Harvest Time

Anders harvesting the giant sunflowers
Katie harvesting the carrot patch
Anders and Katie on the front steps
Karen and Katie harvesting "Honey Gold" apples at Maple Leaf Orchard
Anders, Libby and Abby Thibodeau heading back to the haywagon after our apple picking adventure.

It's hard to say what the best time of the year is, but I would have to say that Fall is one of my very favorite. We have enjoyed our garden and also the fruits of various orchards in the area. We are hoping to enjoy this wonderful season for a few more months.

Katie's Day...

Many of Katie's days are filled with playtime with her good friends, Ian, Maiya, Evelyn, Vivian, Sherri, Grant and Jack. Here are just a few shots with her best buddy Ian--who really enjoys defending her from attacking foes and of Katie being a super hero.

Just have to add that Katie has perfected the "fake cry". Last night--I repremanded her for throwing her salad on the floor. She looked at me, screwed up her face and tried to give a convincing cry, but ended up laughing until we couldn't help but join her.


She is a CON ARTIST--beware, she will take you for all you have and then some. But who can blame you--she's such a baby darling!

Early Fall Photos

The Olson farmstead at 408 South Sixth--our ultimate goal is live on a farm, so we are bringing the farm to the city.
One of our giant sunflowers nearing harvest
Anders on his official first day of first grade...very chilly morning September 3, 2008
Sassy Katie in front of "her playhouse" on the 136 week anniversary of her birth.
Katie thought she should get in on the first day of school photo too. Sad part is, she will be heading to pre-school next fall...

We have been enjoying the fleeting last moments of summer and are embracing the chilly mornings, warm days of early fall. Anders has a new teacher, Ms. Rasmussen and Katie is enjoying more time with Sheri.

Our family is proud to announce a new addition to our extended family--Henry Loren Quintana. Katie thinks Henry is the property of herself and Ibby..."My Henry!". We are eager to meet our new family member--maybe at Christmas.

Lake Michigan!

The third annual Olson/Knier tour on Lake Michigan was a blast. A fourth annual with the addition of the Quintana's and Swanson's is being planned for August 2009.

The festivities started on Friday, August 1st and carried through Sunday, August 3rd. Sun, rain, fish, swimming, restaurant runs, baby Stella, baby Gorlock, Chicago cup, kick ball, ring around the rosie, tick tock tick tock cookoo clock, water fountain, trolly, meeting Bud, Betty and Bruce on the freeway, sunblock, Shumair, uncle Bruce, Dramamine, new lifejacket, two tours on the craft, noxious weeds, ketchup, scuba gear...many things were highlights on our fun trip to the Knier's in Appleton and day spent at the campground near Sheboygan.

I hope these photos make sense...

Grandma Betty, Siri and Katie enjoying some downtime on Saturday evening.

Katie being the entertainer with Grandpa Bud.

Brad waiting for a big fish to bite on Friday evening.

Anders and Bruce admiring one of the catch on Friday.

Tom, Bruce, Brad, Bud, Brent and Anders trying their rally caps...

The girls spending time near downtown Appleton. At the fountain where Jen and Jerry had their wedding photos taken eight years ago.

Jillian and Katie comparing feet stories.

Anders trying to rouse baby Gorlock--the baby affectionately known as baby Gorlock.

Next summer two little babies will be joining in on the fun at the lake. Jen due mid November, Molly due late October.

Katie smelling a noxious weed...I really had no idea this plant would cause chemical burns!

Blue Wave Baseball

Thanks to Mike Jilek for his great photos of Anders and his team this year!

Our family thoroughly enjoyed a great year of fun, learning and friends. Jonas Mork and Steve Kelm did an amazing job with these kids as their coaches. Minus a lost thumbnail, Anders grew so much in his love of the game and his skills on the field.

Summertime summertime sum sum summertime

Summer has been fabulous...I can't even believe how wonderful the weather and activities have been. Here are some select snapshots... Anders creating a lovely sidewalk creation at the Lake
Brent is struggling with devilish thoughts
Sparkler time on July 4th! Katie is bundled up against the swarm of mosquitos

Gretl and Bo Peep cuddling on Grandpa's chair...
Now it's time to boogie down and show off Aunt Ibby's pretty dresses.
"Hannah Montana Momma, I'm Hannah Montana!" I didn't even know she was acquainted with the pop star-yikes glimmers on pre-teen years!
Brentina the lovely good witch of the South.
Annie--the lovely good witch of the East bestowing grace and love on all she meets...

Artist in residence

Anders has turned into an artist! His work was featured at the All School Art Show at the River Falls Public Library during the month of May...uncle Brent should be very proud because his favorite medium is drawing on the computer!

Katie's Antics at the Magnuson Home

Our Kathryn Grace is a member of the Steve and Sheri Magnuson family every workweekday. She is a member of the family along with Grant, Maiya, Ian, Quinn, Evelyn, Vivian and Jack. Ian and Katie have become the best of friends and as you can see the photos, they spend many hours playing together.

Katie loves being the boss and Ian does a lot of following. The photos above outline some pretty fun stories that Sheri has documented on film...

The first story with Katie in the pink dress is Grandma Katie making muffins for Grandpa Ian who happens to be in a highchair and a diaper.

The second story is Grandma Katie taking a relaxing bath with Grandpa Ian...

What an imaginative couple!