Dancing Queen

Kelsey started dance class on Monday. It is a mommy and me class (or daddy and me). I was a little nervous how she would react to it all. She loves to boogie down at home and we have a blast free-styling it, but this is a bit more structured setting. She sure had the look ready for class. She got a new pink leotard and pink dance shoes. She really liked when we got dressed. All day we talked about listening to the teacher and being quiet. Well some of it must have sunk in because I was so happy with how she adjusted to class. She listened really well as we danced to a song and attempted to follow the directions (touch your knees, clap your hands, etc.) Then we hopped like bunnies, marched, spun around like tops, and jumped like frogs. The only thing that brought a little difficulty was using the rhythm sticks. She loved using it so much that she didn't want to put it away. A few very convincing words needed to be said in order to move on from that. Overall, I would give her an A for the day! It was so fun to be able to do that with her and see how she just lit up around all the other kids and even how she could follow directions. I was a very proud mama!

More Pictures

Here are a few of my favorites from Kelsey's photo session. I am not sure how I am going to choose!

New Blog Title Picture

We got Kelsey's 2 year pictures back last night and are SO happy with how they turned out. We went to the same photographer we did last year and she did another fabulous job. The best part of the new blog picture is that there are actually 4 of us in the picture!!! Yup, you read that right--We are expecting Baby Skala #2 on March 13, 2011 :) Kelsey is going to be a big sister! We are so excited! So far everything has been going well. I just started my second trimester and feel good. We will be sure to update on the blog as things move along.

Wojkiewicz Visit

My aunt, uncle and cousin came to visit MN this weekend. They took their daughter back to college at EC and then kept on making their way here. It was so good to see them! We all met at my brother's house which is closer for them. My Aunt Evie spoiled us and brought yummy pumpkin bars and homemade cookies! We just hung out all afternoon while the kids played. Later, we grilled out and shared some funny stories about the past. Grandpa Louie might be shaking his finger at us ;) We always appreciate it when family makes their way to see us!

Snow White

Kelsey has been into Snow White lately. She likes to watch the movie and asks for it by name. Well, the Ginskey boys saw this costume and thought Kelsey would love it (which she does!) Looks like we will have fun playing dress up! Thanks boys!

Shopping Date

My friend Liz and I have sort of made it a tradition to meet in Woodbury every year to go shopping. We started it before we had kids and now we both have a child to push around. We choose Woodbury because it is about halfway for both of us. This year, we did a little shopping and then went out to lunch. By the end of lunch, both kiddos were definitely ready for a nap and it was time to go. We actually ended up talking to each other on the way home because we didn't get in everything we wanted to say while together since we were both tending to the kids. Amazing how life changes! Definitely a good change though!!! I am thankful to have seen Liz and Collin, quick visit or not. Let's hope it is not next August until we see them again!

The Fair

We have spent a lot of the past week hanging out at the fair. Kelsey has loved every minute of it, except maybe the minute when we had to leave. Since it is free to get in, it makes it so easy for us to go for just a few hours here and there. The weather was great this year! There were definitely moments where it was pretty steamy, but we always managed to find some shade.





Kelsey loved the rides this year! She was fortunate to have the boys as her riding buddies, especially Connor who always seemed to watch out for her. She even got brave enough to try some on her own. She liked the swings and motorcycles the best. In a close second were the airplanes, merry-go-round, train, and whales.




She also went on rides with Daddy, Mommy, Aunt Diane, Aunt Stacey and Grandma.



Who can forget the food? Here we are about to eat a "spaghetti" ice cream sundae.

Kelsey's other favorite love was the piggy races! She would say" piggies gonna run" and then point her arm out in front of me to demonstrate what she meant by run. Too cute :) There is also a picture of her milking a pretend cow.


We managed to take in some shows and entertainment. We even saw polkas! Can't beat that! She loved dancing with everyone.



Kelsey played the ducky game and won a wonderful trumpet complete with sound. Here is Daddy giving her a trumpet lesson called don't swallow the mouthpiece!

It was a great week! It is bittersweet because the end of the fair means school is here! Better take in the last few days with our Kelsey girl...

Como Zoo

Yesterday was the annual Ebeling/Skala Como Zoo trip. We weren't sure it would happen this year because the entire week had been extremely hot and humid, and then yesterday called for storms. However, the weather actually turned out to be great. It got a little warm and humid at times, but we were all thankful mother nature cooperated and we were able to go.

Kelsey did well with recognizing the animals and making their sounds. It is a really cute zoo and really well kept up with a great variety of animals.







After lots of walking around, we had a picnic lunch. We did feel a few sprinkles while we were eating, but that was it.


We had a little smaller group than past years, but it was still a good time! However, it always means that summer is almost over. Two more weeks off. Time to pack in as much as we can. We'll start with the fair next week!

Enjoy your weekend!

The Boys of Fall

Today Mattey told me about a song called "The Boys of Fall" by Kenny Chesney. Since football is part of our life with Mattey being a former player and now a coach, I of course checked it out. Well, I thought it was so good I wanted to share it on our blog. I am attaching the youtube link so you can see the video. If you like football at all or want to see an inspirational video, give it a view.

The Boys of Fall video

Happy Football Season!

A Day in the City

Today we spent a family day in the cities. I am trying to take full advantage of having Mattey around before football and school starts. We started the summer with a pretty lengthy list of possible things to do and we crossed off another destination today--the Mall of America. The theme at Nickelodeon Universe this summer is Dora, so we took Kelsey to meet her. When we first got there, we ran into Blue from Blue's Clues. Kelsey was not so sure of him, but did get close enough for a picture.

Next up, we met Dora and Boots. Daddy and Kelsey stood in line for about 10 minutes. During this time, Daddy convinced Kelsey it would be ok to stand by Dora and Boots for a picture. And, it worked! Kelsey gave them both hugs and smiled for a picture (with Daddy VERY close by of course :)



She kept saying the rest of the day "I hug Dora and Boots." She was quite proud I think.

Later, we went to the Disney Store and Kelsey spotted a Nemo stuffed fish. She is crazy about this movie and fell in love with the fish right away. Daddy and Mommy could not say no to her saying "pleeeeeease". Not to mention, we could not have pryed it out of her hands if we tried! She carried the fish around the remainder of the day and was so happy.

While in the cities, we were able to visit with a few of Matt's high school friends. Two of them recently had baby boys and we were excited to meet them. I brought in my camera and Mattey even reminded me to take a picture, and I forgot :( Bummer! Guess that means we need to plan another get together soon!

To end our day excursion, we stopped to have supper with Diane. We went to Diane's favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel. Mattey and I were not sure we have eaten there before or it was a long time ago. It was SO good! Again, no pictures as I was too busy stuffing my face. Oops!

We were all pretty tired when we got home. What a great day!