Monday Funday

Mondays in this house are reserved for the grandparents. While Ryan and I venture off to work, they get to spend some quality time with the girls, the only grandchildren on either side! Today they baked a raspberry pie with our very own raspberries and I heard it's yummy!, at least Sidney (and grandpa Arnie) think so!

And sometimes Grandma Sheri/Grandpa Arnie bring along an extra special someone, HUNTER! The girls simply love spending time with Hunter. She has nearly as much energy as they do and loves to keep them entertained for hours on end. With the heat today it was definitely a good day for the pool; apparently Hunter is helping develop Regan into an awesome pitcher just like she is!

And what else do we use the diving board but for fashion shows! How fun is that to have someone else willing to dress up in all the old dance costumes and feather boas! Regan is in little girl heaven. I have more pics from the day but I'm not certain Hunter would appreciate them on the blog :)

Sisters

Someday, these girls will always be best of friends. But for right now, it depends on the minute, the toy, the weather, the amount of sleep, the mood, etc. Tonight, they got along pretty well, lucky for me as I'm single-parenting at the moment.

I couldn't help but grab my camera as they embraced this afternoon for a hug, at Regan's request ("Sidney, will you give me a B-I-G hug?"). No reason, she just wanted the hug. It was pretty cute to watch.

I decided we needed something to do after dinner and took the girls to the Japanese Gardens. I must admit, it's quite peaceful...until you bring a 1 and 4 year old. Regan wanted to walk on the grass, pick up the rocks and talk in her loud 4 year old voice; all of these are no-no's displayed nicely on a sign before entering. She had trouble following the rules tonight :(

But they're still pretty stinkin' cute these two, hanging out on the bridge, checking out the fish, making memories together.

Great Minnesota Get Together

We spent this glorious day at the Minnesota State Fair. Despite the heat and the people (oh were there people!), it turned out to be another fun day at the fair.

Regan spent lots of grandma's money on rides, she went on as many as her little head could handle spinning round and round and going up and down. Sidney still isn't brave enough to go without me next to her so she remained a spectator this year.

Our little farm girl just loved being in that stinky pig building! She thought all of them were "big pigs" so she wasn't really phased when we saw the actual BIG pig (he was HUGE!).

After 5 long hours of fighting a nap, Sidney finally gave in and zonked out. We were all much happier to see her snoozing even if it did only last 40 minutes.

Ryan tried something new today, two of them actually. A scotch egg, which he loved and a turkey sandwich, which he REALLY loved! Thanks to Shane and Amy for introducing him to two more that will go on our annual "must have" food list!

At one point, I announced that my children needed to eat something healthy. Ryan spit out his drink at the thought of finding something healthy at the fair. Didn't take me long and we ran into the frozen grapes, and wouldn't you know it, we had to buy them twice because this little beauty wouldn't eat anything else! That's my healthy girl :)

Regan was the best behaved 4 year old at the fair. She sat nicely in her much too small umbrella stroller so her sister could recline and nap in the bigger stroller as we walked around, stopped to eat/ride/drink/etc and just took in all the sights that the fair has to offer. She did so well that we might have to go again this year, or maybe not. Once per year of deep fried foods, germs galore and dirty sandal wearing kids might be enough for this mommy!

Flashback Friday

MN State Fair 2007

Stay-cation - Splurge Day!

Our stay-cation has been one of doing many things around town; mostly enjoying those things that are low (or no) cost family entertainment. But today was one of those credit card commercial moments where they say: admission for 4: $43 (yes, that was the actual price today), snack $10, seeing the girls' face as they splashed, swam and played: priceless.

Today we headed to a local waterpark, the kiddie side looked like this... that's Sid in the bottom left corner walking like a monkey.

Sidney needed a little extra encouragement to enter the water, but after that, we could've easily lost both of them! Definately a 2 parent job today!

Regan loved the slides, both on the kiddie and big pool. She had a blast, actually refused to leave!

They shared an icee and a soft pretzel before going back in for more fun in the sun!

And our hefty admission let us use their "approved" life jackets. Thankfully Sid was agreeable and she swam like a fish in the big kid pool!

Stay-cation - Day 3: Como

This stay-cation is just as busy as a vacation! I'm not leaving any minute untouched; we're making the most of all of our time off this week. Yesterday we spent the morning strolling through Como Conservatory and Zoo (gladly skipping the rides seeing as though we're about to hit up the fair too). Regan's been enjoying posing for pictures, and even asked yesterday. Too bad half-pint isn't as interested...

I love Sidney's face in this picture; she was so animated as she told Regan all about the tiger sleeping in the corner (see his head to the left of hers?).

Regan asked to go on the 96 year old Merry-Go-Round as we left and we couldn't resist. I drew the short straw and had to go on the ride with them (both Ryan and I get a little dizzy going round and round). They both had a great time, a much different experience than last year when she sat and cried throughout the ride next to Ryan.

What else will we find to do this week? Come back to find out!

Normandale/Hyland Lake

With some cooler (yet beautiful temps), we spent the morning strolling through some scenic areas not far from home. I've been wanting to check out this little waterfall/bridge for quite some time and we got the opportunity, with my camera in hand, today!

Taking pictures of Regan was easy today; Sidney was not interested :(

Someday she might have to pose here for her High School Senior pictures! I love this area!

Stay-cation -Day 1

Ryan and I took the week off from work, another "stay-cation". We have a lot planned but all fun! Kari brought the kids up again for a fun play date; the only downfall is that the day seems to go by too fast! We had a gorgeous day to play outside in the pool and all of the kids got to enjoy it this time, even William! He seems to be the star of the show lately, our girls just can't get enough of him.

Both girls were on hand as William got ready to take a dip.

My attempt at taking a group shot during snack time, what was I thinking!?

More lovin' on William! Regan had fun pushing him around on his little boat.

Thomas tossing a pitch to Ryan who tried using a noodle as a bat. They had a pretty good game going for a while!

And yet more time showing William some affection. I think Sidney would've jumped into the pack n play with him at naptime if we would've let her! Kari promises they'd want to give him back after just a few hours, but I'm not so sure!

Pool Party-Take 2

The second true pool party was held this past weekend, this time with Ryan's side of the family. We love being able to entertain and enjoy this Minnesota weather. The girls had a wonderful time playing with all of their cousins.

Sidney can't get enough of baby Paxton, even in the pool she didn't want to leave him alone!

Grandma Sheri found these cool horses used for a form of the old game "chicken"; amazingly Regan was able to balance independently after a little practice! Talk about core muscles! Unfortunately, neither horse held air for long and will be going back home to the store.

Ryan's starting to crack, he allowed not one but TWO dogs into our backyard!

The guys got busy working, much to my dismay (we had wanted a "no work, fun only party"). Jamie installed a beautiful new banister and Greg, Grandpa and Ryan installed a brand new (very expensive) pool light. Ryan was so flustered by the expense that he actually signed his name on the memo line of the check!; we saved on the electrician bill though! Hopefully we'll get some cool night shots from the party too...c'mon Ash, we're waiting!

Happy Anniversary to the one I love

These two sweeties were happy to wish us a happy anniversary this morning :)

It's been six years since Ryan and I were married. Who would've thought in six years we would've had so many changes in our lives; a new house, two beautiful children and a new job (for the Mr.). We had one of those wonderful wedding day experiences; and so far, our marriage has been all of the same!

A honeymoon in Hawaii proved to be nothing but the best!!

We are so ready to go back there; this time, with two extra special little ones in tow...now if only we could win the lottery to help fund it!

Lake Harriet

I took the girls to Lake Harriet this morning to help cheer on those participating in the big 3 Day walk this weekend. It was a lot of fun and quite educational for Regan. As I explained how far they were walking, Regan asked "you mean they're walking around the world?!". Well, kinda kiddo, it sure would feel that far for you!

After we chatted with my friend participating in the race, we stopped for a quick picture by some great flower beds.

and then walked down by the lake, hoping to see some ducks to feed.

Flashback Friday

This is painful to look at; but amazing to realize how much a body can actually deflate when a baby is born (and even more amazing that I'd love to give pregnancy another shot)! I particularly like this picture because Regan is posing with me/baby!

August 2008-roughly 38 weeks

Just girls

Ryan ditched us tonight and went to the Twins game; it's now in extra innings and he's still cheering them on. So what do us girls do without their daddy on a fairly chilly summer evening? Have fun!! Both girls have been giving us a run for our money, so I knew I didn't want to stay in the house all night or WWIII might break out. We got close, then we left for this place....

What girl doesn't love her ice cream! I'm not sold on the neighborhood mom/pop ice cream shop, but now that I've tried it, I can check it off my list and head back to DQ. Regan/Sidney didn't seem to care that it appears a bit run-down. The ice cream was tasty and that's all that mattered to them! (Regan's hiding her ice cream and was making silly faces, this was the closest I could get to a real smile)

After our snack we needed to burn off our calories, I mean energy. Sidney chased Regan down the block a couple of times leaving me to push her little ride-on toy. I'm sure the neighbors sometimes wonder about us because this is a common sight! It's pretty darn cute.

Wonder what we'll do on Thursday night when we have another girls night;

and Saturday too! So many options!

Summer school fun

Both girls have been having so much fun this summer at preschool; and thankfully the teachers take pictures! Regan's class has special activities daily; it's almost exhausting to look at the schedule. But she loves it and it's a good break from all the academics during the regular school year.

This particular day was "hat day". I think Regan went a bit overboard! She brought the white one from home and gathered up the rest from her classroom piling them high upon her head.

Regan and her "bestie" Madison. Two peas in a pod these girls. Madison seems to love Sidney just as much as she loves Regan so pick up time takes an extra 10 hugs and kisses from Madison when Sidney enters the room!

Not to be left out, Sidney's been having a great time too! With last week's humidity, the teachers opted for water day inside.
Those brave souls put big tubs of water inside for 20 toddlers to splash!

A visit from the Johnson's

Ryan's cousin, Ashley and her husband Jamie, along with their two little guys came to visit on Sunday. The girls would like for Paxton to move in I think; they have smothered him before, but this was over the top! They just love to love him up; too bad I didn't catch a decent picture of that!

The kiddos also enjoyed some lunch next to the pool before swimming. Thankfully it was nice outside because our new dining room table hasn't been delivered yet.

Sidney is learning how to share, though not always liking it. She did share her swing with Hudson and took a turn on the "big girl swing"!

SKOL!!

After a gorgeous August afternoon of heat (and some humidity), the temps cooled off just in time for the Vikings first pre-season game. Regan was all ready to cheer them on from the pool deck, Vikings floaties and all!

Sidney skipped the evening swim and came inside with me to actually watch the game. I couldn't resist putting on her garb :)

As much as I love football season and watching the Vikes, I'm so not ready to call an end to this MN summer. I don't look forward to months and months of cold, wet, snow. So Mr. Sun, please stick around for a very long time and keep us warm and humid!