How can I resist...

Soren handed me this letter with coins from his piggy bank last Sunday (I was working).  It states, "Mom, lets go to the ice cream shop" So....of course we went to DQ! :)

Lazy morning...

This mama didn't have much ambition one morning this past week....so we set off on a 'tire the kids out adventure!'  We ended up at the lake, on a bike trail and seeking out some hiking trails!  We ALL slept wonderfully that afternoon!

More fun yet....

Another part of Soren's birthday was a date with Daddy. There's a local tractor museum that we've never been too!  It has many many many great things to look at!

 Waterloo is a FAV!

ON his actual birthday Soren got to spend the morning at the farm!  There is NO other place that he would rather be!  I can't tell you how much he loves it!  So...why not spend your birthday in your favorite place, right! 

 We had lunch with Grandpa and Grandma, opened presents and enjoyed some requested popsicles for dessert!

 The finale was getting a 'free' cake from a local grocery store!  Soren's requested supper meal was hamburgers, strawberries, cheesy broccoli and strawberries!  

Birthday fun continues...

This past week Soren got to have a 'friend' party!  He was allowed to invite 3 other kids and given some options of activities.  He chose to spend the late morning at the beloved Spicer Park with pizza and water fun followed by going to see the movie Planes!  Here are a few pics of the absolute fun the kids (and adults) had!

 Soren, Jack, Abram and Aubrey!

 Fun playing and acorn hunting!

 Spending time on the docks, skipping rocks, looking for fish, running back and forth!  Hooting and hollering! :)

 We then headed out to a local bridge that is on the bike trail!  It has many great 'trails' that jut off of it....perfect for animal hunting and exploring!

The movie was a hit!!!

Soren is already talking about next year!  What a special day! :)

Family Reunion and Birthday celebrations!

This past weekend we were able to spend it in ND with my family!  It is SO nice that both my mom and sister live within 15 mins of one another and so you can invite tons of family, have great places to stay/play and eat!  AND that a larger majority of my extended family live within a few hours of each other!  This summer has really revived our ability to see one another and it's been good!  Soren will be 6 on Saturday and Kari was 4 on the 12th!  So....why not celebrate, right! :)

 Fun at a park

 A JD cake was the 6 yr olds request...thankfully Kari was a great sport and got 'pink' JD!

 I love his silly grin over the excitement of the nerf gun!

What could be better than a tractor calendar? Oh yea, it had some cash in it! 

 I just think this pic is funny....a crazy grin on cousin Ben's face! 

 Blowing out candles and diving in!

 Learning about tractors from Aunt Sharon!

 A homemade birthday card from cousin Signe!

 Family picture!

 Trying out one of Kari's new presents!

 Water guns and fun!

 My Aunt Cynthia entertaining Miss Kinley!

The big girls entertaining Miss Kinley!

 Kari-Mari! :)

 Soren and Cousin Dean....one tractor lover to another! 

There were 4 of the 6 Haugen families represented here....and their families!

 My Dad has restored an old MGB....It was a fun car to cruise around in with my husband and son!  Soren's first convertible ride...he was afraid I would 'crash' it and Grandpa Terry would be upset!

Scott and I could use it for date night.....hint, hint! :)

These last 3 pics are from my sister!  Soren spent almost a full week with them!  Playing hard, visiting the zoo, pool parties, sprinkler fun and just having a grand old time!