fun in the rain

We are finally getting some much needed rain and the kids couldn't help but head outside to splash in the puddles. . . and after they splashed in a nice, warm bath!

fun in the sun

Grandma Peg took the big Leaflets for the morning to give Lars and I some much needed down time (well, technically we still had littlest, but she doesn't do much yet so we were still able to relax! ;) . The kids had so much fun playing with GP and they had the most fun at the lake! This was Annika's first time playing in the sand and water and she had a blast. . . and as you can see so did Bergen!

Thanks GP!!!!

some video

a photo progression

I was trying to snap a few photos of Ingrid today when Annika wanted to join in the fun. . .and then Bergen. As you can see, Ingrid started to feel a bit overwhelmed by her siblings (note adorable frown!) and I got her out just in time as Bergen and Annika started to wrestle!

just can't get enough of these

potd

the graduate

Well, sorta kinda. Bergen graduated from the preschool he has been attending for the past two years. . . he technically isn't a preschool graduate since he has one more year before he starts kindergarten, but next year he will be at a different preschool. We have really enjoyed these years and have grown to know and love the other kids/families. It will certainly be weird next year when we start the new program and don't know anyone. I think it will be harder for me then Bergen! As you can see in the pics below - Bergen was very proud to be graduating!

first soccer game

Bergen's first soccer game was LAST Monday, but better late then never! He had a BLAST playing and the Yellow Rattlesnakes did GREAT!

45 life lessons

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, OH

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. Its OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles. (in golf rely on them)
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." (practice thanksgiving)

where the wild things are

At the Walker when the kidlets have a fun morning with GP! Needless to say they have a blast. . .

how was this NINE years ago?

smile!

and another one bites the dust

Tooth #2. . . Bergen unfortunately swallowed it while eating, but the tooth fairy still made the visit!!