Back to School

This is Belen's first day of second grade and a few days later Oscar had his first day of (all day) Kindergarten.

In line for the bus.

Coen and I walked back from the bus stop and I felt like "what now?" It is pretty laid back when it is just us.  It has been fun getting some alone time with him.

Oscar coming off the bus. One day I got the report he sat at the back with the 8th graders... we quickly made a first 4 row guide :)  yikes.

This is Oscar at 5pm after the second day.

The Mall of American had a Beatles exhibit complete with a set of Ringo's drums that you could play.

We had a park hopper day where we went to some local parks that we have never been to.  Minneapolis has so many parks- it's great.

Our Annual trip to the Renaissance Festival. Oscar didn't want to dress up this year, so Coen was the little pirate.

New attractions in Fairy Hollow.

Coen got to join in a few rides.

Coen loved the petting zoo, especially the bulldog.

We have been feeding this stray the kids named Scarlet, we realized she was pregnant a month ago. A coworker offered to take her and foster her babies. She delivered in a box and had 4 kittens... the kids love them.

Here's what Coen and I have been up to:

Grandma and Grandpa stopped by on their way home from Mackinac Island.

Movie Night

Garrett hard at work.

We went to an open house at school and this is Oscar's self portrait hanging on the wall :)

All of us went to see Busytown the Musical. Even Coen loved all the wacky cars.

Belen had started sing and dance classes again and Coen and I are doing a toddler music class. We are definitely keeping busy.

Summer lovin'

Here is a look at our packed summer! Garrett was home for most of it, so we did so many fun trips.

The Northeast parade.

Belen got sucked into Anne of Green Gables :)

Belen and Junia did a Frozen music workshop, complete with a "Let it go" performance.

My mom, Lynnae and I went on a girl's weekend to Chicago. We did lots of shopping, say Motown the Musical and checked out the Navy Pier. It was a ton of fun.

Belen and I having some Caribou

These boys could pass for brothers!

We spent a weekend in Iowa enjoying the weather.

Coen got to try an A&W root beer in a baby frosty mug. He obviously loved it.

Belen decided on a whim to get a new do with Grandma's stylist. She loves it and hasn't looked back!

Garrett coached the kids soccer this year, they had fun and even learned some skills. Otto came to cheer them on from the side lines one night. It was interesting chasing him and Coen off the field.

Ross came over to hang out and get some game time.

We went to Nickelodeon Universe for some fun. Oscar went on a couple roller coasters, which he didn't really enjoy.

We tried to climb the watch tower, but a stair broke and we didn't make it up.... maybe next year.

For my birthday we all went to Punch.

Oscar lost his first tooth!!

And he got a new haircut.

Isaac and Coen playing a duet.

Oscar's 5 year old check up. 

Climbing the stairs over 35W to the Cathedral. The kids were pretending they were American Ninja Warriors.

Oscar's family birthday party. We opened some presents and then went to the Space Alien grill with Grandma, Grandpa, Lynnae, Brandt and Otto.

We invited a few of Oscar's friends to a splash pad park on his actual birthday.

The Dells!!

All the Petries and the Obersteins met at the Kalahari resort for water parks, amusement parks and tons of fun.  We got a room upgrade which ended up being a villa bigger than our house.

After the Dells the Obersteins came to our house to hang out. We went out with some of their friends and the kids had a great time. Here are Oscar and Nate rocking the skate park.

The kids spent a few nights in Iowa before we all met in Clear Lake, IA for camping.

This was our first real camping trip- the kids loved it!

Grandpa brought his boat so we could fish the lake.

Otto relaxing.

It was really hot, so Garrett had to try and help Coen take a nap outside the tent.

Lynnae and I took the kids to Tamarack Nature center for the first time... that place is so cool.

Check out the fort we built.

Cute.

Gymnastics started again.

Garrett unexpectedly got a new job! He is now at the Minnesota Dept. of Education as an Educational Specialist. We brought him lunch one day so we could meet his coworkers and check out his cubicle. 

Coen is getting big. He has lots of words now and is watching Belen and Oscar's every move (both cute and bad :)