May Catch Up

Here is yet another post that is LONG overdue!  Here are some pictures from MAY....yes, May!  By the way, how are we already 1/2 way through July already?!?!

May brought us some fun times.  We made a visit to the Shields family, took a mini-vacay to Minneapolis, and Harper finished her first year of preschool!

We made a trip to Norwalk over Memorial weekend to visit the Shields family.  We grilled out and let the kids play.  It was so nice to finally be able to see my long lost best friend and catch up with her and her family life.

Adam reading Lia, Harper and Jack a book - aren't the kiddos all adorable?!

My BFF Ashley - so happy she's living in Iowa again!

It's hard to believe that my 'baby' already has her first year of school in the books!  That year went by extremely fast!  Harper socially grew so much this year - we are so proud of her, along with her teachers.  We attended Harper's end-of-year preschool program and it was the cutest little concert ever!  The kids sang about 10 different songs - and Harper sang and danced to every.single.one!  We were shocked!  I have some cute pictures and videos, but I'm not allowed to post them due to the school's policy. (because other kids are in them)  Harper is already looking forward to 4-year-old preschool and talks about it daily.  My goal for the summer is to teach Harper how to spell her last name and zip her coat.  

Last Day of 3-year-old preschool

At the end of May we took a mini vacation to Minneapolis to spend some quality time with Harper as the only child.  The weekend was all about her!  First, we went to the Mall of America, where we visited Build-A-Bear, The Disney Store, had lunch at McDonalds, and ended the day riding rides at the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and getting ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.  Harper LOVED the rides - I think she went on almost every ride that she was tall enough for.  She loved the roller coaster and bumper cars - who knew?!  (Last year she bawled on a little kid ride at the county fair!)  

In other May preschool news.....Adam and Ali made a visit to Harper's classroom.  Again, I'm not allowed to post any pictures, but the kids loved Ali.  And Harper was very proud :)

Harper and 'Star' - she picked him out and made him all by herself!

FEARLESS!

Go get 'em Harper!  Love the look on the other girls face! 

After leaving the Mall, we spent the night in Minneapolis, as we went to the Como Zoo the next morning.  We spent most of our time at the pool - surprise, surprise!  We enjoyed a relaxing evening in - and ordered pizza and just enjoyed the quality time with each other.  Harper didn't want to leave the hotel in the morning - she wanted to say for "40 more nights."

On Sunday morning we headed to the Como Zoo.  The zoo is free admission and very kid friendly.  The best part is that they have a small amusement park attached to the zoo.  We didn't actually go to the amusement park, but did ride the wooden carousel that is located right outside the park/zoo.  This particular carousel is HUGE, as it was the first carousel to be at the Minnesota State Fair.

I'm going to try to upload some videos of Harper riding some rides.  Stay tuned..........