The Farmers' Market downtown has been on point this summer!
The boys had fun spending the $2 I gave them each to find something tasty at the Farmers' Market ;)
I have been super big into flowers this summer for some reason. How can you resist when they're so pretty and so cheap?
Workin' hard ;)
For the first couple weeks Kendrick had his new tractor, you'd find Ryan just walking behind him or standing beside it waiting for his turn. It was the saddest, cutest thing!
Seriously lol
Kinsley was obviously not impressed lol
Best.Day.Ever.
When it's time to be done riding tractor for the night.
The month started with these types of breakfasts...
...and ended with this. I'm really trying to get to a place where at least if I'm still eating too much, I'm eating stuff that's good for healthy brain development and not just yummy in my tummy.
I used to think that this was an easy place to take kids because they always stayed on the path and didn't stray. Enter Kinsley. ::sigh::
Kinda a rebel here. The signs say no bikes, but these are kinda like bike tires. I highly doubt they'd actually say anything, but I felt a little naughty, honestly.
I am in so much trouble when these guys get to be teenagers. Probably beforehand, really. I am so outnumbered with curious, spirited little boys.
Let's be serious, though: It's not like I won't have my hands full with this one too.
They kinda love her too much lol
Gosh do I ever love these people :)
This is Ryan's face when he first wakes up in the morning, or else right before he's about to say "no" lol
We really, REALLY miss Syd for Mark's haircuts :( No one in Mankato has gotten it right yet, and I had to take him for two haircuts in 3 weeks to manage his crazy "bangs".
Ryan also had his first haircut in an actual shop, and it didn't go as well as anticipated. I ended up ordering a new clipper set shortly thereafter so I could resume doing them by myself at home.
My babies bring out the best and the worst in me lol
A typical Saturday on the days I bring all 4 kiddos with me. I'm ready for a trip with just the little ones there soon. The big kids are starting to get pretty irritable and it's hard to contain them while keeping the babies out of trouble.
Doggie pile!
My big FIRST grader!!
I had to chuckle at Kendrick this year, who absolutely insisted on getting this backpack. He has yet to see any of the StarWars movies (planning to introduce the big kids this winter) and had no idea how cool this backpack really is!
I think I had 4 offers this summer for people to mow my lawn for me. Aside from it being something I truly enjoy doing, the kids also were on the job ;)
The kids are always playing together, but it's not always so nicely. I love it when the big kids can get over themselves long enough to really engage with the younger ones.
1) This is Kendrick's favorite shirt right now because it's so fast. #GarageSalesForTheWin
2)When did he get SO BIG!? Total glimpse into this kid as a teenager right here.
I'm not so sure I can blame the big kids for the bricks around the tree being pulled out anymore.
Yet another backpack from a movie he has yet to see. It may be a lot further than this winter before I'm on board with him seeing this one, though. I mean, shoot - I think I saw Jurassic Park when I was in middle school, and I still had nightmares!
When did he get SO GROWN UP?!
These guys have been an incredible help this past year! This was the summer where our kids were all finally really old enough to run the neighborhood, but that didn't always come without a few skiffs here and there between them all. I feel so blessed to have so many incredible neighbors who are always there when I need some chicken noodle soup or to keep a big kid or two while I run to the store, or to keep an eye on Ryan when he gets out in the front yard when he isn't supposed to be. So THANK YOU!
I don't talk about work on here a whole lot, but this was a BIG month for us at work! We not only successfully completed an Oracle migration, but we also were able to have the support of another plant removed from our plate, and it feels SO GOOD to have those two major things checked off our list!
As I recall, he wasn't even in a bad mood here lol Silly faces always crack these kids up, though!
He really adores his baby sister ;)
The babies had a fun weekend away with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Jess, while the big boys and I had a fun weekend in Mankato!
We started the weekend, however, with their first ever friend sleepover with their buddy Hudson! They requested a bonfire with s'mores. The fire took me a bit to get going, but it still roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over time.
The ONLY way to roast a marshmallow ;)
Movie time!
We might as well just adopt Hudson into our family, and the other neighbor kiddos too. They act like siblings, and we see them enough lol I'm sure their families probably feel the same about our kiddos too.
Mark is so proud of these kids! It's hard to see the feelings not really reciprocated much of the time :(
It's a constant internal struggle for me to know how to proceed. They've already been pretty damaged by the circumstances, but I also don't want to send the message that we give up on family. Still, their desire to go visit is waning :(
My kids have no personality lol
They were super thrilled to go hike down to Minneopa Falls!
Chicken fries are totally up Kendrick's approval ladder.
Kendrick is still pretty fond of his Daddy. He's way more emotional about it for sure. It's tough being 5 and not having your Daddy around, or interested in your life at all. Still, he's always up for a trip to Mankato.
Bouncetown was fun, but for the $16 we spent to get in, we lasted all of about 30 minutes. Still, I'd probably go back again. The kiddie area looked fun too!
The hotel pool was alright, but the hot tub was where it was at! We were pretty weary after the day so far, so it felt good to just relax!
1) The boys actually chose Red Lobster out of the blue. They had never been there before, so I'm not sure where they even heard of it, but I obliged. 2) Mark specifically declined going. 3) Never, ever, ever, ever order endless shrimp when you're on a diet.
WOW Zone is not just for kids lol Honestly, the lazer tag was probably the highlight of the weekend for me.
So fun!
We had to try this place, although we shouldn't have. Note to self: Don't ever let kids go to a place where they charge by weight for ice cream toppings! $17 later...
"But we're not tired, Mommy!"
I thought this would be more fun than it was, honestly. We had popcorn for lunch, Mark didn't want to go, and the kids were ready to leave after the first 30 minutes.
Still, there was popcorn, so was it all bad?
Christmas present stockpiling has already begun. Zulily had this beast for $45, and I know a certain 2 year old who will be STOKED!
Mostly delicious, but sometimes a tinge too flavorful.
On the days I'm particularly defeated, I know where to go to find God's promises.
We haven't done this nearly enough this summer. The perks of eating on the deck are that when Kinsley throws her food on the ground, I don't have to pick it up lol
Won't their minds be blown when the day comes that we have an ACTUAL rummage sale? For 16 dollars and 25 dimes, you could be the proud owner of a hunk of quartz!
Gosh, I adore them :)
Gotta put sissy pants in charge during a potty break lol
Turkey Day Pancakes with Grandpa!
These two deserve so many accolades! They have been a huge part of our support system in the past year. It's not fair what this disease has done, but they've stepped up and helped on so many occasions. I am so thankful for them!
This woman too! Aunt Jess is the best!! Thank you!!!
I just can't get over these two. They are so sweet!
This is going to sound dumb, but any photographer at all would lament over a bright, sunny day for any sort of pictures lol It's tough when there are shadows everywhere, and the subject ends up dark half the time. Still...we got a picture with Paycheck again this year! Kendrick was extremely skeptical once again.
Taking sissy for a ride at the orchard :)
It was a LONG ride! Also notable: Ryan has begun putting on his own shoes. If you try to tell him they're on the wrong feet, it's all out tantrum time. Switching them to the right feet is not a good idea under those circumstances.
There won't be room enough for apples AND kids before long. They're getting so big!
Ocheda Apple Picking Crew 2018
We've found that the best way to get a good view of the turkey race is to stay as far away from the finish line as possible. It all crowds up there, and then you feel like a jerk trying to push little kids out of the way to get you or your kids closer. lol Paycheck won again, btw ;)
Super excited about the parade starting!
It wasn't the most incredible parade this year, if I'm being honest. It was SUPER long, and there wasn't really a ton of candy for the kids. Still, they had a good time. We left about halfway through the list, though, and it had already been two hours!
I absolutely love how culturally diverse Worthington is! I'm hoping to take the big kids to the International Festival next July. Mark and I went a number of years ago and it was SO COOL!
At least they got beads, huh?
I was feeling this nice clearing in my schedule after work to get back to the gym again...which lasted all of about a week before things piled back on. Gotta work on that post-baby belly...a full year after the baby was born. ::sigh::
I love the warmth of our living room these days. I love the people in it more ;)
In case anyone was questioning whether or not I escaped the climbing phase by baby #4, the answer is no.
Bedtime stories with my little lady :)
She kinda loves bedtime :) She snuggles in with her bears and doesn't make a peep!
Bedtime with THIS guy requires something like 20 books. I secretly move 3/4 of them off the bed onto the floor while we're reading the first one.
Yes, yes, you are kind of a bug deal, Mr. Kendrick Willard ;)
"Pawtrols" are where it's at these days in the PJ department.
Pokemon cards are where it's at for this one.
We had a fun little trip to Grandpa's Fun Farm in Worthington at the nudging of my friend Jill.
Kinsley was super thrilled to see all the animals.
The air cannon pumpkin shooter is SUPER loud! I had the kiddos covering their ears.
My little crew ;)
We tried to get a group picture of the crew, but Cashel and Kendrick were being a little sassy, and Ryan didn't want to be in the picture, so this is about the best we got! This is our neighborhood crew here ;)
For real, we tried!
How Tall This Fall?
We celebrated 12 years of marriage on the 23rd. It's hard to believe that 2 years ago when we celebrated our 10 year anniversary, everything was fine. Mark was fine. He had very few symptoms at all, and we were still so in love. How does so much change in such a short amount of time?
Miss Sassy Pants in the flesh :)
LOVE this crazy toddler boy :)
Fun time at the park!
Uncle Daniel took the big kids fishing!
Life gets so busy with these kiddos. What a sassy little lady!
AWANA nights are the best, when it's just Mama and the littles. When the weather permits, we go for a walk!
I miss this lady so much! We're on about a once a year visit these days, and I need me some more Rach!
I came to this super weird realization on my weekend off from parenting: Life is pretty weird right now. I was driving around listening to the Top 40 mix station in Mankato, all dolled up and looking good by my estimations on my way in my scratched up minivan to pick up distilled water for my husband's CPAP machine to then take it back to his Assisted Living facility where he was ready for bed at 6:30pm on a Saturday night. I ask myself often, "How is this my life?"
Date night with this guy! He chose Grizzly's this time - he is totally broadening his horizons. I love him so :)
The results of some deep cleaning on a weekend "off" from the kiddos. Obviously I know how to have "fun".
Also, it was such a treat to be able to join Mark's Aunt Karen and Uncle Del (along with his Dad and Grandma) for lunch at KFC after dropping off all the stuff at Goodwill!
The boys had fun spending the $2 I gave them each to find something tasty at the Farmers' Market ;)
I have been super big into flowers this summer for some reason. How can you resist when they're so pretty and so cheap?
Workin' hard ;)
For the first couple weeks Kendrick had his new tractor, you'd find Ryan just walking behind him or standing beside it waiting for his turn. It was the saddest, cutest thing!
Seriously lol
Kinsley was obviously not impressed lol
Best.Day.Ever.
When it's time to be done riding tractor for the night.
The month started with these types of breakfasts...
...and ended with this. I'm really trying to get to a place where at least if I'm still eating too much, I'm eating stuff that's good for healthy brain development and not just yummy in my tummy.
I used to think that this was an easy place to take kids because they always stayed on the path and didn't stray. Enter Kinsley. ::sigh::
Kinda a rebel here. The signs say no bikes, but these are kinda like bike tires. I highly doubt they'd actually say anything, but I felt a little naughty, honestly.
I am in so much trouble when these guys get to be teenagers. Probably beforehand, really. I am so outnumbered with curious, spirited little boys.
Let's be serious, though: It's not like I won't have my hands full with this one too.
They kinda love her too much lol
Gosh do I ever love these people :)
This is Ryan's face when he first wakes up in the morning, or else right before he's about to say "no" lol
We really, REALLY miss Syd for Mark's haircuts :( No one in Mankato has gotten it right yet, and I had to take him for two haircuts in 3 weeks to manage his crazy "bangs".
Ryan also had his first haircut in an actual shop, and it didn't go as well as anticipated. I ended up ordering a new clipper set shortly thereafter so I could resume doing them by myself at home.
My babies bring out the best and the worst in me lol
A typical Saturday on the days I bring all 4 kiddos with me. I'm ready for a trip with just the little ones there soon. The big kids are starting to get pretty irritable and it's hard to contain them while keeping the babies out of trouble.
Doggie pile!
My big FIRST grader!!
I had to chuckle at Kendrick this year, who absolutely insisted on getting this backpack. He has yet to see any of the StarWars movies (planning to introduce the big kids this winter) and had no idea how cool this backpack really is!
I think I had 4 offers this summer for people to mow my lawn for me. Aside from it being something I truly enjoy doing, the kids also were on the job ;)
The kids are always playing together, but it's not always so nicely. I love it when the big kids can get over themselves long enough to really engage with the younger ones.
1) This is Kendrick's favorite shirt right now because it's so fast. #GarageSalesForTheWin
2)When did he get SO BIG!? Total glimpse into this kid as a teenager right here.
I'm not so sure I can blame the big kids for the bricks around the tree being pulled out anymore.
Yet another backpack from a movie he has yet to see. It may be a lot further than this winter before I'm on board with him seeing this one, though. I mean, shoot - I think I saw Jurassic Park when I was in middle school, and I still had nightmares!
When did he get SO GROWN UP?!
These guys have been an incredible help this past year! This was the summer where our kids were all finally really old enough to run the neighborhood, but that didn't always come without a few skiffs here and there between them all. I feel so blessed to have so many incredible neighbors who are always there when I need some chicken noodle soup or to keep a big kid or two while I run to the store, or to keep an eye on Ryan when he gets out in the front yard when he isn't supposed to be. So THANK YOU!
I don't talk about work on here a whole lot, but this was a BIG month for us at work! We not only successfully completed an Oracle migration, but we also were able to have the support of another plant removed from our plate, and it feels SO GOOD to have those two major things checked off our list!
As I recall, he wasn't even in a bad mood here lol Silly faces always crack these kids up, though!
He really adores his baby sister ;)
The babies had a fun weekend away with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Jess, while the big boys and I had a fun weekend in Mankato!
We started the weekend, however, with their first ever friend sleepover with their buddy Hudson! They requested a bonfire with s'mores. The fire took me a bit to get going, but it still roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over time.
The ONLY way to roast a marshmallow ;)
Movie time!
We might as well just adopt Hudson into our family, and the other neighbor kiddos too. They act like siblings, and we see them enough lol I'm sure their families probably feel the same about our kiddos too.
Mark is so proud of these kids! It's hard to see the feelings not really reciprocated much of the time :(
It's a constant internal struggle for me to know how to proceed. They've already been pretty damaged by the circumstances, but I also don't want to send the message that we give up on family. Still, their desire to go visit is waning :(
My kids have no personality lol
They were super thrilled to go hike down to Minneopa Falls!
Chicken fries are totally up Kendrick's approval ladder.
Kendrick is still pretty fond of his Daddy. He's way more emotional about it for sure. It's tough being 5 and not having your Daddy around, or interested in your life at all. Still, he's always up for a trip to Mankato.
Bouncetown was fun, but for the $16 we spent to get in, we lasted all of about 30 minutes. Still, I'd probably go back again. The kiddie area looked fun too!
The hotel pool was alright, but the hot tub was where it was at! We were pretty weary after the day so far, so it felt good to just relax!
1) The boys actually chose Red Lobster out of the blue. They had never been there before, so I'm not sure where they even heard of it, but I obliged. 2) Mark specifically declined going. 3) Never, ever, ever, ever order endless shrimp when you're on a diet.
WOW Zone is not just for kids lol Honestly, the lazer tag was probably the highlight of the weekend for me.
So fun!
We had to try this place, although we shouldn't have. Note to self: Don't ever let kids go to a place where they charge by weight for ice cream toppings! $17 later...
"But we're not tired, Mommy!"
I thought this would be more fun than it was, honestly. We had popcorn for lunch, Mark didn't want to go, and the kids were ready to leave after the first 30 minutes.
Still, there was popcorn, so was it all bad?
Christmas present stockpiling has already begun. Zulily had this beast for $45, and I know a certain 2 year old who will be STOKED!
Mostly delicious, but sometimes a tinge too flavorful.
On the days I'm particularly defeated, I know where to go to find God's promises.
We haven't done this nearly enough this summer. The perks of eating on the deck are that when Kinsley throws her food on the ground, I don't have to pick it up lol
Won't their minds be blown when the day comes that we have an ACTUAL rummage sale? For 16 dollars and 25 dimes, you could be the proud owner of a hunk of quartz!
Gosh, I adore them :)
Gotta put sissy pants in charge during a potty break lol
Turkey Day Pancakes with Grandpa!
These two deserve so many accolades! They have been a huge part of our support system in the past year. It's not fair what this disease has done, but they've stepped up and helped on so many occasions. I am so thankful for them!
This woman too! Aunt Jess is the best!! Thank you!!!
I just can't get over these two. They are so sweet!
This is going to sound dumb, but any photographer at all would lament over a bright, sunny day for any sort of pictures lol It's tough when there are shadows everywhere, and the subject ends up dark half the time. Still...we got a picture with Paycheck again this year! Kendrick was extremely skeptical once again.
Taking sissy for a ride at the orchard :)
It was a LONG ride! Also notable: Ryan has begun putting on his own shoes. If you try to tell him they're on the wrong feet, it's all out tantrum time. Switching them to the right feet is not a good idea under those circumstances.
There won't be room enough for apples AND kids before long. They're getting so big!
Ocheda Apple Picking Crew 2018
We've found that the best way to get a good view of the turkey race is to stay as far away from the finish line as possible. It all crowds up there, and then you feel like a jerk trying to push little kids out of the way to get you or your kids closer. lol Paycheck won again, btw ;)
Super excited about the parade starting!
It wasn't the most incredible parade this year, if I'm being honest. It was SUPER long, and there wasn't really a ton of candy for the kids. Still, they had a good time. We left about halfway through the list, though, and it had already been two hours!
I absolutely love how culturally diverse Worthington is! I'm hoping to take the big kids to the International Festival next July. Mark and I went a number of years ago and it was SO COOL!
At least they got beads, huh?
I was feeling this nice clearing in my schedule after work to get back to the gym again...which lasted all of about a week before things piled back on. Gotta work on that post-baby belly...a full year after the baby was born. ::sigh::
I love the warmth of our living room these days. I love the people in it more ;)
In case anyone was questioning whether or not I escaped the climbing phase by baby #4, the answer is no.
Bedtime stories with my little lady :)
She kinda loves bedtime :) She snuggles in with her bears and doesn't make a peep!
Bedtime with THIS guy requires something like 20 books. I secretly move 3/4 of them off the bed onto the floor while we're reading the first one.
Yes, yes, you are kind of a bug deal, Mr. Kendrick Willard ;)
"Pawtrols" are where it's at these days in the PJ department.
Pokemon cards are where it's at for this one.
We had a fun little trip to Grandpa's Fun Farm in Worthington at the nudging of my friend Jill.
Kinsley was super thrilled to see all the animals.
The air cannon pumpkin shooter is SUPER loud! I had the kiddos covering their ears.
My little crew ;)
We tried to get a group picture of the crew, but Cashel and Kendrick were being a little sassy, and Ryan didn't want to be in the picture, so this is about the best we got! This is our neighborhood crew here ;)
For real, we tried!
How Tall This Fall?
We celebrated 12 years of marriage on the 23rd. It's hard to believe that 2 years ago when we celebrated our 10 year anniversary, everything was fine. Mark was fine. He had very few symptoms at all, and we were still so in love. How does so much change in such a short amount of time?
Miss Sassy Pants in the flesh :)
LOVE this crazy toddler boy :)
Fun time at the park!
Uncle Daniel took the big kids fishing!
Life gets so busy with these kiddos. What a sassy little lady!
AWANA nights are the best, when it's just Mama and the littles. When the weather permits, we go for a walk!
I miss this lady so much! We're on about a once a year visit these days, and I need me some more Rach!
I came to this super weird realization on my weekend off from parenting: Life is pretty weird right now. I was driving around listening to the Top 40 mix station in Mankato, all dolled up and looking good by my estimations on my way in my scratched up minivan to pick up distilled water for my husband's CPAP machine to then take it back to his Assisted Living facility where he was ready for bed at 6:30pm on a Saturday night. I ask myself often, "How is this my life?"
Date night with this guy! He chose Grizzly's this time - he is totally broadening his horizons. I love him so :)
The results of some deep cleaning on a weekend "off" from the kiddos. Obviously I know how to have "fun".
Also, it was such a treat to be able to join Mark's Aunt Karen and Uncle Del (along with his Dad and Grandma) for lunch at KFC after dropping off all the stuff at Goodwill!
