Dells 2011

Sun, sun, and more sun!!! We were SO lucky to have the best weather we've ever had during our trip to the Dells. We spent the morning at the indoor wave pool one day, otherwise we were outside the entire time soaking up the rays!!

Cam and Coop have both become good swimmers and were completely water-logged from so much time in the pools!

A little hot tub action for Coop.

Cam and Taylor relaxing on the lazy river.

Pajamas and Nintendo DS game time after a fun-filled day in the sunshine!

After dropping off Diane and her kids the boys fell asleep within 10 minutes of leaving their house and slept the rest of the way home...can you say - WORN OUT??!!

Sunshine...love it! A lovely way to wrap up a super summer!

Puttin'

Our third year Puttin' for Payton...a great cause and SO much fun!  We missed our buddy, Tara, but look forward to golfing with her next year!  Thanks to Becca's hubby, Joe, for being our honorary "girl" for the day!!

Back to School Shopping

The boys are set for school, so I took some time to shop for myself.  I might be an adult, but I love getting a few things every year to start things off.  I still need a back to school outfit and new shoes or the first day just isn't quite right!  Lucky for me I usually get to shop and eat with good friends...and now I'm ready for the year!

August Adventures

Coop finished up swimming lessons...he's truly become a little fish and loves to swim underwater!

Our slugger, Cameron, has some great moves and loves to slide into every base!

Cooper isn't quite as daring as Cameron was at 4, but he's working on it. :)

Our 4th annual picture of Grandma and her boys at Munsinger Gardens

Bunny snuggles athe Benton County Fair

Do we have pet bunnies in our future?? If the boys had their way we would...

Cameron pretending he was taking a ride over the Sahara (a.k.a. County Fair)

Check out Cameron's face and expressions in this picture and the one below...I think Bennett was getting a little nervous!
It was all for show though since my boy isn't like his mama and has an iron stomach on all the rides!

Our friend, Joe, took the little boys on some of the "big boy" rides since the wimpy mamas couldn't take the thrill!

Alex and Coop hanging out at The Lodge Waterpark.
Alex was wonderful about hanging with Coop and keeping him busy, so Holly and I could relax and chat.

Cameron was building up his muscles walking across the log and had fun doing the waterslides with his buddy, Dylan.

We've had so much fun, but the time is quickly coming to an end. I spent the day in Big Lake prepping my room for when I officially go back to work. I feel like I'm ahead of the game and I'm going to enjoy the last week of vacation. The boys and I are topping the summer off with our 4th annual trip to Wisconsin Dells with my friend, Diane and her kiddos! Can't wait!!
I will be sure to post lots of pics...hopefully they'll include plenty of sunshine!

Before and After

I'm a huge fan of the blog Better After...thanks to my friend, Kelly, so I decided to do my own little Before and After project. 

BEFORE

AFTER

I purchased an old window pane without the glass, attached fun material to corkboard, and stapled both to the back of the window pane, and hung it with ribbon. I'm using it to display photos, so it's easier to change them more often. I also glued cute wooden buttons on to thumb tacks to dress them up a bit and to give the pics a little flair.

Sucking out the last bits of SUMMER FUN!

The Fishing Pro...and the worm supplier!

Coop's new Build-A-Bear friend..."Wolfie" the wolf

Wolfie and Coop snuggling.  Coop and Cam made beds out of their T.V. trays as soon as we got home and made sure their new buddies were sleeping right next to their beds.

Coop caught a good sized bass, but didn't want anything to do with touching it.  Grandma Diane was the official fish releaser.

Cam also caught a bass.  He won't touch the fish, but he'll put a worm on the hook...go figure!

Cameron and "Bear Trout"

Whitewater Rafting

Going under...hard to believe we all were able to stay in the raft!

"Surfing" the rapids

Becca and I enjoyed a perfect day rafting.  The weather was beatiful, the scenery was amazing, the rapids were thrilling, and we had a very handsome guide to look at to top it all off! :)  If you're looking for an adventure be sure to check out Superior Whitewater Rafting!

Storybook Land

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater!

Cam thought these gliders were very cool!

Heading into Storybook Land!

The little engine that could...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

GOLD!

The Old Woman who lived in a shoe

Cam taking a ride on Toto and Coop checking out the Tinman's ax

Coop is getting tall...at least taller than a Munchkin!

Taking the train around Storybook Land...that's when we spotted the zoo!

 

Cam jamming on stage with Greg and Steve

Boys prepping for the fireworks while listening to the Union Grove Pickers from Sioux Falls, SD

Storybook land was well worth the drive!  Here's a list of some of the fun we had and things we saw on our visit to Aberdeen, SD!
*Aberdeen Aquatic Center-a wonderful waterpark with lots of fun for all ages and perfect after 4 1/2 hours in the car!
*Delicious desserts at Minerva's
*Go-Karts, Mini golf, and Bumper Boats
*Land of Oz
*Buffalo
*Fireworks
*Going on stage to boogie down with Greg and Steve
*Balloon Ride
*Hotel pool/waterpark
*Picking up Brody and happy that he had fun with his buddy, Henry at Andy and Shannon's house

If you can, check out Wylie Park's Storybook Land !

Shelby

Our beautiful girl, Shelby...a.k.a The Marshmallow
December 1998-July 2011

For those who were lucky to know "our girl" you would know that all she wanted and desired was love...and a few treats! She gave me my first insight into what parenting might be like by peeing in my bed on our first night together. She chewed things she shouldn't of and made many messes, but no matter how frustrated I might have felt it always dissolved when I looked into her beautiful brown eyes. I still remember taking her to obedience training and people saying, "You can just tell she's a girl, she has such a pretty face!"
Shelby has been with me almost as long as Bryant has been in my life. It is because of Bryant's mom and stepfather that I have Shelby, who was my gift on my 26th birthday. You've never seen such a roly poly bundle of puppy!
As the years have gone by Shelby has always been my snuggle buddy and a wonderful listening ear. During the times Bryant and I struggled to have a baby of our own, Shelby was my baby and always willing to give me a sweet look and to lick my tears away. We/I are so lucky to have had such a wonderful dog, one that will never be forgotten, and our hope is that she's running around in heaven sniffing the ground for a few missed treats right now!
XXXXOOO We miss you Shelby Girl!