Tball

Andrew started playing Tball not too long ago. Last year, we had him in summer sports and it was a little bit challenging. We had him registered to play and he was even with a good buddy of his, Dawson. But when it came time to go, he would NOT go. We had some monumental tantrums surrounding going to his sports night. sigh. But this year, we have a new boy! He loves to go each week. His buddy Dawson is playing again (on a another team, but they still see each other and always play on the playground equipment after the games), so he looks forward to that.

He plays Tball like he does most everything else, very cautiously and carefully. And he's kind of a natural at it too. And he sure looks like he's having fun.

And he loves the two coaches, Al and Matt.

Maddy even goes along to play. And while we spend a lot of time redirecting her from NOT taking the kids bats or water bottles off of the bench, she has fun.

4th of July

Most years, we head out of town to do some camping over the 4th of July Holiday. This year was no exception. It was also no exception that the weather over the 4th was HOT. It was very hot. And the bugs were pretty bad, as they usually are. very

Poor Madeline got a mosquito bite around her eye, which caused it to almost swell closed. But she smiled none the less. And we did our best to do day trips to check stuff out, and go swimming a lot. One of the fun things we did was buy a small plastic kiddie pool and set that up right next to our camper. All three kids enjoyed that.

It was a nice week for us to be all together, playing and relaxing.

And we were also thankful for the wonderful air conditioning as well. Ok, so it's not real camping, just kind of camping. But it was fun!

Andrew's Birthday

Andrew had his 6th birthday party not too long ago. Last year, he was sort of shorted out of a party, since it was soon after Madeline was born. So we made sure to do a nice big party for him this year.

He invited several school friends, which he was happy to see since it had already been a few weeks since school had ended. He also invited neighbor friends and daycare friends. So it was a great combination and everyone got along very well.

We had it at a place called Jumps and Downs, which is a place very close to our home that has inflatable jumpers and a party room.

The kids were exhausted by the end, which was awesome and everyone seemed to really have a blast. And most of all, Andrew was beaming all day. Love it!

Visit to the Minnesota Children's Museum

We recently took a trip to the Minnesota Children's museum with our buds, the Frasers. All the kids had a BLAST! Especially the two little ones (Laney is 18 months) and Madeline who is 13 months, liked the stairs and the water fountain the best. We could have played with those things at home, but I suppose it's always more fun away from home. The big kids got to meet Curious George. That is the current exhibit that is open at the Museum. And a nice way to escape the hot air outside!

Swimming

This past weekend was warm. And although we did get the usual weekend rain (seems like every weekend this spring so far has had rain and storms), we did have quite a bit of sunshine as well. Which is unusual for a Memorial Day Weekend.

The kids got outside and enjoyed some play time in the small pool.

And although Madeline didn't go in the pool, she certainlly walked around it, threw things in it and enjoyed her outside time as well.

1st Grade Track and Field Day

Cailin had her track and field day at school this past week. I remember doing this as a kid too - everyone was always so excited and wound up on track and field day at my school and Cailin was the exact same way. The day was warm and very windy. While waiting for her turn, she was hamming it up.

She participated in the hurdlers (as she called them).

The Bean Bag race

Of which she took 2nd place - and resulted in some celebration.

And of course, the big finale, the Tug O War.

Her team didn't quite win the championship, but they sure gave it their all.

Madeline Grace is 1

Madeline Grace turned 1 year old this past week. She hasn't been feeling well, so sadly she ended up at the pediatrician on her birthday. But got a clean bill of health (other than a cold and some new molars coming in). So that was good. So we had a do a 're-do' for her birthday - and we were able to do that this evening. We have just returned from our first camping trip of the season, so everyone was tired - especially Maddy. We gave her a cupcake after singing the traditional happy birthday song - but then she wasn't exactly sure what to do with the cupcake at first.

But she still managed to take a few bites.

And get it everywhere.

And she liked the singing too.

Happy Birthday Maddy!

Easter

The Easter Bunny recently visited our house..... And left goodies for good girls and boys.

Spring Break 2012

We headed up north again this year for Spring Break. We spent several days in the Lutsen area with our dear friends, the Frasers, at their family's home away from home.

The weather was a bit chilly, but the sunshine was warm. We didn't get any skiing in (since the snow had almost completely melted) but we did get to play at the resort, visit Grand Marais, swim, hike and just enjoy the time away. Enjoy!

What Goes Around.....

Comes around right? After we had Andrew we were all done having kids (I'm sure MOST of you have heard this part of the story before). So, after that I started getting rid of all of our baby 'stuff'. I gave away and donated just about everything including most of the clothes that both kids had. As soon as they grew out of something, it was gone. So once we found out we were having our darling Madeline, I started looking, searching to see if I had accidentally missed any of those bags of old clothes and toys. And as it turns out I had! I didn't find much, but I did find a few things that for one reason or another I hadn't parted with. Recently Madeline grew into one of my all time favorite outfits that Cailin used to wear. Here's Madeline just this week.

And here is Cailin, just a few years back.

Too bad I still don't have those shoes. Since Madeline is walking full-time now, I need to get something solid onto her feet. Off to the shoe store we go!