Kya eats corn

Sunday evening at the river cabin.






I love how she kicked back for full enjoyment of the year's BEST North Dakota sweet corn.

Kapla Baby

My very good (and very pregnant) friend Tiffany called me last week in a bit of a panic, looking for someone to take a few maternity photos of her and her husband Mike ... before the baby arrives ... any day now. If course, I was delighted to be included in anything baby related, especially with these two special friends. So last night - while Corey was in Fargo helping Maria move to college - Kya and I, and Mike and Tiffany, ventured out into the back yard (fields) for photos.

Kya was a trooper and the best assistant I could ask for. I just sat her down in the hay field and she was content for an hour or so. Can't ask for more!

Tiffany and Mike are going to be wonderful parents to their little guy, I'm so excited I was able to document this special time for them. Thanks for inviting me to photograph you two three!

bonfire celebration

At the Hager house, we celebrate big events with an evening bonfire.

This week the event is:
Corey's new job!



In two weeks, Corey will start as the Senior Accountant at Miller Insulation. I'm so very proud of Corey, and this exciting direction for his career. Oh and of course, Kya and I can't wait to visit his new office.

Starting today, Corey will be enjoying two weeks of vacation between jobs. I would guess we'll have a few Dakota Zoo days and maybe even a trip to the Minnesota lakes. Corey and Kya are both looking forward to lots of daddy-daughter time in the next couple weeks. Corey has already rethought his 'corporate' wardrobe for a more relaxed dress code at the new office ... basically, he bought more jeans and polos.

What a great way to end the summer!

Oh Corey, I love you so very much. xoxo

Film crew spends the day with Bison Booties

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos, taken yesterday while filming a promo video at the Bison Booties studio. Many thanks to the Pride of Dakota program for this opportunity and for sponsoring the video shoot

The final product will be a 3-4 minute video telling the Bison Booties story. Bison Booties was one of five North Dakota (Pride of Dakota) businesses selected for this feature. Film production by Results Unlimited, Minot, ND.

The crew was here over six hours, with TONS of cool gear. It was really fun to watch them set up, adjust, adjust again, and record. Thanks to Grandma Rene for coming to the house to entertain Kya during the filming. Kya got her time in the spotlight too - we got to show off her wagon during our daily walk up to the mailbox, to mail booties.

I'll be sure to share the video when it is completed (in a month or so).

a cousin is fun!

These two little sweeties are growing up fast and have more fun each time they are together. Although Connor is 11 months old, and Kya is almost 2 1/2 years old, they are nearly the same weight!

Jesse, Megan, and Connor, and Grandma Andrea and Matthew visited this weekend. The weather Saturday was chilly and rainy so we enjoyed lots of indoor fu. The afternoon included lots of somersaults - courtesy of Kya, and screeches of joy - courtesy of Connor.

Jesse, Megan and Connor departed for home (Boston) on Sunday and we already miss them.


How could I not fall in love with him - he's wearing a bison shirt!








~ love for Grandma Andrea ~








Kya says: Connor is driving?! I better buckle up!
(don't worry, we were at a complete standstill - no keys in the truck)

Capital A'Fair 2012

Bison Booties at the Capital A'Fair, August 4-5, 2012, in Bismarck, North Dakota
(left) Me – Erica Hager – the Bison Booties maker and my sister, Caitlyn (right) she is my #1 helper with art/craft shows.
No, we are not twins.


Day 1 (Saturday) at the Capital A'Fair was windy and rainy but we were still very busy. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to shop. We had a very special visitor - the First Lady of North Dakota took time to stop in and say hello.


Day 2 (Sunday) was sunny and warm and also very busy. The Bison Booties selection was quite slim by the end of the show. Notice a few new styles? They will be arriving on Etsy soon.







Our next show is planned for  Friday, Nov. 30 though Sunday, Dec. 2 – the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase at the Bismarck Civic Center, in Bismarck, ND. Until then, shop for Bison Booties at any of our fabulous retail partners or online.

It's Capital A'Fair Time

Read all about the show in today's Bismarck Tribune

Bison Booties will be there! Booth #99 (about 1/2 way down on the west side of the loop)