Annika is 4!

Tuesday Annika turned 4 years old. I was just thinking about how quickly her 3rd year was. She learned a lot and did a lot. Preschool, ballet, swimming, and friends consumed her life. She learned to read, ride a bike with training wheels, learned to be a big sister, and many more things. Andy and I both feel so blessed to have her as our first child. She has taught us a lot and we love her very much. Now, what will age 4 bring?

Gavin's 15 month appointment

Gavin just had his 15 month doctor's appointment and came away with high scores. 97th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference. (Mom believes 100th for cuteness and intelligence too.) His weight is a whopping 30 pounds and height 33.5 inches. He definitely passed Annika at that age (and not much of a difference right now). The Bjorns nicknamed him 'Tank' at the family reunion. He is solid, but what a cutie. He melts your heart with his smile and you can't get enough of those kissable cheeks. I wish I could just freeze time ... part of me doesn't want him to get older. He is at a fun stage.

(picture taken at Annika's pool party in the backyard.)

Strawberry Jam Pixies

I had a huge upset when we returned from our vacation last week -- ALL of my freezer food went bad. I went through a cycle of emotions -- disbelief, denial, anger, sadness, anger, sadness, and then acceptance. It was just too sad for me so my mother-in-law was grateful enough to volunteer and clean it up. The saddest part of all of this is my freezer jam. I had 15 jars and all gone. I never got to enjoy even one of them. That's what really depressed me. I shared my catastrophe with my dear friend, Tana, who shared my sadness and word spread.

We have received several acts of kindness this week. Tana and other dear friends dropped off strawberry freezer jam that they made. Some friends knocked and gave a hug and other friends left it on my doorstep. You may think it is such a simple, easy, no big thing, but my family and I are very grateful. So, thank you to all of you. My freezer is up and running and is getting filled again! Of course I have been checking my freezer a couple times a day. I am a little paranoid.

A busy month ...

It's been a while since we last posted on our blog. I thought I would give you a quick update on what's been happening this past month ... (in no particular order).

Gavin and Annika had their first ride with Dad on the sea-doo. Gavin LOVED it, Annika was a little apprehensive.

Being close to 8 months pregnant, I took Annika on the tube. Don't worry, Mom, Andy Sr. drove the boat very slowly. No attempts to buck me off this time.

Annika turned 4 years old! We had a fun day ... and then the stomach flu the next ...

Annika had her friends over for a fun Birthday party -- pool, slip n' slide, sandbox, swing set, lunch and butterfly cupcakes ... and then a 101 fever late that night.

Andy's parents moved from Texas back to Seattle. They are temporarily living with us. The kids love having them here ... and we do too!

Got to visit an old friend in Utah. So fun to catch up!

Had a Bjorn Family reunion at Bear Lake. The week went by too quickly. It was great to be together again and play at the lake and pool.
Finished the patio in the back. More plants are in (thanks to Andy and his Dad) and chairs set up to watch the kids play on the swing set. Grandpa and Dad also taught Annika to swing on her own!!

And last, but not least, Andy turned another year older ... 35 and looking great!!

I think that covers the month ... besides the 100 + degree weather we have been having, blackberry chopping, doctor's appointments, park and lake fun, and play dates. Baby is growing stronger and stronger and now it's time to get ready for her arrival September 21st. We are all very excited!