Hello Again

This week has been a busy one. Nolan and I both survived our dentist appointments on Monday, and we are happy to report; No Cavities! However, Nolan didn't quite make it through the entire visit...he gagged while she was polishing his teeth and threw up. Thankfully, it wasn't everywhere and he was able to sit through my appointment. The prize basket kept him very busy.

We met Lincoln, Jayna, and Ellie yesterday at the sprinkler park by Lake George. It was our first time to that park, and we were all very impressed. The splash pad was very big and there was an awesome playground right next to it. Kim and Ellie joined us for pizza and popsicles at our house afterward.

Last night, I met my Bunco Buddies for dinner, conversation, and laughs. I have been getting together with this group for a couple of years now. We usually play dice/cards at one anothers' homes, but have decided to take a break from the game playing during the summer months to visit some local restaurants with patios. It is always a treat seeing everyone.

I am officially back on the saddle again....in other words, I am back to work. I went in today for the first time. I managed to get all of the classroom furniture washed and back in its place. It feels good to be that far already. However, now that I've started, I know that I will have a hard time staying away. I am hoping that if I get things the way I want it in the next couple of weeks, I can enjoy my last weeks of summer break before I am officially called back on August 25th.

Tonight, Lilly and I went to Great Grandma's house. I cleaned her house while Lilly sweetly played and bonded with Grandma. She was so sweet and the three of us had a nice time together.

Nolan continues to love going to VBS. He has learned a lot of new songs and bible verses. They have also been making some pretty cool projects. He surprised me with a stepping stone tonight. His handprint is in the middle and he decorated it with a variety of colored jewels. It is definitely a special keepsake.

The rest of the week continues to be busy for us. I will update again soon. Love to all of you!

Vacation Bible School

Nolan sportin' his new VBS T-shirt
Lilly playing at the Splash Pad

Nolan can control the amount of water spraying out by turning the wheels. As you can see, nothing but full blast for him.

Our family enjoyed the rest of the weekend. We took the kids to the Splash Pad in Sauk Rapids yesterday for some hot weather relief. They love to run through the sprinklers, so we've managed to get there several times this summer. It is kind of a nice break from the wading pools.

Nolan started Vacation Bible School last night for the first time. The theme of this year's camp is Rainforest Adventure. He learned many new songs, played games, and learned about sharing. ("Share every good thing you have." Galatians 6:6) A butterfly named Sheri represented sharing and they all received a toy butterfly to help them remember to share with others. Nolan got home and started sharing with Mike and Lilly and said he can't wait to share more....this made us smile. Of course this morning, he needed to be reminded. =0) They will learn about a different rainforest animal each night this week and those animals will represent good christian habits and scriptures from the bible. He is anxious to get back there tonight to learn more, but first...we both have an afternoon dentist appointment.

@ the Cabin

Grab the rods...we're ready to catch some "fighters"!

Nice reeling Nolan- it's a keeper.

Catch of the Day- way to go MOM!


Lilly loves to have her nails painted. She squealed when Grandma said she had red polish.

Faster Grandpa, faster!

Lilly surprisingly was very patient while we fished each day...I think the the heavy supply of treats on board helped. Cruising the lake before and after each outing was by far the best part for Lilly.

Two brave tubers + One nervous mom = Loads of FUN

Beach Beauty

Enough with the pictures already mom...this was Nolan's final pose for me.

The kids and I had a wonderful time at the lake with my Dad and Mary. The weather was beautiful, the fish were biting, and the lake was inviting. We spent many hours fishing Grandma's hot spots for "fighters". I couldn't believe the fighter I caught on Nolan's little fishing rod. The Northern actually scared the kids when I brought it into the boat. We had two delicious meals of fried fish. Lilly was a trooper and never complained about wearing her life jacket...which is a first. We told her the the boat police said she had to and we wanted her to be safe. To everyone's surprise, a friendly man on a jet ski pulled along side our boat this morning and showed us his DNR badge...both Lilly and Nolan were rewarded a free DQ ice-cream cone for wearing their life jackets. =0)

We also spent a lot of time in the water. The kids and I went tubing three times. I couldn't believe their need for speed. I think I was the only one who was nervous when we hit the big waves. They oohed and aahed, while I held on to the straps of their life jackets praying they wouldn't bounce out. We swam a couple of hours each day. Lilly loved to float in her boat, put rocks in her bucket, and dig in the sand. Nolan loved to squirt water, play Frisbee, push the dump truck through the water and beg me to do tricks. I found myself doing somersaults, handstands, and various swimming strokes to entertain him.

The kids loved spending time with their grandma and grandpa. Games were played, nails were painted, the DQ was visited, and best of all...memories were made!

Fun-Filled Day!

What an arm...and great form!

Run, Nolan Run!


What a sweetie! I can't wait to scrapbook this photo!



Way to go! Notice the left hand- we need to convert our mouse!

Yeah! Now you can play on the computer like we do!

The day started out a little rocky...to say the least. Both kids were up before 7:00a.m., which is way too early. They were both a little sleep deprived and in the end that means irritable, cranky, and non-stop button pushing. We did manage to make it to the park and to Coborns before lunch. All I can say is, "Thank goodness for NAPTIME!" We all needed it today. Thankfully, things turned around in the afternoon. Nolan has finally learned to use the computer on his own. We've been trying for quite some time, but maneuvering the mouse around the screen and knowing when to click was tricky. Well, today he got it! That's all he wanted to do tonight. He surfed PBSkids like a pro and did a wonderful job. Pretty soon I can have him update this blog for me. =0)

Nolan's last night of Sports Sampler was the evening. They learned some of basic fundamentals of football. He did quite well. I love the action shot of him throwing the ball. Lilly just sits on the sidelines and cheers for him...it's so cute. I included a cute pic. of her too- just because I can't resist snapping photos. Walgreens photo lab loves me too. (Thank goodness for digital!) We are headed to the lake in the morning to be with Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary for a few days. The kids are super excited and can't wait until morning. Hopefully they'll sleep in a little later, so we can have a fresh start. I will update more when we return on Saturday.

Daycare 101

We had the Privatsky kids over yesterday and today. Our daycare is closed this week and since I am a stay-at-home mom in the summer, I was available to help them out. The kids had a wonderful time playing together and were extremely well behaved. We kept very busy by going to the park both mornings, playing games, reading books, and getting out every imaginable water toy this afternoon. We truly had a great time....however, I am exhausted. Teaching 25 kids is easier than watching four. How can that be? I haven't quite figured that out yet, but two things are for sure....I will not be opening a daycare any time soon and having two kids is perfect!

Sprinkler Fun!

Nolan loves to be around, in, and on top of the water. Check out the action shot I captured! As you can see, he had a blast!

Rain Rain Go Away!

Rainy days don't get us down. In fact, they just add to the fun. Both Nolan and Lilly have liked to be out in the rain. I am not so sure I like the fact they're out there... and then tracking in my house, but Mike reminds me to cherish these moments. So if they're going to be out there, I thought I may as well get the camera and really make the most of it. I loved this picture of Lilly in her raincoat. She was so excited to stomp through the puddles on the driveway. We ended up taking the kids to see Wall-E after their nap, because one play session in the rain was enough for me. =0)

Nine Years of Total Bliss!

Mike and I celebrated our nine year anniversary today. We were able to get away for a little bit this evening to reminisce about our past. (Thank-you Denell for watching the kids.) It is amazing how much conversation can be had in just a couple of hours... when no kids are interrupting you. I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful husband!

Lunch Date

The kids and I were very excited to have Great-Grandma and Grandma Cindy over for lunch today. Meeting people for lunch is something we really enjoy doing during the summer months. I personally enjoyed having it a our house vs. a restaurant, because I didn't have to try to keep them entertained (or should I say well-behaved) while waiting for food.

Quick Summer Recap

The kids received this Gator for their birthdays this year, and have throughly enjoyed every minute on it.

Future Entrepreneurs!

The kids had their first Lemonade Stand this summer. They made it themselves and were eager to get outside to make a little money. I think they probably drank more than they sold, but did manage to rake in $4.08.

Look who found a relaxing spot in the shade!

Lilly loves playtime at the pool.

The whole family had a wonderful time at the beach on Grandma Mary's Birthday!


We've had a lot of fun already this summer. I can't believe it's the middle of July...that means over half of my summer vacation is gone. The kids and I have been enjoying our time together. We've been to numerous parks, pools, and playdates. Nolan and Lilly are both in swimming lessons and love spending time in the water. Nolan has also been participating in a Sports Sampler class on Wednesday evenings. T-Ball is by far his favorite sport. In fact, we spend a lot of time pitching to him in our yard. Lilly could spend an entire day in a swing at a park. Mike and I are looking forward to making many more summer memories.

Life is Full of Firsts...

Wow! My first post! Creating a family blog is something I have wanted to do for quite some time. I can't believe I am actually sitting here doing it today. I can honestly say that I am impressed with myself for sitting down and figuring it out all on my own. (Usually I need my tech. savvy husband coaching me, but I did it!) I am not sure exactly how this all works yet, but I've managed to get this far. This is going to be a great way to remember good times and allow me to journal our busy lives. You are all invited to share this site with us...please check-in to see how life is at our house.