Today we went to pick strawberries. Ben and I can't remember the last time we did this, and for Karis it was a first. She really enjoyed helping out as we picked away... about 4.5 lbs.
Friday started off with a twist... Karis asked us to take her to school. She's normally home with Ben on Fridays. However, her class was going for a boat ride on the Mississippi River. She is the first one in our family who's been on the water since we moved here.
Can you imagine taking a group of 3-4 year-olds on a boat ride? The teachers were worried that the kids would get sick. We were afraid someone would fall overboard! Karis is in middle to the group. She's wearing a green, blue, and white striped dress. Ben and Mom-Mom picked her up after the field trip and got ready for the next adventure... The Mall of America! We drove to Minnesota Friday night and headed to the mall Saturday morning.
Karis and I gave Ben gift card for a flight simulation experience at the mall as a part of his Father's Day present. Here he is as he prepared for his flight!
The coolest thing for Karis... meeting Tyrone and Uniqua from the Backyardagains. She's overcome many fears during this trip to the mall... she's not afraid of the characters or the "storms" in the Rainforest Cafe. She couldn't wait to introduce Mom-Mom to her new friends!
The Mall of America tired all of us out. Karis had to nap on the way home. This was a sweet moment for Mom-Mom.
It was a big day at our house! Karis turned 4 and we celebrated Father's Day. Mom-Mom bought steak so Ben made them on the grill. The picture of Karis was taken when we went for a walk by the Mississippi River. The picture of Karis and Ben was taken on our deck. Karis was so proud to show off the flower that she picked out of our garden!
Today we had Karis's birthday party with Lilly, Hannah, Isaac and Autumn. 
Her birthday cake... every princess deserves Ariel on their cake!
We had LOTS of balloons! Karis and Lilly thought it was funny to put them under their shirts!
One of the biggest things about turning 4 is being able to sit in a booster seat.
Karis could not wait to go for a ride.
Three generations of princesses!
Mom-Mom is here for two weeks and Karis is thrilled! She wants to spend every moment with her... showing Mom-Mom around our new town.
Since we're still unsure what is actually growing in the yard, we decided to decorate the boxes on the deck. Ben also worked on the outside plumbing. A pipe burst and we needed to get it fixed before we could water our new plants.
Karis was such a big help. She loves the pink and purple flowers and she enjoyed using her gardening gloves.
The finished product!
VERY COLORFUL FLOWERS!
