Apple Picking

The annual apple picking venture was today. Here is the gang out at MN Harvest.

The kids taste tested the pickings!

Brooke is working hard to fill her bag.

Twist, lift and pull.

Ali with Brooke and Riley on the hayride out to the orchard.

Como Zoo

Last week, we went to the Como Zoo in Saint Paul with an old coworker and friend of mine, Diane. She has two children, Olivia and George. The kids had a great time together and Diane and I got to catch up. It was a great day.

Daddy's Weekend with the Kids

This past weekend I had a some time away at a scrapbooking retreat. It was a wonderful place and I was able to get some projects done, go for walks, read on their quaint porch and meet some new and interesting ladies. I had a lovely time. Eric had the kids all weekend and they had a blast. On Saturday Eric took them to the Target Book Celebration and they got their faces (and Riley's leg) painted and on Sunday they went to the Fire Muster parade in Burnsville. Riley got a hair cut too! He really didn't get a mohawk--but we are considering it now, hee hee!

First Day of School

Brooke and Riley started preschool at Circle of Friends preschool on Thursday, September 10th. They had a great first day--today is their second. They go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I took their photos in front of our house with their backpacks before we went that morning. I thought things would be a little too crazy at the school--and I was right. They sure are loving it and couldn't wait to go today!

Cabin-Part 2

The big news on the lake this weekend was Riley Spieler's 2.5 pound bass that he caught. What a little fisherman! He even went up to the gas station in Outing and had his photo taken where it is now hanging. He was so proud!

Here are the kids and Eric on the swim raft. They spent a lot of time going to and from the raft this weekend. Too fun!

Brooke and Riley both tried out the knee board this weekend (in the shallow water-not behind the boat). Eric really did it behind the boat and even did a 360 degree turn. He hasn't lost his touch!

We had a great weekend! How many days until Memorial Day?

Cabin Days

We just got back from a jam-packed fun weekend at the cabin. In fact, it will take two posts to get all the photos on! I think Labor Day and the end of summer made us want to do everything! We swam (well, not me), kayaked (I did!), boated, tubed, fished, etc. The weather was amazing!
In the photo above, Brooke and Eric are on the tube behind the boat. Brooke squealed with delight the entire time.

Here is Riley on the tube before we took off. They are such brave kids!

A father-daughter moment on the dock.

Grandma and Riley out for a paddle boat ride. Riley could spend all day in the lake collecting "clams" and shells. He then takes his treasures with him in his trusty pail!