We've been busy

We've been busy these past few weeks! Jack's birthday was early in the month. The kids had fun singing happy birthday and helping to blow out the candles. We went out to dinner that night to celebrate at a quiet restaurant without the kids!

Lots of leaves in our yard has kept us busy on weekends too. We're not done yet- they just keep on falling!

Charlie insists on wearing his Superman pajamas every night, complete with cape.

We spent a rainy afternoon last weekend at the Mall of America going on rides. Charlie is finally tall enough to go on all of the same rides as Stella- so it's so fun watching him laugh and feel so big.

Yesterday we went to the circus. Highlights once again were the cotton candy and popcorn. Once the snacks were gone, it was time to go. Charlie had to hold the bag of popcorn the whole time on his lap but still clapped the entire show. Very cute and sticky.

Today Stella and I went to see the play Madeline and the Gypsies at the Minneapolis Children's Theatre. It was fun for me to watch her amazement as one of her favorite books came to life.

Stella's dance moves

Stella has tap and ballet class every week and has been practicing quite a bit at home:) I had to tape some examples to share! As you can see, Charlie wants in on the action!

The big 3-0!

Last night, many good friends and family surprised me and gathered to celebrate my birthday. My friend Missy flew in from Chicago and Katie, Timmy and BJ drove in from Wisconsin. It meant a lot to have everyone there to celebrate. Thank you very much to everyone that came and helped make this birthday very memorable.

End of summer fun

It was so beautiful outside Friday night that we decided to take advantage of the weather and hang out at one of our favorite places to go, Minnehaha Falls. The kids love playing on the playground and watching the waterfall. It is such a great place to be outside and relax after the week. Stella even shared a lick of her cone with Charlie- what a great sister! Charlie did have his own ice cream but always wants to try everyone elses!

Fun times with friends!

This past week, we've had a lot of fun getting together with many friends and family. Madeline and Henry visited last weekend and the girls had fun playing dress up and playing with Madeline's makeup, which Stella thought was pretty cool. Thursday night we went to Aunt Betty's birthday party and the kids had fun goofing around with Cousin Sofia. On Saturday, the kids had fun playing with our other friend Madeline's toys and dress up clothes. Tonight we had fun at Hayden's fifth birthday party. Stella had so much fun with all the kids and loved seeing Hayden.