Helping at the farm

Saturday we went to the farm so Tom & Ryan could use their carpentry skills to hang some paneling in the spare bedroom. Nolan intended to help, but it just so happened that his cousin Logan was at the farm too, so there wasn't quite enough time to play and help Dad.

Nolan on General

Tori is quite the rider. She cries everytime she has to get off.

And of course, you have to have some icecream after a hard day riding the pony.

Watch out preschool...here comes Nolan!

Doesn't the face just say it all?!! We had Nolan's open house last night for preschool. He starts next Wednesday and is very excited! He found his cubby as soon as we got there, and proudly tells everyone that it says "N-o-l-a-n-H". We talked with his teachers, which we already know as both of them bring their kids to the same daycare that Nolan goes to, and of course we had to check out all of the toys.
Yes, that is Nolan working on a computer. To think, I didn't touch a computer until I went to college in 1992, and here he is in preschool already knowing how to navigate thru some games. Things sure have changed in 16 years!

An Evening at the Bike Track

So since I have started to feel better in my second trimester, I try to get out for a walk when I can. Nolan likes to ride his bike while I push Tori in the stroller. There is a great path near our house, but along the way to the path is a dirt bike track which Nolan loves to ride on. Last night Nolan showed Daddy his new found skills riding up and down the hills, and made a couple of new friends along the way. When it was all said and done, Tom & Nolan didn't get home until nearly 8:30 pm, to which Tom replied... "that was fun". I have a feeling the dirt bike track may be a reoccuring place to play until it gets just too darn cold out!

The Great MN Get-Together

Recognize that food on a stick? It's our favorite...Pronto Pups!!

And the kids favorite...Cotton Candy!!

What a better way to start a blog than a well loved Halloran tradition...the MN State Fair! Each year becomes more of a challenge...more kids to tote...more food to eat. We managed to chomp on many of our favorits, including but not limited to: Pronto Pups, Cheese Curds, Cotton Candy, Fried Cream Cheese Pickles, Fried Green Beans (new this year), Honey Ice Cream (courtesy of Grandma Halloran), Sweet Martha's Cookies, Snow Cones, Carmel Apples w/nuts...and the list goes on.
The weather was perfect, sunny and 79 degrees. We met Grandma & Grandpa Halloran there and walked around with them for a few hours. Nolan and Dad took a ride on the go carts, while Grandpa kept Tori busy with his pocket full of goodies. Grandma knows just what everyone likes...anyone for a Reuben Sandwich?!! We saw horses, cows, pigs and goats, and many many people. No better people watching than the fair!

A couple of side notes:
1) A special "Hi" to my brother Chris who made it safely to England today. He is there for a year working. Send us a note when you can!
2) A special "thanks" to my friend Jensen. Thanks for the blogging inspiration, and for letting me borrow a couple of ideas from your page!

So here it is...my first blog.

Tori ready for the fair!

Daddy & Nolan on the go carts

Grandpa and Tori

The clan sharing some favorite foods