Gymnastics meet 2017

Sidney has been practicing hard each and every week in her gymnastics summer program. She's been working on a front handspring on the floor, independent handstands on the beam and some hip circles and other things I don't even know the words for on the bars! She's thriving and we're so proud of her. At the end of the season, she was able to participate in their meet where she placed FIRST in the all-around! This was her goal and she was unbelievably excited to be standing on top of that podium. This meet was sandwiched between an early morning gym session, an all-afternoon play/swim date and then the Twins late night game. I was worried she would be over-tired or unfocused, but she did an amazing job. 

I loved listening to the commentary from both Regan and Ryan throughout the meet; neither who have had the opportunity to watch her over the summer. Ryan kept saying "I didn't know she could do that!" and Regan said on 2 occasions "she's really good! And I'm not just saying that because she's my sister!". Man alive was that pretty amazing. Click HERE to watch the video that Regan took of her on the bars. 

Congratulations Sidney! We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what's in store next for you! 

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. 

Weekend getaway

 

When I was growing up, my family used to take "weekend getaways", mostly trips to the cities to take in an 'event' (ie: sporting event or something of the like). I fondly recall the excitement of packing up for a couple of nights snuggled into a hotel room, exploring this great state.

 

Over the past several weeks, we started talking about taking a trip to Duluth to see the fall colors and really "do Duluth". Something we haven't yet done with the kids. In each previous trip north, they've only ever experienced the waterpark in Duluth, never even making it down to Canal Park!? Crazy, I know. And with the fall colors in full view, we couldn't miss the opportunity!
The entire drive, we commented just how pretty the scenery was: reds, golds, even green. It was simply gorgeous. Too bad the kids had their noses stuck in a DVD and barely looked up to see what we were pointing at. (note: we are very blessed to have a DVD player....Sidney wouldn't make it 20 miles without constant whining if it weren't for the distraction of a movie. Even with one, she still whines.).

 

Our first stop was Canal Park.

 We grabbed some lunch and then stretched our legs after the 2 1/2 hour drive north. The girls were so excited that the bridge was being raised (twice) and we had a chance to see both a small fishing boat and a really really really big one head out on the lake. 

They had a great time climbing around on the rocks, walking out to the light house and chasing birds. It was a chilly, cloudy day so we all bundled up in our winter gear.

 

We found a lovely chocolate/gift shop and Sidney scored a peanut butter cup the size of her head :) She's still working on finishing that thing; a nibble here and a nibble there, that girl is like a mouse.

 

 

After a trip down memory lane, showing the kids where Ryan went to college, seeing 2 of the 5 homes he lived in, and exploring the UMD campus a little (we were amazed at all of the new buildings and newness of it all), we headed up to Enger Tower.

When we travel, Ryan and I always look for the highest possible location, because let's face it, the best views are often from above. And when the colors are turning, it is mesmorizing.

 

Lincoln happened to fall asleep somewhere on our drive, and so, in the spirit of family time, I bundled him in a blanket and carried him up the 90+ steps to the top of Enger Tower. It was very very breezy so I didn't stay on the upper level long before heading down to take cover on another level. The smiles on the girls' faces in this picture tell me that they were having a wonderful afternoon.

 

And the smiles on these boys too :)

I'm so in love with this family of ours and so thankful to be able to take these weekend getaways, snuggled up cozy in a hotel room.

 

 

We ventured down to Fitger's for dinner and explored various shops while we waited for a table (30 minute wait for dinner at 4:15pm!). 

Lincoln is in love with standing, and prefers to stand no matter where we are. So he stood near some railings while we waited, and then stood in the booth while we ordered our meal. He caught the attention of every pedestrian on the sidewalk and many even pointed, waved and smiled a big 'hello' to our cutie.

 

 

On Sunday we were all very excited for our day, having seen pictures and antcipating some real family fun on both an alpine coaster and a zipline. The girls are both tall/old enough to experience this fun and we were giddy to be able to join in the fun. The tracks are such that you begin and end in the same location so it worked perfect for half to go on a coaster and the other half to wait with Lincoln.

 If you've never been on an alpine coaster, we highly recommend checking it out! There are only 4 in the United States (we've done alpine slides before, but this was way faster, up to 26 mph! And much longer).

Here's Ryan and Regan as they wrapped up their first ride.

 

Sidney and I were both pretty nervous. While we waited to get the green light, we talked about how fast (or slow) we wanted to go. There's a single seat belt strapping me in, and one for her too. Each car goes alone, meaning we aren't hooked up in a train like this picture shows. Instead, it's just the peacefulness of your car and the scenery around. If only I could have taken pictures and drive at the same time!

We took the kids down 3 times and did the zipline once (cool, but just too short in everyone's opinion). I went down fairly slow the first time, and am so glad that I did, because the view of Lake Superior from the side of the 'mountain', is like no other.

Simply breathtaking.

We sure had a lot of fun and it was a weekend getaway to remember. I have a feeling we have a lot of them in our future as we work on exploring this great state as a family of 5!

Holding on to summer

We're holding on to every second of summer over here. It's no secret that summer is my favorite season, with winter in dead last. And by that I mean, way way way down there. We love the sun against our faces, the water around us and the smell of fresh air.
And the girls' sun-kissed faces. Oh it's like no other. 

So as the temps rose to almost 80, we turned up the heater on the pool and told the girls that it was likely our last weekend to swim. Saturday we hosted some great friends for one last hoorah. 

And Sunday, it was just the 5 of us. Enjoying the laughter of each other and taking in this gorgeous summer like day. Sadly, the evening was approaching and it was time to climb out. Regan started tearing up, then crying, then downright sobbing. You see, she's a bit like her mama. She doesn't want winter to arrive. 

"It's not fair!" 

"Summer is too short", 

"why can't we move to Florida?!", 

were statements she said through sobs. Crocodile ears streaming down her face. 

We tried coaxing her back into the pool for another 5 minutes but she insisted it would just make her cry again when she had to get out. And so, we let her cry it out. And eventually, she will be excited for sledding and shoveling snow. But until then, I'm with her....why can't we just move to Florida!?

Sun-kissed cheeks and baby splashes in the water. 

Florida sure sounds nice :) 

Morning glory

This morning, while daddy was away golfing, the girls and I took a walk on a nearby trail. I got some pretty cute pictures and we had a great time, though we all wished for warmer weather. 

Regan brought her scooter, and Sidney brought her bike, making it very difficult for this mama to keep up with their wheels! 

Eventually we made it to our destination and took a break. Watching the waterfalls, gazing at the lake and of course, taking pictures. 

I love this gem of a place in the middle of our city.

The girls turned away from the waterfall and discovered not just one, but THREE climbing trees. They have never really noticed them on our previous visits, though Ryan and I have both mentioned how perfect each tree is set up for climbing. 

In a matter of minutes my girls transformed into monkeys. 

They played like this for a very long time, running from tree to tree, scampering up them like it was second nature. I did hear each of them call out (at separate times) "mom, I'm stuck!", as they looked down at me from way up high. 

Not to worry, I rescued my monkeys and we all came home safe :) 

Regan lately

This picture speaks volumes....

Regan has a bit more sass and a little less sweetness as of late. We're working towards her finding her voice in this big world and us discovering a new level of patience as she develops into her own being.  Don't get me wrong, she has her moments of sweetness, where she leans in for a hug, uses her most polite voice or sweetly helps Sidney with a task. Unfortunately, she has had a recent (LONG) stretch of spunkiness that includes attitude, back talk and downright disrespect. Sometimes I just have to take a deep breath. 

Yesterday I attended a (very boring) seminar, but one thing I was reminded of, is that the human brain develops from back to front. I was quickly reminded that Regan's brain is not yet fully developed. Duh, right? I obviously knew this, but I was slapped in the face yesterday: she lacks full frontal lobe abilities. I talk about these things everyday at work with therapists and doctors as well as patients and families, but I had never transferred it to a developing young child. Makes perfect sense. She has difficulty understanding the consequences of her behavior (scream at my parents and I will lose privileges, as an example) and she lacks impulse control (pushing my sister out of the way because she is making me mad, another example).
Boy how I love her to pieces, but wowzas is she pushing our buttons.

I also realize that the end of the school year is upon us and that also means we (meaning me and the girls), are running around this place like chickens with their heads cut off (that reminds me of the reason I became a vegetarian....another blog post someday!). There is a giant dance recital she is preparing for, a gymnastics meet she is practicing for, ongoing swimming lessons, school parties, school picnics, track/field day, and everything in between. We are running almost every week night, and I'm gearing up to spend more time at her school in the coming 2 weeks than I am at home or work combined! Ok not really, but it sure feels that way!

Despite all of her sass and our crazy end of the year schedule, when we settle into a book at night, taking turns reading, and she drapes her legs across mine, I am reminded just how thankful I am that she calls me 'mom'. 

We love you sweet Regan! 

"giving thanck"

Regan went to work this evening and created her own "thanksgiving poem".

We have one very proud little girl on our hands, and she can't wait to hand over her poem to her teacher.

Read it phonetically, and you'll get the words: "I love giving thanck and...I hoop you do to. It is vare fun to see you haveing fun to!"

Saturday fun

Sometimes we spend the weekend hanging around at home, but not often. 

This weekend was jam packed, Saturday in particular. We tend to live by the idea of "live life to the fullest". Thankfully we have two sweet ones who adore being on the go. They fuss and argue when we have a lot of downtime at home. They are a lot like me and enjoy being out and about, staying busy, being social. 

So while Ryan went golfing with some friends, the girls and I made the most of our Saturday. 

We started the morning off at Home Depot's kids workshop. Regan essentially created her entire turkey napkin holder all on her own. She enjoyed watching the project take shape and the girls cannot wait to bring their napkin holders to Grandma Jan's house for Thanksgiving!

From there we headed to Como Conservatory. I was pretty disappointed as the flowers seemed fairly dormant for their "fall show". Not much color, but we enjoyed looking at them anyway and checking out the koi fish. 

After some arts/crafts in the visitor's center, we headed into the zoo to check out the animals and all they had to offer. 

We got several up close and personal shots with various animals. The gorillas were laying, butt faced up to the window, for a lovely view. Regan was pretty impressed with their feet. Just the size of them was surprising. And then she noticed "they have toenails like us!! But they're black! Gross". 

While Sidney checked out the tiger, Regan noticed a small mouse in the lion's den. Thankfully the lion was sleeping or I think we would've seen lunch happen in front of our eyes. 

Oh I know you aren't supposed to sit on the giraffes, but the pictures are just too cute!

The girls had fun climbing on the turtle too, and especially liked that it wasn't steamy hot as it is in the summer. 

From the zoo we picked up Ryan and ran to the Mall of America, along with a million other people. Thankfully our only stop was the American Girl doll store. And we quickly left to a friend's birthday party, where we were joined by 6 other kiddos! 

 The kids had a dance party on stage complete with a karaoke machine....I think Santa will be picking up one of these for Christmas. It was a HIT!! 

Needless to say, the girls slept well during the time change this morning and even got in a nap this afternoon! We pack in the fun and live life to the fullest! 

Regan dearest

Each night I lay the girls down for bed. It's a family event but I'm always the last to leave each girls' bedroom. As she gets older, I know my days are numbered for Regan to ask me nightly "will you lay with me?". So most of the time, I oblige. And lately, it's been more of a sense of "I have mom all to myself and I'm going to talk her ear off".

And so we chat.

and chat

and chat

Tonight she told me for the second time, all about her day making banana splits (note to self: I need to make more stops at her summer program!). She commented at one point in her story, having just tried one of these at DQ "mom, they are exactly like the ones at Dairy Queen. Only different".

Yes dear, I'm sure they were exactly the same then!

After she was finished, she asked me to tell her all about the things I do at the hospital. I started telling her about various aspects of my work and then, when I got to the part about "some people have to stay in the hospital for a week, or even a month!", she replied about as clearly as my patients "I would NEVER want to be stuck in a hospital for a MONTH!".

No dear, no one does. Thanks for telling it like it is Regan.

Love you love you!

All grown up

Yesterday, Regan grabbed a sheet of paper and excitedly said "Mom!, I have to write a note to the fairies!, I need a diary!!" (more about the fairies later). She went on to tell me what a diary might look like, what it might have (ie lock and key) and what she might write in it. Then I asked her a question that I was afraid to hear her answer: "Regan, who can read your dairy?". I quickly prayed in my head that I'd be allowed inside....

Relief spilled over me when she said only a mommy and herself! 

I can't imagine, at age 6, what she will write, but I'm happy that she is still willing to share those thoughts with me. 

So tonight, the fairies delivered her diary and left a wonderful note as well. 

Oh yea, and those fairies....thanks to a sleepover a few months back, Regan has been writing to the fairies on occasion and asking for varies items. Usually it's a note that says "please leave me a present", to which the fairies oblige and will often leave a little home-made bead bracelet or a small piece of candy. I'm waiting for the day where she asks the fairies for a super big present....good thing that fairies are small, they just can't carry anything too heavy!

Kid quotes

I've not been very good with writing down the kids' recent statements. So in the last week, Ryan has said "that is blog worthy" on at least two occasions, so I want to get them posted before I forget! Because in all reality, we laugh constantly at their mannerisms, sayings and expressions. It's just hard to remember (and blog) them! Here we go.

Regan: 

During the 4th of July fireworks, we sat near a lake where some grasses were growing. The sun was setting and the girls were on a blanket near my feet as we waited for the show to begin. The 'night time' insects started to make their noises and Regan looked at us, leaped towards me and exclaimed "what kind of CREATURE is making that noise!!". Pretty sure she thought the Loch Ness Monster was going to reach out and get her.  

Our adorable Sidney has us rolling day after day. She had us going for a long time on this next story: 

Living in a metropolitan area, I didn't realize the impact of not growing up near open farmlands. Kind of like the kids who grow up in rural areas, are amazed when they visit us and see airplanes in the sky. Anyway, on a recent drive to New Ulm, we were about half way there and Sidney exclaimed 

"Mom!, I see corn growing, we must be in New Ulm!". 

Ahhh, that smile, it's just contagious!