Long Drive-In

This past Saturday, we finally did something we have been talking about doing for around a year-we went to the Drive-In Theater near Long Prairie.  It was amazing!  It almost felt like we were back in time and things were simple again.

As we drove up, we were greeted by this cute, vintage sign.  We lucked out to see a double feature including one kid's movie.  We arrived a few minutes before the gates opened and were third in line.

They had a concession building with all sorts of goodies.  The boys loved the buttered popcorn!

Here we are cuddled up on our sleeping bag on the lawn waiting for dusk.  We picked the weekend with the longest days, but it was still so fun just being out and enjoying a night with family and friends.  And since we were there early, we got front row parking which had a huge lawn in front of it where the kids played soccer, football, tag and more!

These are our friends that invited us to go with.  Hunter met their son last year in preschool and we have kept in touch ever since!  They are great buddies.

How cool is this old speaker?  And yes, this is how you hear the movie!

The big screen outdoors.  If you have never gone to a drive-in, you need to put it on your list to do!  We lucked out with a beautiful evening with little bugs, no wind and comfortable temperatures.

I know this is a little blurry, but it gives you an idea of what it looked like.

Circus, Circus!

Craig was home this weekend and we had a very busy weekend!  On Friday afternoon, my dad took us all to the circus.  It was a great afternoon out and the boys loved the entertainment.  Well, let's be honest, the adults did too.

 Craig & Hunter enjoying some cotton candy.

 Brody was more interested in eating the cotton candy than taking a picture with me.

 I could do that if I tried really hard.  But, I probably wouldn't be able to move for the next week.

 Amazing, but seriously, what drives you to work with tigers?  I would be terrified!

 We have ourselves a nodder.  The circus takes a lot out of little boys.

 Dreams do come true!!  Hunter and I rode an elephant!!  Yes, it was as amazing as it looks.  Thanks Dad!  (After 25 years of asking him for an elephant ride, he finally bought me a ticket.  I tell ya, parents do anything for their grandkids!)

 The grand finale-the elephants!

Brody woke up in time to see his favorite animals, the elephants.  He was more than a little excited!

Preschool: Complete.

It's official.  Our household now has a future kindergartner!  And boy is he ever excited!!  Last week, Hunter had is last day of preschool.  It was such a bittersweet day.  Part of me doesn't want to admit that he is really this old already, part of me is super excited for everything that is about to come his way, part of me is nervous for what kind of kids will be in his class, part of me is sad because we will miss his amazing teacher and aide.  So many emotions are tugging me in so many directions!  But for now, we celebrate that Hunter is officially done with preschool!  Here are a few snapshots from his last day of school:

 The night before his last day, he made cards/pictures for both Mrs. Roste and Mrs. Sievert.  I asked him what is favorite things about preschool were.  I loved his answers!!
*Painting.
*My friends.
*How good of a teacher Mrs. Roste is.  She is fun!
*Going to the gym.
*Writing my name with Mrs. Roste.
*Singing songs with Mrs. Roste.
*Playtime.
*Acting out the Passion Drama.

 Hunter with the drawing he made for Mrs. Roste.  It took him probably 5 or 6 pieces of paper to get the perfect look of the school.  I think he did all right!  I'm sure it made Mrs. Roste proud.

 They charged admission to their final preschool program-a few cents is really all it cost.  This year Hunter helped work the till and they would rotate jobs:stamping hands, handing out programs, taking money during intermission for popcorn, handing out popcorn.

 Ready for the last program.  Hunter is in the front row on the right.

 Hunter rode a roller racer in this years preschool parade!

 Yep, I'm done.  Can this face get any better?  He did manage a small smile, but my camera's flash was busy loading.  Oh well, he was so ready to be done and move on to kindergarten so this face is perfect.

 Hunter and Mrs. Roste

 Mrs. Sievert and Hunter

 To celebrate Hunter wanted to make s'mores.  Who can say no to that when it was a perfect night for a bonfire!

Yum!  So tasty!

Congratulations, Hunter!!  We are so proud of you!

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Many of you know the famous Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!".  And if you don't, well then my friend, you are missing out.  It's a book about completing one step in your life (ex. graduation) and goes on to tell you that there is so much more to look forward to in the life to come and "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" (life in general and it will include both good things and not so good things but will all be a learning experience).  And no matter what, if you believe in yourself you will succeed!

Well, the night before Hunter's second to last day of preschool (did you follow that?) I was up way too late on Pinterest.  I tell you, that site sucks you right in!  But, I came across this cool idea.  Buy the book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and have each of your child's teacher sign it over the years and give it to them as a graduation gift.  Oh my goodness did this strike a chord with me!  I'm a softy and love the heartfelt things in life.

The next morning, while Hunter was at school, Brody and I ran around town doing some errands and made sure to stop by Target to pick up the book.  I snuck it to his teacher after class and asked her if she wouldn't mind writing a little note to Hunter in the book and signing it.  I told her what my plan was with the book. 

Well Thursday came and let's just say I was one emotional mama!  1. Hunter spent two great years with this preschool teacher. 2. My little boy is growing up and will officially be a kindergartner in the fall!  Seriously, how did this happen?  Anyways, as I was saying, I was emotional and completely forgot about the book, my idea, everything.  As the kids were playing in the gym, Hunter's teacher came over to me with the same Target bag I gave her two days before with the book in it.  She said, "I'm not very good at this sort of thing, but I hope it's OK."  I assured her that I was sure that it would be perfect and thanked her again for two wonderful years with tears rolling down my face.  She then reminded me that she'll see Hunter again in a couple weeks at science camp.  But still, it's not the same...

After a play date after school we came home, Brody napped and Hunter was outside playing.  I was looking through all the things that were sent home from school that day: projects, "hand"book (super cool-each month they made a picture with their hand print), pictures, etc.  Then I came across the book.  I didn't know what to expect but inside I found this beautifully written note:

Hunter,

What a joy it has been to have you in Preschool the last two years.  I had a great time playing and learning with you.  As you continue on an adventure to new places and activities always remember that Jesus is with you and loves you.  He has great plans for you.  Trust in Him!  I'm very proud of you and thank God for you.  Follow your dreams and remember I love you but Jesus Loves You more.

Mrs. Roste

Preschool 2011-2012

Zion Lutheran

And she said she wasn't good at that sort of thing!!  Seriously I get tears every time I read it.  It is so touching and I am so glad that I did this.  I know that I won't be able to get every teacher over the years-especially once he gets into junior and senior high, but it is my goal to get as many as possible and give it to him on graduation day. 

Thank you Pinterest for your amazing ideas.