What a Summer!

Summer at the Dungan household is flying by as usual. I can't believe it is already almost August! We've been busy with swimming lessons for Milo, golf leagues for both Tod and I, getting the house ready for Baby, spending time in Northern Wisconsin with both sets of grandparents, and all sorts of other activities in between.

One activity that Milo has really taken a liking to this summer is fishing. We're fortunate to have found lucky spots right off the docks at both of our parents' places, so catching a lot of fish (albeit small pan fish) has been very exciting for him. Another highlight of Milo's summer so far was seeing the new Cars 2 movie. Twice.

We continue to be excited for the Baby's arrival in mid-October. Less than 3 months to go! We found out we're having another boy, and Milo refers to him as "Rocket Superstar." Milo is extremely excited to be a big brother, and particularly excited that he gets a new room out of the deal! Ever since our trip to Florida in March (and two visits to Sea World), he has been obsessed with sharks, whales and dolphins, so it was no surprise when he requested a shark room. The walls are painted, the furniture purchased, and the carpet is going in next week, so he should be moving into his new digs in the next couple weeks. Very exciting!

Fishing. In his pajamas.

Golfing!

Milo had some great playmates over 4th of July weekend:

my cousin Kate's daughters, Kyra and Ellie. They had a blast!

He still loves Grandma's golf cart!

Having a snack on the boat at Lake Chippewa.

A good-sized Sunfish. Or is that a Bluegill?

So proud of his catch!

Milo's Big Announcement!

That's right - we're expecting again! I am just over 17 weeks, due in mid-October. We're all very excited! Milo can't wait to take the baby to the new Cars 2 movie that is coming out this summer :)

Did you catch his signature on the note in the picture? All by himself! They have really been working on their letters, writing and drawing at preschool lately. He's growing up so fast! And he is going to be a great big brother!

Playing Hooky at Target Field

Milo played hooky today, taking in a Twins game with my dad and sisters. Unfortunately, the Twins lost, but a great time was had by all!

Milo and Papa

Being a turkey with Auntie Meg

Milo and Auntie Ry

Swimming Lessons

This past Thursday was Milo's first swimming class of the spring, and it was a smashing success! A year ago at this time, Milo screamed the entire first class, and that was with Tod in the water with him. Last night, he couldn't get in the pool fast enough, this time without either of his parents. He was literally bouncing up and down and clapping and smiling the entire time. I couldn't tell you how many times the teacher had to tell him to stay on the top step because he kept inching his way down the steps. He had a blast and has already asked several times to go back. What a difference a year (and a week in the pool in Florida) makes!

Florida 2011

We just spent a wonderful spring break in Orlando. The weather was beautiful the entire time we were there, and we had so much fun! We played a few rounds of golf, spent a lot of time at the pool, visited Sea World (twice), Downtown Disney, and Magic Kingdom, and rode the monorail and boats all around Disney.

We were also able to spend time with Grandma Kris and Papa Tom, Tod's brother Tim and his family (including cousins Quin, Skyler and Grant), Uncle Rocco and Aunt Mary, and last but not least Carrie and Carlos. Ry, Meg and Alex were also there for part of our trip, so we had fun spending time with them as well.

Needless to say, going back to work and school today was NOT fun!

Finishing a popsicle by the pool

Wearing a silly Orca hat at Sea World

Shamu!

Sea World (take 2)

Family photo at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Riding the race cars at Magic Kingdom

Ping pong by the pool

Milo riding his new dolphin friend, who he named "Rider"

Milo feeding Rider his leftovers from dinner (Shamu got some too)

Riding the boat at Disney's Bay Lake

Mickey!

Riding the train at Downtown Disney with Quin and Skyler

Waiting for the train with Quin

One last photo before heading home to the Frozen Tundra

"Camping"

Every winter, the 7th graders at Breck spend a weekend at Wolf's Ridge Environmental Learning center in Northern Minnesota. Tod was asked to be a chaperone this year, and decided to take Milo with him! Milo absolutely loved "camping" and in particular making friends with all of the "big kids." Tod took him everywhere he went, and Milo was just like one of the kids. In fact, he even raised his hand during a lesson one day!

I'm not sure what prompted Tod to bring Milo in the first place, but it was a wonderful experience that Milo will be talking about for a long time! On Sunday night when I was putting him to bed he asked me, "Mommy, now can YOU take me camping?" Yikes!

In the dorm room

Getting some fresh air

The dorm building

A beautiful winter view of Lake Superior

NOLA 2011

This past weekend I met up with some of my Northwestern friends in New Orleans. What a city! It was my first visit, and I already can't wait to go back! New Orleans has such a reputation for being a party city, but it is so much more than that. Great food, great music, culture, history - it has it all!

We did several typical New Orleans tourist activities: a horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter, eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde, drinking Hurricanes at Pat O'Briens, and a walking tour through the Garden District (who needs a tour guide when you have Jill and a Blackberry?). In addition to the aforementioned beignets, we enjoyed New Orleans fare such as BBQ shrimp & grits, po boys, and king cake. Other highlights included jazz at the Ritz and a drink at Lafitte's Bar (the pirate Jean Lafitte's old blacksmith shop, which is lit entirely by candlelight).

I have fun with these friends wherever we go, but having our 2011 reunion in New Orleans made it all the more enjoyable. I can't wait to see where our next get-together will take us!

(thanks for the pictures, Maggie!)