Saturday, May 30, 2015
Weekend mornings
The boys are at an age where we can give them an ipad or phone to watch a movie in the morning when they get up and we need just a bit more sleep. They typically sit in our room and watch, but this morning they ran off into Karsten's room. I snuck up on them and captured this adorable picture of them watching Wild Kratts in Karsten's bed, all covered up and right next to each other. I need to remember these sweet moments when they're argueing with each other. :)
Friday, May 29, 2015
Thank you Gail!
Almost 6 years ago, I left Karsten at Gail's house for the first time. I left in tears because I couldn't imagine leaving him with anyone since he had barely left my side since he was born three months before. Gail came with glowing reviews from Kenna so I knew she would be great. Karsten stayed at Gail's for almost four years where he learned a ton and had so much fun.
When Liam was born, he began at Gail's when he was 3 months old. Since he started, he's grown into such a smart, sweet little guy. He always had great fun and adventures with Gail and his friends Quinton, Madison, Rowan and Brielle.
Hard to believe the time has come for Liam to go to preschool and for Karsten to go to Kindergarten. We're so lucky to have had Gail help us raise our boys - she taught them so many important things. I know I'll miss seeing her every morning and evening when I used to pick up Liam.
Thank you Gail!
When Liam was born, he began at Gail's when he was 3 months old. Since he started, he's grown into such a smart, sweet little guy. He always had great fun and adventures with Gail and his friends Quinton, Madison, Rowan and Brielle.
Hard to believe the time has come for Liam to go to preschool and for Karsten to go to Kindergarten. We're so lucky to have had Gail help us raise our boys - she taught them so many important things. I know I'll miss seeing her every morning and evening when I used to pick up Liam.
Thank you Gail!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Summer fun with Daddy
Rather than teaching summer school this year, Scott is staying home with the boys. It seemed like perfect timing since both boys would be changing schools in the fall - Liam to preschool and Karsten to kindergarten. I know they are going to have so much fun together, and if I'm being honest, it will be very tough for me to go to work knowing how much fun they're having together at home.
Scott periodically sends me pictures so I can see what they're up to. In this picture, Karsten was letting live cicadas crawl all over him. ummm....EWWWWW. He has been gathering cicada shells for a while now, but he recently started to find live cicadas. Ewww, ewww, ewww!
They've spent some time at a nearby park playing on the equipment and swings, playing basketball and having fun. This week it was just Scott and Karsten, but Liam will be with them for the rest of the summer.
Scott periodically sends me pictures so I can see what they're up to. In this picture, Karsten was letting live cicadas crawl all over him. ummm....EWWWWW. He has been gathering cicada shells for a while now, but he recently started to find live cicadas. Ewww, ewww, ewww!
They've spent some time at a nearby park playing on the equipment and swings, playing basketball and having fun. This week it was just Scott and Karsten, but Liam will be with them for the rest of the summer.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Pet Frog
While Scott was mowing the other day, he discovered a big frog in our backyard. Karsten initially didn't want to play with it, but eventually he got his garden gloves on and was able to touch it. After they finished working outside, the put the frog in his house (a hole between rocks in the backyard). After dinner tonight, Karsten wanted to show me his frog friend so he went and checked his 'house' and he was still there! We had warned him there was a high possibility that his frog friend may have hopped away and found another house.
Liam wasn't so sure he wanted to touch or hold him, but he stuck close to Karsten's side to watch the frog.
A few times, the frog thought he had a chance at freedom when Karsten put him down and let him hop a bit. Unfortunately, he wasn't a fast enough hopper and Karsten caught up with him.
Liam went inside for a few minutes, so Karsten took a minute to have a chat with the frog.
When it was time to go inside, Karsten put the frog back in his house. Hopefully he'll be there tomorrow when an anxious little boy comes searching for him.
Bye froggie!
Liam wasn't so sure he wanted to touch or hold him, but he stuck close to Karsten's side to watch the frog.
A few times, the frog thought he had a chance at freedom when Karsten put him down and let him hop a bit. Unfortunately, he wasn't a fast enough hopper and Karsten caught up with him.
Liam went inside for a few minutes, so Karsten took a minute to have a chat with the frog.
When it was time to go inside, Karsten put the frog back in his house. Hopefully he'll be there tomorrow when an anxious little boy comes searching for him.
Bye froggie!
Monday, May 25, 2015
Reunion
We hit the road this weekend for Scott's hometown for his high school reunion. It was a month of road trips as we had just returned on Monday from Michael's high school graduation in Nebraska.
The boys did a great job playing with toys and being entertained on the drive - we didn't have to break out the ipads until a few hours into our drive. The ipads helped them wind down and get ready to sleep.
We drove past this huge wind farm along the side of the highway - there were windmills almost as far as you could see. Liam asked why they were dancing.
On Saturday, we went to a lunch BBQ for Scott's reunion and the boys stayed with Linda and Leland. I think they all had a fun afternoon - the weather cooperated and they were able to go outside and play at the new playground at the local elementary school.
After Liam had a short nap, we went to the cemetary to visit the graves of Scott's dad, grandfather and several family friends.
Then, we headed out to Leland's daughter's house to say hi and visit their animals. Her daughter raises goats for 4H and Linda knew the boys would love seeing them. The goats were so tame, they would come right up to you to be petted.
The boys weren't so sure about the goats at first, but they quickly warmed up to them.
After Leland helped them pet the goat, they were ready to play. Before we knew it, they were chasing the goats around the yard. I quickly stopped them because I thought they were being mean to the goats, but Risa said that it's good for the goats as it gives them exercise. Who knew?!
They also got to pet and hold the rabbit.
The rabbit was a hit until they brought the horse over, then Liam couldn't get the rabbit off his lap fast enough to stand up and see the horse.
When Leland asked if they wanted to sit on the horse, Liam excitedly said 'YEAH!' and Karsten said 'NOOOO!' Liam thought it was pretty fun until they talked about having the horse walk and then he was ready for Leland to get him down.
Once Karsten saw Liam on the horse, he decided to give it a try. He looks pretty proud of himself doesn't he?
Liam even got to feed the horse an apple. He got to do two pieces because Karsten didn't want horse drool on his hands (his words).
Headed back to the pen to check out more goats! They had so much fun visiting all the animals! This definetely isn't something they get to do at home, unless we're at a petting zoo. I'm glad they have the opportunity to have these experiences!
We wrapped up Saturday at the alumni banquet and a gathering at the local bar. It was a small turnout from his graduating class but he was able to catch up with many of his classmates that he was close with in high school.
After church on Sunday we hit the road to go home. For some reason, the drive home always seems so much longer than the drive to your destination - not sure why that is. I'm sure glad that Easter Bunny brought us these headphones - it saved us from hearing Big Hero 6 (again) and beeping from games.
At one point, Liam stumbled upon Karsten's phoenics game and all of a sudden we heard him saying 'ssss.....at, SAT' and several other three letter words. It was fantastic! He also would shout at us when he talked with his headphones on - made us laugh every time!
It was a fun weekend and great road trip!
The boys did a great job playing with toys and being entertained on the drive - we didn't have to break out the ipads until a few hours into our drive. The ipads helped them wind down and get ready to sleep.
We drove past this huge wind farm along the side of the highway - there were windmills almost as far as you could see. Liam asked why they were dancing.
On Saturday, we went to a lunch BBQ for Scott's reunion and the boys stayed with Linda and Leland. I think they all had a fun afternoon - the weather cooperated and they were able to go outside and play at the new playground at the local elementary school.
After Liam had a short nap, we went to the cemetary to visit the graves of Scott's dad, grandfather and several family friends.
Then, we headed out to Leland's daughter's house to say hi and visit their animals. Her daughter raises goats for 4H and Linda knew the boys would love seeing them. The goats were so tame, they would come right up to you to be petted.
The boys weren't so sure about the goats at first, but they quickly warmed up to them.
After Leland helped them pet the goat, they were ready to play. Before we knew it, they were chasing the goats around the yard. I quickly stopped them because I thought they were being mean to the goats, but Risa said that it's good for the goats as it gives them exercise. Who knew?!
They also got to pet and hold the rabbit.
The rabbit was a hit until they brought the horse over, then Liam couldn't get the rabbit off his lap fast enough to stand up and see the horse.
When Leland asked if they wanted to sit on the horse, Liam excitedly said 'YEAH!' and Karsten said 'NOOOO!' Liam thought it was pretty fun until they talked about having the horse walk and then he was ready for Leland to get him down.
Once Karsten saw Liam on the horse, he decided to give it a try. He looks pretty proud of himself doesn't he?
Liam even got to feed the horse an apple. He got to do two pieces because Karsten didn't want horse drool on his hands (his words).
Headed back to the pen to check out more goats! They had so much fun visiting all the animals! This definetely isn't something they get to do at home, unless we're at a petting zoo. I'm glad they have the opportunity to have these experiences!
We wrapped up Saturday at the alumni banquet and a gathering at the local bar. It was a small turnout from his graduating class but he was able to catch up with many of his classmates that he was close with in high school.
After church on Sunday we hit the road to go home. For some reason, the drive home always seems so much longer than the drive to your destination - not sure why that is. I'm sure glad that Easter Bunny brought us these headphones - it saved us from hearing Big Hero 6 (again) and beeping from games.
At one point, Liam stumbled upon Karsten's phoenics game and all of a sudden we heard him saying 'ssss.....at, SAT' and several other three letter words. It was fantastic! He also would shout at us when he talked with his headphones on - made us laugh every time!
It was a fun weekend and great road trip!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Congratulations Michael!
Graduation was at the football field, and since the day was forecasted to be rainy, there was a chance it could get moved indoors and shifted to the evening. It was raining when we came out of church, but while we had a picnic in the car before graduation, the rain stopped and we were able to go into the stadium and claim seats. It was still pretty cool and windy outside - I was glad we had all brought coats!
We had about an hour to wait before the graduation, and the boys did great. They talked to Gaga, played with Kevin, ate mints, played games on our phones and watched all the people.
Once the speakers finished and the kids had started to graduate, I went down onto the field so I could get some pictures of Michael walking across the stage. I thought this picture of everyone watching was cute. Check out Karsten looking through his binoculars and Chuck waving at me.
It's almost his turn!
Congratulations Michael!
It took a while but we finally got him to smile!
After sitting for a while, the boys were excited to get out and RUN!
And the obligatory post graduation family photos! Michael and his mom, Nancy.
Kevin, Nancy and Michael
Michael with Nancy's sister Patsy
This one was for Gaga - her two grandchildren!
Look at that - real smiles from both of them!
When we walked back to the car, the boys held hands to stay together - so cute it just melts my heart.
We had about an hour to wait before the graduation, and the boys did great. They talked to Gaga, played with Kevin, ate mints, played games on our phones and watched all the people.
Once the speakers finished and the kids had started to graduate, I went down onto the field so I could get some pictures of Michael walking across the stage. I thought this picture of everyone watching was cute. Check out Karsten looking through his binoculars and Chuck waving at me.
It's almost his turn!
Congratulations Michael!
It took a while but we finally got him to smile!
After sitting for a while, the boys were excited to get out and RUN!
And the obligatory post graduation family photos! Michael and his mom, Nancy.
Kevin, Nancy and Michael
Michael with Nancy's sister Patsy
This one was for Gaga - her two grandchildren!
Look at that - real smiles from both of them!
When we walked back to the car, the boys held hands to stay together - so cute it just melts my heart.
Wooden Shoes
We had just finished breakfast and I was texting with my mom to finalize our plans for the day when I looked up and saw Karsten WEARING Gaga's antique wooden shoes that my grandpa brought back from Europe when he was stationed there during WWII.
I quickly told him to take them off, but Gaga said he could do whatever he wanted. Great-Grandmas let grandkids do even more than grandmas do! She said that I used to like wearing the shoes when I was little. We compromised by taking a picture of him wearing the shoes, then take them off.
Bet you couldn't have anticipated what came next? Guess who else wanted to try them on?
I quickly told him to take them off, but Gaga said he could do whatever he wanted. Great-Grandmas let grandkids do even more than grandmas do! She said that I used to like wearing the shoes when I was little. We compromised by taking a picture of him wearing the shoes, then take them off.
Bet you couldn't have anticipated what came next? Guess who else wanted to try them on?
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Gaga's house
Bright and early Saturday morning, we loaded up and hit the road so we could make it to Gaga's by lunchtime. We planned to meet everyone at our favorite mexican restaurant for lunch.
It took a lot of negotiating, but we eventually convinced the boys to close their eyes for a bit so they wouldn't have to have a nap or quiet time when we got to Gaga's house. With the late night last night and the early morning, they were definetely tired and getting grouchy.
While we were on I80, we came to a complete stop. We assumed it was construction traffic and it would just be a minute. 15 minutes passed without moving and we started to consider doing a u-turn and going back the way we had came. We would have lost about 25 minutes going back the way we came, so we didn't really want to do that. Thankfully before we had to decide, traffic slowly started moving again. When we passed the construction zone, we could see an oversize load that could not fit through the narrow construction bridge. They were pulled over into the closed lane standing around talking. Not sure how they were going to get them out of the way, they couldn't go across the median because they would get high centered. Who knows - we were on our way.
One of my favorite signs that we were close to Gaga's house is Chimney rock.
We ate lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant in Gaga's town, then headed over to the nursery to buy Gaga a plant for a belated Mother's Day and Birthday present. Gaga may have been a bit more interested in playing with the boys than choosing a plant. :)
I love this sign that was on the wall at the nursery - a great saying!
In the afternoon, the boys went back to Gaga's house to play with Gaga, Grandma and Papa. My uncle Kevin came over to get Scott and I then we all went to the shooting range.
Later in the evening, we went over to Kevin and Nancy's house for a BBQ. Nancy got out this bucket of dinosaurs that Michael played with when he was little. The adults sat around and chatted while the boys had so much fun with these dinosaurs!
How cute are they!?
I wish you could have heard the giggles and squeels when Kevin grabbed Liam and tried to 'dunk' him in the shower.
The boys were giggling so hard when Kevin picked up both of them to dunk them in the sink.
We ended a very busy and fun day with a bedtime story with Gaga. Everyone needed a good night sleep since the big day - Michael's graduation - was tomorrow!
It took a lot of negotiating, but we eventually convinced the boys to close their eyes for a bit so they wouldn't have to have a nap or quiet time when we got to Gaga's house. With the late night last night and the early morning, they were definetely tired and getting grouchy.
While we were on I80, we came to a complete stop. We assumed it was construction traffic and it would just be a minute. 15 minutes passed without moving and we started to consider doing a u-turn and going back the way we had came. We would have lost about 25 minutes going back the way we came, so we didn't really want to do that. Thankfully before we had to decide, traffic slowly started moving again. When we passed the construction zone, we could see an oversize load that could not fit through the narrow construction bridge. They were pulled over into the closed lane standing around talking. Not sure how they were going to get them out of the way, they couldn't go across the median because they would get high centered. Who knows - we were on our way.
One of my favorite signs that we were close to Gaga's house is Chimney rock.
We ate lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant in Gaga's town, then headed over to the nursery to buy Gaga a plant for a belated Mother's Day and Birthday present. Gaga may have been a bit more interested in playing with the boys than choosing a plant. :)
I love this sign that was on the wall at the nursery - a great saying!
In the afternoon, the boys went back to Gaga's house to play with Gaga, Grandma and Papa. My uncle Kevin came over to get Scott and I then we all went to the shooting range.
Later in the evening, we went over to Kevin and Nancy's house for a BBQ. Nancy got out this bucket of dinosaurs that Michael played with when he was little. The adults sat around and chatted while the boys had so much fun with these dinosaurs!
How cute are they!?
I wish you could have heard the giggles and squeels when Kevin grabbed Liam and tried to 'dunk' him in the shower.
The boys were giggling so hard when Kevin picked up both of them to dunk them in the sink.
We ended a very busy and fun day with a bedtime story with Gaga. Everyone needed a good night sleep since the big day - Michael's graduation - was tomorrow!
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