Kallen's First Day of (Extended Day) Preschool

Kallen started preschool today and boy was he excited! He was ready to go with a smile on his face the moment he woke up.  I made him give me goodbye hugs and kisses, but once I let go he ran right into class as if he has been going for weeks.  Knowing his teachers and seeing the routine with Elyse and Caleb the last few years I think is what made him so much more ready.  He goes Monday and Wednesdays.  The thing he was most excited for this year was eating lunch in a lunchroom.  I'm so happy for him but sad too, our babies are growing up way too fast!

Mane Event

This morning we attended the kids' school's annual's "Mane Event".  It's a 1/3 mile obstacle course for the kids to participate in.  Following that they visited the booths, jumped in the inflatables, played on the playground and ate yummy pizza from Pizza Ranch.  Such a fun morning, can't express how much we love their school and its community that we are blessed to be apart of!

Elyse Turns 8 Years Old

Today our baby girl once again moves farther away from being our baby and closer to a young lady.  A young lady that God created to be simply beyond beautiful, intelligent, high energy, loud and passionate.  God's plan with who she is and how she became ours is perfect, and we can't get over how much we treasure her.  She really makes the statement, "The days are long but the years go so fast" absolutely true.  

Happy 8th Birthday, Elyse!

We love you so much and are so thankful for God and your birthmother for giving you to us eight years ago.  XOXO   

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.)