Our Weekend Getaway

Jon and I celebrated a belated Anniversary together this weekend at a Bed and Breakfast in Montrose, MN called Natures Nest. It is an organic farm on 43 acres, and was one of the most amazing places we have ever been. The owners basically welcomed us to their home like we were family, and let us roam their land freely, and enjoy all the amenities like they were our own.

Shortly after arriving on Saturday afternoon, we decided to take a walk around the property and just take in the beauty of our surroundings. Beautiful is a understatement when describing this place. We covered most all of the acreage on foot, enjoying walks through ornate flower gardens, breath-taking views of the crow river, & meeting and petting the many animals on their farm--including 4 horses, many sheep, 2 cats, and chickens.

Here we are stopping to rest and snuggle on a hanging swing overlooking a pond and meadow. It was so absolutely peaceful and serene.

After our walk, we went to a local German restaurant for dinner, beers, and some accordion sing along--which was so much fun. We then came back to take a hot tub and have a camp fire before turning in for the night. We managed to sleep in until 9:40, and then our breakfast was served to us in our suite at 10:00 am sharp! Here were are drinking coffee and eating our organic breakfast of pear& walnut french toast, rosemary & parmesan scrambled eggs, free range bacon, and fruit. Delectable!!

After breakfast and a little more lounging around, we packed up and headed home to see our kids. Despite the wonderful time we had, we were still very much missing Hayden and Erica, and looking forward to spending the rest of the day with them. They enjoyed a fun filled weekend with their aunties Alison, Rebeca and Kathryn at our home.

We will be going back for our anniversary next year, but hopefully will extend our stay for two nights next time!!

Minnesota River Valley

Today we decided to go check out the hiking trails in the Minnesota River Valley. I guess we were itching to get out of the house, and do something fun in the great outdoors. I think deep down we are VERY aware that we are running out of nice days quickly now. We also just had so much fun last weekend at Minnehaha Falls, we felt inspired to do some more hiking.

The River Valley is so beautiful, and so close to our home. I actually feel a little dumb that we haven't enjoyed it's beauty before today. Nevertheless, enjoy it we did.
Better late than never, right?

Erica rode in the backpack on Jon's back, and thinks she is just on top of the world in that
thing. Which, really she is.....I mean wouldn't anybody love to ride in that thing-- just
lounging and enjoying the ride without ever breaking a sweat.

Hayden on the other hand, hoofed it the whole way--running ahead, and then lagging way
behind. He found many grasshoppers, and of course, had to hold all of them. He was in
hot pursuit of deer, but Jon and I were pretty sure that wasn't going to happen due
to the LOUD volume of his voice going a mile a minute at all times!!

So, even though our hike wasn't terribly peaceful, it was still wonderful
spending time together as a family in the glorious sunshine.

Look at my pretty bracelet, Momma!

Yes, that is an onion ring! While eating dinner at the 5-8 club, Erica asked Jon for one of his onion rings. She promptly put in on her wrist like a bracelet, and was just so proud of herself. We couldn't help but giggle, and of course, take a picture!! Kids....they just do the darndest things!

She Walks!!

Oh, did I mention that Erica is finally walking?!! It all came together this month, and she has just taken off. We are all enjoying her new mobility so much, but at the same time sad knowing that soon she will be losing it. The 6 weeks she will be casted following her surgery are going to be even harder now, but her Dr. did tell us that the more mobility she had before the surgery, the easier her recovery would be once the cast comes off. Here's hoping!!

Hiking at Minnehaha Falls

We were getting a little tired of going to the zoo every weekend, so we decided to head over to Minnehaha Falls for some hiking, beauty, and fresh air. The weather was gorgeous--warm, yet breezy. It is most definitely beginning to feel like fall, and with the change of season comes mixed emotions--excited to pull out the jeans and sweaters, yet sad to pack up the tank tops and shorts. Lets face it, the real sadness comes with having to unpack the snowpants, and Ugg boots. I am always welcoming Fall, but never quite ready for winter.

Today was actually our 7th wedding Anniversary. Wow, how the time has flown--and at the same time, neither of us can really remember life before we were together. Marriage has definitely been an amazing journey, and has of course produced our two most beloved children. They are such a joy to us, so really it seems right that we spent today together as a family. (Oh, and we did go out for a date night on Friday night to celebrate--so don't feel too sorry for us :))

Anyhow, Minnehaha was beautiful--we hiked, threw rocks into the river, hiked some more, answered all of Hayden's questions along the way (which makes for not a very peaceful hike, might I add), and then packed up and headed to the 5-8 club for burgers baskets and fried food.

It was a really, really nice day.

Happy 4th Birthday, Hayden!!

Today we celebrated Hayden's 4th Birthday at Edinborough indoor park in Edina. We chose this location for two reasons: 1) Because after the rain and freezing cold temperatures at his outdoor party last year, we vowed never to have another party outside in September, and 2) Because I just love not having to clean my house before and again after the party--so much less stress this way!!

This was his first official "kid's party"--meaning that we picked something specifically for he and his friends to enjoy, and we only invited his closest friends and their families. This also means that now he still gets to have two more parties--one with the Smith's and one with the Sharpe's. Oh yeah, and a celebration at Preschool tomorrow. Lucky boy!!

The kids had a great time climbing and sliding to their hearts content in Adventure Peak. They also burned up some energy bouncing in the big moon walk, and riding around on little push scooters.

We did also find some time for a quick bite to eat, and of course, to sing Happy Birthday and have some cake.

I just cannot believe that my baby boy is going to be 4 years old tomorrow. Where
oh where did the time go?

Our Little Miss Sunshine

~Erica Rae at 18 months~
(who knew that eating a piece of string cheese could be SO much fun?!)

Family Photos 2007

I wanted to get some family photos done before Erica was casted again. I am very happy with how they turned out, and thought I would share with you all--a little preview, if you will. :)