Water Paint

I can not take credit for this cheap, no-mess, outdoor activity. My good friend, Sarah showed me yesterday while Elyse was playing with her son, Mason. It's outdoor water paint. Just put water in a bucket, go buy some cheap black sponge paintbrushes and let your child have some fun. Elyse really enjoyed it yesterday, and had just as much fun painting her sidewalk, car, and house today. Just wish I would have known about this activity sooner now that summer is almost over. Thanks Sarah!

Minnesota State Fair

Nate, Elyse and I joined Tom, Jenny and Aiden and spent the day at the MN State Fair. I would have never thought that spending just under seven hours in 90 degree heat with two toddlers would turn out to be such a wonderful time. We got a good share of fair food, but not enough, there was so much to choose from. It was not only Elyse's first time, but Nate's too. Overall, I believe it was a success. However, I don't think we will be returning anytime in the next week :)
Kiddos playing at the Big farm and the little farm. So much fun. They saw cows, horses, sheep, and baby pigs. They also dressed up like little farmers and planted seeds, fed their animals and bought some food that they grew. Aiden driving the tractor, Elyse carrying their buckets next to him. Elyse at the children's train station. Closest Jenny and I got to seeing Sven (Kare 11 Weatherman)
Nate and Tom mocking Jenny and I, or are they???? :)

Destined To Be Together

Jenny posted this post a few days ago and for some strange reason I missed the entire post. Saw it tonight and LOVED it. You can click here to see Jenny's entire post, but the video is by far my favorite. Therefore, I had to post that on our blog. Thanks Jenny! I too agree that they are destined to be together.

Untitled from Jenny on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today was my mom's birthday so Elyse and I spent the morning doing what us ladies do best, shop! We met at Mall of America (MOA) assuming that we would find lots to buy. Ironically, it was not a success, but the rest of the time was. The time went by so fast and I couldn't have asked for a better morning than spending it with my two favorite ladies in the world!
Us ladies (mostly Elyse) having some fun at Nickelodeon Universe. Elyse riding the escalator for the first time all on her own. Elyse shopping at the Disney Store, she LOVED the giant Mickey Elyse eating Nana's b-day dessert, wouldn't even stop for a picture

All in all, Happy Birthday Mom! I am so blessed to have you as my mom, Nana to Elyse and for being my friend. Thank you for all you do and I love you with all my heart!

Princess Pose

Not sure how it got started, but all I have to do is ask Elyse to show me her "Princess Pose" and this is what she does:

Family In Town

This past weekend, Nate, Elyse and I had Grandpa and Grandma (Nate's parents) visit. We had a wonderful time! Elyse surely got spoiled and was sad to see them leave (and we were too). We just wish it didn't go by so fast and already we are looking forward to seeing them again soon.

At the Minnesota's Farmers Market in Minneapolis, love it there!
Elyse opening some birthday gifts from Grandpa and Grandma
Love you both, and thanks for coming and for everything while here!

Grateful!

I just wanted to send out a post thanking everyone who has been so supportive the last 24 hours. We appreciate all the phone calls, visits, cards, e-mails and most importantly, your prayers. I will admit all the love and support we have got has really helped Nate and I cope, morn and trust God more than we did before. God has always taken us through something which leads to pain and soon enough turns to joy. We have so much confidence, faith and hope right now that God will provide us the perfect child in His timing. We have seen His beauty with the adoption of Elyse, and are encouraged to see what He will do with this adoption. We do ask that you still continue to pray for the following three things from the previous post. We also ask that you keep us in mind if you ever hear of a child being considered for adoption. We love you all and are so blessed to have you as family and friends! Thanks again.

"I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11