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!

Number Seven Number Seven

Once upon a time, there was a number. That number was number seven number seven. Anders Cole Olson claimed this number as his very favorite. A couple months after the claim was made, Anders had a sister named Kathryn Grace who weighed seven pounds seven ounces--another number seven number seven.

Fast forward just over two years and the day has dawned where Anders is now seven years old and can claim number seven number seven as his very own. We celebrated on May 6, 2008 with Grandma and Grandpa Olson going out to Mariachi Loco. Birthday party of friends to follow shortly.

Sock Hop

Anders had his first school dance. The PTA at Greenwood Elementary hosted a sock hop on April 11, 2008. Anders and Katie had a blast. Some of Anders friends pictured are Joey, Braedon, Kaden, Jack and Joe. Katie made a good friend in Taylor...it was a blast!

Fun with cousins in Virginia!

Isaiah running around at his Grandma and Grandpa Swanson's home
Katie and Isaiah sharing a slide on St. Patrick's Day
Anders mastering the monkey bars
Rub and dub three cousins in a tubKatie and Isaiah watching Anders and Sara doing the weather report of a hurricane at the science museum on Roanoke...Sara put on quite a show!