Apple Orchard

Claire and I are always excited when Pete has his weekends off so on this weekend we decided to hit up the apple orchard together. I feel like Pete misses out on some of these fun family activities so we squeeze them in when we can. We had a great time on the wagon ride and picking out treats to take home. Until I met Pete I thought you only went to an apple orchard for the apples, but boy was I missing out. We ended up with apple doughnuts and cookies along with cider and apples.

Cottage Grove Homecoming 2011

We are making the Homecoming Parade a yearly tradition with the Friemanns and the kids love it. The parade isn't very long, but they throw more candy than any parade I have been to before. Its fun for Jen and I to see past and present students in the parade along with watching our kids enjoy it. Papa Rich happened to stop by so Claire persuaded him to watch the parade with us too.

Allly Turns 1

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful friends that we celebrate our special days with. In September Ally turned 1 and Claire and I had a blast at her birthday party. Kristin and Chad borrowed a small bounce house which the kids loved to jump in. I love that all our kids will grow up together and have such great experiences together. The "big" kids really wanted to help Ally open her presents and try them out right away and thankfully Ally was great at sharing her new toys.

Woodbury Days with Angela and Samantha

Claire and I had a great time at Woodbury Days with Angela and Samantha. The girls loved the rides the most and couldn't get enough of them. We also did the pony rides and I was so proud of Claire because she let someone else walk with her and I just watched. She is growing up way to fast for my liking, but I am so proud of her independence. It was another great girl's day for us.

MN State Fair

Of course we had to visit the state fair for a day which is plenty for Pete and me. We had a great time with Papa Rich, Megan, Andrew, and Carter. Thanks to our friend Heidi, Claire was given several ride tickets which she really enjoyed using with Papa Rich and Pete. We also spent a lot of time looking at the farm equipment and animals. These kind of places are great for Claire because there is so much for her to see and do.

Riley Turns 6

I can't believe it, but Riley turned 6 on August 9th and I think it's the first time we've been in town on the actual day to celebrate with him. Pete had to work, but Claire and I made him a cake and sang happy birthday to him. She loves her "brother" so much that she was very excited to celebrate his birthday. Claire picked the cake out so we had to scrape off most of the chocolate frosting before giving it to him, but Riley didn't seem to mind.

Beach or Bust

She loves her Grandma Betsy and Papa Jeff!

Claire had a blast playing with Besty.

Our sassy, but adorable little girl.

Yearly family picture at the beach.

She loved all the attention from Uncle Larry.

The group from week 1 at the beach.

Who doesn't love a water gun?!

Playing catch with Claire and she loved it!

Always on the go!

Silly dad!

No where to hide for Papa Jeff.

Loving the ocean with Grandma Betsy.

I can't express how lucky we are to have the opportunity to spend a week at the beach every summer. It is a wonderful way to wrap up our summers. This year we decided to fly which made Pete and I a little nervous because our girl is very busy and doesn't enjoy sitting for an extended period of time, but it turned out that we had nothing to worry about because she did amazing. She loved talking to the flight attendants and other passengers on the flight. The week we spent at the beach was as wonderful as ever. I wasn't feeling that great with my pregnancy, but all the adults were a great help with Claire. Thank goodness her Grandma Betsy and Papa Jeff love the ocean so they spent most of time in the water with Claire if she wasn't with her dad in the water. She loves the ocean more every year and even made a couple friends while we were there. I am so glad that she got her social skills from her dad because she can make friends anywhere we go. We are already looking forward to this summer with two pretty girls at the beach. Thanks Uncle Eric and Aunt Sandy for making this possible.

Mini Golf and Rides

Claire, Pete, and I met Andrew, Megan (Mae-Mae), and Carter at MOA for some mini golf, rides, and dinner this summer. Claire was excited for her first time mini golf and she did a great job. I love that we can do new activities with her and she can actually be involved. When we were done with golf she persuaded us to go on a couple rides. I was pregnant so her wonderful Aunt Mae-Mae went with her and she loved that idea. After golf and rides we were ready for dinner so we headed over to the Rainforest Cafe for some yummy food. It was a wonderful night with some great family members.

Day with the Aslesons

Darren getting the fire ready.

The girls chasing Oliver around the yard.

Eric, Elizabeth and Aiden joined us at the parade too.

Three pretty ladies

Who is having more fun? :)

Jennie, Brynn, Cara, Claire and I spend a lot of time together but we have a hard time finding a time when both our husbands are available so we were excited when we found a day to spend together this summer. We started off at MOA with some rides, then naps at their house and then off to a parade in Lakeville. We finished the day at their house with dinner and smores by the fire. It was another great day with great friends.

4th of July 2011

Watching fireworks at the Solberg's house.

Outfit #2

Cooling down after the parade.

Watching the parade.

Dancing with Papa.

Hanging out with her buddy Bri.

I love my girl.

Cute Cousins!!!

Some of the treats we brought to the parade.

Pete had to work so Megan was nice enough to invite Claire and I along with their family tradition of watching a parade in Forest Lake and having lunch at her parent's house. We had a great time and Claire loved the parade.