Luke's Big Day!

Luke had his first day of school this week, finally...Amelia started a few weeks ago so Luke was getting pretty anxious to start.  I think he was getting bored hanging with just me and Addison.  Off to four year old preschool without a care in the world.

That winning Luke smile.

Addison squealing with delight at her water mat.

This is Miss Thing's new move.  She holds onto the wall and taps her little toes to the side.  She does it at the store, at home, anywhere.  I think she is trying to hint to me she wants to start dance classes.

Mom's Getaway to Minnesota

Sheryl and Tony's wedding in Mankato, Minnesota.  I was able to have a little mommy's getaway this past weekend to the Twin Cities, it was long overdue and I had a great time.  My college roommate and sorority sister, Sheryl, was getting married and I didn't want to miss it so Stephen stayed with the kids and I jetted away, BY MYSELF!!  I even thought the plane ride was enjoyable because I didn't have to entertain anyone or change any diapers or dish out snacks.  The wedding was great and Sheryl and Tony looked very much in love, so happy for you two!

My sister, Traci, was my lucky "plus one" for the wedding.  Sisters all snazzed up for the wedding.

Sheryl and I at the reception, which by the way had a candy bar.  What an awesome idea, Traci and I elbowed all the kids out of the way and scored some yummy candy that went perfectly with our beers.  

Enjoying ourselves in Mankato, I love my big sis!  Traci and I had a really fun weekend, I am so glad I made it up there.  We could have called our weekend, Eat, Sleep, Shop because those were our main objectives.  Traci and I scored some awesome deals shopping, (seriously we bought $800 worth of jewelry for under $100, I am not kidding).  We consumed lots of yummy food and Traci finally found me some wine that I like, hooray!  It was so nice to enjoy some nice cool days and walking around her cool Minneapolis neighborhood and Lake Harriet multiple times. 

I even got to hang with my awesome nephew Max.  He's one cool kid and so adorable to boot.  I think he eventually forgave me for not bringing Amelia and Luke because I listened to his facts about fish and squishies.

First Day of School for Mimikins

There she is, all set for 2nd grade.  New big kid lunch box and backpack, no more princesses and Hello Kitty, sad to see those days go but so anxious to continue to watch this little girl shine.

Addison Kate

Speaking of shine, here's out little movie star.

Slide and Dye!

Amelia and Luke's birthday party was in full swing last week.  They had a combined birthday party for all their friends and it was themed Slide and Dye.  We rented out these huge 18 foot waterslides and also Tie-dyed shirts as take home presents.  It was a fun success and it was great seeing Amelia and Luke enjoying the day with their friends.

The birthday boy turning 5 and the birthday girl who turned 7!  

Working hard on tie-dying.  Thank goodness we held the party at Marina Park because I tie-dyed about 40 shirts with the kids and surely that would have put me into full out anxiety mode to have all that mess at my house, even in my yard.  I shudder to think of my white carpet.

Amelia and Luke each picked out their own special cake, Luke picked a Transformer cake and Amelia picked a horse cake.  

Even mommy and daddy took some turns on the slide.  It felt refreshing on a hot day.  It was a fun day spent with great friends although my hands and fingernails are still tie-dyed a week later, it was totally worth it for my Mimi and Lukey.

Birthday Celebrations and Fancy Girls.

I can barely stand to look at those 7 fingers, how can it be true?  This was Amelia's special day, she is just looking so grown up.  Love you Mims!

The cookie cake Amelia picked out for her birthday.

Miss Fancy pants.  Addison has been walking on her tip toes for months.  She was so relieved when we finally gave her little Barbie feet some high heels.  Addison is obsessed with shoes, beads, bows, anything fancy.  

All ready for the pool.  Indoor pool of course or she would be covered in a full body wet suit and gobs of sunscreen.

The birthday celebration for our summer birthday girls.  We went bowling but those pictures magically disappeared somehow...I at least could blame my sad 84 score on my hugely dilated eyes from my visit to the eye doctor before the party.  Freaky, freaky eyes.