Happy Birthday Martin!

Happy Birthday Martin! He requested oatmeal chocolate chip cookies so I made those last night and buffalo burgers from The Woodhouse for dinner, which was great since I didn't feel like cooking today:) Here's a picture of Martin with his "crew":

Bemidji!

About a week ago Anna and I took a Mommy-Daughter trip to Bemidji to see her Grandma and Grandpa. It was a little scary to take her by myself on such a long road trip (350 miles one way) but, to my relief, she was a great little traveller! It was WONDERFUL to spend a few days at the cabin and Anna had a great time with her grandparents!

Kiyoko's Hytta!

Dad has gotten rather creative with his mowing this year and Mom has dutifully entertained his efforts. He now has several "islands" of wildflowers in the yard with little pathways between them - he finally admitted that he just got sick of mowing :) In his defense, it is a HUGE yard so I don't really blame him.

Anna taking a nap with Grandma! Ahhh....Lake Beltrami!

Anna enjoying some time with Grandma.

Anna got plenty of kisses during her time in Minnesota!

Anna attended her first Golf Widow's dinner while we were there. These ladies get together every Thursday night during the summer while their husbands go golfing. It's a tradition that's been going on ever since I could remember and I was so happy Anna can participate too! Clockwise: Grandma Joelyn, Anna, Julie Bengtson, Margaret Thorson, Ardie Rotto, and Marge Forseth.

Grandpa and Anna sharing a good laugh after breakfast.

July 4th Weekend

For the 4th of July we went down to South Dakota to visit Martin's aunt and uncle. Three of Martin's sisters were also there so we had fun spending time with our nieces and nephews (and their parents too!).

Anna is doing really well and is going through a growth spurt right now (meaning she's hungry hungry hungry). On Friday night she started to get some watery eyes and on Saturday morning was sounding a bit congested so we took her into the clinic since a niece and nephew were sick right after the 4th. Luckily it was just a little nasal congestion and her lungs and ears were clear. While at the doctor's we got an updated weight for Anna - she's up to 11 pounds and 3 ounces. We go back into the doctors on August 3rd for her 2-month vaccinations so I'm interested to see how fast she's been growing.

Anna me enjoying the great weather. Here's Anna in motion - she's gotten quite good at rolling onto her side.

Anna and Braden, her cousin. He lives in Arizona and was born last January.

All the July 4th weekend activities took a toll on Anna and Martin.....

Family photo!

Anna getting to know her cousins - they will be great friends for years to come!

The past two years the men have had some great fishing!

More Pictures of our little Anna!

Anna loves to stretch out on the floor and we have found out that she is a very determined little girl. She's been working on turning on her side and is very vocal about the whole process - lots of grunting and a few short cries here and there when things don't go her way. She's been successful a few times so she's half-way to rolling on her tummy! Anna was baptized this weekend and we had a great time - my parents, Martin's sisters Beth and Laura and families, Martin's aunt and uncle, and some family friends were all there for the big day. Anna wore the baptismal gown and locket that was originally worn by her great-grandma Anna (Ekrem) Bymoen.

Here's a picture from last week when she was playing in her bouncy chair. We've noticed that she's become much more aware of her surroundings and she's beginning to follow movements more. We love those blue eyes of hers!!!

Cousin Braden and Anna met for the first time this weekend - as you can see, Braden was very well-behaved while Anna had other things on her mind (like eating!). Braden is such a cute kid - very easy-going and he has lots of smiles!