First Day of School

Here are a few highlights from Ben's first day...

When asked how his first day was, he responded "AWESOME" as he jumped up and down.

When asked what the favorite part of the day was, he answered "recess"

Ben ready to walk into school to start his day

Ben's 2nd grade teacher (was Cami's Kindergarten teacher last year)

Excited to see friends

End of the first day

It is hard to believe that we have a 1st and a 2nd grader. Where did all the time go? Ben was up and ready to go by a little after 7am. Justin stayed home and made a special breakfast of strawberry crepes and sausage. He even had whipped cream, which was a special request from Ben. We had one problem this morning....Cami had a 102 degree fever. At the Parent/Student meeting last night at ALCS, Cami was more fidgety than normal. She complained that she was cold. I kept reminding her that we will bring a sweater for her to keep at school. Then I touched her. Ouch! She was on fire. She was freezing, yet her body was a temp of 103.5. It was a long, hot/cold night and the morning did not bring the relief we had hoped for. She was devastated, but knew that she did not have enough energy, even if she was allowed to go. She and Ian would stay home with dad while mom took Ben to his first day of school.

The day went by quickly as we made a trip to the doctor for a throat culture, thankfully negative. We are praying that God heals Cami and Ian quickly.

Mall of America/ American Girl

We headed to Mall of America in Minneapolis to start our vacation. We were looking forward to a day of fun then the celebration of Katrina and Chris's wedding. The boys toured around the mall while Cami, her doll Lizzy, and mommy had a girls' date at the American Girl store and cafe. We began with lunch and then spent time in the salon getting Lizzy's hair done.

Cami and Lizzy

Ready to order lunch

Cami sharing her lunch w/ Lizzy

Bitty Burger lunch w/ fruit, veggies, and pink lemonade

Lizzy enjoying her lunch and tea (with flag in cup)

The beginning of Lizzy's makeover

Still combing through Lizzy's very "loved" hair

braiding Lizzy's hair

Finishing touches on Lizzy's hair

Nail polish stickers are the finishing touch

State Fair and Mooooooooooing

We headed to the State Fair with the Hackmans. Justin "mooed" during the Farmer's Market contest sponsored by Cousins. They voted him through to the State championships, which were held at the State Fair. Free tickets were included. The kids had a great time eating lots of yummy food and also checking out the animals and craft areas. Although Justin did not win the contest at the fair, we all had a great time!

Intrigued by the bees at the honey stand

a picture with the Cousins sub mascot

waiting in line for his turn to moo

Justin MOOOOOING

Craft area

New piglets born during the State Fair

Ian talking and trying to play with the horse

Ian looking at the horse

Cream Puffs! YUM!

Justin on the mechanical bull

The 2 Bens sliding down the bouncy house slide

Cami and Ben Hackman sliding down

Ian going down the bounce house slide

the kids enjoying a baked potato

Happy Birthday Cami

The weekend of July 30, Aunt Keri and Natalie and Grandma and Grandpa came to Madison to celebrate Cami's 6th birthday. The kids enjoyed spending time with Aunt Keri and Natalie on Friday then having Grandma and Grandpa arrive on Saturday morning. We always enjoying spending time with them when they visit. Grandma Sandy made a very special birthday cake. Cami requested a princess cake and grandma delivered!!! We all had a wonderful time. We played, ate cake, then headed to PAC to swim at Dolphin's Cover water park.

Cami's amazing birthday cake, created by Grandma Sandy

On August 1 we invited Cami's friends over to celebrate her 6th birthday. Cami has been looking forward to a swimming birthday party for many weeks. God blessed us with such a beautiful day. Her friends enjoyed swimming, playing games, and decorating birthday cupcakes.

decorating special birthday cupcakes

Cami's birthday guests