Summer 2015 | Kindergarten Starts Soon

Kyler,

I can't believe how 5 1/2 years has flown by. It's hard to bring myself to accept that you're growing up. One part of me is so thankful to the Lord that your healthy and growing but another part of me tugs at the fact that time goes by so fast. I want to just relive every moment of being your Mom, it's the best part of being "me". In a few short weeks you'll be starting Kindergarten, I sense that we both know this means more time apart from one another. My heart mourns a little that your little years are behind us but I'm anxiously awaiting to watch you grow into a young boy. 

 I want to relish in the next few "Mommy Kyler" days and just slow down and enjoy every bit of those special moments together. As you start your first weeks of Kindergarten I'll be thinking of all the new and exciting things you're going to be learning; what a blessing.

My prayers for you are fierce as you start this new journey. Lord help Kyler to know that he is loved by You. Let him rest in your love and find strength in it. Your school years are such a gift, a time to learn, discover and grow. As you're starting your school journey remember one thing, you are a gift from God. You are perfectly made. Not all children of God are the same. You may be quick to learn one thing and it may take you a little longer on the next...that's okay. That's the beauty of learning, we learn at our own pace. Be confident in yourself and don't forget Mommy is here to help teach you to love yourself but above all, love God.

Love you Ky,

Mommy

Here's a snapshot of our summer:

{May 2015 Last Day of Pre-School}

Twins Game | Trip to Minneapolis

We totally scored when we moved into our house. We have the very best neighbors who happen to have the sweetest little girl. They are the kind of neighbors you dream of having but never think exist...well they do. We had been throwing around the idea of a little mini trip to the Twin Cities and we finally made it happen. We had a blast!  We went to to a Twins game, Como Zoo, shopped and ATE (and ate)! The kids had a blast and I think it's safe to say all of us adults did as well.

Morning Snuggles

If you're in the area, the Marriott Residence Inn off of France Ave in Edina, MN has the most amazing indoor play park for kids. It has a huge indoor three story playground, basketball court, bouncy house and lots more. Worth a stop if you have kiddos. 

We got our shop on, we skipped Mall of America and headed over to South Dale and the Galleria. All the stores and no crowds = shopping bliss.

{ check out his socks ;) }

So much fun! I couldn't believe Kyler was so ready to do such a scary ride {scary for me anyways}. 

Got their Twins jerseys on, ready for the game.

 He was thrilled that they gave him a paper "drivers license" :) 

Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, foam fingers and sweaty kids...they had a great day! 

Hot Fudge Sauce | Food Gifting

Doesn't food always seem like the perfect gift? I know for myself,  I much prefer to have something homemade than a store bought gift; particularly food. This fudge sauce is such a fun treat to give to others, sort of unexpected.

 This recipe is my Great Aunt Lillian's. She was quite the gal', she knew her way around a kitchen and because she grew up in the great depression, on a farm in the middle of South Dakota, she doesn't waste a darn tootin' thing. This is a recipe she would make on special occasions. I find it really fun to make in the summer time when we are over indulging in hot fudge sundaes topped with a cherry out on our deck. But you can make this whenever; teachers gifts, Christmas gifts, just because... plus is super easy and cheap inexpensive to make!

 {Hard at work in the kitchen}

{Gifting to our sweet neighbors}

Fourth of July Weekend at the Lake

Fourth of July may be one of my favorite holidays. For us it means time at the lake with family. This was the first year that Kyler felt comfortable enough to hop into the tube with Mama and let Daddy take us for a ride. He's such a lake boy, he just love, love loves boating. 

We are fortunate enough to have Grandma and Grandpas lake house about an hour away. What a treat.  We grab the boat and go! 

One of his favorite spots

We tried...

We celebrate many birthday's during the month of July! And we indulge in seasonal berry cobblers. We have a family tradition of picking strawberries. Jam, cobblers and sundaes are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the seasons bounty. 

My first Ina Garten flag cake...so gooooood! I'll definitely be using this recipe as a base again. It was a hit. 

We didn't even make it to fireworks this year. We were one tuckered out family. Hope you had a great Fourth!