HAPPY FATHER'S DAY GRANDPA ROL!

On Saturday we spent some time with Charlie's great grandparents, Millie and Rol. We talked about seeing Grandpa Rol and wishing him Happy Father's Day all morning. When we got there, Charlie pushed past Grandma Millie and RAN to Grandpa to give him a giant hug. I practically started to cry seeing the look on Rol's face. Charlie made Grandpa Rol a bird bath and took him and Grandma Millie for lunch. Charlie was also given a huge police helicopter from his great grandparents which he loves.

"I'm very proud of my new helicopter"

No other toy exists right now

Charlie and his ladies at lunch

The Olson Men - can't wait to add two more to this picture

"Happy Father's Day Grandpa Rol"

Charlie had Grandma Millie on the ground, up and down the stairs, and building towers for him :)

New Email Address

I just wanted to let you all know that I am changing email accounts. My new address is haggar.melissa@gmail.com . I am getting tired of hotmail - I've had the same account since high school!! Pretty pathetic :)
We hope everyone is doing well. We had a scare yesterday at the doctor's but things are good now and we have a fun weekend planned. Both babies are very active and Charlie has been entertaining his Daddy and Aunt Tina with play-doh, bike rides, the sand table, and trains.

20 AND COUNTING!

Well we made it to week 20 and the babes are kickin away. A woman asked me last weekend how far along I was, I told her, and she says "you are going to be HUGE by October"!. Gee Thanks Lady.

Charlie is loving this part of being a big brother. He kisses my belly constantly, telling the babies that he is their big brother and that he loves them. Everytime he talks to them I get kicked repeatedly so I know they already know his voice. (Tim is a little jealous that Charlie took over his roll) I can't wait to see him holding the two of them in his arms with that big grin on his face.

What the babes look like at 20 weeks

The lovely side shot at 20 wks (don't know how much longer these shorts will fit)

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?"