Wednesday, May 30, 2012

New sippy

Uncle Mike & Aunt Lindsey sent Vivian a new sippy cup! She loves it!!!

{pic taken on my Blackberry}

Thanks guys! :)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Boys and girls

{Have a ton of pictures to sort through from our Wisconsin/Minnesota trip this past weekend. I'll be back-dating later today once the kids nap. But I thought I'd post this quick conversation I had with Owen this morning in the meantime.}

Me: {brushing Riley} Is Riley a boy or a girl?
O: I think Riley is a boy.
Me: That's right, bud!

{a few seconds later}

O: Mommy! Our house has 3 boys and 2 girls!

:)

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Evie & David's Wedding

Such a gorgeous day for a wedding!!! Sunny and warm, we relaxed all day with a nice family breakfast with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Hillary across the street, followed by some swimming at the hotel pool. The kids took excellent naps, and we had some Panera for lunch before getting ready for the wedding.


Owen had fun launching himself into Daddy's arms:


It was hot during the ceremony, but they kept it short and sweet and it was lovely and so romantic. Evie's Aunt Susan celebrated the marriage, and David {along with his brother} sang a special song  to his new bride at the conclusion. Evie was a stunning bride in her white gown and flowers in her hair, with the lake in the background: everything was just perfect.




After the ceremony, we took some family photos, and then hung out at the playground and fountain for a little before walking across the street to the reception restaurant.




The food was amazing {Vivian ate like a champ ~ hello, 18-mo growth spurt!!}, the speeches were tear-jerking, the conversation flowed, and we all had so much fun. We were able to stay for one dance, but unfortunately, Owen and Vivian began dancing together {bottom left corner of the last collage}, and with one quick spin around, Owen let go of his sister's hands and she took a tumble on the dance floor. That was our cue to say goodnight. 

Congratulations to the beautiful bride and her handsome groom! We had a blast celebrating with you!!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Evie & David's Rehearsal picnic

It was a rainy day today, but rain on your wedding day {or weekend} is good luck! We met up with the family tonight at Minnehaha Falls Park for a BBQ and a hike to the falls. Hillary was able to navigate us using her iphone since we fell behind the group ahead of us on the hike. Such great exercise after having gone a few days without our regular workouts. {Especially carrying Vivian the entire way!}


Tomorrow is the big day!

Minnesota Children's Museum

Thanks to Grandma's iphone that she let us borrow during the trip, we were able to find a great activity for today: the Minnesota Children's Museum in St. Paul!


It was the ideal rainy day thing to do, and although we knew it would be crowded due to the weather, we figured the kids would love it so we dealt with it.



They LOVED it! Aunt Hillary came along and we all had a great time. If it weren't for the massive tantrum that Owen threw on the way out {he did NOT want to leave, he was having too much fun}, it would have been a perfect afternoon. Travel is stressful on kids as much as it is on adults, so I forgave him for the scene he put on in front of all the people at the museum {spitting, and all}. 

Friday, May 25, 2012

Sleepy baby

Said goodbye to Great Grandma Marshall, Uncle Doug and Aunt Diana today and headed back to Minneapolis. We stopped about an hour into the drive to swap mini vans at Enterprise since the one we were driving got a huge crack in the windshield when a rock from a truck hit it on drive from the airport. Ben was happy because the new van we were given had Sirius radio. Score!

The kids did well on the drive and we got checked into the hotel without much trouble. We took them swimming at the hotel pool and then gave them a nice warm bath before getting ready for the family dinner gathering at a nearby brewery.

We ran into Aunt Elaine and Uncle Pete on the way out of the hotel, and Ben told them we were walking since it was nearby. We walked over and got seated, but then quickly discovered that we were at the wrong restaurant. Oops!

After the walk back to the hotel, Uncle Pete graciously offered to drive us to the correct restaurant. Poor kiddos were starving at this point, and Vivi was not happy that I was holding her on my lap during the drive, so she proceeded to scream and flail around the entire 10 minutes it took to get there. I felt so bad for Uncle Peter who was trying to navigate. But we made it. Ben and I ordered the first round as a "thank you" for what we had just put them through. :)

The dinner was so fun. The kids did great since we had ordered their meals right when we arrived. The rest of the time they just scooted about from family member to family member, visiting with everyone. They were exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel. Vivian was out cold:


Such a fun evening with family. Can't wait for the rehearsal picnic and wedding on Sunday!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Driving the tractors!

This morning we got up and had breakfast and before we knew it, it was time to go out to see Uncle Doug on the farm so that he could take Owen on a much-anticipated tractor ride.


Uncle Doug took Owen on not one, but TWO different tractors and the smile on Owen's face couldn't be any bigger. He had so much fun and felt like a real farmer. He even got to gather up the fresh eggs from the chicken coop! Uncle Doug showed us the cutest two baby kittens too.

Then it was off to pick up Great Grandma Marshall for a lunch date. It was a busy day, but we weren't done yet!

That evening, Ben's cousins Sarah and Emily and their husbands and kids came over for dinner. All the second cousins had a ball chasing each other around, climbing on their dads, and taking pictures with Great Grandma. During the whole time, there was a raging thunderstorm going on outside, with a hurricane warning no less! But the storm passed fairly quickly and we were all safe and sound.


Such a fun day with family!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Off to the mid-west!

I've posted all the pictures from our trip here: http://ourwisconsinminnesotatrip.shutterfly.com - for the blog posts from the trip I'm just going to post a few pictures (since there were so many good ones, this makes it easier).

We got up bright and early this morning to catch our 8:10am flight to Minneapolis. The kids did well on the flight and we got to our mini-van by 10:30am. Ben installed a car seat for Vivian and we set out on the 4-hr drive to Hillsboro. We stopped on the way at a Chipotle for lunch and then were able to drive the rest of the way without stopping.

We arrived at Ben's Uncle Doug and Aunt Diana's house and the kids were drawn right away to the toy cows they had on the shelf in the family room. After catching up for a little, we went over to visit Ben's grandma at the assisted living home. She was so happy to see us and it was so nice to see her too! We all went out to dinner and then pretty much went straight to bed since we were all exhausted from the day of traveling. Owen had a big day ahead of him ~ he was going to drive Uncle Doug's tractors the next day!


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Preschool Graduation

Our little man graduated from preschool today! {Well, sorta.} He did his first year of preschool with Little Sprouts and will move on to do the 4-yr old preschool program at St. David's {our new church} in the fall. But we won't be a stranger to Little Sprouts just because the school year has come to an end. Owen will be doing summer camp one day a week starting in mid-June {which will be from 9am-2pm} giving Mommy some one-on-one time with Vivian. Then, come fall, Vivi will be attending the Little Sprout's Mom's Morning Out program one day a week {3 hours} so that she can begin to de-attach from me and have more socialization with kids her age. I'm looking forward to it for her.

Here are some pictures from the adorable graduation program today. When I have a chance I'll try to upload the video clip I took of the kids singing.




So proud of Mr. Owen! :)

Peek-a-boo


Someone found a new favorite hiding spot while Daddy was cooking dinner tonight.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Swimming on a Sunday


I took a run this afternoon and since Ben had filled up the baby pool before we left for church this morning, it was almost like a hot tub once we all jumped in around 4:30pm. Such a nice way to relax and enjoy the last few hours of the weekend.

Loves her sun hat


We got all suited up to go in the pool, but before we left the kitchen to step out onto the deck, she grunted and ran over to grab something. I look over and saw she had put Owen's sun hat on.

Our little lady knows how important it is to wear her sun protection. :)

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Little man

A photo from last weekend since the last few posts have been about the little princess.


We're going through a bit of the "Terrible Three's" and it's been quite a ride. Hoping things improve soon.

While big brother is away...


little sister will play two mornings in a row at the playground! :)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

She couldn't wait

While Owen was at preschool this morning, I decided to take Vivian on a walk to the playground in the stroller ~ one of the things I used to do with her brother all the time but she hasn't had much of by herself. We dropped big bro off at 9am, then went home for a pit stop and to grab water and snacks.

Once Viv saw the banana I was going to give her for the road, she wanted it immediately. After some whining, I caved and handed it to her, while moving around the kitchen to get our waters. As I was filling her sippy at the sink, I could hear her eating something. I thought to myself, "no way did she get the banana open", but, lo and behold:


Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

Owen made me this at preschool, along with a poem that has his handprints on it and {my favorite} a door hanger that says "Do Not Disturb" and is decorated with stickers of birds, flowers and suns. He told me that, "it's for when you need quiet time, Mommy". LOVE IT.


I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy and mommy-to-be friends! I am so thankful to have such a wonderful Mom and Mother-in-law and cannot thank them enough for being such an important part of my life and their grandkids' lives. And Grandma Marshall and Grandma Lang ~ we love and miss you both and will see you soon!

Being a mom is the most amazing thing in the entire world. My kids are everything to me and I thank them {and my loving husband} for giving me the most important job of my life: being their mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

First dip of the season


Owen & Vivi got in their kiddie pool for the first time this weekend. Saturday night Kel & Matt, Kayla & Ryan came over for pizza on the grill and a quick jump in the water. Missing from these pics is Owen, because I think he was thawing out from the chilly water. :)

Friday, May 11, 2012

Broadlands LIVE

The summer concert season has officially kicked-off! Looking forward to a few more of these, along with some Herndon ROCKS thrown in this summer. :)



Thursday, May 10, 2012

At 17 months


She was catching up on some blog reading. Always wants to be just like Mama. :)

Realized the other day that I haven't done a post lately on what the little lady has been up to lately. There are some things that I want to document so that I can always remember what she was like at this age. Such as:

  • Been teething up a storm lately. Her teeth seem to be so slow to come down/up fully, and we find they bother her most first thing in the morning and the middle of the night or bedtime. Hoping they all finish coming in soon.
  • LOVES her swim class. She's been going since January, and her class has grown from a private lesson to now five other babies and moms/dads, so it's fun to see her interact with her friends during the 30 minute group class. 
  • Is SUPER-DUPER independent these days. Insists on walking everywhere rather than riding in her stroller. Is very good with her utensils at mealtime and is a rock-star eater {if you couldn't tell by her rolls} :) who rarely refuses any type of food offered to her. Her brother had similar eating habits at this age, and has turned into a pretty picky eater over the last 6 months, so I'm not holding my breath that it will continue forever. Just enjoying it while it lasts.
  • Goes to sleep every night with her pink giraffe lovie {from my cousin Brett and his wife Tara} and paci, and has recently also become attached to her green frog lovie {which my good friend Wendy sent to us} so she now has two just like her big brother. I noticed a few months ago while watching her on the monitor after I had put her to bed in her crib, that she uses her lovie to soothe her to sleep {and also in the morning when she wakes up, I found out} by taking a corner knot and gently tracing it up and down her cheeks. It is the sweetest thing I have ever seen and I think it's just precious that she is as attached to her lovies as I was to my Snoopy bear when I was a toddler. {Did you see that picture that Mike posted on FB this week?}
  • She signed "mama" and pointed to her chin this morning when I was changing her. I melted. She's said mama randomly, but never did the sign while saying it, and never really even did the sign although she signs "Daddy" all the time.
  • Loves her big brother so much and even though he can be a little rough with her when she takes a toy he's playing with or knocks down a tower he's built, they make up quickly and it is adorable to see the two of them hug. Her favorite game to play with him is "ring around the rosey". 
My baby girl is growing up so quickly these days. Each week she's doing/saying new things. Wish I could keep her a baby forever, but I'm eager to hear her voice more often and have conversations with her like we do with Owen.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

My girl


She loves to climb the stairs for bathtime. This little monkey is quite the climber. Might have to sign her up for gymnastics one of these days.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Hershey friends Lakehouse playdate

TJ's parents own a lakehouse on Lake Caroline, about an hour and 1/2 from us and they invited us all there for a little Hershey friends playdate today. The guys played golf with TJ's dad, and us girls stayed back at the house to supervise the little ones roaming about exploring all the new toys, puzzles and books.


Alevia ordered pizza for everyone and we munched on snacks all afternoon. The kids had so much fun playing and us moms enjoyed catching up amid the chaos. We took a short walk down to the bridge to see if the kiddos would take a quick nap in the stroller. Although Timmy's eyes were very heavy, he somehow stayed awake.



When the guys got back, they had a quick bite to eat and then the kiddos got their life jackets on to ride the boat! They had a nice little ride around the lake while we moms got a break to enjoy a glass of wine (juice for Sarah). :) They luckily got back (with the help of a tow from another boat since they had run out of gas) right before the downpour of rain hit. We waited until it lightened up a bit before we headed home. 


It was such a fun day and we thank the Colombell's for hosting and Sarah, Mark, Timothy, Erica and Blake for meeting up. Before we know it, we'll be adding an eighth baby to the mix when Sarah and
Mark have their second next month!


Friday, May 4, 2012

Big Trucks Day!

We met up with Ashley and Mindy and their boys Ricky, William, Lucas and Cole for a fun time at Herndon's Big Trucks Day. Last time we went, Owen was only 18 months old. {Not sure how we missed it last year, but maybe it got rained out or something.}

It did rain on the way there this year, but we hung out inside for an impromptu snacktime while we waited for the rain to pass. And it did! It cleared the place out too, which was nice since then it wasn't too crowded and the kids didn't have to wait long to get into the trucks.  



This is Vivi's surprised face. The kid in the truck next to us was honking the horn. :)



We had a blast and can't wait to do it again next year!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Playdate with Nate and Drew

While Owen was in preschool this morning, Vivi and I drove over to Aunt Molly's house to visit with Nate and Drew. Vivi and Nate had fun reading books and playing with Nate's cool musical block toy. Drew just chilled out on the baby mat and looked cute.


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Mango Lime sorbet


I went to a class at Whole Foods a week or so ago about transitioning to a plant-based diet. The first half of the class was lecture, and the second half was a cooking demonstration. I learned how to cook lentils and beans, and the instructor also did a dessert recipe. It's super easy, and since I found mangos on sale at the grocery store for 5 for $5, I had a bunch on hand at home to try it out for the kids. Vivi thought it was a little tart at first, but after a bite or two she was enjoying it as much as Owen and I were.

Mango Lime Sorbet
1 ripe Mango
Juice of 1 lime
Agave nectar to taste (I used about a tablespoon)

Cut the mango into cubes and freeze in a plastic baggie. When ready to put it together, put the frozen mango chunks in a blender, add the juice from a lime and the agave nectar and blend until combined. If it's too runny, you can pop it in the freezer for 1/2 hour so that it's more like sorbet, but we ate it fresh out of the blender and it was awesome.

Enjoy!