Dear Noah,
I knew this day would come. I just didn't think it would be on Thanksgiving. I hope this will slow you down, but I know it probably won't. You are such a special little guy and we love you so much! Just try and steer clear of the holidays from now on.

Love,
Mom

Dear Readers of my Blog (if there are any left),

I may or may not be getting bullied by my sister-in-law and mother-in-law to put up a new blog post. So, for those of you still interested, here is what we have been up to lately.

Love,
Erin
p.s. love you Dana and Sandra!

Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens

Landon's 5th Birthday

Fall soccer for Abbie and Landon

An afternoon of playing in the leaves

Halloween 2010

Dear Grandmas,
We know how much you love pictures of your grandkids, so here are some of them playing at the park on Labor Day. It was nice because Mike and I just sat and talked while the kids played. I think at one point, we actually fell asleep for awhile. Aren't they just so cute?

Love,
Mike and Erin

Dear Summer,
You've been so good to us this year! Thanks.

Love,
The Hales

Dear Abs,

How come you're still so cute, even with no teeth?

Dear Koman Coulibaly,

You stink.

Sincerely,

Mike

Dear Erin,

Next time you get 4 hours for an afternoon nap while your sleep deprived husband manages the affairs of the home, please wake up less grouchy and more appreciative.

Love,

Mike

Dear Mike,

Next time you decide to have a power struggle with your daughter for 45 minutes, could you just hold off and not do it right as I lay down for my (much needed) nap. or at least take it downstairs. That would be great. Thanks.

Love,
Erin

Dear Noah (aka "Chip"),

You're gonna be that kid huh? The one who is constantly getting hurt. Our broken bones, stitches, no fear kid. Kind of like your Uncle Scott. That makes my stomach turn just writing it. (Sorry Rach, your kids have no chance). Next time (and I know there will be one) remember these words....."close your mouth when you fall, close your mouth when you fall."

Love,

Mom

Dear Easter Bunny,

Thank you for coming and bringing us candy and presents. We were so excited, you would have
thought it was Christmas morning. Abbie loved her new jumprope, Landon played with his new puzzles all day, and Noah ate easter grass. You were a really good hider this year. The kids actually found their baskets rather quickly, but I for some reason could not find mine. I guess you put a lot of extra thought into my hiding spot, or maybe you were just being an obnoxious taunting butt! Whatever the case, I finally found it, way after everyone else and I appreciate the treats and gifts. We also enjoyed the egg hunt. Again, you were a spectacular hider. So, good in fact that the kids were almost in tears because they couldn't find ANY of the eggs. Mike helped out though. For some reason he seemed to know where most of them were hidden. (sigh) I'm exhausted. It was a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Erin

P.S. also, thanks for coming on Conference weekend. It made it all the more special to be in pajamas all day!

Dear Mother Nature,

I forgive you. We can still be friends.

Sincerely,

Erin