Random Pics

Just a few random pictures from the last couple weeks...

 Two loves of my life!

 licking their bowls clean after ice cream

 Tristan sneaking some black olives, one of his favorite foods

 We leave our windows open at night to let the cool air in for the next day so mornings can be a bit chilly.  The boys got cold while eating breakfast.

Tristanmeister!

Comparison

First day of 3 year old preschool....

First day of 4 year old preschool...

The Jacksonator is growing up!

First day of preschool

Today was Jackson's first day of 4 year old preschool.  Earlier this summer he was very excited.  Even earlier this month he was very excited.  The past few days he's gotten very nervous.  Last night he even told me he didn't want to go to preschool. 

He's met his teacher Mrs. Lenth twice now.  He even has some friends from daycare in his class.  We talked about how it was okay to be nervous and I promised him he would have a good time.  He was fine this morning.  Karsten gave him a ride to preschool.  Jackson has mentioned riding the bus, but I don't think I'm quite ready for that.  I told him we'd talk about it later.

 My big 4 year old (almost 5 year old, gasp!)

And of course, one with the little brother.  We've been talking about preschool so much lately I think Tristan would love to go.

Tristan and I picked Jackson up this morning from preschool and he had a great morning.  Relief!  I knew deep down he'd do fine, he's a pretty friendly kid and easy to get along with.  His buddy Wesley is NOT in his preschool class this year and this is okay.  Last year they tended to rely on each other quite a bit.  I'm pretty sure Wesley's mom is okay with them not being together as well.

Jackson will go Monday thru Thursday in the morning.  He's already excited to go back tomorrow.

Garage progress

Not much has been happening out at the farm lately.  The concrete guys have been doing their thing, it seems like it's a long process since you have to let it "set" for so long.  I'm glad to say they are pretty much done!  Here's the progress...

 Mark Bries did all of the digging.  He also put in the new septic system and took down the huge tree in the front yard.  He's great!

 All dug up and ready for concrete!  Check out all those roots from the tree we took down earlier this year.

 Footings are in!

Garage floor done!  It looks great!

Kelly Concrete did a great job!  They still have to do the driveway (approach) but that probably won't be for a little while.  Now we just wait for it to "set" so the carpenters can come!

Takeoff!

Before...

 After...

I was honestly very sad and a little scared to see that tree go.  I remember playing in that tree when I was little.  It was an enormous arborvitae tree that you could actually climb thru the different branch outs.  It was sometimes referred to as "The Spaceship".

A walk by the river

Every once in a while we like to go to Elkader and walk by the Turkey river.  There is a really nice paved walk starting at the bridge and leading down into the park.  The boys take their "bikes" and we have a nice evening as a family.  We usually just walk down to the park, play for a while then walk back.  Sometimes we have supper at the Burger Barn, complete with ice cream (I love their ice cream).

The Fair!

It's time for the Clayton County Fair!  The fair was always such a big part of my life when I was younger.  I did the 4-H thing and the fair was the ultimate when you're a teenager.  I try to take the boys one day every year.  Mom came along with us and Dad was already there helping with the sheep show.

 The boys' favorite at the fair is checking out the tractors, skid loaders, lawnmowers, etc.  We came back to this area about 3 times throughout the day.

 And we of course had to stop at the dairy bar for ice cream!

We went thru a couple barns to look at the animals.  The rabbits and poultry are probably their favorite.  We also watched the sheep show for a little while.  We didn't do any rides this year, but I had to promise Jackson that next year we would do them.  A few hours at the fair and we are pretty much done.  I really do enjoy going but I'm done after a few hours.