Visit with my Dad

My dad came to visit us from California and we all had a great time! It was so nice to spend some extended time with him and get to know him better. We did some sight-seeing, but most of the time he just lived life with me for a week. The kids had doctor appointments, orthodontist appointments, den meetings, etc. and he just went right along with me. I think it was good for everyone. The kids got to spend some good quality time with their grandpa and I got some great time just talking with my dad.

We went to the State Capital in St. Paul, the History Center (also in St. Paul), we ate Italian food at Cossetta's Italian Restaurant and went to see the Stone Arch Bridge along the Mississippi in Minneapolis. We also were able to go inside the Guthrie Theatre and get a birds-eye view of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls. It was a beautiful sight, but also a little subdued since it also overlooks the sight of the 35-W Bridge Collapse.

During the week, we had plenty on good conversations and time to reminisce about lots of different things. We took Madison to an apple orchard and I had my dad try his first Honeycrisp apple. If you've never tried one, I highly recommend them, although I think you can only get them in Minnesota. We also got to meet the illustrator from the Harry Potter books and that was quite neat, especially for Cameron who absolutely loves the entire series.

We also took my dad to the Mall of America and walked about 1/3 of the mall. We were able to do some shopping and enjoy a cup of coffee together. On Friday night we were all able to take a ride on the light rail and take in a Twins baseball game. Unfortunately the Twins lost, but it was still a lot of fun! On Saturday morning, before taking dad to the airport, we took him to see Minnehaha Falls. It was a wonderful time and we are all looking forward to seeing him again sometime soon!

Thanks, Dad, for a great week!

Preschool Time!

Madison had her first day of preschool today. She couldn't wait to go!! She kept saying, "Is it time to go, mommy?" all morning and was smiling from ear-to-ear when I finally said, "Yes, Madison!" I took a couple of pictures of her before we left home and, as you can tell, she was all grins. When we pulled up to the house where preschool was being held today, she couldn't wait to get out of the car. She grabbed her backpack and scooted up the driveway before I could even shut the door.

Once inside, she started playing with all the other kids and seemed to be having a great time. When it was time to sit down for "circle time" she hurried to her spot and sat down. It was fun to see. The mommies stayed for a little while to introduce their kids and for them to get comfortable with being there. Then about a half an hour later, the mommies were to leave. This was a hard time for most of the preschoolers. Madison, though, just looked at me and said, "Bye, mom." So, my little Madison is now a preschooler and I am left with a couple of extra hours a week to myself. She has fun and learns, I have a little bit of quiet. I can't wait to go pick her up and see how see liked her first day of preschool. Hopefully all will be well and she'll be just as happy to go again next week!

First Day of School

Well, today is the first day of school and I have to admit that it was a little harder to see them off than any other year before. I can't believe that Chelsea is in first grade and is going to be gone all day. It was very heartwarming, however, to see both Cameron and Chelsea get on the bus and for them to sit together. How sweet is that! I started to get tears in my eyes as the bus pulled away, knowing that my days of having my two girls home with me all day are no more. It was a bittersweet moment for I know that Chelsea is more than ready for first grade and that she will have a great school year. I also can't believe that Cameron is in fifth grade! That one kind of blows my mind. Where did the time go? I distinctly remember my fifth grade teacher and everything about that year. I'm really excited for him and I'm praying that he meets a lot of great people this year.

So, my older two are off to school and now it's just Madison and me. It will make going to the grocery store much easier, but I know I'm definitely going to miss the noise and laughter of Cameron and Chelsea. It's funny how you think that it's going to be great when they go off to school. You will have more time to get things done, it won't be so chaotic in the house, etc. But once they're gone, it's rather quiet and lonely. I'll tell you one thing, I can't wait until they get home and I can once again hear their happy voices and see their smiling faces. When I see that bus turn the corner toward home, I will jump for joy and bug them for every detail of their school day.