Happy Birthday, Nana

Today my mom, the kids' Nana turns another year wiser.  When she was up this past weekend we threw her a little birthday celebration.  It was a lot of fun and an honor to celebrate her.

Happy Birthday, Mom/Nana!  You know how much you mean to us and we are so thankful for you.  We love you lots and hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday.  

Rainbow Bricks

The kids decided today that our landscape bricks are too plain and boring.  So they came up with the idea to chalk them all bright colors instead.  I just wish I would have taken a after picture of their clothes, I think they were just as colorful as the bricks.

If you're wondering why the jackets, long sleeves and pants?  We've had a few days in the 60's.  Even though it's been a nice little break, I'm ready for those 80's to return by the end of the week.

Swim Lessons

This past week we have been spending our time at the YMCA for swim lessons.  The kids have always been little fish, but had no awareness of solid swim strokes, experts at doggy paddle.  After four lessons, Elyse is now doing front and back strokes as well as treading water for up to a minute.  Unfortunately the boys have not progressed as well due to a lack of being challenged by their teacher.  Overall, we are so proud of them; and hopeful that next summer when we go into deep pools we will be able to leave life jackets at home.

Ham Lake Community Event

While Grandpa and Grandma were in town, we decided to stop by the annual "Ham Lake Community Event" put on by the Ham Lake Fire Department.  I didn't have any high expectations going into it, but overall was very pleased with the event.  Some highlights were the free inflatables, a fireman dunk tank, and shooting water out of the hose to knock down the pretend fires.  

Como Zoo

Last week we joined some of our best friends at Como Zoo where the kiddos saw a newborn gorilla.  They were obsessed with him and have talked about going to see him constantly.  I told them we could go when Grandpa and Grandma were in town, unfortunately the weather was too unpredictable to be outside so that was a no-go.  Therefore since we had no plans this morning, weather was beautiful and the kids were thrilled to go back, it was a easy decision when they asked to go.  

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

This past weekend we had the honor to host Grandpa and Grandma.  We were beyond thrilled when they told us they could stay all day Sunday this time.  That gave us another day of complete busyness and fun.  We spent our weekend doing lots of successful shopping, watching the kiddos play soccer, going out to eat, playing with the kids, and riding rides at MOA.  A super memorable weekend for sure.

Special thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for coming up to visit and for everything else, we are beyond grateful.  Love you both.

Night to Unite

Last night was "National Night Out", meaning neighborhoods all over get together to meet their neighbors, eat some yummy food, and get a visit from their local firemen.  For the past few years our neighborhood did not participate because they throw a huge adult only party in September.  This year however we put on one awesome Night to Unite.   Our neighborhood is full of children who ride the same bus to school so the kids were having non-stop fun.  Sadly I only captured a few pics of the kids eating and in the firetruck.  I will do better next year because the turnout was so good it sounds like it's going to become more annual.  Love our neighborhood!