more certainly a dinosaur skeleton. We had the duty of checking up on it twice a day to make sure it was ok, until a lawnmower got hold of it yesterday. A terrible loss indeed, but Carter said he was ok with it.

A rare spotting of Andrew. He was 'allowed' for the first time to skip work and go to Jennifer and Sawyer's doctor appointment.

We had a special dessert one night at a great, local ice cream place. I got a kick out of all the Midwest, Scandinavian (slightly chunky) blondies in the shop! After leaving Italy, one notices these things.

Yesterday was extra special in that we managed to get Jennifer and Sawyer out of the house for a few minutes to join us at the county fair!
This little guy for some reason reminded me of Lorenzo. I don't even know what kind of animal he is.

Pink was Carter's favorite color, until Dad had to go and ask him what color those "scary" pigs were.

I love the giant corn rising above the horizon

Corn dog time!

I had never seen award-winning veggies before

I was pleased to make the acquaintance of the Best in Show

And the prize-winning baked goods :o)A big family dinner!

While at the mall today, once again I had to notice that nearly all the kids were blonde. Silly me for thinking it was a recessive trait!

Chatting with Seth for the last time before he left Florence. His plane should be just about to take off from Milan right now. I can't wait to see him and Lorenzo in Boston tomorrow!