Apple Picking

Every year we go to Emma Krumbees in the fall, but this year we decided to try a new place; Apple Jack Orchards in Delano.

We wore our fall pictures outfits that I had picked out, thinking maybe we could find a good spot for a family photo while we were there to use for our Christmas cards this year. Well, I apparently didn't plan ahead well enough though, because we got there and all THREE of my camera batteries were dead! Bummer. But I did still get some cute pictures on my phone. Not too bad for a camera phone!







We picked our apples, (and ended up with WAY to many), had a delicious lunch while we listened to some live music, and then the kids played in the play area and jumped on the big yellow bouncy thing.

Gymnastics!

Finley and Scout started a gymnastics class today. It hardly seems they could be old enough to be in gymnastics! (well technically it's a 3 year old class, and they won't be 3 for a couple months). They both LOVED it. Scout jumped right in and listened amazingly well to Coach Heather. Finley was more hesitant, and was scared that I was leaving so he clung to me for the first bit. Eventually he warmed up, and was right out there with all the kids doing everything. Him and his best buddy Chase are in class together, so he just loves that!

They practiced donkey kicks, walking their feet up the wall, jumping on the trampoline, swinging from the bars, and jumping in the foam block pit!

First day of school!

Somehow we have have a FOURTH grader, AND a FIRST grader! Here they are all ready for their first day of school!







Finley and Scout waiting for the bus with Kinzie and Malichi...



It was an emotional day for Mama; Malichi has begun his last year of elementary school. Next year we have to brave the middle school. Middle School! I know. I can't believe it either...

Both kids came home reporting an awesome first day of school! :)

Malichi's 10th Birthday!

Malichi is 10 years old today!

T E N !

Half way to 20. He is more than half way to adult hood. I can't even believe it! This birthday was definitely the most emotional one for me. Some times it seems like it was just yesterday that I was holding him in my arms in awe of this little being we created.

Here he is 10 years ago...



And here he is today....




We celebrated a couple days early and went to the Mall of America to Nickelodeon Universe.







The flume was the favorite ride of the day, and it was a good thing Kinzie and Malichi enjoyed it, too...we waited an hour to get on it!



Finley was pooped after a long day at MOA.



Malichi absolutely loves to read, so this year we decided to get him a Kindle for his birthday. He loved it, and was so eager to start downloading books onto it.



Then on his actual birthday, we woke him up singing Happy Birthday, and he got to blow his candles out on a giant cinnamon roll, as requested by him.







Me and the birthday boy!



Happy 10th Birthday, Malichi! We love you!

Scout's first haircut!

We went into Great Clips to get Finley's hair cut, but instead came out with a hair cut for Scout!

Finley was crying because he was supposed to get his hair cut, and Scout was crying because she wasn't getting her hair cut, but she wanted to.

So, after giving myself little pep talk, reminding myself that it will grow back, Scout hopped up in the chair all excited for her hair cut!

Here is the before:





During...



And the 1st After:





Then we decided to go back for more and here is the 2nd After:



I am SOOO glad we cut it, I absolutely LOVE it! (I really was mostly just sad because I knew once we cut off the baby curls, they'd be gone forever). She got a total of about 6 inches cut off! And she loves it! She tells people, "Look at my hair!" and turns around so they can see the back too. :)

Back to School....

Tonight we had our "Back to School" night where the kids get to see their classrooms and meet their teachers.

Kinzie has Mrs. Ronning. Last year she was Ms. Watts, and had a morning Kindergarten class, so she was the aide in Kinzie's kindergarten class for the afternoon. Over the summer she got married, and movied into 1st grade. Both Kinzie and I were super excited that she got Mrs. Ronning (althought I am having a hard time not calling her Ms. Watts). It is just so nice that she gets to start her year knowing her teacher well already!





Malichi got Mrs. Benson for 4th grade. She seems so great, and I have heard great things about her! I think this year is going to be a really good one for Malichi!



Both kids are looking forward to starting school again!

Kinzie and Malichi's birthday party!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Kinzie and Malichi's birthdays with all our closest friends and family!



This year Kinzie requested a barbie cake. So, I attempted. This was my first time making a cake like this, and using fondant. But I must say, I think it turned out pretty okay! And she was SO excited about it!



Malichi first requested a Harry Potter cake. Um, what? Not sure what to do there. So he gave me his second choice. Mario themed. I can work with that! Malichi was so excited about his cake too, and couldn't believe that I actually MADE it!



The party was a blast!