Minnetonka Cave

This summer we spent a lot of time in Bear Lake. When I say a lot, I mean we were there almost every weekend. Hence, I didn't blog much about it. I really can't remember a summer when we've played so much. It was heaven to say the least. Amongst the boating, swimming, eating fresh raspberry (or hot fudge snickers) shakes from La Beau's, playing that normally fills our time up there, we ventured out and did a little sight seeing.

Here is the gang (minus Brock & Cassie- we missed you guys!)

Me and Parke... isn't he an angel in a boy suit? I wanna kiss those lips right now.

Nothin' like scrambled eggs in a bag for breakfast eh?

Mimi, Candace, Austyn, and Kade... awaiting the grand tour.
Seriously, does it get much prettier than that...

Kaden, Rylie, and Gracie. They are getting so big.

Inside the cave...

was so neat.

We learned all sorts of history behind the cave, witnessed stalactites and stalagmites (brought back memories of junior high science class), and at the end they turned off all of the lights and we were in pure darkness. It was quite frightening, but I was really brave and refrained from screaming. Did I mention it was extremely cold inside the cave. It was 40 degrees!! Brrrrr...

Ahhh... back outside in the open air and warm sunshine.

Thanks to Mimi and Papa for this awesome experience. We had such a great adventure.

Next summer I will see Bloomington Lake!!

Girls Night Out

I was lucky enough to attend yet another awesome performance of Thriller, and double-lucky because I got to go with some of my bestest friends. These girls and I have been friends for nearly 20 years!! What the heck! I seriously can not be that old. We've been through a lot together, and I am so glad I have these crazy girls with me through the good times and the bad. Thanks gals for a great night! I had so much stinkin' fun with you.

Okay Erica, what's next??

What's under your bed?

The other night Kaden came into our room and says, "Mom, I had a bad dream." He was visibly shaken as he climbed into bed with us. I snuggled him as he explained his dream. He said, "I was dreaming that there was a scary monster, and when I woke up I heard a really scary noise in my room." Half asleep, I asked, "What did the noise sound like?" "Ggrrr ggrrrr grrrrr ggrrrr..." he kept repeating. Nic and I assured him that there were no monsters in his room, and he was safe and sound in bed with us. We laid there for a few more minutes and all of a sudden he says, "but what about Parker? Is he going to be okay?" (knowing that Parker was still asleep up there in his bedroom) I tucked Kaden into his bed on the couch and told him I would go check on Parker. As I walked up the stairs I was curious what this noise could possibly be. I cracked the door open and heard it. The craziest and loudest snore I had ever heard. Parker was fine all right, he was deep in a wonderful sleep. I tried to stir him to get him to stop, but there was no stopping him. So I crept out, closed the door, and left him in peace.

Ggrrr...grrrr....ggrrrr...

p.s. Kaden was very relieved to find out it was only his sleepy little brother, rather than a scary monster making that dreadful noise.

My Baby...

The Triathlete.

Nic participated in his first triathlon. The Bear Lake Classic. I can not think of a better place to have a triathlon. That crystal clear water, and beautiful scenery. The morning truly was perfect.

Heading down to the water...

Deep in thought, planning his strategy... or zoning out... one of the two.

When I saw Nic coming out of the water so soon I was pumped!! I just started yelling like a crazy person and ran behind him snapping pictures. We were laughing because if you flip through all of the pictures really fast it is like watching a film strip of the entire race- Go Sherice!! I was just a little snap-happy. ha ha

Coming in on the bike... lookin' good babe!

Here is Nic approaching the finish line. I was going to follow him there to get a picture of him crossing, until I whacked Kade on the head with my camera and had to wipe away tears... but he finished strong at an hour and 25 minutes taking 5th in his age division. Not too shabby for a first race.

The fam... so proud of our daddy.

Nic, Parke, and Papa

Me and my baby

Love this picture of the kids playing in the sand. Doin' what they do best- having fun.

What a great morning it was I tell ya. I've never been so jealous and yet proud all at the same time. I was really wishing I could have participated in this race- man it looked like so much fun! At the same time, it was unbelievably fun to be able to cheer Nic on and be in full support of him. I was so proud of him, he kicked some serious butt!! Way to go babe!

Family Pictures

Isn't it amazing the way a picture can depict an entirely different experience than what really went on? To look at this picture one might think, 'Oh, look at that family- so happy, with such pleasant and well behaved children,' when it is really quite the contrary. Let's just say, by the end of this experience there were three screaming children covered in candycane and cigarette buds, a very frustrated daddy (there against his will mind you), and a mommy who was about in tears over the long hours she'd spent organizing to the last detail the perfect family picture (it's a personality flaw). Oh, and let us not forget the poor photographer... I'm pretty sure she'd never seen such a sight. All I wanted was to capture my sweet children in all their preciousness (because let me tell you- they really are angels). I was sure it had been a complete failure until... low and behold... Sharstin worked her magic. The pictures are beautiful, and she did it. She captured my children. I really can't thank her enough. More pics to come... stay tuned.

Rylie Goes to Preschool

Rylie has grown up so much in these last few months. She has been very excited to finally get to go to school like her big brother. Rylie really loves her big brother (in between really not loving her big brother... ha ha) and loves to keep up with everything he does. It's pretty darn cute. So here is our little Ry-bug on her first day of preschool. She is loving her teacher Miss Bonnie and having her friend Cali in her class. I am so thrilled she is having a good experience.

Kaden Goes To Kindergarten

After a couple month hiatus from the blogging world I think I'm back. I think. I haven't quite figured out where to squeeze "blogging time" into the ol' schedule. I used to squeeze it in late at night, but Parker keeps me on my toes and runnin' all day long so by the time I put the kids to bed and straighten the house- I'm pretty much spent!! Anyways, not that any of you wanted to hear that... onto my first item of business since being back in my official "blogger seat:"

My first baby boy is now officially a kindergartener!!

Kaden on his first day of school...

There are so many little boys in our neighborhood going to kindergarten this year. Here is just a small sampling of them...

Handsome little fella...

Socializing before school...

Kade-man and Stock-to-the-O!! Such good buddies.
Now if you want entertainment just hang out with these guys for a minute. Hilarious!! Here they are showing off their "get to know me" posters.

The worst part... watching them file into that school. I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched my baby boy walk out of my life forever. Okay, that's a little dramatic I know. It was only 2 hours and 40 minutes, but it felt like the beginning of something I didn't like... my children REALLY growing up. I think I've been in denial all these years, and it is truly happening. I didn't cry that day. But there have been many days since that have had me in an all out melt-down. I think I'm finally on the road to recovery for any of you that were wondering (I promise I'm not a drama queen- I just write dramatic :) Makes it much more fun.) Anyways, Kaden is happy as a clown to be finally going to the "big school" as he calls it. And we are pleased as punch that he is enjoying it and doing so well.

Way to go buddy! Keep up the good work!!