Minnesota State Fair

This is the "ride" that Abbie chose. She just jumped straight up and down (that was a great $5 spent) but still had a great time. I kept trying to get her to attempt a flip, but she wouldn't. She needs some lessons from Uncle Scott!
Mike and his turkey leg! It was soooooooooo good. I bet it looked really great to everyone else walking around to see a pregnant woman biting off of a huge leg of turkey! It was worth it!!
This fair had a great display of animals. The kids could pretty much touch/pet whatever they wanted. Landon and Abs both loved the bunnies. Landon kept saying "so cute" in a really high-pitched girly voice.The baby pigs were my favorite part of the animal display. they were onlt 8 days old and the size of a human newborn. That is Abbie's finger touching the pig. She didn't want to get too close with some of the animals.
This was hands down My and Mike's favorite thing that we ate. Deep fried potatoes and you dip them in ranch and cheddar. I'm salivating as I'm writing. Yum!

Updates

Here's what we've been up to......

Abbie decided a few weeks ago that she wanted her hair cut short...well, the lady that did it went a little overboard and I had a few moments of panick, but it turned out really cute. She loves it and says that she always wants to have her hair like this. It's definitly easier to brush that's for sure!

We were lucky enough to get some family up to visit for a week. Scott, Laura, Jordan and Annie made the long drive up from Utah and stayed for 7 days. We had such a blast! Here is Scott and the kids at the Mall.We went to drive go-carts the first night they were here. The kids absolutely loved it! I actually even rode too. It looked like too much fun...I couldn't resist. I also dominated on the course!!! I hope the baby didn't get too jostled around...it was pretty bumpy.
On their last night here, we went to the Twins game. They were playing the Yankees. We ate tons of ballpark food, and stayed up way to late. I don't think the kids got to bed until after midnight. It was so fun!!! Ewwww Jordan decided to shave a mustache right before they went home.Annie and Abbie enjoying the game and eatin cotton candy!

And last, but not least....this is what has been consuming me for this week. Mike and I decided that it was time to potty train Landon. We want him out of diapers before he starts Sunbeams next year and I certainly don't want to be doing this once I have the baby. He is doing really well. Abbie was really easy to potty train, and I know it won't be like that, but I think he is getting the hang of it. Here he is watching Harry Potter while attempting to pee.

Sunday Afternoon at the Park

Last Sunday was one of the muggiest days we have had so far this summer, so what does my husband want to do?.......... go outside of course. I just sat there the whole time not moving, but sweating to death! I didn't think the kids would last long because it was so hot, but of course we had to pry them away from the playground after about an hour and a half. Mike thought it was really funny to take pictures of me in a grouchy, pregnant state. Yea, it was real hilarious, and no you will not be seeing those pictures. As you can see, in the above picture, Abbie's arm is doing well. She was able to do the monkey bars and is swimming like a fish at the pool. The forecast for this week is in the 90's and fairly humid. We have really lucked out this summer so far. The temperature has stayed in the 80's and we have had very few humid days. Looks like August is about to change all that. AAAAAAAAAGH!!!

Mall of America

So, a few weeks ago, we went to a parade at which they were giving out free vouchers to ride the rides at Mall of America. These were no lame vouchers. They were for all-day wristbands. These wrist bands cost $30 each, but we got three free ones. Mike had an early day a few weeks ago, and Abbie has been begging to go ride the rides, so we went. We got there at about 3:30 and didn't leave until after 9:00. My kids were totally in their element. The theme park is Nickelodeon themed, so Landon thought it was so cool that he got to ride on the Diego, Dora and Wonder Pets rides. As you can see, Mike "got" to ride on a few rides too. I think the kids would have stayed there all night if they could have. I told Abbie to enjoy it because we will not be coming back and spending $120 to do this again anytime soon. Maybe we'll get some more free passes at the parade next year!

Cast free and lovin life!

The day came and went without any tears. When we got to the hospital, Abbie was a little nervous and I could tell by the look on her face that she was about to cry, but the guy that took her cast off, reassured her that he would not cut her and told her everything that he was going to do before he did it. He was really good! He let her keep her cast since all of her friends had signed it and even gave her a special cloth bag to keep it in. I was so proud of her. I could see her trying to be so brave and she really was. Her skin wasn't too bad underneath and returned to normal within a few days. I can't tell you how glad I am to have that cast gone. It was getting to be a real headache trying to remember a bag everytime we went swimming or anywhere with water for that matter. So long bright pink annoying cast. Hopefully it will be our last (at least for a little while).

Happy, Happy, Happy

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband Mike! We got married 8 years ago today! Here are 5 things I love about him:
1. His sense of humor
2. He is a very hard worker (thank you Brent Hale)
3. He is a wonderful father
4. What you see is what you get with Mike. He is not fake. He is 100% himself all of the time.
5. He loves his family and the Gospel
I love you so much Mike! Thanks for all you do.

Happy 4th of July! Here are some pictures of the kids waiting for fireworks, and watching them with Mike. Yes, I was there, but since I am pregnant, I will not be in any pictures. We had a great day hanging with friends, eating ribs, and watching a great fireworks show. Hope everyone had a great day too!

Happy Birthday to Mike. Along with all of our July 4th activities, we also celebrated Mike's 30th birthday. He was able to be home for the entire day. That was the best present he recieved i'm sure! Mike and I are now both officially out of our 20's. I feel really old! I'm just glad Mike is 30 now, because I've had to endure a month of torture and tormenting from him about how old I am. Love you babe!

The Hale's Got Talent!

Mike has been letting the kids play with his harmonica for the past few days. Landon came upstairs last night with Abbie's "Elton John" sunglasses on and was blowin away on the "monica." It was so hilarious. We were all laughing, which only prompted him to put on more of a show. What a funny kid.

Aquatic Park

Mike was able to go with us to the local pool the other night. The kids and I have Summer passes, but Mike had to pay. It was worth it though. It wasn't too crowded, and the kids got to go on the big waterslides. Abbie was a little apprehensive at first, but then decided to give it a try. As you can see from the smile on her face, she LOVED it! Mike just had her hold her cast up and we put a bag on it. It was pretty funny. Landon on the other hand was trying to run up the steps to go by himself. He also loved it. I love the times when Mike gets to go with us to our favorite places. I know the kids love it too. Landon wanted him to do everything for him, and Abbie just kept saying "Watch me daddy!" I love my little family!

Poor Poor Abbie

So, It's finally happened! We have a broken bone. I have to admit, I'm a little surprised it didn't happen earlier. No, this did not happen from the kids jumping on the couch...Abbie fell off of the neighbors swing last Saturday. She is not crying in the picture from the pain and trauma of a broken arm, rather the lack of a nap. She did not want to cooperate for a picture and apparently I was making her miss her favorite part of the show she was watching. Anyway, she is doing fine. She has to have her cast on for 4 weeks, which is really bad timing considering Summer just started. She was great getting the cast on...no complaints, but we'll see what happens when they come at her with a rotating saw in a few weeks.

Crazy Hair!

So, I went to get my hair cut on Friday, and Abbie came with me. The girl who cut my hair asked if I had ever put Abbie's hair in socks. She said you just roll the hair around the sock, and tie it off at the top. Well, we decided to try it Sunday night. Abs really loved how funny she looked with all the socks in her hair.

This was the result the next morning. I didn't even know what to do with it! It was so short. We opted for a ponytail, which actually looked like a prom hairdo with how curly it was. She looked pretty cute! Just for the record, Landon got a haircut this past week too.

Two in a row!

We found out that we are having another boy! Mike and I are thrilled to finally know. It feels like it has taken me forever to get to 20 weeks. Abbie was not so thrilled about the prospect of having another brother. She of course wanted a girl. I reminded her about how much she loves her brother and she'll have another one to love. Landon doesn't know the difference. He just tells me that the babys name is going to be James, Percy, Thomas, Gordon etc..... I;m just happy to say that I'm half way done! Now if I can just get through the hot Summer!

Time for a haircut?

Need I say more?

Goodbye Preschool!

Yeah! I offically have a Kindergartener! Abs had her last day of preschool last Friday. Her teacher made all of the kids in the class a memory book and totally started crying when she gave them out. It was so sweet! It almost made my pregnant self cry. Abbie has really loved this preschool and I have really loved having her go 5 days per week. She is excited to be staying home with me this summer (yipee), but at the same time very excited about starting Kindergarten in September. She said to me the other day that she was nervous about starting Kindergarten because she didn't want any of the kids to bump into her. I don't think I can promise her that that won't happen!

Camping Trip

Getting ready to go hiking
The kids had been so excited all week about having "white donuts" for breakfast when we go camping.
This is Landons version of Smores. Put three uncooked marshmallows on a stick and eat.

Last weekend Mike and I decided to take the kids and go camping. We didn't leave until 5:00, but the campsite was only 30 minutes away. We had a great time hiking, making smores and watching a movie in the tent. The kids didn't fall asleep until around 11:00, and for Landon that was only after some much needed Benadryl. I mean don't get me wrong, it was fun, but not as much fun as watching Mike, Aaron and Erik try to kill the Raccoons. We definitely prefer to go with friends.

Off Line and Out of the Loop!

So, we have not had phone or internet for the past 2 weeks (thank you Qwest) and I have really been struggling not being able to get any email, or check any blogs. It's been torture let me tell you! Now we're back on line and here's what we've been up to!Landon was busy at wotk one day. He came in and was yelling "I show you, I show you." This is what he wanted to show me...that he had put all of the letter magnets with their coordinating colors. He was very proud and even posed for a picture.
Landon was invited to his first Birthday party on the 10th of May! It was for a mutual friend of Abbie and Landon's so Abs got to go too. We went bowling. Of course Abbie is a pro, but it was Landons first time. It was pretty cute!

The kids and I on Mother's Day. I think I had just woken up from a nap! This is my delicious chocolate cake that Abbie picked out for me at the store (complete with candy sprinkles) and that Mike made. Mike on Mother's Day. He looks pretty tired huh? The kids and I have been spending a lot of time outdoors, especially at the local parks. It really makes the time pass quickly and it's something that they can do on their own. I just have to drive them there and then sit in the sun!
And finally, Abbie has been working towards the ultimate goal of getting to buy Alvin and the Chipmunks. She had to earn 100 stickers by doing things "Happy and Fast" when we ask. It took her about two months, but she finally did it! It was a very exciting day and I was so proud of her.