Screen-Free Week

This is screen-free week. How do I know this, you wonder? The MN Teacher of the Year reminded my parenting class this morning. I knew I should have stayed home today. I have committed to play zero games this week with my online friends. (Loud sobs.) I'll be okay. Maybe...

We made homemade pizza for dinner. Yumm - eeeee.

We ate out on our deck. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

I played basketball with Kyle instead of Words with Friends. It was way more fun except I let him beat me. That was hard.

Our neighbor Ruby came over to design with chalk. Chalking is a personal favorite of all the boys, especially Cooper.

I went to bed and read a book instead of watching TV. (I'm trying to brown-nose the teacher.)

Screen-Free Week Lesson Number 1: Fresh air and moving my body is way more refreshing than a WWF neckache.

Brydon Gets Doused

We road-tripped to Mankato on Sunday for Brydon's baptism. The boys had very imprtant jobs during the ceremony. Coop held the water pitcher, Cam blew out the candle and Kyle got to shine Brydon's head after he got drenched. Good work boys. We are proud of you! 

 Brydon definitely steals the spotlight with his bright personality. Ethan snuck in to get his picture taken, too.

How can you resist a family photo when the boys look so spiffy?



Cuatro Cuatro

No better time than today, my 44th birthday, to restart this blog. My day started with a birthday wish from my SIL Jodi. She started my day off perfectly. The day continued with welcome back hugs from my parents who have just returned from their winter hibernating. At preschool, Cameron's class surprised me with a boisterous birthday yell from behind the bookcases. It was a super fun surprise. I had lunch with my dad, Corey and Cam at Cam's favorite place... HyVee. Throughout the day I got fun birthday emails, texts and voice messages that made me laugh (and cry).

After school, we went on a birthday adventure to find where Gilmore Creek flows into the Mississippi. (Ask Cooper.) We walked along the dike behind Peerless Chain and threw rocks into the river. We all agreed that the water treatment plant smells poopie. And saying the word "poopie" makes us laugh.

The day wrapped up with dinner with family and a few super duper friends. Cuatro, Cuatro is off to a really good start.

Today's Life Lesson: *sigh* 



Spring FEVER

Wow, we have definitely experienced spring fever this week but not the good kind. Ours has been the not so fun kind. Coop clocked in at 102.7 this morning at Urgent Care. Kyle probably was right up there on Tuesday but my parents don't have a thermometer, so it's just a guess. Came home with antibiotics for one - Cam - ear infection. The poor kid never complains about his ears hurting so he's probably had it since he was 3. And I believe it's also the reason we are shelling out hundreds of dollars right now for him to learn the "s" sound. So 3 negative streps and let's hope they don't turn positive tomorrow.
In today's lesson we learn a few things. It's not always good to share and when planning spring break events always write them in pencil.

Down and Out

In today's lesson we learn that having a fever is no fun. We had to postpone our trip to Lego Land and Build a Bear today. Darn! Kyle woke up feeling pretty yucky and was down and out all day. I predict he has strep but we'll see what tomorrow brings. So, the day started out with some disappointed, crying boys and some bummer phone calls and text messages. Glad to hear our companions ventured off and had a great day.

Feel better, son.

The Eagle has Landed

Field Trip! It was our first visit ever to the National Eagle Center. Very cool place.

The boys enjoyed our time there. Cooper asked if we could go across the bridge to the Nelson Creamery. How could we not?

It was funny to see people ice fishing while the temperature outside was a balmy 66 degrees.

 Angel is taking a bath.

Do the boys have an eagle eye?

Playing at our new house. Cam is cruising down the hill on his scooter while I stand idly by watching and trying not to have a heart attack.

Day 115 or so

Facts. They are important to have. But what happens when you think you have all the facts but in reality you don't? I can answer that. You accuse your son of doing something he didn't do. He denies doing it but you don't believe him. You think your son is a liar. But, alas, later you find out the facts were inaccurate. You apologize to your son. He forgives you. Today.

Day 115 Life Lesson: Forgive others. Again. And again. And again.