Who's who?

Our little addition has added so much joy.

We would like to formally introduce you to our new little one. Sydney Ann was born on Sept 19 at 3:32 in the afternoon. She is such a beautiful, peaceful little girl.

Chesney has taken to her and loves her so much

Logans another story

The c-section went very well, no surprises and healing has gone very well. Better than the recovery for Chesney or Logan.

One of Sydney's first visitors after arriving home. Anna thought Syd was pretty sweet.

Great Aunt Val brought Sydney a beautiful quilt she made of Australian Aboriginal fabrics. We are blown away by the gift. it was such a special gift to remember such a special place to us.

Although Logan hasn't completely warmed up to Sydney- he did agree to pose in a picture with her (alright- we promised him he could play the Wii if he posed for the pic)

Chesney has no problem wanting to cuddle with Sydney- She is such a big helper.

Who says infants don't smile- Syd does it all the time

I just love baby feet

Sydney has been such a good baby- she has taking to breast feeding very well- it was a slow start but with the help of a Lactation Consultant we managed to get things working for us. She had her one week check up last monday and is gaining weight and doing great.

We just love finally having her here.

The Birthday Boys

Duey and his father, Roland celebrate back to back birthdays- Roland on the 16th and Duey on the 17th of September.
We took Roland out to eat a couple of weeks back along with Dueys brother and family. Roland looks pretty good for someone who turned 70.
Happy Birthday Roland!
We love ya!

And Happy Birthday to Duey who turned 42 this year. Man you are old.
Love you!

First day of school

Well, the first day of school went off without a hitch. Both kids love their teachers and are thrilled to be back hanging with their friends again. Chesney is learning that being in 3rd grade means needing to be more independent and responsible about her homework and belongings at school. And Logan will now have weekly spelling tests as a big 1st grader. I think we are going to have a great year.

Logan the fisherman

Logan recieved a fishing pole for his birthday this year from Justin and Mandy. So being the good mom I am, I loaded him and a bucket of worms and headed down to lanesboro to fish in the trout pond. Logan had a great time- really caught on to casting but unfortunately he didn't catch anything- turns out mom doesn't really know what type of things to put on a line to catch trout. The next fishing trip out turned out to be better.

Fifi and Charlotte

We have added a couple of members to our family this summer. After much debate over getting a dog. we decided to go with a smaller, less maintainance animal for Chesney and Logan. And guinea pigs are what we decided on. The kids love to play with them, take them on walks (in a stroller) and are very good about taking care of their needs and cleaning up after them.

Fifi is the long hair and Charlotte is the short hair

Chesney likes to make costumes for them to wear- here are some paper bows she made for around their neck. Don't they look thrilled to have them on?

They love to play outside in the yard

These are great pets for kids because they are not quick on their feet so they won't get away from the kids when outside or on the floor in the house and they are just the right size for the kids to cuddle with them.

Trip to South Dakota

Early July we packed up the family truckster and headed out to good old Black Hills, South Dakota. We had a great time and the kids became junior rangers of three national parks. Did you know that your kids can become rangers of all 380 something National Parks in the USA. So get moving.

We stopped at Mount Rushmore and the kids really loved it. they tried to get all the names correct on the Monument but Roosevelt and Jackson seem to always be forgotten.

We hung out during the day

And then we went back in the evening for the lighting ceremony. Very lovely and
moving.

And of course, we took a drive through Custer State Park to see the Bison. And we were not disappointed. They were everywhere, the kids were mesmorized.

We went to Jewel Cave for a tour but when we got there the tours were cancelled due to an electrical storm knocking out the elevators so they offered us the historic lantern tour. We thought what the heck, the only requirement was to be at least 6 years old. We hung around and waited for that tour to begin and starting into the cave with our fire lit old-fashioned lanterns. They maybe should have mentioned that we would be winding our way down and down and down through holes in the rocks and sucking it in to get through narrow passages. A couple of times I barely fit with my belly. But we made it and had a fantastic time in the process. we were told no cameras due to possibly losing it, but we wish we had brought it now to have the photos of the adventure.

Of course, you cannot go to the Black Hills without stoping at Wall and visiting Walldrug stores. And that is exactly what we did.

As cheesy as that place is- it is a must stop while out there.

And The Badlands. So unique and beautiful. Lots of little walks to do with the kids. Such a great day we had there.

Now Where did that pesky prairie dog go?

There he is. Isn't he adorable?

So pack up the car and take a little trip to our neighbor on the West and enjoy what she has to offer.