Smiles in leaves.

First Snow

Tonight, Isaac got his first taste of snow for the year (literally). 

Isaac, the photographer

Now that we have a new digital camera, I pulled out the old one the other day for Isaac. He didn't have much difficulty figuring it out and took quite a few pictures. It gave us a glimpse at the world from his perspective... most of the pictures are of his toys. There's also a couple of us, but we won't be posting those.

Family Photo at MN Zoo

After a couple hours of running around to different Ramsey County Libraries trying to get our hands on a Minnesota Zoo "Museum Adventure Pass," we finally got one. That step alone was quite the adventure. Deb was home watching them become available and then checked-out on their website, while dad was running from library to library watching the person just ahead in line check out the last pass. It was worth the wait and hassle because, along with Grandma and Grandpa, we enjoyed an afternoon at the zoo. Next time we'll try to get a pass earlier in the week.
Once we finally got to the zoo, we made it just in time for the 3rd dolphin show. Both kids enjoyed this. We also saw sharks, monkeys, tigers, and took a trip down to the family farm. While walking a path with a wall next to it, we stopped and posed for this picture. It turned out nice enough that it could be our next Christmas card.

9/11 Tribute

We had the privilege of performing at a 9/11 memorial concert at Lake Harriet tonight. It was quite chilly but we had a good time, played some great music, and appreciated being a part of it. (Just saw ourselves on the WCCO news for a brief moment.)

Labor Day

This year we spent labor day laboring at Grampa's woodpile, helping them get ready for winter. Isaac was a big help. 

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.