Summer Update (finally!)

First off, I have to apologize for my lack of blog posts this summer. To say that we have been busy would be an understatement. To say that I've been busy would be a huge understatement. Still, we have had fun and are truly enjoying our time together. I contemplated putting all of these updates into separate blog posts, but ended up doing the big long one. I hope you don't mind. Just be prepared for the massive amounts of pictures you are about to see. Here goes:

**************Buffalo Days***************

The weekend of June 18th was Buffalo Days. We hit up the carnival and let me tell you, it is the epitome of everything "carny." I'll just leave it at that...you get the picture. Landon's truly loves the rides. No fear for this dude!

Fishing pond:

This little lady got her first taste of mommy's favorite carnival food: mini donuts!

***************ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education)***************

Let me just say that Buffalo has a fabulous ECFE program. This summer has been no exception. The kids and I registered for a Wednesday morning "Mixed Ages" class. It's so fun! We have free play/craft time, followed by circle time (singing, dancing), and then snack time. During snack time the parents sneak out to have "parent education discussion" time while the kids stay with three ECFE teachers for more free play. It's been so fun to see how well Landon and Addison do when I leave the room. There's a one way glass window/mirror for the parents to watch through. They barely even notice that I leave while many of the other children scream for the whole 40 minutes that we are gone. I will attribute that to daycare and that my kids are used to being around other adults.
On most Tuesdays, ECFE sponsors Music In the Park at Sturges Park. They have had some really great musical acts perform this summer. We have packed our lunch and had a picnic after the music. What a great way to spend a morning! Auntie Jess and Auntie Ashley and the cousins have a joined us a few times too!

************Father's Day*************

We had fun celebrating Father's Day with Daddy! He wore a "King for the Day" crown and we got him a fun card with stickers to wear. We went to my mom and dad's house for tacos and then grilled for dinner. Daddy got his new I Phone for his gift this year. I just have to tell you that almost every day since Landon has said to Darren, "Happy Father's Day Daddy!" Darren loves it!

***************Kretschmar Christmas******************

The weekend of June 25th we made our first of many trips this summer up to Darren's family cabin up in Detroit Lakes. We celebrated Darren's extended family Christmas! For the past few years we started doing "Christmas in July" as everyone's schedules are always too busy in December. We had a great weekend! Landon tubed for the very first time and was super brave! By the end of his ride he was even bouncing up and down in the tube. Won't be long and he'll be up on skis.

Yes, Santa did make a stop with presents for the little ones:

Overnight on Saturday, we had storms with downpours. This is Landon playing in the big "puddle" in the back yard! Notice how close this is to Darren's aunt and uncle's tent! Who needs a lake when you've got a puddle to play in?

********4th of July*******

Now, onto July and my favorite month of the year! We celebrated the 4th weekend with LOTS of time at the cabin (Bass Lake just north of Annandale). We stayed there Saturday through Monday. So much fun!!! We got lots of quality time with the Hegle family.

Landon caught his very first fish...with Uncle Chad's help! I think Uncle Chad has a new fishing buddy.

There's nothing better than evenings at the lake...

...or nice calm mornings when everyone is ready for another day! (Notice the new table Landon is sitting at? My Uncle Jerry made that for the grandkids to sit on...it has all five of their names on it. Neat!)

Love the carnival!!! (Grandpa Eddie met up with us for some rides and carnival food!)

A weekend at the lake just wouldn't be complete without some pontoon rides:

The parade was fun as always! Addison looked super cute in her red, white, and blue with matching tutu.

Soaking up some more water and sun before heading home from a loooonnnng weekend of fun. Pretty sure it took us a week to recuperate!

**********Other updates**********

Addison turned 11 months on June 23rd and coming up this Saturday will be ONE YEAR OLD! I serioulsy can't believe how fast this past year went by. Last year at this time Landon and I were hanging out in the a/c waiting for my induction that Friday morning. WOW! I will write a full update about Addi and all her milestones and growth stats after her doctor appointment on August 3rd. She's walking, talking, and quite the little comedian these days. We can't get enough of her little mischevious grin.

On June 15th I finally started my new "Thirty One Gifts" journey. It has been going strong ever since and it's kept me VERY busy. I've had quite a few parties so far and quite a few more on my calendar. The extra commission checks and perks that the company provides are more than I could have ever asked for. As I write this, I am waiting for five packages to be shipped. Two FREE $300 kits, some add-on kits of new fall items that I purchased, and catalogs and business supplies for the fall season. I will probably from time to time post specials and new products on this blog. Please let me know if you are interested in a catalog or more information about "Thirty One." I'm in love. Here's Addi modeling her new 31 Large Utility Tote!

We've started the potty training with Landon and it's going well so far. I ordered him a "potty watch" that you can set to go off every 30, 60, or 90 minutes. He loves it and sprints to the bathroom every time it goes off. After he saw Jackson go potty standing up last week, he has wanted to do the same. It's quite the chuckle every time I watch him get up on his tippy toes to do his business. So proud!!!

Well, I think I'll leave you with that and one last picture from last night's steamy weather...two babies swimming in a bucket!

This weekend we have Addison's big ladybug birthday party...stay tuned for pictures next week. I've been working my tail off late nights and nap times trying to get ready for it. Anything for my kids!!!