Our Fall Ride

One of the things I love most about living in a small town is being able to walk or ride a bike everywhere. We walk to the park, library, pool, grocery store, bank, and today we rode our bikes to watch Daddy's football game. It was perfect bike riding/football watching weather! These pictures of are of us on our bike ride this past weekend. You may remember the beautiful bike path Hinckley has just a few blocks from our house. And look Dad- I still wear a helmet.  I figure if I make the kids wear one- I should too!  

Back to School

I am so that mom that takes back to school pictures. I don't care how old they get- I will get one every year. Just like my mom did! Holy macaroni- Sophia started first grade this year. Happy to report she loves to read like her mom and in the top reading class. Guess the zillions of bedtime stories paid off! Joey started preschool this year and she attends the program offered in the same building that Sophia and I are in so it's exciting! She could hardly contain her excitement, too cute! Carson is also attending class, it's called " How to drive my sisters crazy" , he is getting all A's! Back to craziness at our house, guess you can't avoid it.  It's so bittersweet to see them grow up, I want them to grow up but still stay my babies!!

This boy has me around his little finger...and he knows it!!

Papa George

When ever I fly I think of Grandpa George. Maybe it's because he was in the Air force, or because he loved to fly. But mostly I have fond memories of picking up my  Grandparents at the airport. I have been missing Grandpa a lot lately. I miss his laugh for sure. The way he smelled of tobacco and Grandma's cooking and the way he hugged me so tight when I had to leave- I didn't think he could let go. I also miss the way he answered all my questions about WWII ( I think he liked my obsession with war stories). The thing I miss the most is they way he answered the phone " Hey Jillie" when I called every Sunday. I know you all miss him too, he was a really awesome Grandpa, dad and husband. I guess we should all be so lucky to be missed so much when we pass.  Miss you Grandpa! ( Don't you love this pic of me and grandma and grandpa? I think it's 1983)

Lego Land

Ahh .. another Mall of America Favorite, LEGO LAND!! All I need to say is Legos for Christmas please!!!

Underwater Adventures

The Hopkins

clan took a trip to Mall of America to see Underwater Adventures to celebrate the end of the summer. We enjoyed it and Joey finally got to see her sea horses. I think she was surprised that they are not as cuddly as her stuffed animals. Carson was most interested in the 16 pound lobster. Sophia was so excited to touch the sea star and a crab. Brad and I both enjoyed the sea horses. There are many different kinds and it's interesting to see them in person. We purchased a family membership so that I have somewhere to take the kids this winter when Dad is so busy coaching basketball. Most recently I have gone back to work and the kids are getting adjusted to Daddy Boot Camp. The girls start school next week!

One of my Fav's from Vegas

I just had to see the Bellagio Fountains when we went to Vegas. It is in the last scene in Ocean's Eleven one of my favorite movies. Luckily we stayed right across the street so we saw it a few times. Brad and I had a great time. Too bad we had to come home to a flooded basement. Thanks Aunti Cookie for watching all THREE kids. I guess we owe you one, or two!

Oh Josephine......

This is our typical Josephine. In a dress, crooked pigtails, fluffy slippers and an armful of animals. I just had to take her picture. Her obsession this summer has been ostriches, sea horses and hummingbirds (due to our hummingbird feeder on the  kitchen window). She also has named her beloved bunny "Bob" and her new pet seahorse "Doug". She LOVES spaghetti and Coco Puffs. She also needs a band-aide daily. So I guess I will put band-aides on her xmas list! Oh Josephine.. we love you! 

Family Camping Trip

We took a camping trip to St. Croix Haven along with 4 other families. We had a great time, slept in a tent too. Brad slept by the door to keep all the wild animals away! The kids had a blast and are already planning another camp out!

Camping part 2