the perfect afternoon

Sunday afternoon was perfect.

We started with a visit to the Dakota Zoo.



Kya got to feed the goats and miniature horses.


lots of squealing and giggling


Kya has been talking about "horse, corn, hand," non-stop ever since.


Corey had an after-dinner pipe


IT's-IT ... Kya loves ice cream ... so do her mom and dad.


exploring the yard and throwing rocks into the tall grass


enjoying the company


enjoying life.

Pheasant Friday

This dude has been roosting in our tree and hanging around the house for over a week. I have found him in the back yard, front yard, and within a few feet of the basement doors.
I like the colorful little guy. I think he likes us too.

new park & new tulips

There has been lots of activity just 'across the street' at Harmon Lake. We are excited to see this new park being developed and upgraded. I know we'll be spending lots of time at our little neighborhood lake in the upcoming years.


New playground, at the sandy beach area of the lake.


The equipment is a few years too old for Kya to play on by herself, but Corey and I had fun helping her.


Kya gives the park her approval.


Just up the hill from the sandy beach are two new shelters and tables.


And back on the Hager ranch ... tulips!

Easter 2012

We spent the weekend visiting Corey's parents in Kenmare, ND (about three hours northwest of here). Kya was a perfect traveler in the car ... I didn't hear a peep from her on the way there or home. Corey's parents are the best hosts: delicious food, fun activities, great company. It was cold and very windy outside (it snowed!) but we were more than content enjoying the company inside.


If I could sum up our Easter weekend in two words, they would be "giggle" and "bonnie"


Giggle: Kya was giggling for about 80 percent of the weekend visit. We all had so much fun baking, eating, making silly faces, coloring eggs, painting, eating, watching the Master's golf tournament, making silly faces, celebrating Matthew's birthday, going to Mass Saturday night, eating, making silly faces, and playing cards. Many great memories.

Bonnie: Kya is in love with the Hager's mini-dachshund Bonnie/Brownie. We often herd (at full yell) "Bonnie!!! BONNIE!!!" from Kya. I'm not sure the dog is as thrilled with the relationship as Kya is, but she doesn't seem to mind the attention.

. . .

Helping grandma make bread/buns.






Making silly faces with Maria








Kya's first painting project - she loves it!


Decorating Easter Eggs








Corey's Elmo egg


Kya imitating Grandpa.




Ponytail.


Fun with Aunt Maria.


Kya's shirt says "my aunt spoils me," ... so true.


More puppy love.


Happy Birthday Matthew! Easter Day
(Kya's 'piranha' face)

too cool for the pool

Kya put together this 'look' while I was in the shower this morning. (yes, all by herself, with absolutely no assistance from me)

I'm not sure what she was trying to express with my swimming suit (top and bottoms) as a scarf with a backward cap ...
maybe 'beach thug' or 'too cool for the pool'?

. . .

Check out her toe nails - painted with kid-safe, non-toxic nail polish called Piggy Paint. Kya absolutely loves 'spa time' at home with mama.

Happy Birthday Kya

Kya is two!
Happy Birthday to my little sweetie - born on April 3 (after a very long 28 hour, epidural-free labor during a blizzard). Kya, just so you know ... you are so worth it.

We celebrated Kya's birthday with a family gathering at our house on Saturday. It was a perfect day of sunshines and smiles. More photos coming soon.