Lincoln turns 7

We celebrated Lincoln’s 7th birthday this month, with gifts and cake and a big huge uncut 12” Subway sandwich; his dinner choice was pretty specific! Not to worry, it took him several meals to actually finish that gigantic sandwich. 

We opted to spread out his gifts over the week, so each day he opened a couple gifts from family. 

Rollerblades from Grandma Jan

Fortnite Nerf gun and a box FILLED with bullets from Uncles Ben and Jon. 

Look out, because as much as we beg him to shoot at his targets, he much prefers humans as his targets!

I was able to take a day off work and we reserved a slot at the zoo, a place he’s been begging to go during this pandemic. Although I was leery, we felt pretty safe, and we did a good job social distancing. The gorilla was his most favorite! 

Since his birthday falls within a few days of Halloween, we often are celebrating both at the same time. Because the pandemic shut down Halloween this year, we opted for a drive-through Halloween event that landed right on his birthday. He hung out in the backseat while collecting stashes of candy and toys, all from a safe distance. He loved it!  

He’s growing up so fast, and turning into such a little man. He opens doors for his sisters, squeezes us tight and begs every night for me to rub his back as he falls asleep. Slow down sweet boy! 

Every year I have been taking a number picture of Lincoln in the leaves. I compiled what I had on my phone in this collage. We missed last year because Hawaii just didn't have enough leaves for us, but the boogie board picture is a fun substitute. 

 

Early snowfall; more of 2020

Only in MN would I have a fall morning and a winter afternoon in the same day. In mid-October. 

With the pool not even closed for the season! 

And to make the story even better, I spent 30 minutes running around with the lawnmower just in time before the snow started. I really was a sight to be seen! 

It’s always been my role to schedule things: doctor, dentist, school conferences, pool closings. Of which that last one is never high on my list. I love looking at an open pool. So I push off the closing until the last possible moment. In 10 years of living with a pool, I’ve always scheduled it at least before the snow. Leave it to 2020 to squash that record. 

I really really thought about doing a polar plunge type activity! 

Regan and Lincoln took advantage of the fresh snow coupled with distance learning opting for a very long recess. The made a cool snowman, went sledding and had a great time playing in the white heavy snow.

 

(By the next day he was tipping over but holding on for dear life!)

Meanwhile, Ryan and I thought long and hard about moving to this home in the Hawaiian islands. We contemplated selling most of our belongings in order to live in 1000 square feet. 

With a view like this, I think we could do it. 😉

Happy Birthday Sidney

This little sweetheart turned 12 just as the school year started. She was very specific when it came to the dessert she wanted on her day (which entailed a long early morning drive to pick it up). She was so excited to open that box and see a gigantic birthday cookie! 

We were fortunate to get to have lunch with her during the school day, since we're all working/learning from home. And she wrapped up the day at her favorite spot: softball practice. 

This Sidney of ours. She is sweet and kind and social and friendly (this ongoing COVID lockdown is getting more challenging as a result). 

She loves softball and Netflix and is turning more and more into a teenager each passing day. 

The things she says make us laugh every single day, I only wish I'd write more of them down. As a memory, here is the most recent 'Sidney statement'.....we drove past Hyland Ski area as they were making snow for the upcoming ski season. She glanced over and asked me "is that snow cold?"

Yes my dear, snow is always cold. 

And one more, just because.....she was telling me about the upcoming health unit in school about puberty, "mom, we're going to have to learn about tentacles". 

Um, not quite kiddo. 

Boy she makes us laugh! 

Happy Birthday sweet Sidney!