Nelson Farm

One of our favorite fall activities is going to the Nelson Farm.  They have tons of fun things to do and animals to see!  It's close by and it's a great place for the kids to burn off some energy.  This year, our relatives from Colorado were able to join us as they were in town for a family wedding.  

Grandpa Steve and Corey 

Grandpa teaching the boys how to talk to the geese 

the cute baby calf - that was really tame!   

Henry, just being Henry.  He loves to just walk around... 

 Julianne and Corey

Ready for the crazy train ride!

 Jules

 Jules and Corey - one more ride before we head home

Henry and Will on the bouncy balls!

Kindergarten

What a fun time in the Frank house - we have a Kindergartner!  Julianne was so excited to start school.  She is pretty shy, so I was nervous for her, but she did awesome.  She was excited and never had any fear.  Way to go Jules - we're so proud of you!

Orientation Day 

Julianne goes to West Elementary in Hutchinson.  She rides with me into town every morning and gets on and off the bus at her daycare.  It works really well!!! 

First day of school!!!  You can almost feel the excitement beaming from her smile!

Will had to get in on the action

 Our big girl....

Julianne has been at the same daycare since she was 3 months old and she has made some great friends.  Luke and Ethan also have been going to April's since they were babies and the three of them have gone to preschool together and grown up together....

And now they are going to Kindergarten together!!  

They are all in different Kindergarten classes, but they all get on and off the bus each day at daycare.  It makes me feel so much better knowing Jules has these two to look after her!

October update:  We have had Julianne's first conference with her teacher and she is doing great; we couldn't be more proud!  She is in the top reading group in her class and was even chosen to be in a special Math group.  The six kids who scored the best on their assessments at the beginning of the year were chosen for this group.  I am in awe at how much she has learned already and so looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring!

All dressed up

Labor Day weekend, Nick's cousin Lauren got married so I took advantage of the opportunity and got some pictures when we were all dressed up!!

The two cutest kids on the planet

Family photo! 

Cousins!  I think all four of them had a blast at the wedding dance.  I tried to get pictures of them on the dance floor, but they were moving so fast, it turned out blurry... The wedding dance was in Spicer so some of the extended family rented a bus to take us from the Lake to the dance and then bring us back to the Lake.  Most everyone also stayed the night at the Lake so we had a good time!  

The Frank boys!

HH Picnic

The kids had fun once again at the Hutch Health employee picnic.

The Bouncy slides were a hit! 

 Even Will got in on the action!

We also rode in the fire truck bucket all-the-way to the top.  I thought the kids would be scared, but they really liked it!  We were really high up!

Will is 2!

I can't believe our little monkey is two already!!! Let me tell you, he is ALLLL boy! The nick-name I gave him recently was Dennis the Menace if that gives you a clue... He is into everything!  In one night, he put his blanket in the toilet, dumped out both sets of his blocks, dumped the markers and stickers all over the floor and destroyed my clean pile of just-folded clothes.  Ugh!  He also still loves his sister, so much that he tends to "tackle her" when he gives her a hug.  He loves to wrestle and be rough - but he's still a cuddle when he wants to be.  He's completely obsessed with tractors and can spot a combine from a mile away.  Our favorite thing to look at on the way into town are the "baby cows." 

William with his special lunch for his birthday.

Happy 2nd Birthday William!!

On William's actual birthday, August 16, we had a party for him at our house.  The good thing about having a summer birthday is that we can be outside!  We had the slip n slide and pools set up and sat on the deck the entire day.  We ended the night with a campfire and sleep-over with Ashley, Dan, Shay and Bree - so fun!

Look at those presents - the big boy and the pretty girls! 

Will and his tractor cake 

Blowing out his two candles!

40 years!

This August, my parents celebrated their 40th Anniversary - what a great accomplishment!  My sisters and I threw a party for them (at their house and they provided most of the major food and beer!) and it was a FAB-U-LOUS day!  Maybe I'm a little biased, but I happen to think my mom and dad are the best role models one could ask for.  And I think a lot of other people feel the same way - as evident by the number of people that showed up their party!  THANK YOU to all who came to help us celebrate; we could haven't asked for a better day!

Mom and Dad's wedding photo, invite and napkin 

Bride and Bridesmaid dress - Gotta love the '70s!

My sister had them "re-do" one of their wedding photos 

The kids had a ball!  It was a warm day so we set up a pool and slip n slide. 

Some of the grown ups having a good time 

Fun in the pool 

Look at all those people! 

Trouble-makers! 

More people

The "Not-so-newlyweds"!  They really haven't changed bit! 

The wedding party - just missing two groomsmen, one usher and the miniature bride!

Mom & Dad

For all the times that I forgot to "thank-you,"

For all the special little things you do,

For all the words that sometimes go unspoken, 

I need to say "I love you both... I do."

I love you for the way to stop and listen,

And for your kind support throughout the years,

For teaching me the meaning of compassion, 

And sharing in my triumphs and tears.

And if at times I may have seemed ungrateful,

I want to say "I truly hope you see

That nothing you have done has been forgotten,

And day by day, you just mean more to me."

Happy Anniversary!

Love, Stef

Zoo

The end of July, we went to the Como Zoo with Alissa, Josh and Henry.  We had a great time!  I love the Como Zoo - there's so much to do!  We could have spent all day just in the amusement park.  The kids were upset when it was time to leave and they hadn't had a get a chance to play on the Splash pad yet.  But a couple hours is long enough - by that time we're all cranky and tired of waiting in lines!

So excited to get there!  

First ride of the day was a good one! 

Jules! 

Alissa and the boys on the tea cups

Julianne rode the swings 

On the train 

Alissa and Henry 

Jules and I rode the spraying Fire Trucks... 

...while Will drove for us! 

Julianne and I rode the zip line.  We went up 100 feet and could see downtown St. Paul from the top!  It was fun! 

The giraffes