Finally made it tent camping in Montana!

We've been here over 2 years now and yet have not been able to find the time to go tent Camping. Might have a little to do with the fact that David was gone the first Summer...Spring....and last Summer. But this past weekend we finally got to Christen our tent. We went with 4 other couples only 45 minutes away. Our friends suggested a great little spot in one of the National Forests. So yes, this meant it wasn't a real campsite. So we hauled our own water....and toilet paper! The kids loved the playing in the creek....then rolling in the dirt and playing in the creek again. And we had lots of kids....13 altogether! In the morning our kids as well as myself had our first experience shooting a gun....just a little 22! But impressive that even Nathan got a turn (with close and safe adult supervision). Then in the afternoon we went on a little hike with our friends to see some waterfalls. The kids loved climbing all over the rocks....and just being outside. It was a great weekend and lots of work for sure....but well worth it!

Big First Day!

The time has come for another one of my kiddos to venture off to Kindergarten.  I thought I would never feel like those moms who were counting down the days until school started.  However, I have to admit that this past week I have been secretly waiting for this day.  I just believe my kids, Elijah especially, do so much better with routine and structure....something severely lacking in the Summer.  So, today was the day.  It started off great for me....I got up at 6:15 no problem. Which is really a miracle if you know me.  Got to shower and pray for my kids and see daddy a little bit.  Grace got up by herself and came upstairs dressed and armed herself with her backpack.  She was so excited she was ready a half and hour early.  And then Elijah woke up.  I thought he would be cheery and excited, but it was quite the contrary.  I am not sure if it was just that he was tired, anxious, hungry or a combination of those things but he was sooooooo grumpy.  Not exactly, how I imagined the morning before his first day of school. But what can you say he is Elijah!  He finally got into a better mood once I dropped Grace off and he was in line with his class.  I think he just wanted to get on with it.....and didn't want to mess with the before hand stuff.  After hugging and kissing him and telling him all the words of encouragement I could he happily walked in the school.....I got a little teary eyed.  Not quite the full blown tears I had when Gracie went.  And now I wait......wait to see how it went.  Did he behave?  Did he show them how brilliant he is?  Did he make friends?  Only 2:45 will tell.

The Best Investment Ever!

For awhile we were debating whether or not to get a swingset for our kids.  Not knowing if it was really worth it!  The debate is finally over and we broke down and had one shipped from Walmart online.  It took David and our neighbor (who is amazing and always volunteers to help out on our projects) 3 evenings to get it together.  This is one of the best purchases we have made.  The kids love it and are outside everyday playing on it. And we got it in a timely fashion as I was helping watch Gracie's BFF and little brother this past week. Gotta love that it has 2 swings and a glider for 2....so great to have a spot for all to swing at the same time!

My new photohosting site

I have been a busy girl this week! I shot Gracie's first grade teacher's family pictures. I absolutely love her.....she is such a great teacher...it was my little end of year gift to her. And I know have a sweet way of getting her pics to her. I really can't take credit for finding the hosting site. David "my techy" found this great photo sharing site to make it easier for me to give people their pictures.....and it uses MPIX which is an online printing service that is super cheap......and super professional. Then David proceeded to show me that I can put these cool slideshow on my blog or facebook! Lots more slideshows to come for sure!

Fun Stuff from MN

We had so much fun doing so many fun things with our family back in MN horseback riding, raspberry picking, hanging at the pool...these are just a few things we did the first week. Literally it's taking me forever to edit all the pictures. I am only about halfway through our trip.....but these memories are so precious that I want to make sure I capture them forever.

"Disco"

Elijah says "Daddy I like disco" what he really meant was I like "disc golf." The first day we spent with Uncle John and Aunt Lacey and cousin Ahna we went to a park for a picnic and then introduced our children to the game of disc golf. NOT frisbee golf....calling it this is unpardonable. This game has a special place in my heart, not because I am any good at it.....I am horrible. But David grew up playing this game....at the park we were at. And it was also the first date that we went on. The kids enjoyed being outside. Didn't really matter if they played very well because they liked throwing the disc. I enjoyed being outside.....and couldn't throw the disc very well either.

Girlfriends.....and our kids:)!

The first day home in MN I had the chance to see a couple of my girlfriends and their kids. It was so much fun to see them...and their additions (well at least for shell). It's been a couple of years since I have last been able to hang out with them. It was so fun to see them....and our kids played like they have been friends forever too!