Pirates and a party
Visiting the Real Pirates exhibit at the Science Museum
Celebrating (outside) with a volcano cake, family & friends
Tag: grandparents
Chicks, swans & Grandma Patti’s birthday
We went to Grandma Patti & Grandpa Dave’s house tonight to celebrate Grandma’s birthday (a day early.) I took the kids down after Ingrid got up from her nap, so we arrived a little before dinner time. We took advantage of the great weather and went for a walk. Neighbors up the road just received 60 new baby chicks, so we brought the kids over to see the fluffy peepers. From there, we walked up the hill to another neighbor’s pond to see the swans. The male was not pleased with the proximity at which we were looking at him and his mate. The way he flared his feathers made for a visually interesting show.
After we had dinner and birthday grasshopper pie (Grandma Patti’s favorite) we went back outside for some fun in the driveway & yard. The three amigos all had to have their turn trying to climb the basketball pole. They all needed a little boost from Uncle Jason & Daddy.
Taking steps
While we were celebrating Christmas at my parents’ house tonight Ingrid started to take off, literally, with her walking! It was so fun to see her toddle more than just a couple of steps before opting for crawling.
Halloween 2011
Yesterday I loaded up the crew and brought them to Jake’s parents’ house so they could trick-or-treat at Grandma & Grandpa’s. Today, we headed out to the office to greet Papa & Uncle Tony and then went to the house to see Nana. The kids have had so much fun wearing their costumes this year…Buzz Lightyear, Red Dog, and Little Bee.
One money
My cousin, Jared, was in town today to watch the Huskers cream the Gophers. He was kind enough to share an extra ticket with Jake. (He went knowing the Maroon & Gold really didn’t have much of a chance, but at least he got to check out the new stadium.) After the game, we met the guys & my parents for dinner. Once everyone was finished eating, the boys had to show Papa the gumball machine in the lobby of the restaurant. They both came back with gumballs. When asked how much they cost, Lincoln said, “they cost one money!”
Little Miss turns ONE!
Dear Ingrid,
Where did the last year go? You have become the sweetest crawling (& almost) toddling little girl who loves to explore, loves her brothers, and clearly loves cake! (Just like her mama :)) What fun we had celebrating your first birthday today! Both sets of grandparents and one set of great-grandparents joined your family & friends to wish you happy birthday.
I am so thankful for the photos we took of you throughout the year. I can hardly believe how small (and yet, big) you were when you were born. You still love to snuggle before you take a nap or go to sleep at night, so I try to soak that up as much as possible. Your bright blue eyes and toothy grin make everyone around you smile. Nolan and Lincoln love you to pieces and are extremely protective of you. They each know how to make you laugh and stop the tears from falling from your eyes. Many times, Nolan has come into our room and sat by your crib in the early morning when he has heard you fussing. You immediately stop and your sobs turn to giggles. Lincoln only has to look at you and you’re charmed. He’s the one who always makes sure you’re returned to your daddy’s arms or mine when someone else is holding you. He will never let you go home with anyone other than your family. You call your brothers, “buh-buhs.” It is the cutest thing!
I pray the coming year if full of new adventures, lots of love, and tons of hugs and kisses.
We love you, Little Miss!
XOXO
Mommy & Daddy
Popsicle Stick Puppets
We had a crafty afternoon today since it was so muggy outside. We’ve had quite a few days this summer that are kind of like winter (because you’re stuck inside) except we’re in shorts & t-shirts. Anyway, I digress. The boys wanted to make something with the Popsicle sticks in my “craft box” so I suggested puppets. They picked the colors, I cut the shapes, they did the gluing. Both of them had a blast. Then we sent photos to their grandmas & daddy. I love my day job.
Watch what you say
My mom took the boys for the day so I could get a few things done around the house – like putting my furniture back in order after our new front window was installed last Friday. While they were there, they captured a mouse (or shrew) that had somehow gotten into the house. Nolan saw it first. It wasn’t until the little thing scurried out from the corner and down the steps, that my mom caught a glimpse of it too. The rodent managed to find its way to the “fort” room under the stairs and was essentially trapped. The boys danced around in the doorway and sang “No, mouse, no!” to keep it from getting out of the room until my mom came back with a butterfly net to catch it. They released the frightened animal in the backyard and had quite a story to tell Papa (my dad) and Uncle Tony when they had dinner together that night.
While Nolan was re-telling their adventures from the day, he got to the part about the mouse/shrew going downstairs and how apparently “There’s just all this crap along the wall” down there. At that point, my brother just about lost it. Not only did Nolan use the 4-letter word correctly in context, but he said it so nonchalantly that my mom had to ask my brother if he said what she thought he had said.
Unfortunately, I’m to blame for letting that one slip around the kids. A few too many toys pushed me to the brink a while back and I uttered a phrase similar to the one Nolan used. Guess he filed it away for a time such as tonight. At least he was with family 🙂
Happy 5th birthday, Nolan!
Dear Nolan,
Wow, 5 years! I can’t believe how fast time has gone. I suppose I may say that with each passing year, but it’s the truth every time. You have grown so much this year I can hardly believe it. You continue to grow in confidence and compassion and are such a funny and loving young boy. I am amazed at how much you absorb throughout the day and am grateful to be able to experience life through your eyes. I am so thankful to be your mother.
Today we began the day in the best way possible, thanking God for the gift of you at mass. When word got out afterward that it was your birthday, you proudly told people that you were now 5! And you held up your fingers to prove it 🙂 We stopped to pick up donuts (which has become a bit of a Sunday tradition) and a cappuccino (for me) and brought them home to share. Then I got started with frosting your cake. This year, I asked if you wanted a caterpillar cake (like the one we saw in a magazine) and you said yes. While I was frosting the cake, Daddy went to the garage to get your present ready. The look on your face when you saw your new red bike in the garage pure joy! Lincoln helped you check out every detail of it and you hopped on to check out the size. I think you have a great summer in store!
Our family & friends arrived around 2:30 for cake and ice cream. After singing to you, we dug in to the tasty caterpillar and then you went outside with Lincoln and our friend, I. A little while later, you asked if everyone could come outside to watch you open your presents. You did a great job sharing your new things. Your uncles helped you break in your new bat, glove & baseball and you also played a round of croquet with Nana.
I pray you always share that wonderful smile and welcoming personality with the world. Your Daddy & I love you very much and look forward to seeing what God has in store for you this coming year.
XOXO
Mommy