Apple Orchard & Arboretum Outings

Every week we plan a family outing that allows us to share time as a family, typically outdoors to take in God's beauty. This past weekend we visited the Minnesota Harvest apple orchard in Jordan, MN. We had an absolute blast and the weather couldn't have been more perfect - lots of sunshine and warmth. We knew we were in for a treat the moment we drove up the picture-perfect drive leading into the orchard. Not only did we get to pet the beautiful full-size horses the moment we got out of our car (used for trail rides), but we thoroughly enjoyed the tractor ride leading out to the apples, picked our own delicious apples (which the munchkins took full control of), taste-tested the fruit which was allowed, LTD rode the ponies (more their size), and we topped off the afternoon by eating freshly baked apple dumplings with caramel sauce and homemade wild rice soup while we listened to polka/accordian music outside (LTD LOVE the accordian thanks to Grandma Good).Truly a grand time and will now be an annual trip for Camp Clark.

We also had time to check out the U of MN Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen earlier this month, once with the Erickson children & Mommy Nicole and a week later as a family with Dave. Both days were absolutely lovely and the grounds were bursting with flowers in full bloom. Dylan happened to casually take a poop on the grounds right in full view of the children's education building. He thought that was ok since we were "in the woods" and he equated that to camping. So here I am, picking up a big turd much like I would have done for Shaq - what a riot!! On the family play date, Dave had initially intended to take our Christmas portrait photos but Taylor got stung by a bee early on which put a damper on the "smiling". Oh well, maybe one more try when the fall leaves come out in full color?

Please check out our KodakGallery link located on the right hand side of this blog page for our September 2008 album. Lots of GREAT photos from the entire month.

More adorable sayings from LTD:
Lindsey:

"Dylan, you're driving me nuts!" (as he jokes around yet once again)

"Listen to me, I say!" ("I say" follows many of her commands)

"Hey Dyl, let's do 'nastics!" (Dylan's abbreviated nickname, short for gymnastics)

"Taylor, you're beautiful today!"

Taylor:

"I'm not 'diculous!" (short for ridiculous, Dylan's accusation of her at the moment)

Dylan says "Jesus is mad at you". Taylor rebuts "HA AH! Jesus died on the cross cuz he yuvs (loves) us so!"

"I want my butter straight up, mommy!" (vs. spread on her toast)

Dylan:
"I wanna buy that!" (pointing to almost every sports car or big truck that drives by)

"No I not!" (meaning, no I didn't)

"You've GOT to be kiddin' me!" (to Lindsey)

"I'm really disappointed in you!" (to Taylor after she had a "baby" accident in her underwear)

(BIG yawn) "I'm too tired for church today." (on way to church, which he just had to repeat to his Sunday School teacher - she was impressed)

It's like living with comedians - so many laughs!!!

First Week of Fall Slideshow

The slideshow photos and background music pretty much say it all.

Camp Clark took in our first Minnesota Twins baseball game together and partook in the on-field parade (for multiples). But, the highlight of the day was riding the monorail downtown to the game. LTD had a blast on the train and Dylan was in awe of the dome and seems to be rather fond of baseball and the players.

Our fall schedule has officially begun with lots to look forward to including Kids Peace Time, homeschooling a few days per week, Christian Mom's Fellowship and the children's program, gymnastics, ECFE music and art classes, Sunday School and of course, lots of time to play outside and with friends. Check back soon for our next post/photos of recent outdoor playdates with the Erickson 5 and an update on our homeschooling experiences :)

Camping Video

Video footage from our first camping trip. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to capture video of our campfires. It probably had something to do with Mama Bear holding the dual roles of Fire Chief and videographer. Just something about big bonfires and little people that didn't feel quite comfortable. Dave just lauged at me since I was on constant watch but I am proud to say there were no injuries. Check out our August photos on KodakGallery for all the fun photos from the camping trip and the entire month.

Our First Camping Trip!

Labor Day Weekend marked another new experience for Camp Clark. After hearing the weather was going to be beautiful and talking about it for months, we decided to skip the warm-up backyard tent experience and go for the gusto. So we packed up camp and headed south to Cleary Lake Regional Park (only 15 minutes from our home - just in case!). It was SO fun and Lindsey, Taylor & Dylan are true naturals (like their dad). We took our canoe, our bikes, a 2-room tent, our own porta potty (for the kiddos), and ALL the camping essentials - I never knew camping involved so much preparation (thankfully Dave has done this many times before)!! We camped in an area that only had 4 other family campsites and LTD met some new little friends (and so did we). It was gorgeous!! We had so much fun making campfires and grilling our evening meals over a fire and, of course, making Smores. Other highlights included canoeing, swimming at the beautiful sandy beach, reading at night with flash lights in the tent, singing campfire songs, playing at the playground, and bike rides (we did the full lap around the lake and LTD rode their bikes with training wheels the whole way around). Everything was perfect with the exception of me being on full alert each night (while everybody else snored heavily). I heard every hoot of the silly owl perched near our tent and all the scurrying around of racoons at night so needless to say, I didn't get much shut eye. The favorite saying out of the mouths of our babes over the wknd was "let's build a fire camp!" (vs. campfire). We look forward to alot more camping next year and LTD keep reminding us of that. Check out our KodakGallery Link (under right hand column on this blog) for alot more fun photos from camping and from the entire month.

More adorable sayings from LTD:

Lindsey:

"Look at this pretty smile" (as she lays on a big smile)

"Hey, you little stinker!" (to Dylan as he sneaks some of her food)

"I really sad, Mom. I miss Gramma & Papa SO much!" (as we're leaving the airport after visiting Papa & Grandma during their 3 hour layover in Mpls)

Taylor:
"I love you SO much, mommy" (as she hugs me tight and lays a super big kiss on my lips)
"What's goin' on in here?" (as she stomps in the bedroom where Dylan and Lindsey are being super loud)

"It's just a BABY school bus" (about a mini yellow bus that drives by)

Dylan:

"MUSTANG!" (as a Mustang car drives by). Lindsey responds, "That's right, Dylan". Dylan responds back, "I know cars!"

"Yuck" (after sipping from my coffee mug at the park while visiting with another mom). The mom responds, "you must like juice?" Dylan hesitates and responds, "No, I like beer!"

"I'm smokin' my tires!" (as we pedal up to the park and a man tells him how fast he is)

They continue to keep us laughing (most of the time)!!

First Canoe Trip

This past weekend, Daniel Boone (aka Dave Clark) decided to take us all on a family canoe trip in our canoe on the Uptown Lakes in Mpls. It was a beautiful sunny day and LTD had a blast (so did mom)!! We rowed around Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake and had a grand picnic on the banks of Hidden Beach (used to be known for nude sunbathing but thankfully is now a public beach with swimsuits required). The kiddos loved all the ducks and geese and enjoyed singing "Row Row Row Your Boat". Dylan was especially fascinated with the kids that were jumping off the bridge into the water and wanted to try it himself. Uh, let's wait on that one!

I had a woman walk up to me at the swimming area on Hidden Beach while the kids were swimming and said, "Oh my, we saw you row in and I have to say you have the most beautiful family! You are so blessed!!!" Yes, indeed we are - thank you, God!!

Dance, Gymnastics & Balls!

The Olympics have been a highlight to watch at Camp Clark over the last week, especially gymnastics, swimming, diving and volleyball. Needless to say, we have 3 aspiring little ones that are fascinated with the sporting events and feel compelled to imitate what they are watching (or at least give it their best attempt). They all have made sure to put on their "sporting attire" right before we sit down to watch them (bodysuits, gym trunks, swim suits, you name it). It has been an absolute riot and we have managed to capture a few of those crazy moments.

Before I forget, here are a few more words straight from the mouths of babes:

Dylan - "Move it, woman!" (talking to the car in front of us when we are stopped at a red light and it turns green - gee, wonder where he picked that up? - hint: a male driver who thinks women drive badly)

Lindsey - "Oh Taylor, isn't that just adorable?" (about a puppy at the park)

Taylor - "Oh look, Papa's Cheese!" (Papa Egg is known for having Velveeta in his fridge and mom ended up buying some due to the popular request).

Cupcakes & Corn

Here's a video of Dylan's Potty Party celebration!! We are so very proud of our little dude!!