Saturday, February 16, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!!


Breakfast of fresh berries and yogurt.



"Heart attack" - we all say what we love about the other members of our family on a construction paper heart and tape the hearts to the kitchen cupboards.



We giggle with glee as we fetch the mail.







Fancy family dinner and dessert.


Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

What Interests a 7-year-old Boy


There are plenty of things Ian finds entertaining.  Amongst the most interesting right now would be reading about animals, outer space, dinosaurs, the Titanic, Pompeii, the Vikings (as in Norse explorers, not the MN football team), Magic Schoolbus videos, playing his Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars apps on his iPod, snowboarding, dreaming about building snow forts (not enough snow, YET), and now... this one killed me... the COMICS!  Could it be possible that he's now at that age?  Our boy seems so grown up...again.


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas tea party

Here are some glimpses of our 3rd annual Christmas tea party!  We were very blessed to have Katie and Isaac, and Ruth in town for the event this year.  Bruce, Tom and Ian made themselves scarce (but feasted on leftovers when they returned!).  








Unfortunately Gwen missed the group photo because she was napping!



Nina is ready to hand out her personal notes to each guest.




Nina and Grandma Ruth are unleashing their creative genius and decorating the hats.



A wonderful time was had by all!  We especially appreciated the delicious spread of food.  I wish I had photographed that as well.   :)

Thursday, July 5, 2012

OUR FOURTH


Our 4th of July was blissful!  Family, friends, gorgeous weather, picnic fare.... but Ian had the highlight of the day.  He lost his first tooth EVER at the breakfast table, while biting on a piece of toast.  I can hardly believe the lanky big guy he's turning into!!




In Lake Marion
Homemade 4th of July pops



Pulling out our patriotic attire
end of the day celebrations
the most adorable children in the world





Tuesday, June 26, 2012

My 32nd!!

Yes, I can hardly believe I'm 32.  Here is a glimpse at our day.


In line to see the new Dinosaurs exhibit at the MN Zoo


Mechanized robotic, true to life dinosaurs along the path.  Some roar and others spit water!



Nina wasn't fond of the sharp teeth.

Carol made Huevos Rancheros for dinner, per my request
Birthday bonfire



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries

Today we went with Krista and her daughter Alaithia strawberry picking at a new place I discovered outside of Hastings called Sam Kedem's farm.  This place has organic berries and apples, along with a vegetable and plant nursery and a charming farm that the kids can explore.  It was an early, chilly morning, but the sun peeked out and we got some warmth.  I was glad since I had Gwen in the baby carrier and I'd forgotten her socks.  I was holding her little tootsies to keep them warm!  I can hardly believe how much a mother needs to pack for herself and three darlings.  Change of clothes, snacks, water bottles, camera, money, sunscreen & insect repellent, diaper bag... the list goes on and on.  Pretty soon here, I'll be holding these kids responsible for bringing their OWN stuff!

Oh, we had such a ball picking berries!


Cute chickens and roosters, complete with audio track.




Catching butterflies in the strawberry field.





 One of the many berries that got re-routed from my box of strawberries to Ian's mouth.
 Mmmmm... juicy.





 Catching tadpoles.





 Strawberry shortcake at home.  A sweet reward.


 The plant nursery.



 Me with my enthusiastic strawberry pickers!



 Running through the field... oh what fun!



 Those strawberries like to hide.