Exciting Times

Last weekend we ended up taking the boys to the MN Zoo. They loved it. Both of them walked the entire time and if you've ever been to that zoo, you know that it is a TON of walking. They did really well. The grizzly bear decided to give them an up close and personal look as they were standing at the window. I think that was their favorite part.

Thursday Blake started his first season of t-ball. They practiced and he had fun. He was so excited. His hockey buddy Tyler is on his team so that was very exciting for Blake. At home they are both trying enjoying playing baseball in the backyard. Blake hit a couple balls right over the tree and Avery is starting to get homeruns frequently too!

Today's exciting news is that Avery is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. He tried it one day last weekend and didn't do so well so he was scared and wanted them back on. Today we went for a walk and he was scared he was going to fall even with the training wheels on. Then at supper he told me he wanted to take them off again. So we took them off and headed over to the church with all his gear on. He got scared at first again but soon figured out that we weren't going to let him fall. So by the time we were done he was doing great! He isn't confident enough to want us to let go but he is doing great! He was so excited that he had to call Grandpa & Grandmas to tell them.

Welcome New Life...

On Mother's Day afternoon we saw some new life hanging out in the tree outside the bathroom window. There was a daddy cardinal feeding his baby when Mike called us in. When we walked in the daddy flew away but the baby was still there the rest of the afternoon. It was neat for the kids (and us) to see a new little baby just leaving the nest.



The big news in our house is that Avery has a big bed and a newly painted room. He was so excited and has started sleeping better. Here's a picture of how he sleeps in his new bed...and of his new room. Also I've included a picture of how Blake likes to sleep too...I'm so amazed that these kids don't fall out of bed!

Mother's Day Photos

We had a fabulous Mother's Day lunch with all the grandmas at our house. I made a dinner of cheesy turkey sandwiches, apple salad, romaine strawberry salad with a raspberry spritzer and ice cream sandwich dessert. It was nice to have everyone together to celebate. Here are some pictures from the day!

April Showers...bring May Flowers

That is how it goes right? Well so far May has been pretty rainy too. We really do need the rain too but I wish it would only rain at night while we sleep so we don't have to spend our days inside. It gets harder all the time to keep them busy when it is rainy.

We haven't been to busy lately with much. Last weekend we had a wedding for my cousin and the kids had so much fun. Avery asked for like an hour 'is the dance starting yet?' and that was all before we even ate! Once the dance started though they both had fun and were well worn out! They for sure didn't make it home awake that night.

Sunday Avery was getting changed after church and I walked into the hallway to find this 'monster' coming at me! Not sure what got into him but it was really funny!



Grandma bought them two new big wheels to ride and Avery can actually reach the pedals on this one. They are really funny to watch race.

This weekend will be filled with picking out flowers and celebrating Mother's Day with our family. I have everyone coming over (both sets of my grandparents, my dad & Patty & Sue) for dinner to celebrate. Hopefully it will be a nice dinner that we can just enjoy.

Happy Mother's Day to all you grandma's and moms out there.

Sweet Boys

I think I have the sweetest boys ever! When it comes to summer they are always picking me flowers, dandelions mostly, but flowers nonetheless. Well yesterday on our walk Avery stops dead in his tracks, jumps off his bike (all the while I am telling him to get back on his bike and get moving). It is then that I realize what he is doing. He saw a 'flower' and had to get down and pick it for me! It melted my heart!

Now if only their dad would take some lessons ;) Just hope they remember that when they grow up...girls LOVE flowers!

Okay, it is sping now!

So my last post was complaining about the weather, but I am complaining no more! It has been gorgeous all week! I even got a little sunburn on my nose! The kids have thoroughly enjoyed being outside so much this week. They have played baseball, rode bikes, played in the sandbox and blew bubbles. All that's left is plaing in the pool...won't be for a while yet though!

They really enjoyed the Easter bunny coming this year. Avery really 'gets' it now so it is fun to watch the excitement in their little faces! Here is a picture from Easter morning.



Things are finally getting back to normal around here too. Mike is back to 40 hours (for the time being) and I FINALLY have filled my daycare spots. I have a 2 year old starting on Monday FT and then the end of May we will be welcoming a baby and June will bring a 4 year old boy. It will be a good summer!

Spring?

Supposedly it is Spring here in Mankato but it sure isn't feeling like it! We went from having fabulous weather in the middle of March to snow on its way tonight. The past couple days haven't been too bad and we've made it outside but still have warm jackets!

Things are starting to wind down around here. Blake finished hockey last Sunday with a jamboree. They got their names announced and then got to scrimmage while some of the Mavericks players helped with the games. They also were awarded medals and got to have a pizza party after the games. They have had such a great year and the entire group of Level 1 kids improved so much this year it has been quite a transformation to watch this year! Here are a couple pictures that the local photo place took:

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=08FK03F2000611&po=611

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=08FK03F2000619&po=619

Avery also finished his skating lessons today. This year they gave the kids an assessment at the end of the session. He took two sessions of skating lessons this year and he improved from the first 7 week session assessment through today. He seems to think he will play hockey next year so we will have to see.

The past week we have spent lots of time riding bikes and now playing in the sandbox as Mike got them out of the attic for the kids. I can't wait until the weather improves!

Good news too...Mike is back to 40 hours at work for the time being. It is saving a lot of stress for me and I have also filled a couple daycare spots although I am looking for a couple more. Things are starting to look up around here. I am now trying to convince Mike to go on a trip with me for my 30th birthday!

I will try to post some video of the hockey and skating lessons. Also...the Oprah show we attended will be airing on Monday. Tune in!