O Christmas Tree

Here are the kids picking out the Christmas tree at Stacy's Nursery in Willmar. They always have nice trees and have hot cider and Christmas cookies. It just doesn't seem like Christmas yet since Lenny is still working in the fields. But we are thankful that this is our first Christmas with Tseganesh and she has definitely made this Christmas complete.

The three proudly standing by the tree.

Jaxon's pick was a little tall for the house.

Yes we did buy the one that Landry found - she was so proud that she picked it out. How could you resist that face and excitement for a tree?

Landry proudly starting by the tree. I think Tseganesh is wondering how she can pull everything off faster than we can put it on.

Tseganesh loved the lights - she kept yelling "puuutttyyyy".

Hair

Oh the hair drama at our house is never ending. Yes - she did it again. This time she cut her bangs two days before I had professional pictures scheduled. So we had to delay the pictures and pray for super duper fast bang growth!

On a good hair note - here are some pictures of Tseganesh and her newest hair style. We have been trying to get her hair in sections of little puffs so her hair won't get so matted down and will grow!!! I guess that seems to be a theme around our house - hair growth.

Our little dancers

We finally caught it on video - Tseganesh is such a little dancer but as soon as she sees the video camera she is more interested in that then dancing - so here are her little moves (Landry also appears for a little shake at the end)!!!

American Girl Store

For some birthday fun I took Kalley (aka Landry's best friend whom she adores - also a second cousin) and Landry to the American Girl Store at the Mall of America. Kalley turned 10 in August so for her birthday we gave her the choice of getting her doll's ears pierced or getting her hair done. We had a great time eating in the bistro, shopping and getting their ears pierced. Here are a few pictures from our fun day!

Landry and Kalley

Landry and her birthday sundae

Kalley and Kit

They even brought food for the dolls so Landry had a great time feeding her doll

Landry after she got to pick up her doll - so now they both have their ears pierced

Kalley and Landry at the front of the store

When we got home we celebrated a little more with pizza and our traditional Wuollet cake

Landry and Jess

Happy Birthday Landry

Happy Birthday Landry!!! Here are a few pictures of her big day. Thank you to all of our friends who made it an extra special day for her!!!

I don't think a smile gets any bigger - she was so excited to open presents!

Enjoying her melting beads (thank you UPS man for delivering those on the day that I needed)

Labor Day Fun

These are some pictures from our Labor Day - we had our traditional Perkins breakfast and then we headed to the lake for some fun. It was a perfect day (maybe a little windy) but the kids got to spend a lot of time in the water on the tube and knee boarding. I didn't get pictures of knee boarding because I got a little nauseous when we were pulling the kids tubing. Tseganesh was able to get in the water a little too and then she settled in and took a nap. It was a great way to end the summer.

Jaxon and Kalley

Just finished a wild time on the tube - thanks to Lenny (all arms attached)

Landry playing with the tube - we couldn't let her try it because someone forgot her life jacket

Lucas and Landry

Landry proudly sitting by her name that Stacy drew in the sand

Our new boat driver

Man this life jacket is a drag - but I can still eat so all is good

Sound asleep on the back of the boat

Jaxon's First Day of School

Well it is official - Jaxon is in fifth grade (can he really be that old already?). We had our first day on Monday that included a convocation service. It is always great to be able to start the year off with prayer and a focus on God. He was excited when he got home about his new teacher, who is also new to the school, and thought she was pretty great. He reluctantly took these pictures for me - but I guess I will have to fight him until he is in 9th grade to take a picture by the sign - which I have deemed our first day of school tradition. He had some homework last night but he was very willing to do it which was nice for a change. Now we will just have to work on violin practice this week too!!!

It is amazing to see these pictures over the years and how much taller he has gotten each year by the sign.

Jaxon and Ms. Jouwstra

Jaxon at his desk getting organized (I think he glared at me after this one - I did quietly leave)