So, I don't remember exactly what "back to school night" was when I was a kid – something at the school… something far less fun than our new tradition:  back to school fondue night.  We love a good excuse to have it.  And this time, even Zach enjoyed himself!    

My grandpa Woodward passed away this past week, and I had the blessing of being able to make it out for his funeral (thanks to Nate for holding down the fort, his employer for giving him a little time off, and to the Loves for getting me out there on standby flights).  During the week…

Our latest purchase on itunes was the Star Wars theme.  It has been more than worth the money.  It is played over and over and over (at top volume, of course) and inspires the best Jedi moves.    

I am not sure why it has taken us till the end of summer to get on the ball and have some friends over – it has been so much fun for the kids, and so nice for me to have them not fight!  This was "friend Friday" – and I hadn't planned on taking…

The kids and I were all in need of a good adventure that took us away from the Rochester scene for a day, so we jumped at the chance to go with some friends to LaCrosse for a day of raspberry picking, the children's museum, lunch and boat watching along the Mississippi, the "dragon park",…

 Once, when Emma had a friend over, they made what they call "treat bags" – paper bags that they decorate, and that I am then supposed to put a treat in while they close their eyes.  The "treats" that we have at our house aren't necessarily spectacular… usually a dum-dum, or a marshmallow, or something…

 Carter spends most of family home evening asking, "Is it time for the treat?"  He was super excited for twist cones from McDonald's this night.  It has been our favorite cheap treat this summer!  And yes, he is always this messy about it.  

 …the bigger the fun.  As you can see, this was an ESPECIALLY fun day with friends.  There was a complete Star Wars Lego takeover of the dollhouse, and a mass-shopping trip followed by the set-up of a few new houses for babies…everyone got along, the clean-up took us less than 15 minutes, and the fun…

 Emma played soccer this summer, and LOVED it.  She had a huge smile on her face the entire time she was playing… whether she was near the ball, or not!  She was an especially good goalie, and made a lot of great saves!  It seemed like whenever Emma had a practice or a game, it…

 This summer in Minnesota has been unusually warm – at least it seems like that to us.  Where summers past have had me wishing for endless summer, this one is making me wish for fall!  (I did let Carter in, right after I took the picture.)