My school's dance team hosted a dance clinic for girls pre-school up to about 14. I couldn't pass up the opportunity for Anya. It was right during when her nap time is so she fell asleep in the car on the way and was really grumpy when we first got there. She didn't want to do anything. Luckily a patient teenaged girl sat with her until she warmed up to the idea. Then, oh boy, she was ready to dance! They danced, had a snack, made a pretty headband and then performed the dance they learned. I just thought that the dance team was going to perform, but all of the groups got up and did their routine. That was a fun surprise. My camera was not on the best setting so I don't have very many pictures, but Anya was doing the moves and you know...socializing a little bit.


Finn was Superman for Halloween this year. It was fitting as Dan was superman when he was a little boy too. I love this picture of Finn flying.

Anya was a princess, mostly because she has about a zillion princess outfits at her disposal.


How long do you think this wig lasted?
After Finn went to bed, I took Anya out trick-or-treating for the first time. She had so much fun and ran to each house giggling all the way. Hardly anyone comes to our block, so Anya got handfuls of candy from our neighbors.
Carving pumpkins and making home made pizzas with Kristin, Gabriel, and Hannah.



Anya continues to amaze us with her vocabulary and the funny things she says. The other day she told me to fold my hands for prayer and then said "Thank you God for this wonderful day. I like to watch over you because....I think I like to watch over you." She LOVES the music to The Lion King and belts out "I Just Can't Wait to be King!" She drew her first stick person today and is really good at tracing and writing letters. She can write A,G,T,O,P,and C

Finn is running all around, still loves to eat and go to bed early. He gives kisses and hugs now. he can say momma, dada, anya, bye bye, no, allright, I did it, ... He is a happy boy and is having a good time at school.

Dan and I are doing good, pretty busy with school stuff and my class at the U of MN. The kids definitely keep us on our toes and entertained.

We recently took a trip to the Minnesota zoo.

I just love this outfit. She looks so much older than a 3 year old!


They had tractor simulations that day so Anya got to "drive" a tractor.



Gotta love when mom's make their kids stick their head through the picture holes...
Finn was having a blast!
Molly, Claire, Anya, Finn and I went to Pine Tree apple orchard.
Again with the cut outs!
Just a cute picture of Anya and her cousin Hannah and their matching pj's.
Finn and Anya cuddling. Look how long Finn is getting!

Also and update on Finn. He is officially walking! He still crawls a little bit, but he walks all over the living room and kitchen, down the hall into Anya's room. He has also added words to his vocabulary. He can say Anya, Mama, Dada, daddy, pa pa, bampa (grandpa), nummy, there, nigh nigh, hi, dog, and probably a few more I'm forgetting. He absolutely loves music and starts to dance and clap as soon as it turns on. His favorite toy is a Kung Fu Panda figurine. He loves looking at books and puzzles and loves playing with Anya.

Over Labor Day weekend, we went to our friends Josh and Hanna's family cabin in Wisconsin. We had a ton of fun going on boat rides and watching Josh and Hanna's dad water ski. This was the first time Anya has ever been in a boat and she absolutely loved it! It was so much fun to see her excitement because it brought back memories of how much fun I had boating and fishing when I was a kid. She did so good in the boat and helped "spot" the water skiers.


She drove the boat and was very responsible! Look at the concentration on her face!

I just think this is a cute picture.
Could the too of these guys be any cuter?
Finn's Godfather, Josh is known as the "Over stimulation chamber". Finn's enjoying it though.
Watching Josh water ski.
Pure Joy!
I'm going to have to blow this up and frame it! Way too cute!

Finn's first birthday and Anya Ballerina

Auntie Kari sent Anya and Finn their birthday presents and Anya was thrilled to find a WHITE ballerina outfit just like Bella Dancerella Swan Lake!! She wanted to put it on the second she saw it and practiced all her moves.




I think you can tell by her face that she was thrilled! Look at DJ Finn spinnin the beats in the background. :) Anya also got skinny jeans and black high boots with two very cute shirts that I can't wait to put Anya in!!! Thanks Auntie Kari and uncle Brian!
Finn's birthday was a lot of fun. We had Dave, Mary Jo, Kristin, Gabriel, Hannah, Dan, Kelley, Tom, Jesse, Hailey, Josh, and Hannah over for dinner. Finn got lots of cool cars, trucks, spaceship, clothes, and books. Thank you to everyone for making it a special 1st birthday for Finn!



The next day we continued the celebration at my aunt Barb's cabin. We swam in the lake, had lots of delicious food, opened more presents, and had a lot of fun. A lot of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were there so it was really great to see everyone!

Anya's 3 year and Finn's 1 year photos

Today we went to my mom's house and took some pictures of the kids out by her garden.