Boat Making

Owen and Evelyn have been having lots of fun making boats and pirate ships in the basement. These are only two of the many versions of the past few days. Despite Evelyn's frightened look, she loves anything Owen creates for her to be a part of.

Pumpkins!

We had lots of fun carving pumpkins today. I will have to post the results later-Owen made a pirate and Nora a witch brewing her potions. Ken had a hand in the fancy pumpkins. I'm lucky to carve a face! Evelyn has been having lots of fun scaring the other two lately. This is her "roar" face. Nora and Owen find she comes in handy for all sorts of games (this week she has been deemed the wolf).

Trip to Council Bluffs without Mom

The kids and Ken got to take a trip to see family in Council Bluffs last weekend. They were SO happy to ride in the same van as their cousins. Owen had the task of caring for the preschool "share bear" (aka 'germ bear') for the weekend. They did get to take a nice hike with the Bear. Nora got to sleep over with her cousin Mary and had a blast. I hear they were dressed up all weekend. Evelyn seemed to have a great time to, especially climbing out of her fake crib during nap time to jump on an unsuspecting sleeping Dad.

Pajama Switch

Nora was really into this last week - "okay, Owen, how about you where my pajamas and I wear yours?" Owen liked it for awhile too, but after a few nights he seemed to get a bit self conscious of the lacy nightgown.

Ramsey County Fair

Ken was thrilled to discover I had to work at the Fair...and that he could bring the kids to do all the petting zoo time he liked, without my watchful eye. They enjoyed the animals, milking the fake cow, and eating corn dogs.

Soccer Buds!

Rainy Days

We had a couple of rainy days this past week. We made our first ever trip to the Mall of America with cousins, and I am amazed to report how much fun it was. The kids really enjoyed watching the rides.
They have also been thrilled to be "dog-sitting" for Grandma and Grandpa. This little doggie has had many, many walks in the rain.

Evelyn's Gymnast Pose

The New Compost Bin

4th of July

We enjoyed visiting, fishing, swimming, and tubing with our good friends. Nora and Ben (their 5 year old) were tubing behind the boat for awhile, until I said "now if you fall off the boat, it's no big deal". Oops. Note to self, just shut up! Evelyn really enjoyed the fish the kids were catching, and Owen just loved his goggles.

Good help.

Compost builders, painters, and sky gazers.

June Trip to Council Bluffs

A great trip to Council Bluffs over Father's Day. The plan was to work on the floor. You can see what the kids found to do instead!

June?!!!

This one is for you, Grandpa Roger. This was taken in June. Yes, there is a sweater AND boots on this happy girl. It probably wasn't too much warmer in tropical Iowa.

Happy Easter!

Owen is OLD

Although it's been over a month since Owen
turned '4', he's still VERY excited to be so old. A few days ago when Ken and I were out of the room we heard him talking to himself while sharpening pencils, "You just never know....you just NEVER know when you are going to get taller and bigger."

Three kids in a tub and Fun with Cardboard Boxes

I think this is about the last time we get all the kids in the tub together (Evelyn would be SO pleased to hear me say that...she likes her space!)
We found a new source for cardboard fridge boxes, and might be making another addition soon.

Long Winter Days...