Wow...

I was at work today looking at my calendar trying to schedule a few things in between volleyball, work, Kindermusik classes and just some simple "down-time" at home and I suddenly realized it was almost OCTOBER! I recently spotted Christmas decorations at Target and we just turned our heat on...time really flies. I haven't posted since July - not that I haven't thought about it, just everytime I sat down to do it, something else came up. I am making a new "resolution" (ahead of the game, like Target and their Christmas in September idea) and attempt to get 1 blog up a week. So here goes....
The Kollasch Family is doing wonderfully. Summer was excellent and went by way too quickly. We were able to take a few trips to Grand Rapids, spend a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa, and got to be outside A LOT! Ben and Quinn have starting forming a special bond - Quinn has a "smile" that he uses just for Ben. They like to chatter with each other and Ben is very attentive to Quinn. Ben underwent ear surgery in August and his language is really coming along. We hear new words everyday and Ben is noticing new sounds. He especially likes planes in the sky. Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for more updates - I promise!

Evening in the yard

Quinn and Dad relaxing in the grass.

Quinn's cute onesie!
Ben trying to chase down Bella and get the ball.

Here Quinn - try my hat.

Ben checking out the weeds

Chris and I had the boys out in the yard one evening after swimming lessons. Ben loves to walk around and Quinn was hanging out with Dad in the grass. I love summer evenings like this - they go by so fast! Summer is quickly approaching an end for me as I will start volleyball pre-season in the beginning of August.

The Mighty One learns to slide

Quinn taking a turn on the slide.

Ben loves to hold Quinn


I got him Mom!

Ok Quinn - you can get off now.

The Mighty Quinn got a lesson in sliding from his big brother Ben one afternoon. I think Ben enjoyed it a lot more than Quinn...

Ribbit!

What's this? Maybe its a cool new rock that I haven't seen before...

Whoa - it moves!

Come back here little toad!

Ben found a toad in the yard one afternoon (actually Chris found a toad under my car in the garage and was trying to save it from becoming an appetizer for Bella) and did his best to try and catch it. He picked it up once by the leg but was rather surprised when it moved in his hand! The good news is the little toad managed to escape both Ben and Bella and will hopefully learn it's lesson not to come in our yard anymore!!

Ben's Tumbling Class

Stretching before class with Dad.

Hanging on the "high" bar.

Here we go!

Yea Ben!

We enrolled Ben in a toddler's tumbling class through Elk River Community Ed. He did pretty good considering he was one of the youngest in the class. It was mainly focused on listening and learning to follow directions. Ben is the type of child that likes to observe situations for a while first before he tries it out himself so on the last day of class he finally tried to "high bar" and let the teacher "flip" him over it. It's amazing how much joy just watching him try something new and enjoy it can bring to us as parents!

4th of July

Dad and Ben in the sand.

Ben taking over the boat.

Mom and Quinn by the lake.

Great-Aunt Jeanne keeping Ben under control!

Playing in the sand with Great-Aunt Jeanne.

We spent the 4th at my aunt and uncle's house on Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, MN. The weather was awesome and a great time was had by all - even Bella! She couldn't get enough dock jumping and tennis ball-chasing. Ben "drove" the boat and Quinn relaxed by the lake. We watched fireworks on the lake and at the next-door neighbors and even had a bonfire by the lake after the kids went to bed.

At home with Mom

Basketball or baseball?

Starting to smile!

Happy Quinn!

I have two weeks left on my maternity leave. It's been quite an adjustment getting used to having two boys at home but I think we are managing well. Quinn is such a good baby and Ben loves to try and help with everything. He's into throwing the dirty diapers (and anything else he can find) into the garbage. I really appreciate his efforts though!!