Thursday, October 31, 2013

Carter's field trip

 I was able to join Carter and his kindergarten class las week as we visited Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington.  It was a beautiful day for them to explore signs of fall.  They learned about seeds, leaves, and how to make apple cider.
They are a great group of kids.


House Project

 After returning from Boston, we filed an insurance claim due to hail damage on our home.  We then began the process of finding a contractor to repair the damage. 
We decided quickly on shingles and then added some fun new looks with the brick, new garage door, and dark siding.

 The finished product!!!!!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

MEA Weekend 2013

 Just prior to the MEA weekend, I had the privilege of accompanying Taylor's class to the Minnesota Arboretum in Chanhassen.  It was a rainy day, but the kids didn't seem to notice.  We learned about the apple orchard research of the University of Minnesota and about how they produced our family's favorite apple: the honey crisp.

 After the class trip we headed to SW Minnesota to spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma's.

 MEA weekend is always falls with Kensington's birthday.  We celebrated her third birthday in Sioux Falls and watched her get her ears pierced!
 Taylor loves being in charge of little Harper.
 Silly faces with the cake
 Cousins before church
 While I was away wedding dress shopping with Auntie Julie (sorry, I am not allowed to post pictures of the dress) the kids went with Auntie Ginnie to Sky Zone to jump.  They had a blast!
 The cousins with the royal Kensington.
Sisters....

Friday, October 11, 2013

Fall Fun

 The fall in Minnesota has been wonderful; we have been enjoying 70 degree weather.
We visited the Minnetonka Apple Orchard with friends after school.


 Julia and Hailey enjoying apple donuts
 Carter and Taylor checking out their growth with Ms. Apple

 The kids and I.....I wish they would just slow down and stop growing!!!!!!

Carter, Jaclyn, and Taylor with the wagon load of pumpkins.
 All dressed up and ready to go to the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation Gala.
A fundraiser for the foundation to promote research to improve outcomes.

Monday, September 30, 2013

September in a flash.........


Well, for some crazy reason, it is already October 1st tomorrow.  Where in the world did September go?  It has been a bit of a whirl wind. 
September has not been too easy for Carter.  He has not really enjoyed school very much up to this point.  He is very hesitant to go in the morning and states that his favorite subject right now is "hot lunch".  He desires nothing more than to just come home and play flag football with his buddy Isaac.
On his third day of school I received a phone call from his teacher to tell me that he used a scissors during snack time to cut his hair.  He was not happy that I requested a picture of his new style; a nice stripe buzz right down the middle.
Taylor is loving 2nd grade.  She is happy to go in the morning and happy when she comes home.  She has a new look for school with her reading glasses.  She doesn't wear them much at home, but says she wears them all the time at school.  Taylor still does not love to read but has taken a special liking to this year's rocket math.  She also has begun her first year of piano and is catching on quickly.  
The boys did get to go the home opener of the Minnesota Vikings this year with Josh and Isaac.  They loved the game, snacks, and had great seats, but the Vikings just couldn't come up with a win for the kiddos.  Carter said to Mike during the game, "It always seems like the Vikings always lose."
Yes, Carter,  it is the story of a Vikings fan.


Hailey is in the middle of her first year of volleyball.  I am her assistant coach and coaching her team has been a ton of fun.  They continue to improve each game and are really getting the hang of the game.  Hailey has really had a tremendous start to the 5th grade year.  The homework has been pretty intense, but she has been very organized and responsible with it.  She has also resumed playing the piano and the flute.  Hailey still loves to put on a show, make up a dance, or write a play.  Right now she is into writing commercials and jingles with her friends.

Jodi, Josh, Mike and I  had the awesome privilege of attending "Wicked" at the Orpheum.  It was a spectacular show of talented actors, dancers, singers, with costume.  I would go again if I could!

Taylor and Kylie had a sleep over while we attended Wicked.  These two characters have been buddies since birth.  They don't get together enough, but when they do it is like a fireworks.

 The Beckerings introduced the girls to the rainbow loom.  Hours and hours have been spent weaving bracelets together out of little rubber bands.  
Carter and I spent one of his days off at the Minnesota Children's Museum.  We used to take the girls there all the time, but after we moved to Bloomington, we went less and less.  Carter loved every minute and almost had the place to himself.  He raced boats on the water ramp forever and also loved being a postal worker.

 We attended Oktoberfest in LaCrosse, WI last Saturday in honor of Mike's aunt Kenna being: Mrs. Oktoberfest 2013.  
 Julie, Mike, and Teresa with the German bratwurst and sourkraut.
 Mike and I being German



Wednesday, September 4, 2013

1 day of school, 2013

 The first day of school in 2013 was a bit rough at our house as Carter spiked a fever and was puking the night prior to his very 1st day of kindergarten.  
The girls however were all smiles, despite the early wake-up compared to the lazy mornings of summer.
 Hailey Joy 5th Grade
 Taylor Ann 2nd Grade
 Carter recovered in time to make the 2nd day of kindergarten and was all smiles ready to go.  He ate breakfast with his backpack on and sent his best buddy Isaac off to school at the bus stop.
 I couldn't be prouder of these three kids. I love being their mom.  I drove away today with no one with me, but I know that they are happy, healthy, and in the best place for them.
Filled with gratitude.
He never looked back..........

Last days of summer.......


 A weekend adventure over Labor Day with Grandpa and Grandma led us to Taylor's Falls for a 4 mile hike along the St. Croix river valley.  A beautiful day and a perfect way to end summer.

 Taylor and Jaclyn!!
 Hailey and her 5th grade friends cooling off after a week of volleyball camp
 Carter being his normal silly self
The new basketball hoop is installed and ready for action.