first day of school

A beautiful, funny, smart 3rd grader!!!

A sassy, brilliant, fun 2nd grader!!!

All 3 off to school for the first time!

An excited, energetic, cute preschooler!

On his way!!! Elliott was so very ready for this day, although a bit disappointed the girls got to ride the school bus and he just had to go with mom. A giant squeezy goodbye hug and he was busy with playdough and didn't give me a second glance as I left the room. I'm so very proud of his independence and confidence!

Harper

Meet the newest addition to our family! Harper Stella Elton came home on August 19th. According to Delaney, she's just the cutest little puppy you'll ever lay eyes on!!! Elliott says she's a ton of fun and Jillian says she's a bundle of joy! Bailey isn't so sure about Harper, but we're hoping she'll get over and play and teach her to be a good dog.

welcome neighbors!

A new family has moved in next door . . . atleast the kids have, we've yet to see any parents! We assume these are triplets that have lost their mama. They were first spotted on Wednesday morning (when this photo was taken) grazing in the overgrown lot next door. The kids and I were able to tiptoe onto the deck and watch them -- and they watched us. I even managed to sneak back in for my camera. We spotted them again this morning in the same spot - just on the other side of our fence. One was snuggled up cozily resting in the long grass, while the other two munched on their breakfast. Eventually, they began to wander behind our fence and up into the neighbors lawn on their way to the street. But this mama had to protect them and sent them running off into the woods.

simply seven

Today our brilliant, funny, generous, sweet, amazing daughter turned '7'. She celebrated each and every minute of it -- in fact, she celebrated several hours yesterday as well! For her birthday this year, Jillian opted not for the traditional party with lots of guests and as many presents . . . but for a special day spent with her very best friend. I was blessed to be included by default - afterall, two 7 year olds can't get to the Mall of America on their own! We stormed Build A Bear, where after much searching Allisen and Jillian found just the right fuzzy buddies to make their very own. Followed by a bit of shopping (Claire's and American Girl Doll of course!), to be topped off with dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. And if that wasn't enough fun, the girls spent many hours playing at home and were even allowed to stay up until Jillian's birthday. They thought it extremely funny that daddy went to bed before they did. True to her generous and caring nature, Miss Jillian included her big sister in all the playtime and even in the sleepover -- making space for her in the bedroom too! It is simply in her heart to make others happy in any way she can!

On the day of her actual birthday, we made a special trip to Buffalo Books for a Raspberry Lemonade frosty and to spend a little of her birthday cash. She has had her eye on 'Ox', the green Ugli doll pictured above/middle. From there, Jillian was given a little salon treatment with a haircut and painted nails! Lunch was her choice - McDonald's. Back home to play and finally to soccer practice, where her team sang "Happy Birthday" and Jillian passed out treats to all. One last hurrah before bed - angel food birthday cake with yellow frosting, sprinkles and star candles!!!

first and last

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!

Last day of 1st grade!

1st day of 1st grade!

The most noticeable difference in both girls from the first to last day of school this year is their front teeth! Delaney's were missing at the start of the year, and Jillian's are missing at the end of the year! We are so excited to have a carefree summer - after the piano and swimming lessons and soccer games of course! The girls are most excited to join Elliott at story time tomorrow! We've also got plans to visit the Peppermint Twist in Delano, pack picnic lunches and go to the beach (a lot!), a family reunion in SW MN, a long trip to Denver, Zoo Camp, Cheer and Tumble camp, and VBS too! I am certainly blessed to be able to stay at home with my kids and enjoy all of this time with them. Someone may need to remind me of that once in a while because I'm sure that all this time together may sometimes be 'too much'!!!

first and last

Last day of 2nd grade!

1st day of 2nd grade!

small town fun

We are very blessed to have a locally owned Bookstore / Coffee Shop on our quaint mainstreet. Elliott and I frequently attend their Friday afternoon story time, arriving early to enjoy a treat, of course!

Elliott showing off his 'Cup of Fun' prepared by Bobbi, complete with song!