10 Year Anniversary

Ben and I (and Hugh) had a wonderful weekend celebrating our 10th anniversary at the North Shore.

The lake was just steps from our condo.

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We have always wanted to stay at Lutsen.  We really liked it; it felt a bit like Ruttgers.

Maybe next time we'll bring all the kids and they can do this.  Maybe.

It was chilly up there, but still comfortable.  We missed peak leaves but still got to see some.

Ben and I were proud of ourselves for going on a "hike."  We went to Cascade Waterfall.

Thank you Mom and Dad for watching the kids and dog!

Fall in Highland

Our boulevard tree was the first to change on the street.  We had just two days to play in it's leaves until they were all blown into the neighbor's yards (oops).

The kids often stop what they're doing to play with Hugh.

Apple Picking

We had a perfect day for apple and pumpkin picking.  We went to Afton Apple Orchards.

Evy's height gave her access to lots of great apples.

Grant loves apples, so he enjoyed hunting for good ones.

What can I say?  Hugh is the perfect baby and enjoys everything we do!

Later that evening Auntie and Grandma came over for dinner.

Hmmmm....there are so many things I could say about this photo.  I think it could be a candidate for the Awkward Family Photos website.  My mom picked her mask and Grant's power ranger costume up at Target today.  I think she should be able to wear it for any Mardi Gras parties that she attends as well.  Grant is very excited to be a power ranger (we'll see how the costume looks by the time Halloween rolls around).  And thanks to Grammy Mavis, he also has cool accessories.

Evy goes to Preschool!

Here's Evy on her first day of preschool at Highland Catholic.  It was a very dramatic morning as she went back and forth between sobbing and smiling about 10 times.  

Once she arrived she was nothing but excited; especially with big brother to show her the way.

Meanwhile...Hugh thoroughly enjoyed being able to lie on the floor and not fear being trampled on.

And here's what he did with Dad...just kidding, he was at work!

This carrot is one of five that grew in our garden this summer!  Grant is hoping we do better next year...

Now that the big kids are in school, Evy and Finn rule the playdates!

First Grade!

A very excited first grader!  And take a look at those shoelaces.  Thanks Grammy for the great tying lessons!

Grant's first day away was hard on Evy.  She will be much happier next week when SHE gets to go to school too!

And my summer with 3 has come to an end.

A beautiful morning for the first day of school!

Getting Ready for First Grade

I love this picture.  Grant just finished a page of his summer packet where he was to draw what he wants to be when he grows up.  At that moment it was a "toy maker."  

Summer in Highland

Here we are at the Highland Catholic "carnival" (some hot dogs, a slide, and a pinata).  Evy was invited too because she's now a preschooler!  She is showing off her painted hearts on her legs.

Here's Grant anxiously waiting to take a swing at the pinata that is about to be strung up.

Hanging around with Dad.

Grant and Declan haven't seen much of each other this summer for some reason.  They were happy to have a playdate and even happier to find out they're in the same class!

Hmmmm...maybe it wasn't time to cut out those naps.

Grant promised Grandpa Erickson that he'd get a picture at Back to School Night.  Here he is at his DESK (no tables!).  Looks like he's all ready for religion.  

Hugh begged me not to include this photo because he feels it was taken at a bad angle.  He is large...but he's not really this gigantic.  Yet.

Evy put on every costume she owns the other day and told me she was "going home to see her sisters."  Apparently she really wants some sisters and a new house.  

We love Minnehaha Falls!

Hugh is so advanced; he can already wave "hi."

I've finally learned that using a baby carrier is really quite handy.  

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Ben planted all this today and tomorrow we're going to add the mulch.  Thanks for the hostas, Dad!

Summer is ending...better make a post!

We have gone through a lot of Popsicles this summer.  I am not a fan of grape!

Grandma playing with Evy.  This is how our living room often looks now.  What's the point in decorating when all these bright kid colors are brought in?!  

Grant loves his legos.  I try to tell him the couch isn't the best place to play with them, but he likes to be where the action is.

The kids are always excited to go for a doughnut at Auntie M's (or as Evy says, Auntie "Nems").  Just as Mom and I settle in and take the first sip of our coffee...they're done!  Time for the park!

Fun to imagine what the world must look like at that height.

I stopped trying to get Evy to nap once Hugh came along so she often falls asleep when we're shopping.  Here we are at the Crosby Supervalu.  She got lots of comments in the store including "someones asleep at the wheel."

The kids have graduated from lovingly feeding the fish to hooking them and watching them flop around on the dock.  Evy names her worms "Ella."  She made a friend at preschool camp named Ella.  I'm sure the girl would be flattered to know this...

Ahhhh...parenting is so easy when I come to the lake and don't have to clean anything, my parents help with the kids, and my mom does my laundry!

Sorry Hugh, your sister thought you should take a dip.

Again Hugh, I'm sorry.

3 kids...can't believe it!

About 9 in the morning.  Evy catching dust that she could see in the sunlight.