Preston's Preschool class took a field trip to the Owatonna Airport and I was able to chaperone. His class is seven boys and they all get along great! We watched an airplane take off and land. We saw the airport fire truck and the boys were each able to climb in a Cessna and pretend to fly. 
Laken had her 1st day of "Dancing School", as she affectionately calls it. It is called U and Me dance and I participate with her. She loves it! She, of course, had to wear the most fanciest dance outfit she owns to the first class (a hand me down dance costume from Leone). I can see that good ole leotards and tights won't do for this dancing princess. She even thinks she needs a dancing crown. We had our second day of class, yesterday. She cries everytime class is over. She, also, thinks she needs dancing princess dvds, so we had to borrow 12 Dancing Princesses from Sophie and Isabella, yesterday. Can I just say that every male in the house was glued to the TV, too. I just love having a little girl in the house!
School's back in session! Top left, Braeden gets ready to head out to the bus stop; next, Braeden getting on the bus for his first day of 3rd grade; Braeden getting off the bus after his first day of school. Preston got a new hair cut, a fo-hawk, for his first day of 5 year old preschool (left). 
Dad turned 60 this August 2008! To surprise him, Mom planned a weekend in Duluth with all of the family members. Amy and Aaron came back from Utah to be part of the big surprise. We were all waiting at Baha Billy's at the Fitgers mall in Duluth when Mom, Dad, Amy & Aaron showed up.
The DUDE was surprised! We had t-shirts made up that said 'The DUDE is 60" the Big Dick Weekend-2008.
We did the Lake Superior boat cruise, swam in the pool at the cabin, had camp fires, threw bean bags, and played cards.
It was an excellent family reunion and great way to celebrate a landmark birthday!
Braeden had his first Go Kart lessons in August. You must be 8 yrs old to go kart. Since he has Nascar aspirations, this was his first step. You'll notice it's tough driving out there as Braeden (car 29) gets bumped from behind.
There is a new fun spot in Eau Claire called Action City. We decided to venture down there to have a day of fun with Bean, Madeline, Nama, Grandpa, Riley and Calia. It was a blast. Here are some pictures of mini golf. But, the most fun was had on the indoor go-carts and the bumper cars. I never laughed so hard. It was pure childhood/pure enjoyment! We can't wait to go back!
Braeden featured his new magic tricks with props provided from both sets of grandparents. This was a break in the action from the American Idol singing from the girls in the neighborhood.
It was a very entertaining event!
The cousins from California-Riley & Calia Hinckley came back for several weeks this summer. 
We were invited to the Otterson's cabin on Beaver Lake (just 25 min. from Owatonna). As you can see Preston rode on the pull behind tube for the first time and loved it.
