Minnesota's State Fair

Yesterday we headed out the door bright and early to attend the "Great Minnesota Get Together".  The shuttle dropped us off at the gate a little after 8:30.  The temps were cool and crowds were small, hence it was wonderful.  We participated in many of our favorite things at the fair; some included the kiddy farm, exhibits, baby animal barn and eating delicious foods.  The kids were all done by 12:30 so we headed home with smiles on all our faces.

Four hours later, Nana came up to watch with the kiddos so Nate and I could go back for the night with some of our closest friends.  We sadly didn't take any pictures but that's probably because we were so busy having such a great time.  We left around 10:30, we considered it to be one successful day at the fair for sure!

Milkshake Mustache

The kiddos got to have some delicious strawberry milkshakes during dinner tonight which resulted in lots of laughter, giggles and milkshake mustaches by all.

The Two Youngest

Now with the older two in school everyday, it's Kallen, Ian and I for the mornings.  We usually take them to school and come home to get dressed, eat and start our day.  Well this is the adorable view of what I saw out the window while cleaning up our breakfast.  Love them to pieces!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

My mom, the kids' Nana drove up to our house tonight to celebrate her birthday.  The kids and I tried to make it special since she headed up to see us instead of us traveling down to her.  The day was devoted to what she wanted to do.  She began by picking the kids up at school so she could see their new school, shopped a few stores, opened a few gifts, and ate her chosen dinner as well as delicious strawberry cheesecake.  It was a laid back but fun day.  I hope she had a wonderful day because she deserves nothing but the best.  We all love her to pieces and grateful for her.  Happy Birthday, Mom/Nana! 
(The best picture I got of her and the kids celebrating, just please ignore the photobomb of Nate in the background.)

Controlled Chaos

So 4 am Sunday morning our closest friends went into labor with their fourth blessing.  I quickly got dressed and drove across town to help take care of the other three.  So to sum it up, beautiful Mama gave birth to beautiful baby girl Sunday morning which left Dad (Nate) and I on Sunday and myself alone Monday and Tuesday with seven kids just under 8 years old.  It was controlled chaos with lots of love, laughter and friendships.  It was nothing more than joy for us to help a family that we call family.  Special congratulations to the Williamson family on becoming a family of 6.

Birth order: Ava (just turned 8), Elyse (just under 8), Caleb (5), Kallen (4), Janie (4), Ian (2) and Oliver (2)

This was what my van looked like all day Monday and Tuesday.  So much fun!

First Day of School

Today Elyse began her first day of 2nd grade while Caleb started Kindergarten.  It was an emotional roller coaster of excitement, nerves, worry and frustration this morning.  We decided as a family to enroll our kids into Legacy Christian Academy for a number of reasons.  In doing so, the kids started school two weeks before friends which was hard but will be wonderful when May comes.  It was all new classes, teachers, friends and routines.  We have enjoyed every bit of the community so far and their passion to help educate our children in many different ways.  This morning the kids gave high-fives to their mascot and all the administration department, as well as walked in on the Lion's Orange Carpet dancing and singing to some of their favorite songs, way too fun!  The day had a few rough spots I was told; but they were picked up with smiles  on faces and only positive things to say.  Hope that joy continues throughout the year.

Just for fun, Kallen wanted a picture too.

Rock Climbing

Our local YMCA has its own climbing wall that offers its members the opportunity twice a week to climb.  Our good friend teaches others how to climb there and helped me today get belayed certified.  The kids all had a turn to climb; Elyse and Kallen loved it and climbed a few different sections of the wall.  Ian gave it a try but due to height and strength he didn't get up too far.  The oldest three did successfully make it to the top at least once to ring the bell.  I was a very proud Mama today.