Family Fun at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

This morning we had a blast going on rides at Mall of America. We were given free passes from a photography friend. It was a blessing for our family! There were many rides for all of the kids to go on. The boys were brave and went on the Log Chute ride. It has been years since I had last been on that ride! Eli got really wet because he was in the front and poor Asa was terrified going down the 40 foot drop!

Asa's face says it all!

We had fun!

The other day the boys helped us with grocery shopping at Cub.

Brian took the kids to a park in Ham Lake with winter statues.

Greta loves to try on her brother's hats and shoes.

Happy Greta, we love her smile.

She enjoys bath time.

Breakfast time!

Peaceful nap time.

Handsome Asa.

Mid February

The other day I overheard a funny conversation the boys were having together

 in their bedroom.

Asa: "You know Eli when we get older and get married Dad and Mom will be a Papa and Nana to our kids. Eli what girl do you like?"

Eli: "Umm no one yet..."

Asa: "Eli, well you better start liking girls if you want them to start liking you."

I started laughing and told Brian! Oh Asa!

Sunday afternoon we had Eli's friend Sam from school and his family over to play. We played out in the woods, went sledding down the hill, enjoyed dinner, and had a bonfire. It was a perfect evening for a bonfire as it was 40 degrees out. Sam's Dad was friends with Brian back in high school, they grew up in Amery together. Brian and I worked with Dave at summer camp almost 16 years ago. It is fun that our sons are good friends now!

This morning we all visited Papa at work at the Minnesota Geological Survey. The kids were so excited to check out all of the rocks and Papa even let them pick out some to take home. The received some agates and fossils. They said they organized all of their rocks like Papa had them organized at work. The boys said they wished they could have stayed there forever. It was a fun morning visit. 

Last Saturday Papa and Nana spent the day with our kids so that we could go out for an all day Valentines date. We spent the day in Maple Grove. We went out for lunch and dinner, went for a hike at Elm Creek Park, went out for coffee and read a bit, and finished with some shopping. It was a lovely time!

Happy Valentines Day!

This past Tuesday the boys started swimming lessons at Foss Swim School. They love it and they are doing awesome!

On Wednesday I enjoyed volunteering during Eli's class Valentines party with some other moms.

Sam is one of Eli's closest friends, they love to play together. I really enjoyed spending time with his mother Jamie.

Henry is another good friend to Eli at school.

Eli's class on Valentines Day.

Brian and the boys gave me some beautiful flowers on Valentines Day.

The boys wanted a picture of their geode collection. They received a rose gold one for Valentines Day.

Eli and Asa playing a math game together called Snowman Slide. 

A morning Caribou date with my favorite 4 year old!

Asa and Greta playing Tea Time together.

We painted rocks for Valentines Day.

Eli Turns 6

We celebrated Eli's 6th birthday at Papa and Nana's house because last fall we were in the middle of showing our old house to sell. It was a fun celebration. Enjoy!

Pictures of Our New Home

We took pictures of our new home this morning. We love it here!

The view of our backyard and woods from our deck. We are excited to see it in the changing seasons.

Our Living Room

The view of our main level from the top of the stairs.

Our Kitchen

Our Dining Room

Our entry way in to the house.

Our Family Room

Kids play area.

Another area in the family room.

Our downstairs bathroom shower.

Our Office

Master Bedroom

Upstairs Bathroom

Eli and Asa's Bedroom

Greta's Bedroom

Asa turns 4 - Video

Early February

A week ago I took the boys in for their yearly dental check ups. They both did great and have no cavities! 

Yesterday the boys helped me bake Valentines cookies and our favorite peanut butter chocolate chips mini muffins. Notice Eli's shifty eyes, he was ready to eat them up!

The boys digging up a shark tooth kit that they earned for good behavior. 

Silly faces!

The other day I took Eli to get his hair cut and out for a lunch date. He is my favorite 6 year old!

Asa is really good at putting puzzles together. We put this map of the world puzzle together one afternoon during Greta's nap time.

All ready for church! We love them more than they could ever know.

We had a family day yesterday and it was our Valentines Day celebration as a family. We took the kids to Springbrook Nature Center in the morning and we got the opportunity to make survival bracelets together. After that we went out to Chick-fil-A for lunch, they love to play in the play land together. We came home and Brian put Greta down for a nap while the boys helped me back cookies and muffins. Then we gave the kids their Valentines gifts. It was a special day, we love our family days together. 

Greta received a tea time gift for Valentines Day. She loves her coffee time gift so much I just had to give her the tea one to enjoy too. We gave the boys different kids of geodes to open for Valentines Day. They are really into special rocks, like their Papa!

Tea time!

A week ago Eli had Creative Expression night at his school. He and his kindergarten classmates each got up and performed a poem for the class. Eli performed the poem, "I have a Little Frog". He did an amazing job! We are so proud of him!

  

This past Thursday Eli had his good friend Luke from school over to play. It was cold outside, yet 

they played outside for a long time! 

On Friday we dropped Eli off at school and then went to visit my dear friend Molly who recently had her second baby. It was fun to chat, watch our kids play together, and hold sweet baby Clara. 

The other day I met up with my friends Jessica and Jenni at Pump It Up for a playdate for our kids. They loved it and we got to talk the whole time!

Another picture of the puzzle!

Asa reading to Greta super sweet.