one look...

one look: can you tell how much they love one another?

counting down the days...

counting down the days: i am starting to dread going back to work. I have been enjoying my time with Sophia immensely, but all good things come to an end. I have been going to school this week starting to prepare for the new school year. Sophia has been coming with me, but Livi and she begin their new daycare on August 4th. We're going to try half days for the first week or two to see how things go. I am so nervous! I think the girls will be fine, but can I have a sedative or something...

doctor, doctor...

doctor, doctor: livi saw the pediatrician today for her 3-year old check-up. She was a little apprehensive, but Bobby told her she wouldn't get "poked" today, which made her feel better. I couldn't believe how grown up she has become. The nurse checked her hearing (Liv wore the headsets and had to listen for the "beep"), vision (she had to read the shapes instead of the letters), and blood pressure. The pediatrician checked all the standards things (heartbeat, breathing, motor skills, etc). After the visit, the doctor gave Livi a sucker to take home with her. As we were leaving the clinic, I asked Livi what she thought of the doctor's appointment, and she replied, "It was cool." Kids say the darndest things.... :)

a little stain goes a long way...

a little stain goes a long way: my parents have been diligently staining

our deck and fence this past week.

(BEFORE)

(AFTER)
See...

watching

all

those

HGTV and

TLC

programs

have finally paid off!

when i grow up...

when i grow up: livi was a fisher-girl by morning and a cowgirl by evening. Her future is filled with endless possibilities...

crash, boom, bang...

crash, boom, bang: we visited the sederholm family in elk river for the fourth of july. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. Brauts, sunshine, family, swimming...what more could we ask for?
kaytlin, elana, livia, and bobby taking a dip in the pool...
waiting for the fireworks to begin in the back of the expedition...

We drove to Annandale to see their fireworks display. All four of us crawled in the back of the truck to watch the display bug-free and air-conditioned! That's the life...

if you give a mouse a cookie...

if you give a mouse a cookie...
then she'll ask for some fun with her friend, lauren...
which will lead to more fun on the merry-go-round...

My mom, Sophia, Livia, and I attended "Toddler Tuesday" at the Mall of America today. After the presentation, we (my friend Julie and her daughter, Lucy and my other friend Sarah and her daughter, Lauren) headed to Nickelodeon Universe. The girls had a great time (including the moms), followed by an expensive, but delicious meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant. I think we will have to dub this day "Mommy/Daughter Day" with the 3 "L's" and start a tradition. What do you think girls?