On the Road Again!

We left this morning at 10 am and are taking a pit stop at Carissa and Ike's before finishing the last leg of the trip. All went well and the roads were much better coming home than going out. Already looking forward to heading out next year for another vacation at Royal Straights just outside of Lead, SD.

Adventures on the slopes...

Not the picture you were expecting to see with a title like that, but it' s how the day went. We got to Terry Peak this morning for a day of skiing, expecting to get Lydia in the afternoon to try out her new skis. Things didn't go that way though because I fell on the first run down the hill. Terrible pain in my knee ended up getting me a ride down the hill in a sled instead of on skis and then a trip to the ER. X-rays determined that there wasn't a break, but a soft tissue injury. They wrapped it, put a immobilizer on it and gave me a pair of crutches. In 7 days I need to have it looks at again to determine if it is more than a sprain. Biggest frustration was the fact that it was the first run and that I didn't get to see Lydia try skiing for the first time. Good news is that she had a great time and loved skiing!! YEA!

Making Homemade Ice Cream

After an adventure in the woods we cranked up some yummy ice cream.

Are We There Yet?

After 8 hours of driving 4 pit stops and lots of animal crackers we are here. Royal Straight Lodge near Deadwood SD for a SOY (Schloesser, Odland, Yost) family vacation. Hoping the temps. will increase and we can get on the slopes maybe Saturday.

Crafting with Lydia

Last night before bed, Lydia and I made some new alligator clip hair pretties. A friend made some with alligator clips to sell at the benefit we hosted this fall and they stay in Lydia's hair wonderfully. We got a little creative and made 5 different ones with scrapbooking embellishments from my supplies. I wonder if she will insist on wearing them all at the same time!

Luck of the Irish

In a week and a half John Ireland school will be hosting it's 10th annual Luck of the Irish fundraiser with dinner and silent auction. I decided to donate a party planning package. This is a picture of my display. If you are interested in attending the event let me know and I can get you in contact with someone who is selling tickets. Oh how I love crafting!!

Same view, Just a different day

Our view..

Saturday

Building a fort using chairs, slide and ball pool. What fun!!

"Look I'm a ballerina" Lydia said

Nothing new! Always climbing :)

Climbing fool

Sorry about the sideways picture. Never had an issue before today!

Elijah loves climbing up and down the stairs now. He is very good about going down backwards on his knees, but still worry about a fall. We gate the bottom as you can see to keep him contained.

Other news -

Lydia woke with 101 degree temp.
Charlie went to Annual Grape Growers Conf.

Our Little Gymnast

Lydia has been taking lessons since the fall with us helping her through the routines. Today she did it all by herself and had a wonderful time! Yeah!

What would we do without camera phones?

Lydia and Eli know how to use Charlie's camera phone better than I do and Lydia especially likes to take pictures (see photography skills above). I have to admit that camera phones come in handy.

While transferring pictures tonight it made me laugh to see pictures of myself in the dressing room mirror while shopping and needing some one's opinion, scrapbook page ideas from Archivers, car seat pictures to see if it is the seat that Charlie saw before, or endless pictures of my family.

It begs the question what will technology be like when Lydia and Eli are almost 28?

Crash and Burn

After the sugar high this weekend with Lydia's party and Valentine treats yesterday we are all needing some extra sleep. Charlie and Lydia crashed out on the couch...

Happy Valentines Day!!

Whoever invented tatoos for kids must be making a fortune!! Lydia and Eli got tons of them with their Valentines. :) Lydia wanted them all on her belly. My favorite Valentine was from JoJo. It was a bag of hull-less popcorn and the note said "Just Popping in to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day". So cute!!!

Birthday Party Part 2

Theme for party was based on the book, Animal Boogie, which is Lydia's favorite.

Games: musical chairs, pin the tail on the zebra, and drop the animal in the bucket

Lydia received lots of wonderful presents. Thanks everyone!!

Blowing out the candles :)

Birthday Party Part 1

Neighborly Friend

Human Vacuum

I accidentally spilled fruit puffs on the floor tonight, but it wasn't an issue because Elijah eagerly got out of his highchair to eat from the floor. So thoughtful of him!

Valentines Project

Oh how I love doing projects and decorating for the holidays! This is one of my latest. Found a tutorial online demonstrating how to make these simple stiff felt hearts to decorate with. I also use old cards made by my amazing mom to add to the season :)

It's My Birthday!!

Too many pictures on a day like today for just one...


Attended Little Saints Preschool Open House. Can Lydia really be old enough for preschool in the fall?!

Eli got a new haircut today and was hiding it under the football helmet at the open house.

Took kids to Kato for the afternoon to play at the Mall Park and look what we found for Lydia. Super excited to find skis her size and they were a good buy!! Lydia commented that the poles look like Papa Elmer's cane. Smart girl!

Charlie enjoyed openning his gifts today even thought his big day is tomorrow :)

Lydia opening her present from us. Silly girl tried to open it with her teeth!

She woke up this morning and said "It's my party?" Can't wait till the weekend for her special celebrations.

Getting Ready for the Big Birthdays

Lydia will turn 3 tomorrow and Charlie will be 32 on Wednesday. In preparation Lydia helped me wrap daddy's presents. She almost told him what she got too because she is so excited. Ooops!

Guess who we were cheering for in the Superbowl?

Earlier in the week Lydia, Charlie and I make pretzel dots for the Packers. That must have done the trick in winning the Superbowl! Tried something new this year; kids had a party at our house and adults enjoyed the game, some beer, and games at my brother-in-laws. Smiles on everyones faces and one sleeping already!

Staying Up Late

We sit here past the kid's bedtime visiting with my parents, Ike, and Carissa after a long day of painting, tiling, and eating yummy fish from the Nicollet Fish Fry. Oh wait Charlie is sleeping, dad has his computer out, Gma is being a wall between the kids, I am trying out their camera and we are now thinking it is time for bed... Till tomorrow!

Snow Bunny

Lydia and Eli helped me get ready for a trip to the slopes. They emptied the tubes of winter wear on the floor and look what Lydia found. Pretty cute!

P.S. She is trying to smile :)

To Do List

Can you guess what is on my list? Yes! It is embarrassing, but I must air my dirty laundry...

The laundry better get done this weekend or we won't have any clean clothes left :)

Little Man on the Go!

Sleeping Arrangements

She doesn't want to sleep in her bed so we wonder if it is the hard mattress. Gma and Gpa lend us theirs and still she isn't sleeping in her bed...