Leyton Turns 7!

Leyton is 7!

This happy dude was all smiles this morning when he woke up and found his very own stash of presents waiting for him. Walkie talkies, star wars legos, and a giant zombie nerf gun all for him!

We let him choose where he would like to go out for dinner that night, and he picked Q. Cumber's, a family favorite of ours. On top of that, Ansel & Izzy surprised him with a special cupcake. So sweet! We had a great night out celebrating and are so thankful for our sweet little lover Leyton. He is so full of life, joy, and endless creativity. We get such a kick out of this cutie!

Back to School

Woohoo! School is back in session!!

Brody

3rd Grade

Mr. Albers' Class

Leyton

1st Grade

Mrs. Moore's Class

Callan

Pre-K

Ms. Abbey's Class

Minnesota State Fair

One of our favorite times of the year is upon us! The Minnesota State Fair!! Brody arrived home from camp yesterday evening, and before I could even unpack all his stuff, we jumped in the car and headed to the fair.

First stop--The Haunted Mansion! Leyton was the only one brave enough to take on this place last year, but this time all three boys wanted to give it a try. I think Brody was the most afraid. :) But it was awesome! I love a good scare.

The animals are always a treat, especially my favorites, the pigs. Such cuties, even though they smell like the dickens.

Emme got to try out the little farmhands area for the first time this year, and she loved it. It was so cute to watch her in action.

And the day wouldn't be complete without a footlong pronto pup, or two.

Happy State Fair Day!

Keeping Busy

While Brody was away, the rest of us played...

cattails at centennial lakes
and i promise she has more dresses than just this one. i realized she has been wearing this is a million pictures this summer.

more adventures at centennial lakes

scootering

playing at our old park in linden hills

sometimes the best play is the most random play. ha ha!

Camp Warren

This was definitely the summer of firsts for Brody. Not only did he fly down to Texas all alone, but he also went away to camp for a week! He joined his buddies Colin and Sven for an action packed week of outdoor adventure, and he LOVED it. He is already requesting to go back for two weeks next summer!

the boys waiting to catch the bus to camp

camp leaders and cabin mates

Brody's Epic Birthday Celebration

Happiest of birthdays to our Brodan Thomas Smith! Since I was so unmotivated to plan birthday parties this year, we decided to let Brody invite three friends for a night at the Mall of America. It was a blast! These kiddos are so much fun and were great together! We had dinner at Pizza Rev, rode a ton of rides, and then ended the night with gelato before heading home. Brody was so brave and tried out many new rides that he would have balked at before. Now he can't wait to go back and ride them again! Happy Birthday, Big B!

roman, sven, brody, and matthew

Farewell, Elijah King of Smiths

We said goodbye to our sweet bully today, Elijah King of Smiths. He was a loyal friend to us and will be greatly missed. We have lots of fun memories to get us through, but wow, is it hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Things had gotten a little more challenging recently with his old age, but I was still surprised at how difficult it would be to make the decision to let him go. We are thankful for the nearly twelve years of companionship he gave us.

Brad took him to the vet this afternoon while Emme was taking a nap. She had no idea when she woke up that he was gone. At one point, I was sitting on the kitchen floor in tears and she walked up to give me a hug. She started saying, "Lijah broken mama. Lijah broken." It was unbelievable except that it really happened. I am convinced little ones know things that we don't. Remarkable.

As Brad drove away with him in the car and I sat outside waiting for his return, I saw a tiger swallowtail butterfly fluttering all around me. I know that many people say butterflies remind them of loved ones they have lost. I will hold tight to that and think of Elijah everytime I see a tiger swallowtail butterfly from now on. Rest in peace, buddy.

We Love the Zoo!

We go to the zoo often, but we never get bored. W always have new adventures when we go, and we always see new things and learn so much! This summer a new outdoor playground was opened that was amazing! I can't believe I didn't take pictures of it. Next time! It kept my kids busy for over an hour, and they could have kept going. I made them stop playing so we could see the rest of the zoo before we had to leave. I can't wait to take them back there for more outdoor exploring!!

we have SO many pictures on this turtle. it never gets old.

this butterfly thought mr. leyton would make a good resting spot.

look at these baby birdies in their nest under the bridge! so cute!