Summer/Early Fall 2003
What a fantastic summer! I feel like I swallowed up more
sunshine and summer fun than ever before. Nathaniel was always on the go
and so was I! There were many days where we only came indoors to eat and
sleep. 
I finally warmed up to the idea of Minnesota style lakes. Growing up in Indiana, I was used to the white sands and blue waters of Lake Michigan. I found the "dirty" sand and brownish water of the smaller lakes we have here disgusting! But we found some lakes that at least had waves and blue-ish water. So we became beach bums...spending every weekend at the lake. We even squeezed in a few mid-week visits when the mercury climbed.
Now Fall is upon us...and I am ready to settle in for a long Minnesota winter....well almost! We still have a few months of relative warmth left. And that chill in the air reminds me how nice a warm fire feels!
See pictures for lots more details and kid updates below!
Click Here for May 2003 Pictures
Click Here for June 2003 Pictures
Click Here for Annabelle's 5th Birthday Party Album
Click Here for July 2003 Pictures
Click Here for Annabelle's 5th Birthday
Click Here for August 2003 Pictures
Click Here for Pumpkin Festival 2003 Pictures
Annabelle
Annabelle has grown up so much this summer. She started kindergarten this fall and is loving it! Her teacher is an answer to prayer...every parent's dream! I love sending her to school each day, knowing how much she enjoys time with Mrs. Kocher and new friends.
One notable development though is the switch from "Mommy-Centric" to "Friend-centric". I noticed it toward the end of summer; where mom wasn't good enough anymore. Now with kindergarten - I have to beg for a hug or playtime! She is too busy with her friends! Who would guess that my little skirt-hugger would ever prefer anything over her beloved mommy!
Nathaniel
Nathaniel has changed a great deal too. He is 19 months now and has developed an attitude! Thankfully, he is developing some language skills. So at least her can verbalize his demands rather than grunt them out! He loves the great outdoors, I have a feeling it is going to be a long winter for him. He is also obsessed with trucks, buses and tractors. He can hear the hum of a diesel from a mile away...and follows the sound like a pack of hungry dogs after a meat truck!
For the Mommies...
For me, the hardest part of being a mom is meeting the needs of both my kids at the same time (even thought one wants to be on the moon...the other on Mars!) Perhaps it is the perfectionist still alive in me that wants to be the ultimate mommy to each of them all the time. Anyway - it nearly killed me this summer, especially when it was most often Annabelle that had to wait her turn for mommy-time. I was one burned out mom by the beginning of August!
I found great comfort in a book I read called Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul. I think all moms of young kids should read this one...it is a perfect devotional book.
Next Update...Late Fall/Holidays
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Trick or Treat Fun!
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Thanksgiving
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Holiday preparations!