Christina Marie!

Last weekend the Haggar women and Aunt Debbie helped Christina get her brand new store up and running. We went from carpet and lights Saturday morning to tables, mannequins, clothes, shoes, and jewelry Sunday night. It was 24 hours of sweat, tears, blood (Aunt Debbie's), and lots of hard work! Christina and her staff finished the job and her doors opened Wednesday afternoon. She was greeted with a huge crowd of customers that night and Thursday. Great way to start a new store and celebrate her 31st birthday! My parents joined her for ribbon cutting on Thursday and are still smiling from ear to ear.

From all of us Tina - We are sooooo damn proud of you and your accomplishments! You have the drive and ambition to put this store on the map. You are a beautiful person that deserves it all! We love you very much. CONGRATULATIONS!

TEAMWORK - Me, Debbie, and our muscles!

Tina with her first assistant Christina (they make a great team)

sisters Mary and Faye building racks

yes, we had to play a little.

I think Mom had to give this one the heimlich

This picture was taken especially for our cousin Becky. Aunt Debbie solutes you!

Sensoring and hanging shirts

The finished product!

A few of her staff getting ready for the customers

The beautiful flowers from our parents - chocolate roses and from my husband - tulips (her fav.)

So happy to watch her in her element. I have cried a lot in Tina's store (Mankato) but the tears today are tears of happiness and pride! I left knowing that she was ok but missing her so much already!

Charlie was hysterical when I said we had to go back to St. Peter. Where Aunt Tina is, is where that little man wants to be. He was happy to meet her new staff and play in her dressing rooms.

The awesome cupcakes my mom ordered for Christina and her staff

Ribbon Cutting ceremony - My beautiful sister in the middle with her boss Billi

The proud parents with their 3rd child. Wonder if dad was wishing she had opened a grocery store? haha He knows she is all about her clothes and accessories.

Nama Dates

We were fortunate enough to catch Nama Linda on a few days where she wasn't working. She entertained the boys at her house a few Sundays ago so we could go out to dinner with friends and watched them last Saturday while we were in the cities. We appreciate the help with the boys any time we can get it and lucky for them, Nama was free! Thank you so much Linda for spending that quality time with the boys. Nothing can take the place of those moments spent with our grandparents. The boys obviously enjoyed themselves and can't wait for their next date with Nama.

The best lookin' Saturday afternoon dates a Nama could ask for

They couldn't get enough of Nama's new water bottle

Hugs, Snuggles, Love

Lincoln is always ready to entertain

Brothas from other Mothas

One of Tim's best friends, Chuck, and his wife Sheena came for a sleepover on Friday. We had Tim's other best friend Tate's baby shower on Saturday. The boys spent the day golfing and the girls spent the day talking about the newest twins to come. Tate and his wife Jess are expecting their first babies, a boy and girl. Their due date is 4 days after Max and Lincoln's birthday. We couldn't be happier for this wonderful couple and amazing friends! Tim and I are very excited to watch our good friends go on the journal we started almost two years ago. We are ready to support them in any way we possibly can!

Chuck and Max reading Dinosaur facts

Sheena and Lincoln exploring 3D glasses

Sheena entertained the boys Saturday morning for me

Chuck and Sheena's beautiful dog, Malibu came for the visit

Baby Shower Time!! Jess opening gifts with the new aunts to be, Sara and Stacy

This is one of the blankets my mom made Jess and Tate's daughter. Their son's blanket is blue, green, and tan with zoo animals.

Measuring the babies. I won this game! Jess is at 29 weeks and babies are doing wonderfully.

The awesome baby cake Sheena made for the shower

The guests of honor, Jess and Babies A and B with the hostess' Tate's sister and Jess' Mom and sister

We are thankful that our husbands brought us together! These girls are great friends and have been wonderful "aunties" to our boys.

Brothas from otha Mothas!! The brothers that have always had Tim's back!

Tate, the newest Dad to be, Tim, Chuck, and Bailey (Tate and Jess' dog).

Oh Papa!

My dad, who is still very young at heart, moved my sister's furniture to Sioux Falls last week(with the help of Uncle Chris and friend Tyler). So the boys entertained him for the night.

Max and Linc listening to the dog

After bathes - CT didn't want to share Papa's lap with those goofballs

Check out Lincoln's new specs!

We couldn't stop laughing at these two. Linc loves to put on glasses and hats.

Happiness is HOMEmade

A WONDERFUL trip to Rapid City sadly ended on Tuesday morning. The weekend was jam packed with fun day-trips to Keystone for Ol' Time Photos, Spearfish to Wildlife Sanctuary, Chucky Cheese for Malaki's b-day party, Angostura Lake for jet skiing, and lots of fun in Papa and Gran's yard. We also celebrated Father's Day, my mom's birthday (June 21st) and Tina's birthday (July 25).We couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

Happiness is definitely HOMEMADE!!

SPIRIT OF THE HILLS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

http://www.spiritofthehillssanctuary.org/

Check out the website and do something to help! It is all run on volunteers and donations. You are given a tour and told stories about all the animals and how they were rescued. Amazing place to visit and definitely recommended by the Olsons and Haggars! Please visit!

Just two of the beautiful "cats" we had the pleasure of meeting.

The kids petting the wooden cats - much safer!

The Haggars love camels! Kyra wasn't so sure though

Kyra and Charlie were picking out the pony they wanted Papa to adopt

Grandma would take all the animals home if she could

Even though Grandma just had surgery, she still got the paints out with Charlie and he appreciates it every time.

Thanks Grandma for the new laptops for the boys!

My dad and husband working in the shop together - a beautiful thing to watch and brought tears to my eyes.

Chuck Cheese for Malaki's 4th birthday party

Grandma and Aunt Tina playin' games with the kids

Dad and Linc throwing balls

Papa with the boys

The funniest thing of the weekend - Mak locked in the booth trying to catch tickets.

Onto the lake for sun and skiin'

some of the group hanging out

Thanks Chris and Mary for sharing your jet ski with everyone! Charlie's first trip on it was awesome.

He got right back out with Uncle Chris!

Next stop was Keystone

Mama and Linc taking a breather

Thanks to Grandma for new cars to play with while we waited for our pictures

Aunt Mary and Max chillin at Papa and Gran's

TREASURE HUNTERS

Captain Charles T. and First Mate Kyra

Uncle Gabe with cousin Kyra enjoying their time together

Linc and Grandma were inseparable the whole weekend. Grandma couldn't pick the boys up due to the surgery but Linc still had her wrapped around his finger.

Aunt Mary and Kyra sharing a giggle

The new play area at the grandparents is awesome and totally dedicated to these kids. Thanks Papa and Grandma for giving these kids such an awesome place to play!

Uncle Gabe was determined to get Lincoln comfortable with his dog, Dozer

This is Mak and Charlie's relationship in a nut shell! They love each other like brothers!

Aunt Mary makes the coolest cakes for her son - this year was a guitar!

Grandma and Max fighting over a bite - guess who won?!

This is our newest family photo! It had to be in a bar due to Tim's beer making hobbie. The boys did awesome and there were no tears! Grandma stood on the side and kept popping M & M's in their mouths. (Keystone) Click on the picture to see it enlarged. The boys' faces are priceless!

Fourth of July at grandparents!

Mak with his cousins Linc and Max

Watchin the fireworks with Mak and Papa

Got my big boys for the show!

Sparklers for the big boys. Life is great in the HILLS!