State Fair

Here's our kids at the state fair. Isaac in what he calls his "mooser-hopper hat", and Noah enjoying some strawberries and cream. You can almost see our 3rd on the way in the picture with the eggs. We started early and got all the free kids stuff out of the way. Grandma and grandpa came and picked up the kids so we could enjoy the rest of the day without ...a stroller. :) Believe it or not, we got through the entire day buying nothing but food.

Addition: Yes, this Tuesday Sept. 5th Pioneer Press bulletin board entry describes a true story about our Isaac which happened shortly before grandma ("Wise Old Woman") and grandpa picked up the kids...

WARNING! Cute kid story ahead, from Wise Old Woman of Blaine: "Four-year-old grandson Isaac and his family were at the Fair, and his mother took him into the Miracle of Birth Center. It was too crowded to watch firsthand, but they were able to watch by video as a cow was giving birth. Just as the calf began to appear, Isaac remarked, 'This is a grownup movie,' and walked away."

Suzuki Camp 2006

We're back from the Suzuki Music Camp in Steven's Point, WI. It was a long 2 weeks, but we all had some good times and Deb came back with a lot of new ideas. 

Rain Lilies

Our rain lilies finally bloomed for the first time this weekend, and did they ever.

We almost missed it with how busy we've been with our string quartet playing for weddings and joining the pit orchestra for The Sound of Music. 

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July! (even though it's really the 11th, and this picture was actually taken on the 1st, but it's close enough) We spent the weekend prior in Hayward. The night of, we stayed up to see the fireworks in Blaine. Isaac spent the entire time covering his ears, but I think he enjoied some of it anyway. Both kids quickly fell asleep on the car ride home.

Shhh...

It sure it tiring to shop at IKEA.
Tonight I asked Isaac if he wanted to say the bedtime prayer. Usually he declines and I say one ad lib. This time he said "sure" and tried reciting one he's heard in a few different versions.

Down you lay me, down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my child to keep,
The angels watch me the other night,
And Jesus will help me,
Amen. 

At the beach

Isaac & Noah having fun at the beach. 

Backyard Turkey

Here's that wild turkey that's been hanging around our neighborhood. That's not something you see wander through your yard everyday.

By the way, our trip to St. Louis last week was very nice, we just forgot to bring a camera. The kids had fun with their grandparents.

Noah is continuing to show a strong interest in talking, repeating back things he hears. Isaac is still taking steps toward reading, and his sentences sound more and more intelligent everyday.

Suzuki Conference 2006

We were very privliged to have the Suzuki Association of the Americas conference here in Minneapolis this weekend. While there, we completed a Suzuki Early Childhood Education training course which included a session with some young volunteers. Here is Isaac dancing with a scarf. I think he had a good time.

Let him eat cake

Happy 1st birthday Noah! 

Having a ball

Here we are taking a little break during a trip to IKEA. Noah seems to have a particular interest in balls, so he expecially enjoyed the ball pit.