Slumbering Birthdays

We've passed another milestone.  We celebrated a birthday (Linnea), but the true milestone was the first ever slumber party. We. Are. Tired. :o) Actually, it was a lot of fun, and I think the participants would tend to agree.

Linnea got many presents from us, friends and family.  The one which resulted in slightly more amusing photos were new roller blades!

A lot of fun.  We finished up the weekend with final games in recreational soccer. *Note, most of these pictures are from previous games (this weekend was COLD for these games).

This is a picture from Saturday, doesn't it just look dreary and cold?

And we determined that the position of the goalie is not Natalie's passion.

The game was actually going on when this was taken.

Another busy weekend - but so nice to spend some of it outside. Happy Birthday Linnea!

Futbol

This year both girls are participating in fall soccer, a.k.a. futbol.  

We're discovering that Natalie is competitive with an aggressive streak. We affectionately refer to her as the firecracker.  I think we've found her outlet.

It's equally amazing to watch Linnea play and see how far she's come since her first year. Unfortunately, not a lot of pictures taken today - hard to be in the two places at the same time - you'll have to wait for a different post with anticipation to see her mad-skills :o)

Great teams, great coaches, lots of fun!

The First Day

Our lives are now forever changed.  Both girls are in formal school, and frankly, I don't know how I'm  we're supposed to feel about this alteration in our existence.  Of course, there is the excitement of what is to come next, feeling the true joy of a kid so excited she can hardly stand it she doesn't even wait for us to walk her to her classroom (note the blond in the picture below).

Then there is the nervousness of going to a new school - will they make new friends? Be accepted and loved? (Echoing those thoughts of the one in red).

Followed by the feeling of happiness that they have each other and seem to so enjoy each other's company for the most part.

But I think the real, most pure and true feeling, is that sense of overwhelming chaos quietly enveloping us all. First it takes over us individually (I believe this affects the mama the most). It follows by spreading throughout the household and then seeps out into the street, where you find, every other house probably is experiencing the same feeling.  And eventually, this chaos of kids+school+work+life begins to feel familiar and you realize, it's all worth it, and you might actually be enjoying yourself :o)

Happy First Day of School!!!

Berry-licious

We recently went to pick raspberries at a local orchard.  One of the more interesting parts of the trip wasn't actually the picking of the fruit, but the reaction to it. 

Not exactly a glowing review. Perhaps this means we are reaching a new stage?  Meanwhile, the youngest intrigued us with her choice of hat placement, because it does seem rather hard to pick raspberries if you cannot actually see.

But after they were told they could eat as many raspberries as they wanted, the mood shifted a bit and Natalie decided that sight was actually an important component.

After a successful round of picking, the two were rewarded with some of the other activities available. One of the activities was a cow train, which I feel is enough explanation - we do live in Minnesota after all.

Which was followed by a round on the bouncing field.

Now, what to make with about 3 pounds of raspberries?

...Just for fun, here's what it takes to try and get a good family picture....

We Had a Fair Time

  

  The Minnesota State Fair is infamous in reputation.

We had never been. And since Nana came up for a visit, it seemed like a great time to go ahead and see what all of the hype was about.

It was a great experience.  The girls were in heaven. For example, have you ever been to a Fair where you just magically happen upon such things as a magic show, and then get chosen to participate in it? What luck!

Or, can you take rides above and over the entire park? Yep.

Ferris Wheel Experience

What about bubbles to wade around in (added bonus....no bath needed)? Yep, they have those too.

At the end you decide you're hungry and are left with more choices than you can imagine, although in my opinion some choices are quite easy....fried pickle anyone? Um, no.

Fried Cheese Curds....a Mid-Western Tradition

Eventually, if you are our children, you opt for the ever-healthy corn dog, which turns out to be a choice between a 12 inch and 18 inch dog.

Can you believe they finished every bit of corn dog???? And, with no resultant tummy-ache? (Which I was hoping for, to prove that greasy food isn't good for you....) 

I think this picture sums up the experience well :)

It was fun. Glad to have experienced it. Now, what else does Minnesota have hidden?

Taylor Falls

We went somewhere new this weekend.

Exploring new areas can be a lot of fun.

It can bring out the best in us.

Make us forget about the how tired we are.

And it can show us the most amazing creations.

We're enjoying the view.