Uh-ho!

I'm biased, I realize that. 

But here's my new favorite word that Lincoln says....."uh-ho". 

Click HERE for the 3 second video. 

enjoy! 

Gymnastics meet Spring-2015

Sidney spends a lot of her time flipping around the house, playing on the bars and working on her gymnastics skills. And tonight, was her time to shine; the annual end-of-the-year meet. She was super nervous, even the night prior, worried about how she would do and remembering the routines. Sidenote: the coaches call out the moves, so it really is set up to be stress free. 

Nonetheless, she was excited AND nervous. 

As we pulled into the driveway of the center, I turned around, looked her in the eyes, and reminded her how proud that I am of her. I told her that getting out on the floor and having fun was my biggest concern. And no matter the outcome, I was going to be proud. 

ahhhh, but it might as well have fallen on deaf ears. 

This girl wanted a first place. With all of her heart, it's all that she talked about. Just one first place. 

And so, we checked in, and got settled to watch her do her thing. 

First up was the bars. She excelled and landed a second place, missing first by just 1 point. 

Darn, that is probably her best skill. 

Next was beam. She was a little wobbly but holy buckets, she has no hesitation and just goes for it. She landed another second place, this time by .05 of a point. Oh shucks. 

Lastly,  she moved to the floor routine. She did a nice routine, but I didn't expect her to get first. 

Nope, another second place, again by .05. 

That meant she had three second place finishes. Little did I realize, it also meant she won first place in All-Around! 

And so although she didn't get her first place ribbon, she understood what had happened and she was so dang happy!! The fact that her trophy says "First Place" just makes her year! That smile was plastered across her face as she stood on the top box with her First Place trophy and 3 second place ribbons. 

 And then, the way she leaped off those blocks and raced into my proud mama arms, all the while she beamed with excitement and joy. She just melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Boy are we proud of her! Later we drove away and with a big smile across her face asked "mom are you proud of me?", followed up quickly with "this was the BEST day E.V.E.R!" I'm beyond proud of her, and so in love that she is proud of herself! 

She might have the best pack of grandparents around too! They ventured up to the metro yet again to take in this special event and cheer on the sidelines for her. She's mighty lucky to have them so willingly come around to support her. 

Congratulations Sidney on your first place finish tonight! I'm so excited to see where your gymnastics takes you. 

19 months

Things are getting crazy around here. Between school and end of the year parties, softball, and year end gymnastics meets, our life is full over here. We are exhausted at night and sometimes it feels like we are losing our minds. After the 13th trip up to Lund's for a forgotten grocery item, I want to throw in the towel and just eat chips and water for the next 2 weeks! We are on the fly lately and as I climbed into the shower this evening and a goldfish fell out of my bra, it was a true reminder of life with 3 young kids.
The littlest of these 3, has moved on to 19 months this week. Nineteen months. Let's take a peek back.....
At just a few days old, his precious face was simply perfect. I stared at him for hours, holding him while he slept, never wanting to put him down.

He was sweet and easy as a baby. Easy like I've never known.

As he grew, his sweetness grew and our hearts just burst with love. The girls fell in love with him over and over again.

And now, at 19 months, he is still sweet and cute and precious, but he is active and rambunctious and silly. He makes us laugh and this entire family feels grateful to have him along for the ride. 

Each day when I pick him up, we run through a few questions, and his little smirks and grunts in response to my questions just crack me up.
"Lincoln did you have a good day?"     "ya"
"Lincoln were you a good boy?"         "uh"
"Lincoln are you a silly boy?"      insert, silly smile, tilted head and excessive grunts
"I love you bud"                            "ya"

Oh boy is this little man of ours busy. He rearranges my kitchen cabinets on a weekly basis. He mows our deck nightly, and would do it more if we had the extra time. He cannot be outside long enough, no matter the weather. He gives kisses and "snuggles" but often those are reserved for puppies and cars and trains. Kid has his priorities :)
He eats fruit. A lot of it. He breaks out in allergic reactions to many different foods and this learning curve we are on is not a fun one. He is a mama's boy and shys away from new faces until feeling comfortable. He dislikes sandals and looks a little silly in his tennis shoes with shorts. He is a very sweaty boy, and that just makes his hair even more curly! He is ALL boy; stopping for sirens, motorcycles and semi trucks. My favorite word that he says is "uh-oh!" because he is so darn deliberate in his articulation. He is loved by so many people!

Happy 19 months buddy! Love you! 

Happy birthday daddy!

This afternoon, after an exhausting day at the zoo, sandwiched between going to Regan's softball game, we surprised Ryan at work :) As we hustled to his office with some birthday treats, we exchanged this text.....

He said that by the time he got to step 2, he realized what was coming. I had wanted to just show up at his desk, but knew I couldn't get past security without him. So he laughed when he opened the door and we gave him a little "Surprise! Happy Birthday!". 

After we (mostly the kids) devoured some pretty fun cupcakes, one of which was German Chocolate, we had to check out where Ryan spends most of his time ;) 

The kids love coming to visit us as our offices, but Ryan's might take the cake with all the fun they have going on around at that place. Happy Birthday Ryan!! We hope you had a fun birthday!

Kindergarten field trip: Zoo

Today was a big day for many of the kids in the girls' elementary school. The kindergartners were heading to the MN Zoo, and the 5th graders were off to Valleyfair!! Needless to say, poor Regan was feeling pretty left out. Her big field trip of the year was to a local planetarium, and she thought that was no fun in comparison. Ahh, but alas, she has no idea what is in her very near future (more on that after it happens). For now, mum is the word :) 

Back to today, Sidney was so very excited for her big field trip day! I'm not sure what made her more excited: going on the actual field trip, or having me chaperone!? She was soooo ready for our day!!

I felt like a veteran this time around, having been on Regan's zoo trip 3 years ago. I knew what to bring, I knew what to expect, and I was armed and ready for my small group of 4 little ones, even naming our group: The Fabulous Four! At one point, we ran into one of their classmates who darted past us. As quick as I could ask "who is that?", he was gone. I speed-dialed the teacher who quickly informed me he had ran off from his group and was pleased as punch to be pointed in the right direction to locate him. Within 2 minutes, he was back in his group. I, on the other hand, was relieved he wasn't assigned to my group! 

At this time of the school year, the energy level is high and the eagerness to learn is pretty low. That didn't stop me from trying to give these 4 the best possible zoo experience out there. We stuck together, we pointed out animals, we laughed, and we maybe even learned a little bit :) 

There were 3,000 school children at the zoo today (yes, we were told that actual number!). Keeping track of The Fabulous Four was not an easy feat. I was constantly counting heads. 1-2-3-4. Over and over and over. These kids climbed on every rock, every tree branch, every everything! It was crazy. I think this bear gives a pretty good depiction of how we all felt when the day was done! 

Spending time with Sidney and all the kindergartners from her school, gives me perspective. She is calm and well-mannered, even though she despises long car (bus) rides and is quickly impatient. And goodness sake is she not the cutest little 6 year old out there! 

Hearing Sidney announce that today was "the best field trip ever!" makes all that exhaustion totally worthwhile. I love you Sid and I'm so happy we got to spend the day together. 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Ryan's birthday falls on a pretty busy day next week so he asked to celebrate this weekend instead (ok, so he may have just wanted to open his gifts....and that's not a lie!). But really, we won't have much time during the week for a dinner celebration, and so tonight was his night. He picked Red Cow for dinner and the rain held out as we sat on the patio. As miracles would have it, Lincoln sat/ate the best he has ever sat in public (might have had something to do with the fact that I am getting smarter and for dinner, ordered him a fruit plate. He loved his meal.). 

Once we got home, I had to snap a quick picture of Ryan with his bunch. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN! 

WE LOVE YOU.

Lake Harriet Street Car

While we were in the area, we took a trip to Lake Harriet tonight and hopped aboard the streetcar. Although we took him last year, Lincoln obviously doesn't recall being on the train. And boy was he excited for our little trip. 

Oh these cuties sure melt my heart (and the guy behind the camera's pretty good too!). Lincoln sat patiently on my nap throughout the 10 minute ride, not moving one single inch. He was in love with where we were. 

When the train conductor gave the horn a blow, his face lit up. I could sense he was feeling a bit shy and overwhelmed the way he stuck his finger in his mouth but a smile easily came across his face with the sound of that horn. 

He looks so little in that big streetcar. I sense many more trips to Lake Harriet in our future. 

 And what is a trip to the lake without heading down to see the actual lake. Regan was in a huffy mood because although we had just come from the restaurant, she insisted on an ice cream and it was a unanimous 'no' by the parents. I'm shocked she agreed to smile and it looked genuine!

Sidney, on the other hand, was happy to pose for a few pictures flashing her smile and looking adorable :) 

Fruit

We're not lying when we say that Lincoln loves fruit. Or that he only wants to eat fruit. The other night at Regan's softball game, I had packed a picnic. After finishing his own fruit, Lincoln stole Sidneys pear. 

And proceeded to eat the entire thing. Leaving only the stem.

For the record, he did also try to eat the stem. And I had to pull it out of his mouth because he couldn't chew it!

Softball tournament

Regan is back on the field again this spring. She has played t-ball or some form of softball since she was 5 years old (taking off 1 year). Last fall, she jumped into fastpitch and it has been an incredible match! She shines out there on the field and really enjoys herself. 

Her swing is smooth and she is doing well tracking the ball so as to get a good hit, almost every time! 

After waking at 6am, playing around during 3 softball games and sitting through one dance recital, this little man needed a nap! Poor kiddo did what I hoped he would do and slept in the stroller for a short while. 

Back on the field, Regan admits her favorite position to play is catcher. She just loves it! She can't explain why, but my guess is that she feels a part of the action this way. 

These girls earned themselves 3rd place in their first tournament of the year! they did so very well and I'm so proud of them! 

Dance recital 2015

Sweet Sidney participated in her spring dance recital this past week. She was just a doll in that tulle skirt and lace top as she and her class danced around to Touch the Sky from the Brave movie. We were bummed to learn that Regan would be smack dab in the middle of a softball tournament so not only did Regan have to miss the show, but Ryan did too. Thankfully all 4 grandparents were in the audience and that helped Sidney feel all of the love! 

And what is a dance class without your two BFF's!? These 3 have been friends since before they could walk or talk. And Sid has already warned me that she is signing up for dance again because she just knows both Natalie and Madilyn will also be signed up. 

It was a little like organized chaos out on the dance floor. With 15 kindergarteners, we didn't expect much more! Sidney did exceptionally well and we are so darn proud of her! 

Way to go Sidney! You rocked it out there! 

Spring time....

...has it's downfall. 

Darn ducks are the only ones taking advantage of this spring weather. 

And unfortunately for us are leaving behind a mess on the side of the pool :(

But the upside is hearing the silence of these two who snuck away this morning to share a moment. What was so incredible, is that Lincoln sat still long enough to snap a quick picture (he doesn't watch TV for any longer than 1-2 minutes)....I have yet to know what they were watching. 

Mother's Day!

I thank my lucky stars for these dear kiddos of ours who made me a mother, three times over. They make us crazy at times, but more importantly, they make our world go round. I try to spend Mother's day doing something with the kids (as a family) and in an effort to not be consumed with house work, that usually entails getting outside. 

Unfortunately, the weather didn't look very promising this year on Mother's Day. But we were over the moon excited that the rain held out until lunch and we had a glorious morning at the Stone Arch Bridge. 

The place is spectacular. And I really cannot believe that we have never been there before, having lived in the metro for all of my adult life. Today we had to bring Hope back to the U anyway and the bridge is just a few short blocks from her apartment so it was perfect timing. We fly to all sorts of places on vacation, and yet, this gem is right in our own back yard. 

The girls brought their scooters and were quite excited to be exploring on wheels rather than by foot. As for Lincoln, he was happy as a clam that we left the stroller at home. This boy rarely wants to sit in a stroller, and we knew better than to try. 

For an hour we walked and wheeled around, checking out the waterfowl, the rushing St. Anthony Falls and the gorgeous back drop of the Stone Arch Bridge. We stopped along the way and read a little bit of history and then checked out the view of the nearby city skyline, including the new stadium. 

After a yummy lunch (with live entertainment that kept Lincoln quiet and happy our entire meal), we decided to check out one other view of the bridge....this time from the Guthrie's "endless bridge". Lincoln giggled as he stood on the escalator that brought us up to the 4th floor, and then later scrapped up both sides of his face with rugburns when his little legs couldn't keep up with the rest of his body running along the ramp to the observation area. 

We lucked out twice during our morning, by having another couple offer to take a family picture. I'm so thankful for thoughtful folks :) 

And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this amazing mother of mine!! I was lucky enough to sit next to her at Regan's Angelica concert (more on that later) the night prior and we had some good laughs for those 2 hours. Happy Mother's Day mom! Love you so much!

Planting with mom

Each year about this time of year, the girls and I get the itch to start planting. Many years ago, our neighbor would take them into his back yard, and while his daughter video taped, they would "film" episodes of "Planting with Steve". The kids thing it's hilarious and they actually do 'takes' while filming. It's quite hilarious! 

Yesterday, with it's glorious weather, was the perfect day to dig in the dirt, and so Regan said it was Planting with Mom! We didn't video, though we maybe should have :) They started with their fairy garden and I just loved how they worked together getting it perfect for the fairies. 

Their "working together" went sour for a while so we had to take a break to allow them to cool off. 

After some much needed time apart, we moved on to the window box and front light post. Regan likes to get dirty and was quick to ditch her gloves. Princess Sidney prefers a little less mess but wants to be just as involved. 

We're all so very excited to be spending more time outside and enjoy spring time. I'm so glad they like to do these things together! I love our quality girl time. 

Full weekends

Ryan and I looked at each other the other day and smiled at how full our weekend was. We couldn't have fit one more thing into it if we had tried. It was full, but it sure was fun! 

We kicked off the weekend with an 8:30am call time to the softball fields for Opening Ceremony. It's kind of a big deal around this part of our city, and so Regan was in her element as the teams paraded around the field with pride, posed for pictures and played a 2 inning scrimmage. Just as she was getting ready to bat, I took the 2 younger ones to Sidney's gymnastics practice so she can work on her meet routines. 

After some lunch and a little biking around the neighborhood, we packed up and headed to New Ulm for 24 hours. What was jammed into that short time period is draining to even type! We checked out 2 different parks.....Ryan and grandma Jan had some fun too :) 

We had dinner out, Regan's request, at Lamplighter. And after some baths (they were filthy from softball, gymnastics, a total of 3 different parks and a lot of time in the sun!), the kids crashed but woke early!

Ryan headed to the golf course for an early morning round (6:30am early!) with some of my relatives and I met up with my mom and some gal cousins for brunch, 'nails by Kenzie and Emma' and some playtime on the deck 

We got a surprise visit from my BFF who happened to be driving past :) These days, we'll take a 5 minute visit. Poor Lincoln was falling apart quickly and in need of a nap by 11am. My mom and I decided to take him on a drive around town in hopes the car would put him to sleep...eventually it did! So while Grandma Jan stayed on the sturdy ground in the car with Lincoln, I climbed the steps to Herman with the girls. 

Sidney's practicing counting for her end of the year assessments and so we counted each and every stair. I got 100 and they got somewhere in the 90's....that's a lot of stairs! 

Nap time ended, we descended the stairs and headed to pick up Ryan from my parent's house. Sidney and Grandma shared a jar of pickles as we got ready for the next event. Mmmmmm 😋

The whole reason we came to town was for Harlow's 3rd birthday party! Sweet little girl got a Peppa Pig (I still don't know who that is) party and our kiddos were happy to celebrate with her, even if it was only for a couple short hours. 

We climbed back into the car, prayed that Lincoln would take a decent nap, and drove back home for the final event of the weekend. 

The girls participated in our local ice show 2 months ago and now it was banquet time. Little did they know, we were aware of a BIG secret that was about to make one of them really happy.....

Sidney's group: Olaf, was awarded Best Show Number! And gosh almighty, were those little girls excited! I could have cried proud tears, but I was laughing too hard at her perfect reaction. 

Even Regn was proud of her and commented "it was the cutest number of the show"! Sure was Sid, congrats! 

And with that, this exhausted family literally fell into bed Sunday night!