In the Doghouse

While at Lowe's the boys decided to willingly go spend time in the doghouse.  I often hear stories of Nate and his brother being put in kennels when little (his dad is a veterinarian) and so when they happily jumped in I couldn't help but smile and capture an adorable picture.

Uncle "Baby" Bobby and Aunt Jan

My Uncle Bobby and Aunt Jan drove up from Nebraska today to go attend a wedding with my parents tomorrow.   However due to their selflessness, love for our children and their generosity they decided to drive an extra hour north today to come visit us.  It was really quick but so great to see them.  

Special thanks to my Uncle Bobby and Aunt Jan for coming to visit and treating the kids to a great day and some thoughtful treats.

 

 

2nd Year Cubbies

Tonight kicked off Elyse's second year as an Awana Cubbie.  Sadly her class was separated due to an increase in children; however since she still had the same teacher and her best friend she couldn't have been happier.

What a difference a year makes!

AWANA 2013

 

 AWANA 2012

Mower Monday

With Elyse in school twice a week, I have really been able to see and appreciate the bond between my two boys.  They play so nice together and are constantly copying one another.  Today their same activity consisted of mowing the yard/driveway; something they did for quite sometime.  Hence, my morning flew by and I had two very busy, happy and preoccupied children.

(I really do need to remember to take our good camera outside with me or figure out the settings on my phone's.)

Wargo Nature Center

Tuesday, the kiddos and I joined some great friends and spent the morning at Wargo Nature Center in Hugo, MN.  It was our first time there and it did not disappoint.  There was fun hiking trails, water, outdoor climbing exhibits, live animals, as well as a great indoor play center.  Special thanks to Jessica for introducing us to a place I know we will be visiting again soon.

The kids looking at the hawk: Sarah, Elyse, Noah, Kallen and Caleb

 

Tangled Party

When I asked Elyse a few weeks ago what she wanted for her birthday party, her response was an "all girl Tangled party".  Therefore, that is just what we gave her.  The party consisted of making a 3D Pascal and lantern, putting flowers in braided hair, opening gifts, eating cupcakes and lots of girly giggles.  Overall, the party went so smoothly and I don't know who had more fun, Elyse, the girls or I? :) 

 Papa and Nana Growden also came to celebrate Elyse's special day.

 

The girls: Willow, Elyse, Mari, Emily and Sarah

 

Happy 5th Birthday, Elyse!

I don't know how this is possible, but somehow Elyse went from this ...

to this today....

That's right, our beautiful baby girl turns five and I am in ah of how fast the time has gone and how grown up she really is.

Nate and I daily thank God and Elyse's birthmother for her.  Words can't describe how much we love her and are blessed to have her as our daughter. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Elyse!

We love you and always will.

 

Elyse's 1st Day of Preschool

Even though Elyse will be going to the same preschool (Family of Christ in Ham Lake, MN) this year with many of the same classmates, it's still hard to watch her go to school the first day.  She currently is attending the extended day, which means the boys and I are alone until almost 2:30 every Monday and Wednesday :(   However, the joy and excitement on her face as she walks into class makes it all worth it.

Labor Day Bonfire

Nate came up with a wonderful family activity today.  It was cloudy and cool when we started the process and thankfully sunny and warm when we were all done.  Anyway, he recommended that we take the kids out to our bonfire pit in the backyard and eat some yummy smores.  The kids had a great time watching him and then even a better time eating them.  A perfect way to end Labor Day weekend, thanks hun for such a great afternoon.

 

 

The Great Minnesota Get Together

Yesterday Nate and I spent the entire day on a date without the kids :)  My mom willingly volunteered to come up and watch them so we could enjoy some alone time as well have a stress-free day at the Minnesota State Fair.  It was a hot, but really was relaxing and a lot of fun.  Plus we had the privilege of meeting up and spending time with our great friends, Kris and Kristi Brown (who were hoping to go into labor that night after all that walking, no such luck).  Overall, a perfect and memorable way to start off Labor Day weekend.  Hope you all have a great holiday weekend as well.

A humongous thanks to my mom for watching the kiddos all day.  We all love and appreciate you so much!  You really are one major blessing to us.  Thanks again.