Halloween, Hunting, and Isabel turns 2!

Fall 2010 is defenitely living up to my expectations! Trick or treating with my kids for the first time, Isabel turning 2 and celebrating with friends and family, and a most memorable hunting season!
After not seeing a deer at either the morning or evening sits opening day, I opted for a more active hunt on Sunday. A sat in our front stand in the early morning, busting through ice and deep water at 0800 to try 2 other stands in the back. I was in the 3rd stand for maybe 25 minutes when I heard deer walking. I scoured the woods and spotted a deer, which I suspected was a doe but was ready to shoot regardless since I had tags for both. I ended up shooting her and the buck following her which turned out to be a 192# deer. A very exciting few minutes of hunting. My cousin Scott shot this 181# buck with very wide antlers the same day.

Isabel enjoys a second birthday celebration complete with another cake at Grandma Priscilla's. Isabel's 2nd Birthday celebration at auntie Christa's.

Presents!!!

Emmy lou (Snow white) celebrating Isabel's birthday.

Zoo keeper, monkey, and banana.

Halloween night Trick or Treating.

Ready to go trick or treating at Cub and Coborn's.

Trick or treating at downtown Elk River businesses.

Brianna's Baptism & more Fall fun

Brianna was baptized at St Francis of Assissi Church where both Scott and I went when we were young. She wore Scott's gown made by his Grandma just like Isabel. Scott's sister Kristin and Jen's brother Jeff are the Godparents. Father Jerome Kaiser performed the Baptism.

We had a nice party afterward at Scott's dad's house.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, where Scott works now.

I carried Bell and pushed Breezy.

Bell playing in Uncle Jonny's leaf pile.

Another trip to Como Zoo after the crowds have gone back to school.

Orangutans are my favorites!

Autumn Fun

MN has enjoyed an incredibly beautiful October this year. We decided to take full advantage of the weather by participating in a few "fall activities". We visited Aamodt's Apple Orchard one of our favorite childhood haunts. Isabel getting friendly with some autumn mums.

We also went to Country Sun Farms to check out the farm critters. This goat was quite taken with Breezy.

Isabel loved feeding the cow the best.

Since "Babe" is Isabel's new favorite movie she was pleasantly surprised to see sheep at the farm.

Isabel is growing up too fast some days!

Isabel had a few friends over to celebrate moving back to MN.

As summer winds down, we decided to head north to our Wisconsin cabin and stopped in Duluth along the way. Isabel is very happy to live in a green warmer place now.

Breezy continues to be a very happy baby, spending many hours on her tummy unlike her sister who always cried when we put her on her tummy, and impatiently waited for us to turn her back over. Someone may prove to be an early crawler.

Isabel is definitely getting more exploratory lately, taking bigger and bigger chances, resulting in many bumps and bruises.

Living close to grandmas has its benefits. Both girls have increased their wardrobes dramatically, have doubled the number of hugs they recieive, and Isabel is learning the meaning of plural. Last time grandma and great grandma left she said "Bye Grandmas!"

Breezy takes her turn in the Chariot.

Sisters lounging on our living room floor. We all love our new rug.

Breezy is able to stand on her own already at 4 1/2 months!

End of summer

In Alaska, fireweed blooming to the top signified the end of summer. In Minnesota, it's definitely the MN State Fair. This year we brought both babies and a back surgery recovering Scott. Bell and I cleaned up at the midway. Breezy slept through much of the experience.

Breezy at 4 months old.

Isabel pushing her cousin Elijah around the deck.

4 mos and 22 mos. The girls love to make each other laugh now.

Breezy and Daddy lounging on our couch.

Sisters:)

More summer fun

View from our sliding glass door. A double rainbow.

Isabel learning to "be gentle" with critters. This was taken at the A Maze n' Barnyard near Eden Valley Minnesota.

Little miss independent Isabel insists on walking rather than riding in the stroller, in Afton with Auntie Christa.Isabel finds water whenever she can. She has been in many pools and puddles this summer.

Proud papas, Scotty and Jeff with Brianna and Elaina.

Daddy daughter snuggle time.

The girls love their uncle Jeffy!

Breezy is getting so big!