Get ready for a lot of pictures. It's been a while since I wrote on the blog, and every once in a while a good photo dump is needed. At least it helps me feel like I've somewhat documented what our family has been up to since I am years behind in printing pictures.
This is my yard! I love where we live! Also, for Mother's Day, my handy husband built me a 7'2" fence around my garden (that is at the bottom of the picture), so all of my veggies won't get eaten by the resident deer population. So far so good. I am so excited about my garden this year! Today I froze 2 gallons worth of green beans and then went out and picked more. After feeding the deer last summer, I am so thrilled to see the garden thrive this year!
T-ball cheering section! Really, the girls were only there for the suckers I promised them!
Tate's first year of T-ball was a success. By success I mean that he enjoyed it and wants to do it again next year! At this age, as long as they have fun that's all that matters!
On the Fourth of July we went to the parade in Spicer and the kids got lots of candy....that we are still eating, and it's August 16th.
Waiting for more candy....
Anja digging into her candy. When you are a 2 year old, who needs to get more candy when you've got lots in your bag to eat right now???
Since there were lots of people at the cabin for the weekend, not enough beds for everyone and a lot of noise, we skipped nap time so our kids would sleep well in the tent at night. However, both days Anja ended up sleeping outside in her swim suit in someone's arms. I don't think Grandma cared, though.
Tate and Norah at the park near the cabin. A must-visit at least once a year while we are there.
We love it when Auntie Kristen comes to visit!
Apparently this is how you sleep when you're really exhausted.
A fun morning at the splash pad and park with good friends!
Tate loves to do projects and make things, so I got brave one day and let him do some paper mache. He really did love it and it wasn't THAT messy.
We went to the county fair to watch our friend Talia show her horse and my no-fear-child got to sit on the horse with her! Thanks, Tal!
Kids in the giant adirondack chair at the county fair!
Norah being silly on our drive to Chicago!
We got to spend the day with relatives in Illinois. These are all of the 2nd cousins, and I know you can't really see Noelle's face, but this one is my favorite, because the kids are shaped like a heart. Cheesy, I know, but isn't it cute? I'm pretty sure that wasn't planned when we threw all the kids in the chairs and started acting crazy behind the cameras to get all the kids to look.
More water park pictures:
While we were in Illinois, we got to meet our new nephew/cousin. Norah loves babies and was eager to hold him.
Backyard fun and Grandma and Grandpa's house!
On the first night of our trip to Chicago, we discovered that we forgot Anja's bag of clothes at home. Thankfully, my mom had some 1980's keepsakes stashed in a drawer, and Auntie Cassie had some girl clothes in her stash. I am pretty sure Anja didn't notice or care that none of the clothes she wore for a week were hers.
A little baby lovin' time:
Norah has some beautiful long blond hair that begs to be brushed and braided, but she does not ever want me to comb it much less braid it. But, when an Auntie wanted to braid her hair, she was all for it!
Aunt Cassie even did her hair to match!
Just chillin' in the car with my shades on. Thanks Grandma Sharon! They've been a hit!
Daddy finished the tree house!!!
We spent several days of our vacation at the cabin, and had gorgeous weather. The kids did a lot of swimming and playing in the sand. And everyone caught a fish or two off the dock!
Tate made it his own challenge to make it across the beach without touching the sand. He persevered and tried over and over again until he finally made it. It was fun to see him just keep on trying without getting frustrated, but being determined to get it.
A boy and his tackle box.
It wouldn't be vacation without a trip to DQ, right?
