New School Year

 I always have mixed emotions when the kids go back to school - I hate to see them go, but I'm also so excited for all the fun they'll have.  Jake was SO excited to start kindergarten.  Haley was kinda-sorta excited to start 3rd grade, but happy to see old friends after the summer.  Alex and I are hardly going to know what to do with ourselves all day - he's already asked several times "Where's Haley-Jake?!"  Here's to a fabulous school year!

So Silly

Alex is so silly. He absolutely lives up to the reputation of a 2-year-old. He's into everything and always wants to be doing what his big brother and sister are doing. He's going to miss them so much when they start school this week!

Modeling my favorite heels.

This is the towel that Haley always uses, so of course Alex has to use it too.

Sunday Afternoon

I had my camera out after church today and the kids were good sports to let me take a few shots. It seems so rare that they're dressed up and willing to smile. I love these little nut-brown hares, to the moon and back.

Idyllic Itasca

With the start of the school year rapidly approaching, we took a look at our unfinished Summer Fun List and decided to drive out to Lake Itasca for a day. This has become one of my favorite areas in Minnesota, mainly because it reminds me of Seattle with all the evergreens, lakes, and hills.

It was just warm enough to swim so we spent quite a while splashing around and digging in the sand before playing on the playground and exploring some of the trails. I wish it didn't take quite so long to get here (2 1/2 hours) because I could easily spend all summer at Itasca. We'll have to plan some longer trips here next summer - you're all welcome to join us!

"Oh yeah, baby! Candy necklaces!"

A little boy and his pail...so classic.

I LOVE THE BEACH!!!!!

We passed this gorgeous old house on our way home.

Summer Camping Trip

This past weekend we went on an overnight camping trip with our church. It was fun to explore a part of Minnesota that we'd never been to before, and the kids love, love, love camping. (I will love camping again when I can relax and not worry about kids drowning/burning themselves/cutting themselves with pocket knives.) We had a fun time despite the rain and soggy morning.

Alex and his friend R. share a snack. Toddlers are just so cute.

Haley, Jake, and our dear friend H. played Frisbee and explored by the river after a pancake breakfast.

So green, so gorgeous! We will definitely be back.