A Camping We Will Go...

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We had an awesome time camping at Sibley State Park this weekend. We ventured out in my parents RV right after work on Friday. The kids were pumped! Not only we they going to be sleeping in a camper for two nights, but they also got to ride in it while dad drove us to the park! No carseats! It was a joy ride that's for sure. Lilly played Polly Pockets while Nolan drew pictures and challenged me in several games of checkers. We arrived before dark and were able to get set up. The campsites and park were beautiful! We spent the entire weekend hiking, biking, and exploring. I wasn't real sure how things would go, since this was our first family camping trip, but to my surprise...it went perfectly. We are definitely going to have to put some more trips on the calendar.

Our Little Tiger Cub

I, Nolan, promise to do my best

To do my duty to God and my country,

To help other people, and

To obey the Law of the Pack.



Nolan joined Cub Scouts this year and is loving it!

Spending time with his den friends and their dads

is something to look forward to each month.

We are so proud of you and can't wait to be involved.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

I am my mother after all!

Oh Lilly, how you're so much like me...

You love your sweets.

You love to sleep in.

Things need to be done in a certain order.

Things need to be done a certain way!

Nobody can stop you when you're mind is made up.

Nobody can stop you from dreaming big!

You love to dress up.

You hate to be dirty.

Being creative gives you energy.

Being with friends makes you happy.

You are sensitive, yet tough.

You are strong willed, yet sweet.

You are you!

and that's what I love!

A, B, C...look at Me!

This is Lilly on the first day of school. She started her second year of preschool today and is all smiles. Mrs. Smoley will be working with Lilly three mornings a week. She was excited about her new locker, seeing her friends from last year's class, and coming to school with Nolan and me. Lilly has really become an independent girl this past year and we are so glad she is excited about going back to school. We look forward to hearing about all the fun things you're learning this year.

Back to Class

Mrs. Lohn

Waiting for the first day of school had Nolan filled with complete excitement. In fact, he's been dreaming about it and talking about it for close to two weeks already. Hearing the details and answering the hundreds of questions he had, brought a smile to my face every time he'd discuss it.

Going "back to school" is something that has always excited me as a child, and honestly still does (for the most part). The early morning alarm, homework, and tight schedule can make it difficult, but luckily I have a supportive, hands-on hubby at home to help ease the load when it gets tough.

He woke up on his own this morning (earlier than he had to) and was ready in a flash. No reminders to get moving, brush his teeth, or comb his hair. He had his bed made and was down for breakfast before the sleep was washed from my eyes. With a great big smile on his face, a spring in his step, and a new backpack on his back, my little guy entered the building one step ahead of me. Look out first grade...here he comes!

Nolan returned to me at the end of the day with a grin so wide, I thought his cheeks were going to crack. He had stories to share, made new friends, and told me he can't wait to go back. We both agreed that this was going to be his best year yet!

Colorado Trip

Mike was able to make another trip to Colorado with his friends this summer. It's become an annual trip for him and something he really looks forward to. He tries to tell me that it's not really a "fun" getaway because it's so labor intensive. I agree with the strenuous workout part (they mountain bike close to eight hours a day through rough terrain), but I would have to disagree with the "fun" part. I know these guys are enjoying every minute of their time in the mountains. Don't get me wrong sweetie...I am happy to see you getting away with your friends, doing what you love! Ride on!

Super Hero

It's a bird!
It's a plane!

It's Super-Nolan!

Nolan rescued this beautiful monarch butterfly today. The innocent little creature found its way to Nolan's finger and sat there for quite some time. I was amazed! I thought it had to be injured since it wasn't flying off of his hand, but that wasn't the case. It actually did fly away and then came back again. I am not sure what this symbolizes, but Nolan was pretty happy about his special rescue mission.

Neighborhood Picnic

Our neighborhood hosts a family picnic each year at the park on the end of our block. This year they hired a game-works company to entertain the kids. They brought in laser tag, a van which was fully equipped with a variety of video games, and this human hamster ball. We enjoyed visiting with all of our wonderful neighbors and the kids had a blast!

Bake Me a Cake

Lilly loves to help me in the kitchen! She is always around when it's time to make dinner and excitedly volunteers her services when I'm cooking. We purchased an Easy Bake Oven for Lilly so she could experience baking. It's been fun for her to whip up a master piece or two. :) Using the mixer and licking off the beaters is always a treat!

Date Nights

Mike and I have been trading our babysitting services with the Kruse and Stein families. When it's our turn, we entertain and feed six children, so their parents can spend time together. When it's not our turn, Mike and I get to enjoy a date. We look forward to our time together. Most dates start out with a workout and are followed by a dinner. These date nights are something we really look forward to...as do the kids.