preschool and potty

Dennis decided the day after his birthday that he wanted his petals back on and I had no idea how to do it. He went and got dad's tools and did it himself! 

 Dennis and his best friend Braden. They are only 9 months apart in age but Braden is big for his age and Dennis is small. It's funny. I can wear Braden's shoes!

 Zola wants to be like her brother so much. I sometimes find her practicing going potty like a boy. She even wipes off the seat afterwards.

 First day of preschool! Dennis was so excited and loves his new teacher.

video proof

Here is some proof that it has been a summer of learning for Dennis: swimming, biking and pumping on the swing.

And here is a video of Dennis doing all of his tricks. He is so funny. You can see him pop a wheelie in the beginning, then he rides side saddle.

Labor Day

All the kids love the little green power wheel. They all take turns driving it around.  

 Who has time to change into their bathing suits? The boys just start playing until their clothes are wet and then they come off.

 Zola loves the sauna! In the morning she brought grandma down there and pointed to her bath on the wall. So, grandma filled it with the leftover warm water from the night before and Zola got an impromptu bath. After that she tried to get a couple of different people down there to do the same... but she only got success with grandma.

 For Dennis' birthday, I made some bow and arrows and targets. It was super fun and they really work! While we were making them Dennis was super excited and wanted to show grandpa, who was at the neighbors. So, he went running off bare foot into the woods with a bow and an arrow and his loin clothe (underwear). He really looked like a little indian boy.

 Chrissy jumped off the big tree. This might be the last time we get to do it since we heard a crack. They will probably take it down this winter.

 Grandma, Owen, and Grandma Thompson (Chrissy's mom)

 The boys were hard at work most of the weekend.

 Zola carried her baby everywhere.

 She loves to put things on her head. This time it was a little scary since she started walking towards me with her face completely covered on the dock.

 After readjusting...

 The kids loved Grandpa's birthday present!

 I love the interactions between Zola and Owen. They seriously do love each other and played the entire weekend. They communicate quite well with each other without words.

 Bovey farmer's day parade!

 Chrissy and James

 Here they are ready for some candy!

 Lucinda (a family friend), Grandpa, Grandma, and Grandma Thompson

 Here is my awesomely charming  70 year old dad. Zola LOVES him. She calls him "bumpa".

 And the race for candy begins...

 Zola was able to collect a few with Lucinda's help.

 The dogs were after a chipmunk that was hiding in the lumber. They stayed there most of the afternoon.

 cousin love!

 Happy Birthday Dennis! He had 5 candles and 5 pancakes at his birthday breakfast.

 What a handsome boy.

 Randy bought a new four wheeler for the cabin and it is super fun! We went out several times.

 ... and Dennis' birthday cake after lunch. What a cool birthday.