Swimming

After the Berry Patch Farm on Tuesday, we did lunch at Grandma Bonnie's, but before lunch, the kids decided to hop in the pool. Callum wanted in so badly and since I didn't have my swimsuit, he went in with Grandma. Then I was free to take pics, which doesn't happen much out there. It was great to capture the fun.

Beckett has gotten very comfortable in the water, swimming around and getting in and out of the pool on his own.

Even Adrienne loves being in the water.

Marketa, on the other hand, prefers to stay out of the big pool. She likes to get her suit on and play in the little pool or throw stuff in the big one.

Maddox is getting a little more comfortable in the pool. He still prefers to hold on to grandma, but at least he's in. Last year we could only get him in once or twice and that was just for a few minutes.

Callum loves it. In fact, he'd be out of that floaty in seconds if we weren't watching him.

Grandpa

Saturday morning we were supposed to go to the DSM Farmer's Market with Grandpa Denny. We ended up going to Kohl's and Target to get a few things, then back to Grandpa's house since it was raining. They decided to read a book instead.

Berry Patch Farm

We went to the Berry Patch Farm today and had a great time picking blueberries.

A few of them ended up in Marketa's container.

Adrienne picked dandelions.

Maddox and Beckett picked quite a few.

Of course, they had to sample some.

I think Marketa sampled more than a few. Every other minute I heard her say, "Can I try this one, Mommy?"

Grandpa

My Grandpa Fjelstad turned 89 this week. To celebrate, his 3 daughters and their men took him and his lady to a Twins game. They even set it up so he would raise the flag, since he's a WWII vet. It was a pretty special night after a fun weekend in the city.

Here he is in his getting ready to raise the flag.

On the big screen.

Grandpa AC and his friend Lolla.

I'm so happy for my grandpa. After losing his wife (Grandma Edie) a few years ago, he found a friend to spend his time with. She keeps him on his feet, dancing at least 1 to 2 nights a week, bowling once a week and walking 3-5 miles a day. We're looking forward to visiting them in ND next year. Maddox and Beckett are especially looking forward to going out to the cabin and sitting around the fire with Great Grandpa, roasting marshmallows and looking at the stars.

1 year pictures

Just for fun, thought I'd post some pics of the kids when they were one.

Callum, just last week.

Maddox, 3 years and 3 months ago.

Beckett, 3 years and 3 months ago.

Marketa, 18 months ago.

Double fisting

The goggles

Maddox and Beckett just got some goggles. They have yet to wear them in the pool. Hopefully next week they'll get some use for what they were intended. For now, they insist on wearing them around the house.

Even while eating breakfast.

Of course, for watching tv.

Box fan fort

While daddy had a long weekend, he pulled this idea out...the box fan fort. The kids had fun. Maybe a bit too much fun, as they got a little crazy and kept knocking over the fan or pulling the sheet out from under the books. It was a great 10 minutes and I'm guessing we'll do it again sometime, when daddy's home, of course.

You put a box fan at one end and books all around the edges of the sheet. Turn on the fan and you get a big air pocket to play in.

Summerfest Parade

My memories of the Summerfest Parade are from marching in it for 3 years in the band. That was 13 years ago. I think I've only been once since then. Jodi and I decided to bring the older kids up this year. The weather was perfect and they had a great time. We only stayed for an hour and a half. That was plenty.

The boys were excited to see the band "come through town."

The fire trucks and tractors were a big hit too.

They also enjoyed a little candy that was thrown out. They didn't really get it until halfway through, that they had to run out and grab the candy. Mostly the other kids around us got it. That was fine with me. They got to snack on a few pieces there and they loved it. Pretty sure we'll be going again next year.

My little musician

Lately we've been finding Callum crawling around with a either a harmonica or drumstick in his hand. If he disappears while we're upstairs, I know he's probably in the boys' room looking for a harmonica. He's even been able to get some noises out of it. At first it surprised him. Now he tries for it. When we're downstairs, he either heads straight for the stairs (one of his new favorite games--climbing up and down) or he goes for the drumsticks and plays a little on the drums, then crawls around the drumstick in hand. Pretty sure he'll be a musician someday. That will make daddy very happy.

Well, Callum finally got to open his present Sunday after church--just 3 days late. I should say, Maddox, Beckett and Marketa got to open his present. They were more excited about it than him.

Looks like he enjoyed watching them.

Beckett was having a bad day since he wasn't getting his way, probably wanting more involvement in the opening of the present. I'm sure that's what he told us later that day.

Since we have PLENTY of toys and clothes for Callum, we didn't spend much on birthday. He got a car seat (woo hoo) from grandparents and I made these nesting blocks and picked up a ball from Target. Pretty sure the older kids will play with them more than Callum at this point, but oh well. It was a fun project.

Callum's party

Saturday we celebrated Callum's first birthday with family...a few days late since grandpa Denny was still in the hospital on the 30th. Everyone was able to make it over for some fun and good food.

Get ready for lots of pics...

Callum and Silas climbing the hill.

Marketa watching the kids on the slip n' slide.

Fun on the slip n' slide.

It was a perfect afternoon for the a bar-b-que in the backyard.

Callum with his first cupcake.

He had no problem digging right in.

All done! And he was...soon after that he was in pjs and headed to bed.

Then we got out the sparklers.

I'm not sure who was having more fun--the kids with the sparklers or Scott with his blow torch.

Of course, we had to get a family picture with grandpa Denny. He's pretty proud of his 12 grand kids.