erica danielle

  This is my favorite quote for this time of year. How true is that? I think I need a fresh start, so I am going to use this as my excuse let go of all the bad habits that have crept into my life over the last few months :) I love FALL and am excited for sweatshirt/shorts weather (my favorite). A little sad to say goodbye to hot days at the pool and boat rides around Bay Lake, but ready to make new, fun Fall memories! Bring it on FALL! xo, erica

We had an absolutely FULL summer, full of fun and a BABY! :) Here are a couple of my favorite highlights: Celebrating Sten on Father's Day with a bike ride for Lucy's first full ice cream cone:  Our last Friday as a family of 3 in Stillwater:  Olle Roger came into the world!!!!  5 days later we hopped in the car and headed to Bay Lake:  Lauren's wedding and our family vacation in Michigan:  Another weekend at Bay Lake with donuts on the boat:  Any gathering with these 4. I love them.  Our date at Vino in the Valley:   Summer, you've been more than good to us. Can't wait for next year! XO, erica

It's official, we have a TWO year old in the Carlson house. We also have a TWO month old and our hearts and hands are full. We'll start with our Olle man, he's the cutest little boy with a smile that will seriously make you melt. He's a magical baby and is sleeping like a champ. We wrap him up for bed at 7 and he's been sleeping through the night until 5 or 6 in the morning. Day time is.... okay, he takes naps on and off, and then gets pretty crabby right around dinner time. His scream is the loudest baby scream I have ever heard, and if he wasn't my son, I wouldn't be able to handle it. He's growing so fast and already weighs almost 13lbs. and is 23.5 inches long. One of my favorite things he does lately is coo and smile and then the next second his face changes into the saddest look and he starts screaming... it's like, what happened??? We love you buddy, thank you for being awesome and letting your sister squeeze you, squish you, kiss you, ...

We had family pictures taken after Olle was born, and I just got around to downloading them and printing some out. I love them. such a little dude.  and this girl is always up to something....  This one is my favorite We spent a lot of time making the kids rooms special. I painted those pictures and Sten stained and put those pallet boards up on the wall with the big "O".   I especially love the ones of Lucy and Olle together. I pray that they grow up to be two peas in a pod. They are lucky to have each other and we are so thankful for both of them. Thank you Angie Green for capturing our family during this time so well. XO, erica

On Monday I made Pioneer Woman's Chickpea Curry and it was to die for. It was a cold summer day and this meal was warm, and fall-like. The flavors were incredible and with 12g of protein and 8 grams of fiber, I felt good serving this to my family. Here is the link to PW's recipe . The only modifications I made were: 1 T oil instead of 2, and garlic chili paste instead of siracha. In other news: life is good!  Got to see our cousins last week Had a visit from our friends Joel and Megan and Baby Henry. Who Lucy just adored! Soooo fun to see them! Also- this guy- growing like a weed And smiling! Lucy girl and I had a spa day one morning. Diva.  Or gypsy? Favorite girl. We also took advantage of the most perfect day and had a picnic by the lake. Summer- don't leave yet!!! XO. Erica