We returned yesterday afternoon from a very lovely Labor Day weekend visit in Mankato. Cole had a really nice fifth birthday yesterday despite spending a few hours traveling in the van. It's always a mixture of emotions returning home to Yankton after being in Mankato because we're always so happy to come back to our house and to Yankton, yet we instantly miss being surrounded by family and friends as we are in Mankato.

Cole opened birthday presents Monday morning before we left, and we had birthday cake Sunday so he could share that with Grandpa and Grandma. Sunday night was church with a picnic following, and the kids had a good time playing games with all of the other kids from church. There was one slight bump - literally - for Accalia when she fell and hit her face on the ground during a three legged race. Thankfully her nose didn't bleed for long.

On Saturday we went to visit Heather and Jeremy and meet their daughter, Evie, who is beautiful beyond words. She's so tiny, too! Accalia and Cole were so eager to hold her, and Ella stood by me oohing and ahhing while I held Evie. Cole and Aidan had so much fun playing together, and I know Cole wanted to stay longer. Unfortunately Ella was growing very restless and was getting grumpy.

Accalia had soccer practice last night and is at practice right now. Cory had his appointment reschedule, so he offered to take Accalia and let me keep Ella and Cole out of the 90-plus degree heat.

The rest of this week is pretty wide open until Saturday. Accalia has her first soccer game, and I have my La Leche League meeting. I'm hoping to get to the end of her game, but that completely depends on how long the meeting lasts.

Okay, I'd better get supper started so Accalia will be able to dig right into her food when she gets home.