Random Stuff

I've got all kinds of pictures from the last month that I have been wanting to post. I'm too tired to think of any creative posting themes, so here's a bunch of random snapshots of the last month.

A nice family photo from Halle's dedication and our last Sunday in Winona.

Kaia at the Minnesota Zoo a few weeks ago. She had a really good time. She liked these goats. We didn't buy any food pellets, but they licked her hands anyway. She kept trying to get them to lick her face like Kylie does. She kept saying "Kisses, kisses". Thank goodness the goats weren't into it. Gross!

Kaia has been practicing on Daddy's guitar. Mark my words, this girl is going to be musical when she grows up.

Kylie is sleeping with her tennis ball. She rarely gets to play with a ball in the house because she's naughty with them, so I think she was cherishing the moment and keeping a close watch over her treasured toy.

Finger paint!!! Need I say more?

Halle Gets No Love

I decided that Halle does not get enough attention on the blog. She's so darn cute, but she just doesn't do things that make for good stories, until today. Halle slept through the night last night! Yay! Now, I am aware that it could be a fluke and she won't do it again for months, but I appreciate the good night's sleep I got last night. So this blog posting is in honor of only Halle.

Mall of America

This weekend we met our friends, the Motz family, at the Mall of America. We hung out at Lego Land, rode some rides, and had lunch. For the first time ever, I went to the MOA and bought nothing but food. Crazy!

This is for Adam Swift

Adam Swift and Mike came up with the "funbrella" addition to The Rock during their hard working days at Fastenal. It's the funbrella, get under it, you know you wanna....

A Beautiful Fall Day

Last week when it was still warm, Kaia and I enjoyed some time outside. These are pictures of our street. Isn't it beautiful? On the way inside we found a caterpillar on the side of the building. Kaia didn't really understand what the fuss was all about.

Kelly's Pictures

Kelly took these pictures at the park about a month ago. Aren't they fabulous? I would have guessed they were professional. It's too bad Kaia had that big scab on her forehead. I've already asked Kelly to do another photo shoot when it's healed.

Going Away Party

Bob organized a nice going away party for us before we left Winona. Good times were had by all. Here are some pics. To give credit where credit is due, some of these pictures came from Heather's blog. Thanks, Heather. Please don't sue me for violating copyright or something.

I know we don't look it, but we're sad to go. We miss everyone already!
Me, Heather, Anna
John Bradberg (aka John#1) and Mike
Heather and I. Why does Mike always have to ruin a good picture???

Mike and Eric Falls along with Marcus's head.
Bob, Cory, Mike
The Saukes bought Mike a milkshake maker as a going away gift. Mike is notorious for ordering a malt at a restaurant whenever they are available. Oreo malt if possible.
Ben, Mike, and Bill
Adam, Nick, Charlie

Christine, Steph, Heather
The Kelners and the Loos-es
Mike and Charlie. Seriously, always ruining the nice pictures!! Mike and Adam. Too close for anyone's comfort.
Tom, John, and Mike. The ex-members of Simple Guardian.

Free or Best Offer

Who did this???? Awhile back (yes, I'm behind on my blog postings) Bob hosted a garage sale. We went the evening before to drop off our stuff and help set up. We came home and noticed this sticker on Kaia's back "Free or best offer". Come on, she's worth at least $2.50 !!

Kaia found a friend someone was selling at the sale and HAD to bring it home. We later found out this giant puppy came from the Kelner pile. Thanks, Kelners! She's been sleeping with it ever since. However, I'm not sure how she can be comfortable, it's bigger than her and takes up more than half the pack n play. Oh well, there are some things not worth arguing over.

Mike's New Car

Mikey got a classy new ride today. Since he's going to be carting around clients, the ole Saturn - with its missing hub caps, loose bumper, and broken speakers - just isn't going to cut it. The Saturn will have a new home with Marty and Jess. The new car is a Mercury Milan (not to be confused with Milano, the classy cookies). It's a really dark blue. It's loaded with cool features like leather seats, heated seats, door key pad entry, heated mirrors, and the SYNC system. "Play artist: Michael Bolton" I'm jealous. Get a good look at the pictures, this car belongs to Mike and, therefore, will never be this clean again...

We've Moved!

As you may notice from my lack of blog postings, we've been up to big things lately. Last Wednesday we closed on our house. The weekend before that we packed up most of our belongings and put them in storage. We spent Wednesday through Sunday living with our friend Bob in Winona. Yesterday we stuffed the cars full and moved up to Lakeville, MN. Here we're renting a furnished apartment for a few months until we can move into our new house that is currently being built.

The apartment is nice. Plenty of space for our little family. Lots of green space and even a playground for Kaia. You folks from Winona will understand when I say it is VERY reminiscent of Lakeside Manor. Here are some photos.

Living room, complete with flat screen TV.

Front entry. There's a small bathroom to the left.

Kitchen is small, but we're used to that. The door to the garage is to the right. It's nice to have a garage, but it's so small, my van doesn't even fit.

Dining area. In the back corner are the stairs to the bedrooms.

Kaia's room

Master bedroom/Halle's room. We have a big walk in closet that may soon become Halle's room. Have to figure out where to put the clothes first.

This is the view from our front door. Pretty huh?

And the girls enjoying their new pad.

Today we just spent some time getting settled. Mike has the week off so we'll spend the week checking things off the to-do list and just relaxing together. On Monday, Mike will start his new job and the girls and I will get back into a routine and find some ways to plug in to the community.