A one kid house? So much for sisterly love...

Mark was getting James in his pjs the other night as I was keeping Ella company in the kitchen while she had her bedtime snack. We were just chit-chatting when in her most serious of voices Ella asked, "Mommy are you happy with two kids?" Ella posed the question as if she were a mini Dr. Phil and I wondered where she was going with this question. With much sincerity and trying to cover all my bases, I told her that I loved being a mommy to her and James and that they were both very special to me. Her response: "Oh, because I was thinking that we should just have one kid in our house. James is too noisy and he messes up my toys too much...." Guess James was bothering her a bit that day. She took it pretty well when I told her that James was here to stay.

First Day of School

Isabella had her first day of preschool on September 5th. She is attending the same school she attended last year, but with new teachers and for three days each week instead of two. She was a little nervous on the first day of school but has now settled back into her routine is anxiously awaiting her turn to be "star helper"!

Every 31-year-old's Birthday Dream--Sesame Street Live

We were lucky enough to attend Sesame Street Live on Mark's birthday. The kids were a little more excited for the show than Mark was....but he enjoyed the show as well! We had "Meet and Greet" passes and were able to go backstage to meet Cookie Monster before the show. Here is Cookie Monster waving the kids over.

Ella hugs Cookie Monster.

Ella really loved seeing Cookie Monster up close.

Family Photo Time--James was not too fond of the big blue guy...

Getting ready for the show to start!

Scenes from the show:

We had an excellent time at Sesame Street Live. The kids loved all the music, lights and dancing. Now James points out Elmo whenever he sees him!

Happy Birthday Mark!!!

Ella was super excited to give daddy his birthday card. It plays music and she picked it out!

James was a fan of the card, too!

Getting ready to blow out the candles on the cake that Ella helped back Daddy.

Singing to Daddy!

James trying to help daddy blow out his candles!

State Fair

We went to our State Fair a on August 24th and had a great time! Here are a few pics from our adventures!

Thrivent was taking pictures at the fair....what a great way to get a nice family photo! : )

We enjoyed a trip on the Merry Go Round.

Ella has always been a big fan!

Waving to Daddy as we circle around.

Mark is doing what he does best at the fair--eat! But, it is Ella who insists on getting sweetcorn.

This is James baaing like a lamb.... He enjoyed the sheep until a big momma ewe baaed right in his face!

Enjoying a Pronto Pup!!

What a day at the fair will do to you!

The Big Slide at the State Fair

We have discovered that one of James favorite rides is a to go down a big slide. The State Fair has a really big slide and Mark took both kids down at the same time. Everyone loved it--James was thrilled. Follow the trip down the slide below. Take note of James in the last two pictures. He was clapping for joy as soon as he finished his ride!

How Sweet It Is!

Enjoying cotton candy at the State Fair....no further explanation required! : )

Birthday Bowling

Mark's parents came down to help us celebrate our August birthdays. For some entertainment, we went bowling before going out to eat. James did a little bowling and he seemed to enjoy it. He even helped Mark pick up a spare once! Ella has become quite the independent bowler. It is amazing that she doesn't drop the ball on her toes! She loves bowling, but she was a little disappointed this time that she didn't get more strikes or spares. She has become quite the pro with Nintendo Wii bowling and bowling in real life can be a bit tricky!! Mark and James roll the ball.

James is waiting for his ball to make it down the lane.

Ella is excited that she knocked down some pins!

The kids and me with Grandma and Grandpa O.

I had to include this pic of James in his Concordia T-shirt! I think he looks like such a big boy in this picture!!

Days of Yesteryear

We went to the Days of Yesteryear Show at our local historical society on August 12th. It was fun to walk around and try to explain the things of the past to the kids. Ella enjoyed going to school in the old schoolhouse and getting candy at the general store. James was just excited because there were tractors everywhere! The Threshing Demonstration

James and Ella are waiting for a wagon ride.

Ella learns how to do laundry...

It was tough work!!!

We couldn't resist adding to James' and Ella's tractor collection.

James waited eagerly to play with his new tractor. It is just like one of Grandpa's little tractors.

A Ford 8N--Not an 8 End as Mark thought in the early years of our marriage!!!

Oh, Look!!!!!

The real thing!