May I have your attention, please...

Ladies and toddlers, put your itty bitty hands together for...

the McKenna and Ella Puppet Show!


We went to a local park the other day to visit with friends and play. While we were there a city sponsored puppet wagon came by for a show. The kids loved it. I didn't think they would. The especially like going into the wagon afterwards and playing with puppets.

Hot Tuesdays

On most Tuesdays this Summer, the girls and I have gone to a local swimming lake. We meet several others there and pack a picnic. Arthur has joined us a time or two, as well. With our cooler and SPF in hand we buckle up and head out around 9:30am.

McKenna has accomplished several swimming feats over the past month. She floats on her back (she learned this last year), swims under water, pinches her nose, doggy paddles, etc. Ella has also gotten more brave in the water. She'll pinch her nose and put the very little pudgy tip of it in the water and look at me and say, "I did it, Mommy!"

Of course we eat breakfast before we leave. But, within 15-20 minutes of getting there I start hearing, "When's lunch Mommy?"

For my 100th Post....

...I will give you 100 reasons to visit the Twin Cities (okay, reasons to visit MN in general....but most of the things I have mentioned are close to the Twin Cities, if not right in the metro area)!

Feel free to click on the highlighted words. They are links to websites or previous posts that I might be referring to. This is a bit of a longer post for me. I spent some time on it (it took me a few days to compile this list), so you can spend some time thoroughly enjoying it!

1. Visiting with me.

2. Visiting with Arthur.

3. Visiting with McKenna and Ella.

4. Visiting with Arthur's family.

5. Mall of America, or MOA, as we call it.

Did you know:

258 Statues of Liberty could lie inside the Mall
If Mount Rushmore was divided into individual monuments, a president could reside in each of the Mall's four courts
Mall of America is big enough to hold 32 Boeing 747s
Seven Yankee Stadiums can fit inside Mall of America
If a shopper spent 10 minutes browsing at every store, it would take them more than 86 hours to complete their visit to Mall of America
There is no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota


6. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. Here in the land of lakes, Dora is not an illegal alien and you can generally find her at this theme park in the Mall of America.


7. Como Zoo, Como Town and Conservatory. This is an inexpensive field trip. Walk through the zoo for a $2.00 donation and put a few new wrinkles on the brain while you learn about new animals (all for $2.00, remember). Bring a picnic lunch or eat at a zoo cafe. Then ride the rides at Como Town. Afterwards, stroll through the conservatory and soak up the aroma of the flower gardens.


8. We have so many parks! Beautiful parks! There are many walking trails and biking trails. There's a nice park one block away from our house. It has a skate park.


9. The Great Minnesota Get Together. It's SO much fun and very much unlike the one in AL!

10. The Minnesota Children's Museum. We have so much fun when we go here. To read more about some of our past adventures click here or here.

11. The MN Zoo. The new bear exhibit is very good. Might be my favorite! Click here.


12. You might wake up to a deer in the back yard! It happens randomly and sometimes frequently to us.


13. To baby sit for a date night.

14. Snow skiing

15. Sledding

16. To build a snowman.

17. To see a lake.

18. To see another lake.

19. To see more lakes. Okay, I will stop. Seriously though, we are the land of lakes! Because of its thousands of lakes, Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.

20. To see Northwestern College.


21. So that I can cook dinner for you.


22. To see what living in a deep freezer feels like (if you come in January or February).


23. Stillwater.


34. Red Wing.

35. Minneapolis.


36. To swim in a lake that is filtered!

37. To visit Arthur's relatives who live in these 2 towns (or very close by)! New Ulm and Hanska


38. The beautiful fall colors (if you come in late September to mid-October).


39. To play ball with Scooblar Hoop!


40. Because you need a break from the heat and humidity!


41. Because you might need something custom framed!


42. To visit our dog and cat.


43. You enjoy shoveling snow.


44. You can never get enough Dora!


45. You can visit a water park that's pool is only 1.5 feet deep!


46. To play animals!


47. So I can post your visit on the blog.


48. To see one of the biggest working towboats on the Mississippi.


49. RNC is 9/1 through 9/4.


50. To catch a show downtown.


51. You may want to visit this town if you used to live there.


52. Visiting this aquarium at this location is pretty neat.


53. To eat here,


54. or here,


55. or here--one of Sara's favorites. Check it out just for the website and menu options.


56. To stroll down Summit or Grande Avenue--some of the most beautiful urban neighborhoods.

57. Because this is a beautiful sight.


58. To see the largest freshwater lake in the world.


59. Because it would make my family so happy.


60. (Wow, this is taking longer than I thought!)


61. Duluth, MN


62. You really need to tour this building.


63. You'd be pretty close to the Wisconsin Dells.


64. Brainerd, MN


65. Paul Bunyan


66. This museum is featuring a Star Wars exhibit.


67. In college (and still, if time would allow)--I would frequent this place.


68. I married into access to the 3M store!


69. You might feel like driving for 2 days (if so, then come on up!).


70. Thrill rides


71. Split Rock


72. Two Harbors

73. Boundary Waters

74. Minnehaha Falls


75. To ride in a real street car.

76. To see a game in the dome, before it is gone.

77. Art


78. more art

79. My girls LOVE to have visitors

80. To ride a bike downtown with 6 other people

81. Fort Snelling

82. To take a cruise

83. To be a gangster for the night

84. To stay at this B&B

85. Museum of Questionable Medical Devices

86. Dinner and a show, all at the same time in the same room.

87. Arboretum

88. Apple Orchards, we have a ton!

89. Spam--really, check this one out!

90. Because everyone needs to tour a building made entirely out of ice. During the winter of 1888, residents of St. Paul built an ice palace at the winter festival. Before melting, it was considered one of the largest buildings in the world, measuring 14 stories high and covering an acre of land.

91. To reward me from creating this crazy post (it is taking much longer than I anticipated).

92. You haven't been up in a long time.


93. We have indoor playgrounds and indoor water parks if it were to rain.

94. Because a lot of famous people are from the area:
Charles "Chief" Bender (1884 - 1954) The first pitcher in baseball to win six World Series games; played for the Philadelphia Athletics. Born in Brainerd, MN (282)
Patty Berg (1918 - 2006) One of the greatest female golfers ever. She also founded the U.S. Ladies' Professional Golfers' Association. Born in Minneapolis, MN (283)
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896 - 1940) Author famous for his characters and sense of style as in The Great Gatsby.He was seen as one of the greatest authors of the 20th century. Born in St. Paul, MN (284)
Judy Garland (1922 - 1969) Singer and Actress most famous for her role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Born in Grand Rapids, MN (285)
Garrison Keillor (1942 - ) Author and host of "A Prairie Home Companion". Born in Anoka, MN (288)
Sinclair Lewis (1885 - 1951) The first American to win the Nobel Prize for literature, he wrote of small town life such as Main Street. Born in Sauk Centre, MN (286)
Roger Maris (1934 - 1985) Baseball player that while playing for the Yankees made history hitting 61 home runs in a single season. Born in Hibbing, MN (290)

Charles H. Mayo (1865 - 1939) Physician who founded the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Born in Rochester, MN (295)
William J. Mayo (1861 - 1939) Physician who founded the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Born in Le Sueur, MN (296)
Eugene McCarthy (1916 - 2005) U.S. Senator from Minnesota. Professor, author, and poet. Born in Watkins, MN (298)
Walter Frederick Mondale (1928 - ) 42d vice-president of the United States (1977 - 1980); Democratic candidate for president of the United States in 1984. Born in Ceylon, MN (297)
Charles Schultz (1922 - 2000) Cartoonist that created the comic strip Peanuts about Charlie Brown. Born in Minneapolis, MN (292)
Richard W. Sears (1863 - 1914) Founder of the Sears, Roebuck and Company. Born in Stewartville, MN (293)


95. To thank me for compiling this list.


96. Caves, we have a few.


97. Hockey


98. I really want and like to have visitors.


99. Wolves


100. Because you love me!

Meow

Tonight while putting Ella to bed...

Ella: Mommy, when I grow up I want to be a frisky kitty.



PS: This is my 99th post! I'll have to do something special for my 100th. Any suggestions?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Cousin Kyle!Cousin Max (the 21st--he turns 3 years old!)
Cioci Lynda!
Jo Jo! (on the 21st--I won't tell you how old she is, we'll just say 23!)

Vintage Photos

Since I am posting older photos, take a look at these gems! Some aren't that old...but still good!

Nana and Pa Z.

Grandma and Pa H.

The Higgins kids

Grandma Higgins

Aunt Lisa and Sara @ Nana's and Pa's 50th

Cousin Kasey and Wes on their wedding day! Isn't this a great wedding shot!?

Sara, Josh and the Yoders!

Topless?

Which aunt is topless??

WWAT: Summertime

What? I am sure you are asking! What is WWAT?



Well, it's Wordless Wednesday with a Twist. You can checkout my new blog friend American Mum (she's actually one of Sara's college roomies) to learn more. Basically you follow a theme and post photos on a Wednesday according to that theme. My blog friend MckMama does her own Wordless Wednesday. I am not sure of the rules, exactly. These photos are from last summer but I thought they were too cute. Probably, the photos should be more recent...but hey...I'm new to WWAT! Also, I noticed that some others used software to create fun images or play with color. Maybe next time!

So, here's my first ever attempt!

Crab hunting cousins!

The big daddy and the big sea!

The prettiest beach baby!

Cousins, hand in hand! (It looks great in b/w also!)

Beauty Shop Sisters

The girls and I played beauty shop the other night. I think Ella had a clown in mind and I think McKenna had a wedding in mind.

Independence Day (late)!

On the 4th of July we had two families over to help us celebrate the USA's birthday! There were 6 adults and 7 kids! We were outnumbered.

The festivities started around 4pm and people and food kept on coming. We grilled, played in the sand box, swam in the pool, ate, ate some more, made smoothies, walked to the park to watch the city's fireworks presentation.

aren't you sitting at the edge of your swivel computer chair...

...scratching your head wondering, when is Jessica going to post something new? I bet you are thinking, I know that Kjelshus family has gone on several adventures...where are the pictures?

It's been busy. Arthur has been on the computer a lot working on a prerequisite class for the MBA program he will be starting. And, I of course, am always out and about. I watch the neighbor girls on Mondays and Wednesdays. We go to the beach on Tuesdays. Then there's soccer and playdates and grocery shopping...and well I am not sure where sleeping fits in, but somehow it gets done.

I will start with this posting. As many of you know, Ella always has an animal friend with her, tucked under her arm. If you need reminding-click here or here or here. On this day she lined up her most commonly used animal friends and told me their names and ages. Here's what she said (from left to right): Kasey (6yrs), Sara (13 yrs), Rosie's Honor (10yrs), Bluey and Pinky (8 yrs), Hongo (8 yrs), Ming Ming (30 yrs), Magenta (18yrs), Allison (8 yrs), Papa the Bunny (18 yrs), Mammy the Pig (3yrs), Cute Little Puppy (2 yrs)

Need to express yourself?

If so, feel free to leave a comment about the controversial video I have decided to add as a page element to the blog. Thanks to my sister for the political 411 in the upcoming election!

a blog by any other name is still a blog

Also titled: What's in a name?
Also titled: For my nonbloggy friends...

I have gotten a few responses/questions from people about blogs. Things like, "What's a blog?" or "Can you back it up, save it for your kids to see?"

Most of the information below should explain blogs. This blog is mainly a diary or scrapbook of sorts about our family. As long as the Internet exists, the blog will exist and my children will be able to access it from any computer at any time.

As for security, it's up to you. You can have a blog that is by invitation only. You can block or moderate comments. There are many options. You can also attach a sitemeter to your blog/website and track the url's of your visitors! There are lots of levels of security.

I choose to blog so that family and friends can be in the know when it comes to our family. Out of state friends and family can feel up to date on the adventures of my kids. I only have to type it once and everyone can see it! It's a win/win for everyone. Every blogger i know LOVES to get comments. So, when I visit blogs I try to periodically leave a comment.
Why do you blog? Do you keep up with other blogs? Is this the first blog you have ever followed. Leave your comment! It's easy to leave a comment. You don't have to sign up or anything. Just be sure to leave your name so that I know who you are!

From Wikipedia:

A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

The personal blog, an on-going diary or commentary by an individual, is the traditional, most common blog. Personal bloggers usually take pride in their blog posts, even if their blog is never read by anyone but them. Blogs often become more than a way to just communicate; they become a way to reflect on life or works of art. Blogging can have a sentimental quality. Few personal blogs rise to fame and the mainstream, but some personal blogs quickly garner an extensive following.

Here's a list of Blogger jargon! You can click on the text that is colored and you'll be redirected to a more detailed explanation of that word.

Splog
A term used to refer to a 'spam blog', made popular in 2005 by Mark Cuban

Blogsnob
A person who refuses to respond to comments on their blog from people outside their circle of friends.

Bloglet
A small blog entry, usually one or two sentences long.

Blogoneer
A portmanteau of "blog" and "pioneer", meaning a person who blogs with an expert or pioneering attitude.

Blogorrhea
A portmanteau of "blog" and "logorrhea", meaning excessive and/or incoherent talkativeness in a weblog.

Blogosphere
All blogs, or the blogging community. Also called blogistan or, more rarely, blogspace.

Blogroll
A list of blogs. A blogger features a list of their favorite blogs in the sidebar of their blog. Derived, it would seem, as a pun on "Logrolling."

Blogstipation
The state of being unable to think of any topic to blog about, leading to irregular, strained blog entries. A rush of interesting events can clear the block; this is sometimes known as a blenema.

Storyblog
Also written as "slog". A term used to describe blogs used primarily to publish written stories and poetry used for practice usually by aspiring writers.

Blooger
A blogger who exhibits adolescent tendencies and lacks basic social graces or good manners. A portmanteau of "blog" and "booger."

Boreblogging
Writing about personal matters that are barely interesting even to the writer -- preferably in a slightly bent fashion so as to make it fun to read in spite of the subject matter.

Bugblogging
Blogging about insects.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to my mom! She's a mentor, confidont, and prayer partner!

This photo is about 2 years old, as you can tell by looking at Ella! I hope you have a great day mom. What are your plans?

It's a splash zone out there!

Today we met friend Sophie at Battlecreek Waterworks. The girls had a lot of fun splashing around. McKenna enjoyed going down the different water slides. Ella was a bit more hesitant to avoid the play structure in the middle of the 18 inch deep pool. She wasn't fond of getting splashed in the face. She stayed closer to me. Though, she still enjoyed the smaller dancing fountains and getting in and out of the pool. We also played in the sand area they had. The girls enjoyed themselves and I am sure that we'll be back again.

Bamboo Zoo

It was a Monday. Within a millisecond of opening the door, I was covered in sweat! But, we decided to go to the Birmingham Zoo anyways! Heat Index? I knew not the words! 103 didn't scare me!

Yes, while in AL we went to the nearest zoo with Cioci Lynda, Uncle James, Cousin Max, and Nanny! The B'ham Zoo has tons of Bamboo, something that my girls only see on Dora and Diego. They were fascinated by it. We had a hard time progressing past any trail that had bamboo. Their high interest level was mimicked by Max.

There was a small tunnel the kids could go through in Kangaroo Country. The tunnel was designed to look like a mine. There were even miner hats for the kids to put on their horrifically sweaty heads and then drop back in the box for someone else to wear! Though, at this point McKenna and Ella needed a break from the sun (as if you couldn't tell by their faces).

There was a dancing water fountain, that I didn't know about. The not knowing part explains the absence of swim suits. McKenna had a blast dancing around in her clothes in the fountain. Ella wanted so badly to join in. She couldn't grasp the thought of getting her sundress wet, however. I explained that it would dry. I explained that I actually had a change of clothes for her too. I offered to go in the fountains with her. Everyone else tried to explain things to her. She understood...she just didn't care! Ella wanted desperately to get wet but refused to get wet without a swimsuit. I changed her into her shorts thinking maybe she'd get those wet. Nope!

After swimming everyone enjoyed an ice cream treat!

most kids want candy...

or chocolate, or lollipops, or (if they are a bit older) cash. Sometimes they want to go to the park or the zoo or the toy store. Not Ella!

This morning (around 6:00 a.m.) Ella was sitting quietly on my lap sucking her thumb, as usual. It's our morning routine. It's how she wakes up.

Ella: Mommy?

Me: Yea...

Ella: I want to be back in your tummy.

Earlyworks; Huntsville, AL

While in Alabama we visited the local children's museum in downtown Huntsville. Cioci Lynda and cousin Max joined us. Max is about 6 months younger than Ella. The kids probably enjoyed the area of the museum called Biscuit's Backyard the most. They could play in the water or role play on a farm, in a post office, a garden, a market, etc. Ella collected all of the money from the market. McKenna managed the farm. Max played in the water quite a bit, then colored, then shopped in the market. He was all over. Cioci Lynda enjoyed Colonial clothes! (I stayed behind the camera.)

PS: Wanna know what "cioci" is? Click here.