weekend away

Since Corey has a couple weeks of job hiatus before his new job, he planned an extended weekend in Minnesota with our friends, the Sandens. 'Grandma and Grandpa' Sanden have a beautiful log cabin on Otter Tail Lake, about an hour drive from Fargo, ND. Corey's sister Maria (who goes to school in Fargo) joined us for the weekend.

I didn't take near enough photos at the cabin ... I guess we were a little distracted with sun and fun (and maybe it had something to do with having five kiddos running around).


Sanden Beach






Sea shells ... er ... lake shells?



On Monday we headed to Alexandria, MN to visit Josh and Renee and see their new house/farm.


We spent the day in downtown Alexandria and made a fun stop at the City Park.



Josh and Renee have a beautiful piece of Minnesota lake country - complete with barns, apple trees, ponds and gardens.



Kya loved their super cool play room


Lucy and Ryan, picking (and eating) apples






Kya enjoying an ice cream treat with the Sanden kids ... in age order from 18 months to second grade:
Lucy, Kya, Ryan, John, Ella






What is it about kids and ice cream?! Love it.





On Tuesday we headed home with a long stopover in Fargo, ND


I was very excited to visit Unglued, a new store in downtown Fargo ... that just so happens to carry Bison Booties.  If you think this Bison Booties display is cool, you've to to see the rest of the store. Wowie, this is possibly the coolest store I've ever been in. All handmade - what could be better?! Plus, they have cupcakes and a super cool kid's corner. Love it.
If you're in Fargo, this store is a must: Unglued, 408 Broadway North, Downtown Fargo, North Dakota


Kya loved this large painted bison in downtown Fargo


We had a few hours to spare - before Maria got out of class - so we went to the Children's Museum in Fargo. Neither Corey or I had ever heard of this place ... I found it with a google search. I can't even begin to say how great this place is. I wish we had one in Bismarck. For only $5 (each) we roamed and explored the 50+ exhibits. Kya loved it!













We met up with Maria (after class) and took her out to an early dinner at Drunken Noodle. I'm now officially VERY excited for this restaurant to arrive in Bismarck. Yum. Kya liked it too!

the 'greats'

Kya adores her great grandparents. She is blessed to have five in her life:
On my side - Katy Zundel (in Montana), Irene and Darwin Vander Vorst (in Mandan, ND)
On Corey's side - Angie Hager (in Linton, ND) and Andy Schumacher (in Linton, ND)

Last week we made a day trip to Linton to visit the 'greats' ... and what a great day it was.

laughing it up with grandpa andy:

cuddling with grandma angie:

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)