Haircut for Jess!

Jessica rode along to get Jackson's haircut the other day; when we were there, she decided to get hers done as well.
When Jessica got into the chair, I told the gal, "just a trim please." But, Jessica was quick to ask for more than that!
Much more than that actually.

When it was all said and done, Jessica walked out of the store with a hairstyle eight inches shorter than when she walked in!

I think it makes her look older. More kindergarten ready? Possibly?

Jackson and Lia

Jason and I went to bed the other night, around 10. We had put all three kids to bed about two hours prior.
It was quiet. They were all asleep, in their beds. Or, so we thought...


Here's what we found in our bed...

Too cute to be upset. ;)

Kids' Treat Stand & Clearwater Farm

We had another successful rummage sale here this year.
And, it's nice to use this opportunity for the kids (& neighbor friends) to raise money for a cause.

Treat stand pics...

We donated the "treat stand money" to Clearwater Farm in Onalaska. This farm is completely funded by donations, membership dues, and fundraisers.

It's located just a few miles from our house; the kids enjoy going there to feed the animals. There are several chickens, and turkeys, a rooster, sheep, goats, and three donkeys.

Right now, our family only goes there to visit and relax; however, there are volunteer opportunities (community garden, animal team, grounds team) we intend to get involved with when the kids are older.

Detroit Lakes, 2013 (Days 2-4)

A few fun ways to start your day...

Build a sand castle

...play in a heated pool

...or, go for a ride on a jet ski

First fish!

Yes!

Much needed nap...

No matter how tired the kids were, they all enjoyed the campfire...

Detroit Lakes, 2013 (Day 1, 21 pics)

We extended our annual trip to Detroit Lakes this year, staying an extra few nights at our friends' lake house.
Our family always looks forward to this mini-vacation! The people we stay with are such good friends, and all six kids get along so well. It's just such a worry-free, relaxing, fun time!

The weather was wonderful this year. Warmer than it has been in years past. The kids (and grown-ups too) were able to enjoy all the fun activities the lake has to offer. We did some tubing, swimming, jet skiing, fishing, made sand castles on the beach, enjoyed a sunset cruise on the boat...ahhh, it was lovely!

Here are some of the pics I took on the first day...

6 hour drive to get there, so we plan for at least one park stop to let the kids play for awhile. This park we stopped at was in Sauk Rapids.

And, we fed the ducks at the park...

Few pics of our friends' beautiful lake house...

A good-looking guy...;)

Jessica's "life is good" pose...

Lia. Not quite ready to jump off the dock yet this year...

Big brother jumping in...

And, big sister too...

!!!!!!!!!!

Jackson, rather amused by this dead fish...

Three of the "youngers" in the clubhouse...

The two "olders"

The two youngest...

Sunset cruise...

Future Captain, and his First Mate;)...

Girls just wanna have fun... :D

The girls and I spent a few days in Cottage Grove with cousin Alli and cousin Lettie, and Auntie Laura too (Uncle Chris was in Onalaska helping Dad with our new roof).

We had a nice visit. Spent time at a nearby park, went swimming in the backyard pool.
Played games

Watched movies

Played at the Devine backyard complex

Made faces for the camera (intentional by Lia;))

Played dress-up and had dance parties

Baked cookies

Went to Sky Zone (indoor trampoline play place)

Thanks for the good times! We love you girls!