A Birthday/Halloween Party!

Our niece celebrated her 5th birthday with a Halloween/Birthday bash! We all had so much fun - especially my brother-in-law who had the best costume! The kids had a great time running around and trying to hit the pinata.

Happy Birthday, Sam!

We were able to celebrate Sam's 4th birthday at the park last week. It was a gorgeous morning and we had a great time. Sam is one of Johan's best buddies. Now that both big brothers are in school, Sam and Johan have had a great time playing together. Their preschool schedules are opposite, so they don't get to play too often, but Friday afternoons have seemed to become their regular playtime. We are thankful for such great friends! As you can see from these photos, Anja and Ben had a great time playing with the balloons!

i heart faces - week 42: in the orchard

I took this picture of my son about a year ago. It was fun to go back and edit it knowing a little more than I knew last fall. I was brand new to Photoshop at the time.

Can't you just hear the "CRUUUNCH!"

Head over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out other orchard photos this week.

Apple Orchard Field Trip

Gus had his first Kindergarten field trip today and I was able to chaperone (many thanks to my good friend, Mo, who took care of Anja and Johan!). We went to an apple orchard and we had a great time. The kids got to take a hay wagon ride, play in a hay pile, ride John Deere tricycles, ride in a barrel-train, and leave with apples and a pumpkin! It was a super warm day, so it was great to be outside. Gus' teacher is wonderful and it was fun to get to know the kids in his class. I took a small group of five great kids around and we all had a good time.

Kip, the photographer

Kip took this picture of Anja and me. It is fun to get pictures with me and my kids since I'm usually the one behind the camera!

Fall in Grand Rapid, MN

We had a great weekend at the cabin. The fall colors were amazing and we enjoyed them when hiking, raking and driving! There is nothing like fall at the cabin and I'm so glad we made the time to get up north this fall.

Kisses from the bus

Each morning, we walk Gus to the bus stop. We are usually hurried and I've probably lost my patience at some point in order to get everyone moving. We race the 3 blocks and have a few minutes to wait for the bus while we are entertained by the "big" kids at the stop who have lots to discuss. When Gus gets on the bus, he chooses a seat where he'll be able see me and wave. Every day he blows kisses out the window and I keep thinking how sweet it is. I know it won't last forever that he'll show his affection (especially from the bus window), so I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

By the way, I know this post is totally cheesy, but this blog is the closest thing to a journal that I have at this point and I want it to be documented.