Miniature Golf

Since we weren't going out of town or didn't even have anything too exciting planned for Labor Day weekend, we took the girls mini-golfing (Andy insists it's called "put put," but I'm sticking with mini-golf). Everyone had more fun than I think we expected. Once Kayla got the hang of it, she was actually pretty good. Chloe had more of a hockey-stick and puck style. I think I was also putting the best I ever have. I even got a hole-in-one! Maybe it has something to do with the gigantic, protruding stomach?!? Andy also got a hole-in-one, but he's always been a good golfer.

Baby Shower

I had my baby shower a few nights ago, and, unfortunately, forgot to take any pictures until most of the guests had left. Here's my one and only picture of the last people left at the party. I had a great time and seeing all of the little baby stuff made me more excited to meet the baby. Michelle had called or emailed my mom and got the story of my birth from her. Hearing the story was one of the hightlights of the shower because I hadn't heard some of the facts before. Now, when is this baby going to come? I'm ready - even though I'm scared to death of the sleep deprivation and labor :(

First Day of School

Kayla started 1st Grade on Monday. I think she is liking it, especially since she told me her school is the best in Colorado. I am still getting used to having her gone all day. It's such a long day, but she has been doing great and loves her teacher. Chloe started preschool on Tuesday. She has already come home singing new songs and doing all kinds of art work. As usual, she wouldn't pose for a picture and I only got her back.

Mike's Wedding

The girls danced ALL night long!





Our newest sister and aunt, Loni.




Check out this hair!

Chloe's New 'Do

Now that Kayla is in school all day, Chloe and I have more time to spend together. The other morning we went to get a haircut and played on Main Street. We were even filmed for the evening news while we were downtown and Chloe was excited to see herself on TV that night! Chloe has such fine hair that it always looks a little crazy. I'm hoping this short new style will be more manageable.

Gina made these cute dresses

Boating

We rented a pontoon on White Bear Lake. The weather was perfect and there weren't many boats on the lake, so the kids got to do a lot of driving. We also swam and fished from the boat.

Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner

It was fun to see so many long-time family friends at the rehearsal dinner. Some of whom we may not have seen since our wedding - NINE years ago. Kayla did a great job practicing to be a flower girl...we're not sure how Chloe will actually perform at the wedding today.

Hiking at the Falls and Mississippi River

Family Photos

Notice the kids playing with Comet, the killer pit bull.

I think Baba really enjoyed being around all of the kids.

Evening with Bret and Andrea

We had dinner and a campfire at our friends' Bret and Andrea's house. They have a beautiful house on the Mississippi. Andrea is due with her first baby, a girl, at the same time I am due. It was fun to get together.

Little House on the Prairie

We went to see the musical version of "Little House on the Prairie." This was one of my favorite books as a child and I remember pretending I was Laura Ingalls. Kayla and I have recently enjoyed reading these books too. The musical just opened in Minneapolis in a beautiful theater on the Mississippi River and might be moving on to Broadway. The story, singing, and dancing were all excellent.

Fishing

Here are some of the fish we caught and our picnic afterwards:




We went to Lake Harriet and the girls caught tons of fish. The surprise of the day was when we accidentally caught a duck. It was actually kind of upsetting. A duck went after the bait on the hook and ended up swallowing the whole hook. I had trouble cutting the fishing line, so the duck was stuck with a hook in its stomach and about 50 feet of fishing line stuck to it. After this incident we cut our fishing expedition short and decided to spend time at the swimming beach instead.

Blowing Bubbles

Getting Ready for the Wedding

The girls spent the afternoon helping Loni and Mike get ready for their wedding. Their favorite project was helping fill bottles with colored sand for part of the wedding centerpieces. As we were going to bed that night, Kayla said that she was excited to have Loni as a new aunt. We are all excited to have her join our family.