Gale Woods Farm

Many of you know that I work at an educational farm called Gale Woods. I work there intermittently which basically means when they need extra help and I can find child care, I go to work. Last week Noah and I went out for a visit there and I took along my camera. Here are some pictures of the farm and the animals. This really is the best place in the world to work. How did I ever get so lucky?

Gale Woods Farm

A Visit to the Apple Orchard

We all made a visit to a local apple orchard over the weekend. It was a beautiful day for fun at the orchard. We picked apples, rode on the wagon, visited the petting zoo and sampled lots of apples! The only bad thing that happened was Noah got stung by a bee. :(

Apple Orchard - Strei Family

Noah's preschool class visited the same orchard on Tuesday. I thought that maybe he wouldn't want to go back because of the bee but I guess the thrill of riding the school bus made him forget!

Apple Orchard - Noah's Preschool

Ummmm...I don't think so Noah

Lauren was headed out the door this morning to the bus stop. Noah was in his room and heard her start to leave. He wanted to give her a hug so he came running out of his room just like this to say good-bye. It was hard not to control the giggles. After she left I asked him what he was doing. He told me that he was ready to go to school. Yikes! I don't think Miss Cherie wants you showing up like that.

Nickle Dickle Day 2008

Waconia's annual Nickle Dickle Day was held this past Saturday. It's a fun-filled day with a running race (kids and adults), car show, craft fair, food, entertainment, etc, etc. We always enjoy going to it and seeing many of our friends from around town.

Dave ran in the 10K race. It's a nice race because the course literally goes by our front yard. Very easy viewing and cheering for Dad! Lauren, Benjamin & Noah ran in the 1/2 mile race, called the Nickle Dickle Tickle. Lauren and Benjamin had run it before but it was Noah's first time. He was so excited too. Although he was a little confused about how he was going to participate in the race because when we were leaving to go, he said he needed his bike. Because that's what was going to make him go really fast to win the race! Dave also said that half way through the race, he asked Dave if he could have a ride now. Too funny.

Dave finishing the 10K - rainy, cold and wet.

Noah, Lauren & Benjamin at the starting line.

Noah's 1st Day of School - FINALLY!

Noah - Age 3.5

FINALLY...today was the day! Noah has been waiting patiently (as much as a 3 year old can) for his first day of school. For a week he's been watching big brother and sister get on the school bus and go off to school. Today was his first day of preschool. This preschool is through our local ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) program. Mom goes with one day a week and he goes by himself one day a week. Lauren & Benjamin had also done this preschool.

Noah was minute the ready his feet hit the floor this morning. He was under the impression that we were leaving at the same time as Lauren (at 7:40 AM). He was disappointed when I said we still had over an hour to wait. He kept his backpack and shoes on the entire time while waiting. Finally it was time to go and I have never seen him get in the car so fast in his life! He was definitely ready. Enjoy some pictures from our fun this morning.

Big cheese!

In front of the door at preschool

The coconut tree. He made a coconut to put on the tree last week when we went to Open House.

Painting - his favorite activity at school.

1st Day of School

Benjamin - Kindergarten

Lauren - 2nd Grade

Benjamin & Lauren

Today is the 1st day of school. Lauren & Benjamin are going to be at the same school this year, Bayview Elementary. Benjamin in kindergarten (afternoon) and Lauren in 2nd grade. There was lots of excitement, a little nervousness (which I was surprised about) and 1 little brother who was sad to be left behind.

Here is also a link to more pictures that were taken today.

1st Day of School

Old Favorites

My project for the summer has been to organize all the digital pictures we have saved on the computer. Whew...what a project. During that time I ran across several pictures that are my favorites from various times in the past few years. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Old Favorites