Never Too Young To Give Back

Our two year old gave back once again on his birthday to the Theresa House in Mankato. He was very involved this year, picking out what he wanted to donate. He had help from family again with his wonderful donation. We talked about what we were going to do and he knew what to say when we got there. The woman asked us what we needed and I told her Charlie had a donation to make. She remembered him from last year which warmed my heart. He said "people need these things". We told her we would be back next year, with two new babes.




It is extremely important to me that our children know there are people out there that need our help, no matter how little you're giving. I grew up this way and it was the best lesson my parents could have taught me.

The Black Hills Adventures

On Charlie's birthday we headed for the Hills for lots of celebrating - The two year olds' birthdays, Chris' homecoming, Faye's graduation (Master's degree), and Mother's Day. Tim and I are always amazed at how fast Charlie makes himself at home in Papa and Grandma's house. It's like he never left. All we could talk about is what kind of trouble Malaki and Charlie are going to get into when they start staying at Papa's house when they are teenagers - SCARY! Izzy and Charlie couldn't stop hugging each other and he was constantly concerned about Kyra's wellbeing. Like I said, he is right at home there.

When we were passing Sioux Falls on the way back to St. Peter, Charlie said "Are we going to Rapid City?" and Tim replied "Char we are on our way to St. Peter" "NNNNOOOOO, go to Rapid City!" And of course this makes me want to cry my eyes out but when we picked Pilsiner up Charlie was better.

Sophie enjoying her sister's b-day cake

Aunt Mary and Mak - favorite pastime of Maki's

Auntie Tina dressing up in Papa's old coat - he wore this coat when we were 5 or 6

Kyra hanging out with Daddy

Cousins hanging out

Uncle Tim captured this picture - Beautiful

Grandma opening her Mother's Day present from Charlie - a collage of his paintings, no one would appreciate this gift like Grandma (aka artist)

Charlie trying on Papa's "rain" hat

"Will you post our bail Grandma?"

Uncle Gabe entertaining the kiddos

Sharing his artist talent with his daughter

They picked up where they left off - in love and laughing at each other

Charlie and Mak jumping on the toddler bed - Don't tell Grandma

Aunt Tina and Charlie stamping Grandma's wooden floors - OOpppss

A Real Train?!

On Friday after lunch we went to see the 1880 train in Hill City. It is a two hour train ride thru the hills so we didn't get on, BUT Charlie assures me that next year he will want to take the 2 hr ride. He was just excited to actually see a real train up close. We thought of Grandpa Ed the whole time we were there.

The water tank for the 1880 train

This is where Charlie will buy his train ticket for his third birthday

Pretending to board the train

"I WANT TO GET ON MOMMA!"

And the Bear says: "Grrrrrrr"

On Friday we took the kiddos to Bear Country USA and the Alpine Inn for lunch in Hill City (my fav. German place). It was a great day but again the weather was horrible. And don't worry the pictures with Charlie driving are safe! While you drive thru the park, you can do whatever EXCEPT have your windows down. Mak ignored the last rule until his mom thought the animals were getting too close to the car. Another great day at home.

Uncle Chris and Maki roaming the grounds

Nobody could keep up with Charles T.

Malaki, Kyra, and Charles enjoying the sights

The fam checking out the babies

Bear "Nursery"

Kyra having the time of her life with her Auntie Mel

'Stay out of the cage Maki"

"I got it Papa just relax"

This bear was right outside my window!

Reindeer up close and personal

"Where did all of these animals come from?"

Mount Mushmore

Charlie has learned the names of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore and recognizes the monument as "Mount Mushmore". He knows that Washington and Adams were the first and second presidents and continues to learn. Papa is a HUGE history buff so it was awesome for the two of them to go together. Gabe, Kyra, Chris, Mary and Mak were all able to join us as we played "tourist".

Charlie educating Uncle Chris on the sculptures

Kyra's first trip to Mount Rushmore with Daddy

Papa tried to explain how to use this "contraption" but Charlie just played with it

Olsons enjoying the Hills - Home away from home

The boys wanting to leap off the edge - at least Mak did

'Are you guys crazy?! It is freezing out here!"

(It actually started snowing when we were out there)

The perfect picture

"I can see it Papa. It's really real!"

This is the sculpture in the gift shop at Mount Rushmore. Charlie's Uncle Gabe MADE this!

Happy Birthday Lil' Tots!!

On Mother's Day we celebrated Isabelle, Charlie, and Malaki's second birthdays in the hills. Grandma really knows how to throw a party. Each tot had their own pinata, new beach chair, cake, and party bags filled with goodies. It was a great way to celebrate these little gifts from God.

Izzy and Charlie trying out the new chairs

Aunt Tina starting the party out by playing dress up

Aunt Tina said 'Smile" and this is what we got - the cheesiest cheesy smiles - too cute

Uncle Chris' personal cake for making it home in one piece

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDOS!

Aunt Faye and Izzy opening presents

Maki trying to figure out the new whistles

Sophie joining the fun with 'sissy"

Time for some outside fun

Charlie coaching Grandma with the scooter - never too old to ride!

Charlie loving his aunties to pieces

Izzy/Dora, Charlie/Thomas, and Maki/Lightning McQueen

Their individual birthday cakes

This is Charlie's new bike trailer from Papa and Grandma - Loves it!

"Lets Go, Lets Go Daddy!"

We can't leave Pilsi out of the bike ride