Christmas tea party

Here are some glimpses of our 3rd annual Christmas tea party!  We were very blessed to have Katie and Isaac, and Ruth in town for the event this year.  Bruce, Tom and Ian made themselves scarce (but feasted on leftovers when they returned!).  

Unfortunately Gwen missed the group photo because she was napping!

Nina is ready to hand out her personal notes to each guest.

Nina and Grandma Ruth are unleashing their creative genius and decorating the hats.

A wonderful time was had by all!  We especially appreciated the delicious spread of food.  I wish I had photographed that as well.   :)

OUR FOURTH

Our 4th of July was blissful!  Family, friends, gorgeous weather, picnic fare.... but Ian had the highlight of the day.  He lost his first tooth EVER at the breakfast table, while biting on a piece of toast.  I can hardly believe the lanky big guy he's turning into!!

In Lake Marion

Homemade 4th of July pops

Pulling out our patriotic attire

end of the day celebrations

the most adorable children in the world

My 32nd!!

Yes, I can hardly believe I'm 32.  Here is a glimpse at our day.

In line to see the new Dinosaurs exhibit at the MN Zoo

Mechanized robotic, true to life dinosaurs along the path.  Some roar and others spit water!

Nina wasn't fond of the sharp teeth.

Carol made Huevos Rancheros for dinner, per my request

Birthday bonfire

Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries

Today we went with Krista and her daughter Alaithia strawberry picking at a new place I discovered outside of Hastings called Sam Kedem's farm.  This place has organic berries and apples, along with a vegetable and plant nursery and a charming farm that the kids can explore.  It was an early, chilly morning, but the sun peeked out and we got some warmth.  I was glad since I had Gwen in the baby carrier and I'd forgotten her socks.  I was holding her little tootsies to keep them warm!  I can hardly believe how much a mother needs to pack for herself and three darlings.  Change of clothes, snacks, water bottles, camera, money, sunscreen & insect repellent, diaper bag... the list goes on and on.  Pretty soon here, I'll be holding these kids responsible for bringing their OWN stuff!

Oh, we had such a ball picking berries!

Cute chickens and roosters, complete with audio track.

Catching butterflies in the strawberry field.

 One of the many berries that got re-routed from my box of strawberries to Ian's mouth.

 Mmmmm... juicy.

 Catching tadpoles.

 Strawberry shortcake at home.  A sweet reward.

 The plant nursery.

 Me with my enthusiastic strawberry pickers!

 Running through the field... oh what fun!

 Those strawberries like to hide.

NICKELODEON UNIVERSE

Today the family went to the amusement park in the Mall of America.  We had obtained free tickets from a friend through work, and at $30/day per person, we were glad we had!  Nina's favorite ride was the carousel.  Her favorite animal to ride was the pretty horse with a pink bridle and roses in the mane.  The carousel was too tame for Ian, however.  It is nostalgic for me, especially with the old-fashioned tunes that they play as it turns.  Much fun was had by all!  And thanks to Auntie Erin for watching our little Gwen!

Bedtime Stories

God blessed us with a new patio set!!  Ours got wind damage last summer, so we were able to receive insurance money to buy a new one.  I snapped a photo of Tom reading the bedtime story and Bible to the kids last night before bed.

A Jaunt to the Park

Tonight was a good night to ignore the dirty supper dishes, grab an extra layer of clothing and a popsicle, and take a walk to the park with our three little darlings.  There was a chill in the air, so I bundled little Gwen up.  She is so aware of her surroundings and curious about the events outside of her little stroller.  The big kids are always happy for an excuse to have a popsicle!  It's hardly warm weather yet, but that doesn't matter does it?

MORIAH'S DANCE RECITAL

We had a night out recently.  Erin, Carol and I moseyed on down to Northfield to see our sweet Moriah in the spring dance recital.  The pieces she danced in were called "Perfectly Neurotic" and were a joy to watch.  I took a picture of the photo on the advertisement (Moriah is on the left).  And of course a trip to Northfield wouldn't be complete without a stop at Blue Monday's.  Such a fun trip!