Beam star

Kaitlyn had gymnastics today. She was SO excited, because Daddy was going to come and watch her today! Her coach asked us today how long she's been doing gymnastics, and we told her "This is her third class," she said, "Wow, she's a natural." We are definitely proud :)

The first video shows her walking across forward:

The second video shows her walking side-ways across:

 They practiced walking on all the beams you see around her. She also jumped across, and walked with a pointed toe. Looking forward to seeing her progress! Already amazed!

Happy Birthday?

There is a little boy in our house that is still on a birthday high! He LOVES to sing "Happy Birthday." I think he enjoyed his birthday so much, he's ready to have another one! He is also getting creative on how to make a cake....

Starting gymnastics

Today was Kaitlyn's first day at gymnastics! 

Ready to go!

Here we are :)

Warm up those muscles!

She's been asking all summer to go, and she had a blast! Her coach said, "she's very athletic!" I was very proud of her! I'll have to get more videos next week :)

First Day of Pre-K

The day has come for Kaitlyn to go to public school!

She's been talking about going to "big kid" school since the last day of pre-school! We are VERY excited for her, because she is very ready for school :) Our neighbor saw her come in on the first day, and she said, "Most kids her age are very timid on the first day, but not her!" Here's a few stats about her school and class.

School: Charles Haskell Elementary

Mascot: Rascal, the Raccoon

Teacher: Mrs. Spears (on the right) and Mrs. Galley, her teaching assistant (on the left) This photo is from her friend's last day of school last year.

 Kaitlyn's classroom:

School starts at 8:50am and ends at 11:30am
Now, school is 5 days a week! (last year she went 2 days a week)
How far away the school? 2.5 miles away from home

When I grow up I want to be: a princess

If you want to know more about the school, you can check out their website here

Playing with Jacob yesterday. She LOVES her jean dress!

Two peas in a pod

These two play better together as each day goes by. There's less referee-ing and more smiles and camera moments!

showing how to build

they made a "computer"

reading to Jacob

Here's the video of story time :)

Minnesota bound

After Kaitlyn made her trip to Michigan, then Minnesota, she came home for less than a week to turn around and go back to Minnesota! We were already planning a trip to Minnesota to meet our new nephew, Levi. She was lucky to get to see him twice! She's a trooper and traveled well :)

passing the time :)

breakfast at the hotel

put the camera away....

it's early!

cheerios in a coffee cup makes for a great noise maker!

one last stop before arriving at Uncle Tim's and Aunt Amy's!

DAIRY QUEEN!!!!!

 When we arrived, we unloaded, moved some car seats around, and got back in the car to go to dinner.

boys in one car

girls (and Levi) in the other

Awake! Sweet boy :)

Levi fell asleep on the way to dinner, all the kids were looking "under the hood" at him

sleepy boys

Jazz concert on the lake

brothers

Jacob took a picture of himself, LOL

Levi, showing off his muscles while he sleeps

giving Levi a kiss

Micah had to give him one too

Kaitlyn LOVED holding Levi

cuddling with Aunt Kim :)

it's a beautiful day for lunch outside!

"Mama, Can I hold baby Levi?"

Warning!!! Precious videos ahead!!!

This may cause watery eyes, and lots of "awwwww" sounds. 

 

 Now that you have dry eyes, you can see our little adventure to the Mall of America!

zooming the stroller at high speeds to see inside

4 floors, 400 stores, amusement park, theater, and food court.... 20 years and going strong!

4 strollers, 4 adults should make for an easy trip

I hear the screaming for those sales!

Legoland!

look out for the dragon

walking through the park

Aunt Amy and Hannah

these must have taken a lot of hours to build....

two floors tall.... wow!

play time for Levi

Cake for Uncle Tim!!!

bubbles!

Happy Birthday, Tim!

 We went for a walk around one of the (many) lakes in the area. It was SUCH a beautiful night!

We got to wear SWEATSHIRTS in August!!

boys....

and their toys....

 Monday, it was off to the Como Zoo

do you see the Monkey in the tree?

PERFECT weather for a picnic!

Here's where we will find some real animals

Can  you see the Zebra?

the kids looking at the Polar Bear!!

what do we see here?

Giraffes!

Lion!

Tiger!

We had so much fun in Minnesota. We will definitely be going back soon! Thanks to Tim and Amy for having us! It was a great way to end our summer!


This was from our trip home:

Double Rainbow on our way home :)