Monarch Butterfly Festival

This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to the monarch butterfly festival at the Dickinson County Natural Center. This is an event centered around the monarch with the most exciting part being that you get to tag and release your own butterfly.

The girls got to pick the butterfly they wanted. They both wanted a girl! Apparently males have a dot on both wings that females don't. After a small sticker was put on one wing Addi was able to hold the butterfly and we released it.

There were also many other activities to do there. Addi shows off her finished flower pounding that they made with cheesecloth, a hammer, and flower petals.

Ella colored her own butterfly finger puppet.

The nature center has a small butterfly house. Ella & Kole enjoyed playing with the activities there.

The kids used stampers and markers to decorate their own butterfly wings to wear.

There was a nature play area where Kole enjoyed 'painting' rocks with his paintbrush and water.

We also did a small amount of hiking while we were there on the mowed trails. This is the kids and some friends climbing the 'mountain.' We had a great time at the festival learning more about butterflies, playing with friends and enjoying a beautiful day. We hope to make it to the festival again next year!

Fashion Statements

I thought I would share some of the more unusual looks that my children have sported in the past few weeks. I don't think they will start any trends with these looks, but you never know.

It is kind of hard to see, but Ella is wearing at least 10 different necklaces here. It reminded me a little of Mr. T except with more color!

Yesterday Addi sported the ever popular socks with sandals look!

Inspired by the latest trend to have feather in their hair Addi created these versions for herself and her sister. They used feather from a boa and took steamers off of their many different colored pom-poms.

Had to throw a pic of Kole in as well. Here he is modeling his butterfly wings in his pjs complete with his blanket in tow!

Smores!!!

We have enjoyed many campfires the month of August. At our house the word campfire also means smores!! Here is a look into a typical smore eating adventure with our family!

Kole enjoys his smore; which gets everywhere. Then he decides to go play.

After playing for awhile he realizes he is Dirt-tee!! Which he does not care for!

This is usually how he gets brought into the house so he doesn't touch anyone or anything!!

As you can see Ella is much neater in her smore eating. It could have something to do with the fact that she eats most of it in one bite!

Yum!!!

This is what happens........

when you ride your big wheel down the front deck steps!! You land with your face smashed into the cement and you get a nice scrape by your eye. Thankfully he got right back on his bike and hopefully he learned not do that again!!

First Days of School

Addi had her first day of school a week ago and has started to adjust to life in second grade. She was very excited to go and is enjoying things so far. One of the first things she told us was that you get tickets in 2nd grade for good behavior! She already had 6 by the end of the first day. She is saving them up to buy something from their classroom store!

Ready to go to school with her Hello Kitty backpack from Grandma!

Ella started preschool yesterday!! Boy was she excited to go. One of her favorite things to say to Trav when he leaves for school is see you at school Dad! The first day went really well. When I picked her up before I could even ask her about it she declared "Mom they took my crayons out of my bag and they didn't even give them back!" Pretty serious stuff!! When I asked her what they did the first day I was told that they celebrated one of her classmates birthdays' and that they practiced being quiet!

Ella's teacher sent me this picture of Ella and some friends during center time of her first day!!

Tractor Pull

A few weeks ago Lake Park had their Farm Appreciation Days. One of the many events they had was a pedal tractor pull for the kids. This was the girls first time participating and they loved it. They didn't win first prize, but still came away with a few prizes and are both talking about wanting to do it again next year!

Look at this concentration!!

Popken Family Reunion

A few weeks ago we had the annual Popken Family Reunion. We had a great time in the three days we all spent together. During that time we played Minute to Win It, took a hayride, played water balloon volleyball, and had an Iron Chef competition to name a few things on the agenda. We consumed lots of yummy food and had a great time reconnecting with family.

Here are all the kids we had running around minus 1. They love playing with their second cousins!

One of Kole's highlights every time we go to Elma is the possibility of a tractor ride. Uncle Terry didn't disappoint. Kole thinks he is old enough to drive!!

While in Elma we had the chance to eat lots of yummy sweet corn. This is the start of the process of putting up corn for the winter. We had the chance to freeze over 30 bags to enjoy later!!

The kids got the chance to go horseback riding this year. It was a big hit. Ella is all smiles and Uncle Tom is leading Kole around!!