Pre-school

I'm only two weeks late but I guess it's better than nothing.  Meredith misses the kindergarten cutoff by one day this year.  Actually make that 8 hours and 37 minutes.  In MN, you must be 5 on or before September 1 to go to kindergarten and Meredith was born on September 2.  She is ready but that's just not how it was meant to be.

And just because she's cute:

I've had her enrolled in a special class for 5-year-olds since January at God's Discovery Kids at the Rosemount United Methodist Church.  I only looked at two schools because as soon as I went to this one, I knew it was the one for her.  I couldn't be happier with that decision thus far.  The school is great and her teacher is wonderful.  And best of all, Meredith talks about how excited she is to go to pre-school all the time!  She seems to love it.  She goes Monday-Thursday in the mornings.  She even told me that she wishes she could go in the afternoon too.

Science Museum Birthday

I'd like to say thank you to the Baird family for the generous gift of a birthday party at the Science Museum of Minnesota they gave us.  They are donors at the Science Museum in memory of Robert Baird and they get a free birthday party.  Since their kids are grown up, they gave it to us to use for Meredith.  Thanks so much.  

Meredith was really excited about this.  Thank you to everyone who came as well.  Her party was pirate themed and we had a fun day doing activities, opening presents, and exploring the museum.  

Consignment Time

See all this junk?  Well, it's not clogging up my basement anymore:-)  It's all been dropped off for the twice yearly kids consignment sale I participate in.  Let's hope that people will buy my junk (it's really not junk...it's actually all stuff in great shape).  Because I don't want it in my house anymore.  And the money I make from these sales is going to fund my next vacation...along with my 200,000+ Delta Skymiles:-) I can't wait for that day to come!

5!

My little girl turned 5 last week.  I guess I have another year or so that she will be a 'little' girl before she turns school age.  I love how smart and sweet and caring she has grown to be.  

We celebrated her 5th birthday at Lake Byllesby Regional Park.  The day was perfect.  Thanks to everyone who came to make the day special for her.  

This picture is appropriate for the theme of the day.  

Meredith's Great Aunt Shirley (and Great Uncle Don) came up to visit for the weekend since her Grandma and Grandpa Carlson were in town.  

Here are just a few more pictures of the birthday girl.  

Meredith's Great Uncle Robin (and Great Aunt Irene also came).  

Not a great picture, but here are the cousins!

Stanley Cup

Last week Greg took Meredith out to get all her hockey equipment.  We were fortunate enough to get one of the last remaining vouchers from the Rosemount Hockey Association to get free equipment.  They had a Try Hockey For Free day that we were unaware of but they had a few leftover vouchers.  Greg took Mer out and she got fitted for all her equipment and it was free!  Except the skates.  Nice, huh???  I have to enjoy it while I can because next hear hockey is going to be high buck.  

Then the two of them headed to Lakeville as the Stanley Cup was in town.  I know, Meredith looks thrilled.  I'm sure Greg was excited to see it though!  

Great MN Get Together

I hate to say it, but I'm getting kind of worn out on going to the State Fair.  It always was one of my favorite things to do in the summer.  I don't know if it's because I have to drag kids with me or what, but I'm just kind of losing interest:-(  I think it's because I spend a majority of the time in the Kidway, or the animal barns or doing kid stuff.  By the time we're done with all of that, I'm worn out.  **sigh**

It was a hot one, but we had fun!  Meredith helped out on the little farm.  At the end you get to pick a food item from the store and of course she picked the dill pickle chips over a can of vegetables or a box of granola bars.  This picture below shows the forced smile she gives me nowadays.  Ugh.  

 

Next stop was the Kidway.  She went on a bunch of rides and had a lot of fun.  

 Next stop was the food building to eat lunch. We met up with my mom, brother, cousin, aunts & uncles!  

 Peter's 'box' lunch.