This and That: September

Sleepy boy

Aamodt's Apple Orchard

Sadly the Carmel apples were sold out... so Nathan picked this apple instead

Lindsay and Rusty were in town... so happy to see them.

Using his wooden cars... as roller skates... he thought he was so cool.

Happy 6th Anniversary

Fall days

Lunch in the tree house!

Cookie day at Preschool.  One month in and they invited all the parents in for snack time,  The class made chocolate cookie bars.  The boys (and their class) were so cute and so proud when all the parents walked in.  Mrs. Wall is awesome... the kids love her and the other teachers.  I'm so proud of what grown up boys Nathan and Ben are becoming... I'm sad that they are getting older but happy they are doing it successfully.  

Ben's tree!

After 4 months of no batteries I finally got their leap pads back in action... they were thrilled!

Amery Fall Festival: 2013

For the last few years Auntie Christine has invited us Amery Wisconsin for "Fall Festival."  So last weekend we headed out to Amery. As Tradition has it Mark Kopp (Christine's dad) places chairs on the parade route early in the am... in preparation for the big parade.  This was the first year that everyone was able to attend and it was beautiful fall day.  We enjoyed a long parade and lots of fun with family and friends.  Mark also had a very special "treat" for the boys during the parade.  

The aunties, the boys and Gamma

Peter and Nathan ready for candy!

The crowd

Nathan was SO PROUD of his Cotton candy!

After the parade we all headed to the fair for food and shopping

Nathan thinks he is hilarious closing his eyes when I try and take photos now.... super annoying:)

It was then off to the Kopp's house for dinner and the traditional shooting of the guns. I'm not a "gun person"  and have never even held a gun.  Not sure its my favorite thing, I also found out I'm really weak... I could barely hold the gun.  Lets just say I didn't hit any of the clay pigeons!  It was fun.... but I think I'll leave the shooting to the others:)  While we were shooting, Nathan and Benjamin picked apples from the apple trees with Christine's brother and sister-in-law... thanks to them I really don't like the idea of the boys being around guns.  

Stephen and Christine also asked me to take some engagement photos.... they turned out well, I will wait until I get the OK from them to share those photos:)  

All in all it was a fun filled day... Thank you so much Kopp Family for your hospitality!

First Week of Preschool

Preschool: Ready, Set, Grow
Class: Teddy Bears
Class Color: Red

Last week Nathan and Benjamin started preschool! It's hard to believe that they are ready for school... To be honest it's only two days a week... 5 hours a week... its not as though I'm losing them forever.  The trend to push kids and send them earlier and earlier is actually quite annoying... they have their whole lives to be in school (I'm 30 and i just finished). N&B already go to a preschool program at Peace of mind two days a week when I'm working...However I decided that I wanted them to have a more quintessential preschool experience, something smaller, shorter and with a little religion (I love Christmas programs).... most important I needed it to be easy and organized... user friendly for Mom and Dad (Gramma too on the days she brings them).  I really wanted the boys to share a classroom (this may be the only time they are together in a class).  So in some ways I caved to the social pressure but I do truly believe this is going to be a fun, educational and loving environment....and after orientation Brent believes this too!

Benjamin Charles... Former 3 pound miracle preemie... Now a walking, talking, baseball throwing, ABC and pledge of allegiance singing, monkey bar swinging, preschooler who loves bananas, Chocolate milk and his huge stuffed Woody doll.  

Nathan Andrew... Former 3 pound preemie.... Now a running, jumping, climbing, swing pumping, first and last word talking, preschooler who loves watermelon, gum, mac n cheese and his stuffed

Buzzlightyear doll.  

I love they way they hold their hands to tell you they are 3!

Daddy came to orientation with us and was so impressed with Ready Set Grow and their organization, love of the kids, knowledge of "3 year olds" and facilities.  Not that he didn't trust my judgement but I think it was good for him to see first hand.  

Off they go.... The education journey starts here:) I would have loved to have them home with me one more year... But this is good for them, they are excited and ready for a new challenge, new friends and a chance to grow!

First Day of Ready Set Grow: Excited to figure out what all the "Fuss" is about.

Ben Found his name....

Checking out the toys at his assigned table!

Mrs. Wall had all the kids take these cute photos and then the kids made a special project with them on their 2nd day of school!

Ben with the Class apple Tree... so proud to find his apple and his photo!

After we got home from preschool we hung up their backpacks in the front hall.... this is only the beginning of back packs littering my front entry way... we might as well attempt good habits now:)

The last days of summer...

A Trip up north to visit Grandma and Grandpa Utech

Working in Grandpa's work shop.... they made cute little wooden cars.   They also wanted to bring these wooden cars to "share day" at Peace of Mind!  They told their class ALL about their trip to Walker. 

Interesting approach:)

Helping Grandma make garden stones

Stories before nap time.

Walking sticks!

So tired from no nap that we fell asleep in the entry way.

Cruising the lake with these awesome motorized bumper boats!

MN Zoo Trip!

We met Joe, Ellie and Lucy!

Splash pad... my kids never like splash pads so I had low expectations.  As is true with my children... once I figure them out, they change.  They LOVED the splash pad with Joe and Ellie

The grizzly bear was actually walking around.  The kids thought it was hilarious when the bear used the tree to scratch his butt!

A Visit with Evelyn and Meghan...