Disturbing

We had put off getting Bella's teeth cleaned far too long, and the vet (new vet and much cheaper than our old one) said she was in great shape but really needed her teeth cleaned. So we bit the bullet and decided it should be done. Jer dropped her off Tuesday morning, she was put under anesthesia, and had her teeth cleaned and nails trimmed (might as well since she was under!) Jer picked her after work that night, and when he got home he handed me this disturbing picture. Apparently they take a before and after picture; this is the before picture.

What do you think? Would you want to get this from your vet? I thought it was hilarious. I mentioned that we are going to a new vet that is actually right up the road, and it's much cheaper than our old one. Not only have we been impressed by their prices (they even have coupons), their customer service is amazing. The first time we had ever been there was when Jer took Gabby in a few months ago. A few days later we received a card in the mail from them -- all of their employees (at least 10) had written a personal note inside the card like, Sorry for your loss. . ., etc. We were very surprised and impressed. We have had Bella in twice since then and each time they call to remind you of your appointment and any details, then call to let you know how everything went afterward. It's Andover Animal Hospital on Hanson if anyone is interested!

To keep with the Bella theme, here's a video from last week or so. It's kind of dark but hopefully you can get the idea.

Now maybe you can see why I have to vacuum nearly every day!

Como Zoo

Last week I met a friend and her two girls at the Como Zoo. Jess and I met during workshop week before starting at Mounds View High School (both teaching math.) I remember the first conversation we ever had as we walked through the lunch line -- something about neither of us liking mayonnaise on our sandwiches. An instant bond was formed. We became good friends teaching together, going to the same church Eagle Brook, our husbands became fishing buddies, going through pregnancies and both having two girls (hers are 4 and 2, mine are 3 and 2 -- she wasn't QUITE as insane), doing our master's degree together, being in a Bible study together for many years, and so much more. Even though I switched schools and went to Irondale in 2003 and we didn't see each other as much, we still talk often and try to get together here and there. Jess, if you're reading this, I miss our "pre-kid" days of hanging out together! Although I do love sharing little girl stories with you.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the Como Zoo. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time.
We started at the fairly new butterfly garden. Here is Rachel showing Bri the art of butterfly identification.

There were 4 adult giraffes there, and this adorable baby giraffe.

This monkey was exposing himself a little much, I think.

It was free carousel ride day. Great idea, we thought! Unfortunately, it was right at lunch time and the girls were starving. Also, the workers were not very kid-friendly. Who do they think is going to ride the carousel, all old people? Then, just our luck, they cut the line for the next ride off right in front of us. So we had to wait another 10 minutes, an eternity when you're trying to keep 4 young children from escaping under the ropes. Thank goodness Bri was able to be bribed with fruit snacks.

Was it worth the wait? Not sure!

It was a great morning at the zoo, and luckily Bri didn't fall asleep until the last few minutes of the ride home, and still got a nice long nap in. Always nice for mom.

Singing Sisters

Presenting. . . . the Brandt sisters! Here is the debut of their first self-accompanied duet. (Well, not the first, but the first one I've posted.) Hope you enjoy. :)

3 girls and a St. Bernard

Last weekend was the annual Andover Fun Fest, so we had fun eating cheese curds, watching the parade, letting the girls jump/slide in a few inflatables, and watching fireworks. Everything is held only a few blocks from our house and the fireworks are right behind our house, so close that we often have ashes falling in our yard. This year Mike, Em, and Lily made the trip from Moorhead to join us on Saturday. I didn't get out my camera a whole lot (you can click on "Olsons" to the right to see more pictures), but here are a few of the girls riding around in the garage on their bikes. I've found that a fairly clean garage (thanks to the garage sale) is a great place for the girls to ride their tricycles -- they have fun and get some energy out!

I snapped this picture of Bella the other day and thought it was so funny. This is classic Bella -- a dog so tall that she can put her chin on the dining room table and see what's for dinner (hoping it's her dinner!)

9 years strong

Happy anniversary, honey! It's hard to believe it's been 9 years ago today that we tied the knot. We've had high points and low points but I love you more today than ever. No one makes me laugh the way you do. You are the best husband and father that I know. I love you. Happy anniversary.

4th of July weekend

We had a fun but busy holiday weekend filled with. . .

On Friday my friend Heather and I went golfing. It was her first time but she did great and we had a lot of fun. Now she's hooked! Later that night it was homemade pizza and a trip to DQ.

On Saturday we drove 3 hours south to Fairmont, MN, where we saw Jeremy's grandpa Gene and a few other relatives. We visited "Heritage Acres" where the girls had fun petting some horses, swinging in tire swings, and riding (AKA sitting in) a miniature train. They had home-cooked food, live music, and tons of "old stuff" to look at -- old farm equipment and other interesting things. Jeremy kept saying, your mom would love this!

Then we headed to "Wohlpond" to visit our friends the Wohlhuters. The girls had a lot of "firsts" here: driving the electric car which they absolutely loved, flying a kite, and fishing. They loved spending the whole day outdoors. I think we were all exhausted by the time we got home at 10:30 that night.

Today was a perfect day to spend outside playing in the baby pool.

Not to be outdone

Not to be outdone by her sister, here is a video of Bri singing her ABC's. I'm actually very proud that both Bri and Emily can halfway sing on key! I'm sure most parents that are somewhat musical secretly hope their kids aren't going to be tone-deaf!

Here is Bri with her latest birthday present (we finally made the trip to Toys R Us to pick out something with her giftcard from grandpa Don.) Her being the jumper that she is, it's perfect.