Bad Weather Mayhem

As you will see- the girls just hours before were playing on the Trampoline having a blast, hours later, the yard was flooded and the trampoline.........

Yes that is the SAME Trampoline that the girls were playing on just hours ago!! BRAND NEW- these are the only pictures capturing the girls playing. Once the TERRIBLE storm hit the Chippewa Valley it took the Trampoline, dragged it from the back yard, across the highway, and into the farm fields

..........This is the Result.

The Gardow's had some minor mishaps- but nothing like the Olson's. :(

Here you will see a tree next to our driveway that actually uprooted the driveway. I know that our driveway was not pristine and it was going to start happening over time - but it was amazing to see that one WINDY STORM could move this large tree that much!! Not sure if you can tell but I can actually stick my hand under the concrete that was pushed up. We are lucky that the driveway was there to hold the tree down- hate to see what would have happened otherwise. :(

This "branch" fell and hit the house on the way down. Nothing major- just some soffet that Jon was able to fix the next day. There was A LOT of branches and small trees to clean up in the yard the next day and around the neighborhood. We are VERY fortunate this was all our town saw. The force of nature....

Trampoline Fun!

We were visiting our friends the Olson's (Dave, Tab, Autumn, & Ambrea) on Sunday. As apart of summer fun the Olson's bought their girls this wonderful trampoline for their enjoyment. You will see the girls had a great time playing on this and played for a few hours.

Chilly Sprinkler Fun

Even though we have not seen 80 degree weather since last summer - my kids thought the one day we did hit the mid 70's - that was enough to play in the sprinklers! Not to mention they are fully clothed though because it is so COLD outside. The kids didn't mind one bit & were carefree and happy to play in the water. I love their spirit!

Notice his FACE!!! LOL!!!

..............................................................................TOOO CUTE!!

Mother's Day

Mothers Day is always a cherished day for me with the kids. It allows me to not only reflect on how lucky and blessed I am to have two WONDERFUL, and healthy children, but also a great husband to share it all with. Occationally it also makes me reflect on how I miss my own Mom and appreciate the time and joys I DO get to share with my children where she did not. This year we celebrated by going to Nick and Ashleys for Ian's b-day party followed up with a cook out for all of the Mom's. Kids' were playing on the trampoline, there was swinging, and even a beauty shop for the day. I believe fun was had by all!!!

Woodbury Fun!

Every year I (Michelle) go to the Woodbury Thrift sales for good deals on kids clothes. The last couple of years I have been meeting up with Jon's cousins Pat & Bridgit at Pat and Jeff's house in Woodbury for some girl time. This year there was an incident after a "few" margaritas where Pat was trying to text a message to Jon on Michelle's phone. It was a hilarious 20 minute ordeal to text a few words that did not make any sense, followed by a 10 minute ordeal to send a message asking Jon when the family was going to come over for a visit. As you will see I personally found this rather amusing watching Pat struggle on my non upgrade phone to Bridgit finding the need to jump up and snap some pictures to capture the moment. It was a VERY fun night and the girls made the most of it- the next morning though was a little slow going for all. : ( I can't wait till next year to see what is in store for us. I will have to say though Pat I did not make the "mark" this year (not mentioning Chris's name) so we will have to see who is up for next years festivities. Fun!!!

Madie looses her 1st Tooth

Madie looses her first tooth- 05/02/2008.

We all knew for quite some time that Madie had a loose tooth that was just about to fall out. It got to the point though where Mom and Dad were worried about her swallowing the tooth. We were going to pull the tooth for her when she insisted that "IWILL DO IT!!!" Jon and Michelle watched as Madie took the tooth and plucked it out. She was excitted and happy for the tooth to finally to be out. That night the tooth fairy came and gave Madie $$. She was THIRLLED!!

Charlie's First Communion

Charlie's 1st Communion-Charlie looked so grown up in his dress outfit as he made his parents so proud! Dad had to help Charlie with the tie, and Charlie acted like such a gentleman all all through Church. Charlie was getting a little tired of all of the pictures and wanted everyone to just "be done already!". (see him shaking his head below). He was very patient though- Mom takes a lot of pictures as did Grandma and Aunt Rita. Charlie's Great Aunt Rita and Great Uncle Steve came all the way from Norway, MI for his communion. It was very nice of them to make the long trip just to see the family.