d.m.c.l.n.

Weekend Hockey Tournament

2012-01-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Duluth Heights hockey tournament this weekend. Thankful I am still comfortable enough to watch Connor play this weekend. His next tourney is the weekend we're due(not sure I'll be chasing 2 kids on snow and ice outside that weekend!)

He has scored several goals, working on passing the puck up the ice and even did a goal celebration that had everyone in the crowd cheering....so hilarious!

Birthday, Visitors and Pre-Christmas Week

2011-12-24T08:25:00.001-08:00

Winner winner, chicken dinner!

Liam shot hoops for hours. It was hilareous to watch.

Bentleyville-We stood in line to see Santa for all of 10 minutes before the kids said they wanted to skip it and see the lights instead-WooWhoo!! Fine by us :)

Mrs. Claus had NO line and gave away candy canes....all they really wanted!

Connor and Lilly

Happy New Year!!! Didn't think our lives could get much busier but the past two weeks took us by storm :)

Dan and I both had the chance to help out in Connor's class, Monday before Xmas, during his holiday party. We made cookies, xmas cards, reindeer necklaces and Santa ornaments. It was so fun to see him in his classroom setting.

Dan was off the past 2 weeks!, and took the chance twice to model clothes in a local clothing store's window during the lunch hour. There was even an article in the paper-he now thinks we should move to NY to advance his career-HA!

Tuesday our dear friends from Tulsa-the Wings- came to stay with us for a few days. The boys adore their girls and loved the opportunity to play "girle" things like dress up...but we did manage to skate outside too. It was three busy, loud, fun filled days and we cherish the time with them.
Thursday after Connor's last day of school we headed to the Edge Waterpark to celebrate Liam's birthday. We asked the Mays to join us, becuase this prego lady can't go down any slides!!, and all involved had a BLAST! Over 2 hours of splashing, dunking, sliding, shooting hoops, climbing and laughing....it was awesome! Friday morning Jim and Kathy came to help out and it was fantastic again :)

We camew home Friday at noon and got ready for his party Friday night at the Heritage Ice Rink with friends and family. Open skate was great then we had cake and presents after to end the evening.

Saturday we spent the day cleaning, reading books and skating out back before heading to Jim and Kathy's for supper and desserts by the fire. We were home and tucked in bed early in anticipation of Santa's arrival :)

Christmas morning we opened gifts with the Mays here. They wanted to see what all the paper tearing, kid screaming, box throwing excitment was all about....and I think they got their wish! The boys loved sharing in it all with them. I think we'll have to make that a tradition!

This past week we spent every second together-skating at the rink or out back, playing with new toys, going to the aquarium, visiting friends, getting ready for Juna and hanging out at home. It's been fabulous having Dan home to help clean, cook, hang out and organize before the babe arrives. Wish that could be permanent ;)

We brought in the New Year low-key style. Stayed in out jammies all day, spent the night in the basement by the warm fire, skating out back, hot tubbin' and in bed early. Perfect!!

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Brrr....

2011-12-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Lately, the temp in our house has been close to the temps outside without the wood stove going...brrr! We finally paid a guy to finish it for us and are thrilled with the outcome. Now that the stove is going its nearly 70 degrees in the house, with the furnace off, and I am much more prepared to face the cold, winter nights-ahh!

Know what that is.....HOCKEY HAIR!!!

Connor at his school program.

Connor was invited to his first friend birthday party. Jake(birthday boy), the one on the right, is in his class and it just so happens ALL 6 of the kids sitting here are on the Piedmont hockey team. What a fun group of boys!!

Santa(aka Uncle Mike) always makes a visit to Grandma and Papa Doyle's house before Christmas. He hands out candy, balloons and toys to each of the 12 grandchildren. Our boys were ecstatic!!

Evening skates in the backyard

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-09T17:59:00.001-08:00

So rare that we get a decent family picture. My auntie can work wonders.

Enjoy the holiday season!!

A picture glimpse into the past month...

2011-12-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Three Spooks

2011-11-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

The boys had a great time celebrating Halloween this year. I have had my decorations up since the end of Spetember so getting into the spirit was no problem. We've made several trips for pumpkins, created spooky projects to hang up and even handmade our costumes this year. (*I've been reading the Harry Potter books to C & L, just #1, 2 and 3, and they are obsessed!!) So Connor was a Harry Potter quidditch player, Liam was a Draco Malfoy quidditch player and Novak was the Golden Snitch(thats the little gold ball the quidditch player chase around on their brooms trying to catch).

We attended the 'Scarium' at the Aquarium Sunday morning for an hour of treat free prizes and seeing lots of spooky reptiles. I take the boys there about once a week so they're comfortable walking around on their own exploring :)

We squeezed in a hockey practice(imagine that!!)in the afternoon before rushing off to our nephews birthday party at 4. We got lots of cake and ice cream, present opening and cousin play before heading to Hogwarts Halloween-an entire party dedicated to Harry Potter lovers!

It was incredible!!! There was three floors of recreated scenes from the movies-Gryffindor's common room, the dining hall, Hogsmeade Village with shops galore, Gringotts Bank and a horse drawn carriage. We all had a blast searching the "castle" for new rooms and participating in all the fun activities. Dan and I even wore costumes to join in the fun :) It was great.

Yesterday at school Connor's teacher completely decorated their classroom and planned a morning party with parent volunteers. Dan spent the morning making crafts with the kids and passing out candy. Then the kids got into costume before an afternoon parade. It was so cute seeing all the kids march around the gym together.

After school we headed to Dan's parents for the annual Halloween pizza party with all the cousins and then trick or treating to all the homes Dan used to go to. We came back up the hill for 2 more full hours of trick or treating...the boys walked the whole time and loved it! We ended up with pounds and pounds of candy, which we willl discard soon!, but it was worth it to see them all laughing and running from house to house together. It's one of our favorite holidays....we're already looking forward to next years fun-filled holiday

**On a side note, 4th pregnancy is going well. I am in my 27th week right now with only 91 days left(my phone app says so). Time flies. So far things are going great and the boys can't wait to meet little Miss. Juna(as they have named "her" and call her all the time).

Feelin' good at 30!

2011-10-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

I can't help but end this weekend feeling so blessed! Friday night Dan threw me a surprise birthday party to celebrate my 30th. I have been saying for weeks, "nothing big...let's not draw attention to it and I won't feel 30!" So much for that approach.

I came home from night from my "surprise" massage he had scheduled to 30+ of my friends and family screaming "SURPRISE!!". It was overwhelming to know that many people came to celebrate and share in my big day. I gave a round of hugs then went to my bedroom to change...and my parents and sister Mary, with her hubby and little Claire, were in there!!! SO AMAZING!! We partied the night away....it was way better than doing nothing at all :)

Saturday was Novak's first hair cut :) Neither of us cried and he looks adorable.

We hit the Lakewalk then enjoyed the day together before all the guys went to the Bulldog game and the ladies laid low at home.

Everyone took off early this morning. The boys are already asking when our next Omaha trip is because they all miss baby Claire!

Turning 30 didn't sound too fun but as I reflect on the weekend I'm overjoyed with where I am in my life at this time:
My husband continues to shower me with love and affection, like he has from day 1

My children love me, hug me and make me smile daily

I have a beautiful, round belly filled with our fourth healthy babe

My youngest is potty training with great ease(thank goodness!)

Best of all I get to stay at home to raise my children(what I always wanted to do!)

I can't believe I'm 30! That's the old age your older sisters and brothers are right?! Well, not anymore....but if life is this good at 30, then 30 ain't that bad!

They've taken flight!

2011-09-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

My sister gave Connor 5 live caterpillars for his birthday. We have watched them crawl around, slow and cocoon, wait while they changed, hatched, gained their color over days and days, fed them and are now watching all 5 fly all over the cage. We let 2 go tonight, Connor was sobbing because he would miss them so much, and they stayed in the yard long enough for us to follow them around and take pictures before venturing off. Amazing gift Knutsons!! Thank you so much :)

We're adjusting to the schedule of school. I posted some 'first day of school' pics. Connor is settling in and Liam and Novak are enjoying the individual time with me.
Our quick trip to Omaha was fabulous. We said our sad goodbyes to my best friend, and Connor's godmother, Erin who will be leaving for Afghanistan in a few weeks. We will miss her terribly! We also spent tons of time snuggling our newest neice Claire. Connor was a big helper; feeding her, holding her, watching diaper changes...hope this babe in belly is a girl bc it looks like I'll have a helper :) We also went bowling and played arcade games, attended the "loud, Jesus church" as the boys called it, shopped for clothes, and spent time with the cousins. Dan won the tourney he was playing in with my dad. The long drive home(we got home at 4am on Sunday night) was tough but worth every minute!! Can't wait to go back :)

CHEERS!

2011-09-06T19:50:00.001-07:00

Heres to our best summer to date!! We had so much fun laughing, splashing, chasing, tickling, tubing, golfing with, sunning, pitching to, traveling with and making sweet memories with our three boys this summer. Their willingness to try new things made each new adventure that much more enjoyable. They are becoming the best of friends and its amazing to think in a few months we will be blessed with another giggling bundle of Doyleness! A few pics from the past few weeks of summer:

Our mental health week...

2011-08-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love Liam's poses in this one!!!

Rockin' the aviators!

IPad obsessed :)

With the van packed full last Saturday we headed South in anticipation of house swapping with friends for the weekend in the cities. We were heading on to Okoboji late Sunday afternoon. Plans quickly changed when we realized my newest neice, whom I hadn't met, would be in Albert Lea for the evening. SOLD! We drove all afternoon and arrived in time to snuggle on her before bed. After the quick visit we continued the trip onto Okoboji, IA to stay in a relatives cabin for the night. Arriving at 11:30pm to a less than 400 sq. ft. "cabin", with my sister, her husband and their three kids already sleeping, made that night not too restful.

We caffeine blasted the no-sleep induced "hangover" and took the kids to Arnold's Park amusement park all afternoon. Things started out slow, not knowing the kids daredevil tolerance, but they quickly rose the bar by riding rides even I would not go on....over and over again! We finally peeled them away before supper to officially check into the Mansion(as it was titled) at the Village West resort on Okoboji's west lake.

The first half the week was spent with Claussens(3 boys), Wellwoods(newborn), my parents, my neice(12) and nephew(10), and our family in a large cabin(the Mansion!). We rented boats and jet skis each day, played putt putt to our heart content, made quick visit back to Arnold's for a few missed rides, spent hours on the beach making sand castles and swimming, took walks, played yard games, played at the park, swam in the pools....it was glorious! Each night we feasted on deliciously prepared meals then stayed up late chatting and playing cards.

Thursday the Claussens and Wellwoods left and the Knutsons(4 kids) and my brother Daniel arrived. Those days were filled with fishing(my sister caught a 36 in. Northern Pike!!), smores making, driving range visits, more putt putt, another visit to Arnold's Park, even more hours on the beach(I read while Dan played with the boys, bless his heart!) and the notorious visit to Rocket Park.

It was incredible to be staying with so many people in one cabin but have things run so smoothly. The kids were great, making memories with their cousins all week, and soaking up the "no schedule" lifestyle. It was fabulous to be completely in the moment the whole week, not worrying about anything but relaxing and enjoying my family!

We hope this trip makes the books next year. Dan and I have said several times, "That was the best vacation!" and we hope to do it again!

WHOA....new camera!!

2011-07-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

I recently splurged huge and bought myself a new digital camera with digital video! It has been amazing taking pictures, at speeds I never imagined, and capturing sunny summer memories. No more guilt about forgetting to take video of Novak....it's too easy now. I have taken almost 1000 pictures in the past three weeks....so here are a bunch of my favorite :)

Happy Birthday Novak!!!

2011-07-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Novak turns 2 today and we can hardly believe it. Some days he acts and talks like the big boys playing star wars characters to a T and saying things like, "oh my goodness mommy" or his classic, "mommy, liam hit me." He's full of bubbly energy, loves to climb to daring heights, enjoys watching his namesake on tv!, adores his brothers and has the most gorgeous hair of any 2 year old we know. :)
Happy Birthday Novak!!

Fairy Dust

2011-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Silly tub time

Our GORGEOUS hotel room view

Movie time(yes the lymph node on Connor's neck is extra large....it's not strep, just gets that big when he gets sick-strange i know!)

my attempt at a family picture in the lakefront hot tub

park time!!

Connor with his teachers Ms. Emily and Mr. Alex

SO CUTE! His new Vadar toy he got with the gift card he won at the school carnival

Novak shooting pucks with the Bulldogs.

Dan and I concur our Fairy Godmother stopped by and sprinkled all our children with fairy dust because the past few weeks have been incredible.

The phenomenon began at a school carnival a few weeks back where the kids played games and ate candy for 2 hours while we chased them around different stations. Connor won a gift card in the raffle then Novak ended up winning the ever sought after Bauer hockey stick signed by the UMD Hockey National Champions($200 stick!). The last prize of the night, and the one Dan wanted more than anything!, and Novak wins it!!

It got better on Mother's Day: we had a wonderful morning together then after the boys naps we spent the afternoon at the waterpark with Dan's parents. All the kids had a great time climbing, splashing, jumping in, riding the lazy river, going down the waterslides and eating pizza. We spent 4 hours there with no whining, fits or bad attitudes....possibly the first totally enjoyable family outings! They can't wait to go back :)

Our week was chaotic preparing for our huge garage sale and celebrating Connor's last day of Pre-K. Connor had a wonderful time and will miss his freinds and teachers. The sale went fantatic, getting rid of tons of stuff from the house, and selling over $1200 total between the 3 of us.
We shifted gears quickly and packed up Monday for three days in Bemidji, MN with Dan. The kids and I hung out while Dan worked; playing in the sand and water, drawing with chalk, visiting the parks, and rockin' the waterpark. The boys went nuts! Going down the slide head first, jumping off the edge of the pool alone, dunking....it was so fun to watch them develop so much in just three days. All three learned new tricks and are eager, "to get to Jonan and Dillon's(their cousins)to jump in the pool!".

We arrived home mid-week exhausted but still smiling :) Not sure how long this "funk" will last. Everyone is enjoyable and family outings and adventures are going smoothly so we plan to take full advantage!! Thank you Fairy Godmother!!

Home update!!

2011-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

House projects are finally getting crossed off....after 3 years! Black Mesabi Granite was installed in the kitchen and bathroom, new sinks in all too(went from 1 to 2 in the bath!), new beautiful faucets, pendent light above the kitchen sink, kitchen hardwood floors and trim...hmmm, and the new tub, tile floors, light fixtures and tile surround are due in next week. Phew! This all happened over the past month and it's been so fun to see the transformation finally taking place. I love it, so does Dan and the boys can't wait to brush their teeth "...without spitting on each other!" Cute!

Oh ya, and I finally bought our family a gorgeous, HUGE dining room table with room enough for all those hockey little players I'm sure we'll be having over someday!!

Tons of Travel...too much fun!

2011-04-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Tubby in Tulsa Ya, not much to say here :) The boys are interested in all things mammals these days, buffalo being at the top. We had to stop and get out for this picture. Enjoying a popsicle at Target one afternoon. The boys and I have been in Omaha for 19 days....and we will be here for 16 more!!! It's been quite a trip with birthday parties, a first communion, extravagent outings, a trip to Tulsa(yes, OK!) and so many more wonderful things. Originally the trip was scheduled to be here while Dan was out of town but we came down early and are staying three weeks later to take advantage of the boys being young enough to "skip school" for a month and allow Dan and his uncle to finish our major house projects. Easter, bowling, Family Fun Night Carnival and Les Miserables play are also on the calendar. I can honestly say this is the first trip to Omaha with the kids that I am truly enjoying myself. They have better than normal behavior, the weather has been awesome, great trips, friends and family and knowing I have managed the kids while on the road for 30+ days all by myself has put a smile on my face!! I hope we get another amazing trip like this someday!!!

"cheese"....'click'

2011-03-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Just a bunch of pictures this time. Update soon with how much the boys are changing. :)

Spring, are you there?

2011-03-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

LOVE his hat hair!!!

King of the mountain

LOVE!!!!

Puddle boot fun :)

A few days ago the weather was so nice we had to get outside with the bikes. We rode down to the circle and found a 20 foot snow hill in the middle. The boys took no time getting to the top and spent 30 minutes sliding down and climbing back up, without snow pants on! It was fun to get the legs moving again and be outside...how I've missed that :)

Our Oasis

2011-02-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

Our boat on the left :)

Formal night

Our favorite hot tubbin' spot

Catamaran in St. Maarten

By far the best trip we've ever been on....and we can't wait to do it again!

We spent a week on the "biggest ship in the world" with my sister Cristen and her hubby Kurt. This marks our 5th trip together over the past 7 years...and this one tops them all! My only complaint was the nervous moments at check-in(update your passport after you get married, enough said!!). We had several gorgeous days, but welcomed the windy cool days to ease our sunburns. We rock climbed, did the zip line, boogie boarded/surfed on the Flowrider, rode the carousel, attended comedy shows, musicals and water shows...hmm, played bingo, scavenger hunts, drank nummy drinks!!, ate tons of food, hot tubbed whenever we wanted, and slept in every morning!! We also did land excursions at each stop: catamaran with snorkeling, ride to the top of St. Thomas and a bus tour in the Bahama.

It was great having a couple that had been on a cruise and knew the ins and outs of it all. It's amazing how well we all got along the whole trip...spending virtually every minute together. Where are we going next?!

So thankful to all those that helped watch the kids so we could go on this beautiful cruise. We appreciate it!!

Hope the snow melts soon and summer comes...my "sunny weather" hangover from the cruise is bad :)

Connor's Camera Day

2011-02-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Jammie Day

Harvey, the plant we are plant-sitting :)

Liam giving the V for 'Vector'!

"Mommy smile"

Such a cutie!

Connor enjoys using my phone, video camera, his camera and our digital camera to take pictures whenever he can. These are a few from one of the many days last week we were "stuck inside" due to negative degrees outside.

A Grand Slam

2011-01-31T18:12:00.000-08:00

Such a goof ball!

On the pond with the boys

We spent countless hours(yes, hours and hours!!) watching the Australian Open over the past 2 weeks and it all was worth it when Sunday morning we witnessed Novak Djokovic win it all. Amazing tennis, awesome atmosphere and best of all, his name rocks! It was 2 years ago this spring, while watching the French Open, we discovered and fell in love with the name Novak. And now we have one :)

Speaking of Novak, I finally took him in for his 18 month check and he's right on schedule.

Weight : 24.7 (25%)

Height : 33in. (50%)

All else went great. He is changing so much and it's been amazing to do this again, for a third time, and still revel in every milestone!

On a side note, my parents SkateAThon was a HUGE success this past weekend raising over $40,000!! We participated by taking pictues to post in the 'Skate Across the States' section and I also did an hour of skating here at 6am Saturday morning. Such a fun, inspiring, incredible event. Hope you can make it next year!!!

"They look like Lightsabars!!"

2011-01-20T17:39:00.001-08:00

In the bear's den.

Last week we went to the Aquarium to celebrate

our friend Rhea's birthday. Novak gave her that

"love" puppy-awww!

With nothing too exciting going on here recently(I'm a bit thankful for that!) there isn't much to blog about. I guess I'll give you a quick run down on the boys.

Connor is still very inquisitive, asking intellegent questions all day long. He and Liam are in love with all things Star Wars since they watched the movies last week with Dan. They play Luke, Darth Vadar, storm troopers and R2D2 all the live long day! He is also beginning to read. We bought some of the "early reader" books and have a day by day lessons book that helps him learn the sounds of letters and how to put them together. Very exciting!! He still enjoys school 3 half days a week...we have yet to go a week or two without a color change(figures!). He recently passed into the second level at skating class and can't wait to "get paid to play hockey so I don't have to work all day"(Connor). Ha, daddy's dream!!

We can't believe Liam is only 3! He is such a fun-loving, intense, creative, independent, adventurous kid. He still loves reading and looking at books and now tries to "read" them himself. He walks around with a cape on, breathing and talking like Darth Vadar, demanding we call him "Vadar"! He is doing fantastic in school. Mastered his letters, numbers 1-15, colors, shapes, and he is doing well with writing. The teachers have nothing but praise for him every day and they love having him there. He will graduate to the next class up in March. He idolizes his big brother and does so much of what Connor is doing that we forget he is so much younger. He is also doing great in skating class. He seems more coordinated on skates then Connor was at that age and faster too. Little brotherly competition brewing for the future!

Novak continues to amaze us every day. His vocabulary is through the roof. We understand most words he is saying, "help me", "open", "cracker", "blankie", "juice", "Vadar"(lol, he said that tonight!). He is discovering how to play with toys, like the car garage, on his own. He dumps every toy basket, bin or box out daily(Ugh!!). There isn't much he won't eat but getting him to sit long enough to eat is tough. He wants to be doing just what the older two are doing; running around with a cape on, swinging a lightsabar, crashing cars or working on a puzzle. He adores his little g-friend Rhea, calling her name the whole time they're together. I love the time he and I get alone together, T/Th morings, when we hit the Aquarium, play at friend's houses, take walks or just hang out at home and play. He is growing up way too fast!

Tonight before Connor and Liam jumped in the tub they were both peeing into the toilet at the same time. Liam says, "Daddy, they look like lightsabers!" about their pee streams! LOL...such Star Wars nerds already!!!

OUr CRazY HoLidAY!!

2011-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Novak loves this gift from the Doyle's...he points and says Nemo, Dori and Turtle :)

Out on the rink one night

Treats for breakfast Christmas morning

My parents gave the boys a Hockey Guys game...they love it!

Christmas Joy!

Connor really loves to be out there...and Dan can't be happier!

Favorite picture: Birthday morning in Omaha. Cake for breakfast, Probug drinks, Naked Novak, and a bottle of liquor on the counter....but he's SO happy to be 3!!

Cake with cousins(thanks Jenny for making it)...he got a headlamp from my sister and wears it everywhere.

Doing 'knucks with jellyfish' with Uncle Kev

Doyle Birthday party

Connor, Isaac and Myla ride the Polar Express every year together.

The last three weeks will go down in the record books for the Doyles. I'll sum it up to make it quick!

Events:

Christmas shopping(mine and most of my mom's) and preperations

Polar Express train ride

Liam's school birthday party

Liam's family birthday party

Hosting Doyle Christmas

Hockey games and Skating classes

Impromptu 12+ hour drive to Omaha during a blizzard

Wuebben Christmas in Omaha-Cousin party/Liam's Birthday/Haller Christmas party/Skating in the backyard every day

Ailments during all of the above:

Hand Foot Mouth

Strep Throat

Shingles *which brings about the potential for both Novak and Liam to get Chicken Pox!

Pink Eye

Holidays are always memorable and this year was no different...we just hope the latter list doesn't ever happen again! :)

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Showing off their new DINO snowshoes...thanks Mays!

Novak in Grandpa Jim's hat

Thanksgiving picture(2 for three ain't bad!)

Gma sent Thanksgiving flowers and inside was a real caterpillar. Novak was mesmerized!
Kids these days: Liam playing Angry birds on my phone and Novak watching Clifford...pathetic!!
House decorated and puppy chow made-mmm!

It's December??

Wow, have things around here been a whirlwind.

~ Connor and Liam have improved tremendously in their skating class. They skate about 3 times a week and can both can skate all alone now!

~ Novak is like a little parrot...repeating everything we say. Just last night I was reading him a book and he pointed to something on every page and said the word-amazing!

~ I assisted with my fourth, and final(for training)!, birth this past week which means I am well on my way to becoming fully certified as a birth doula-Yay!!

~ Uncle Kurt came North last weekend for the annual MN/IA football game. The game was phenomenal...and the Gophers won! He spent 4 days here playing with the boys and watching lots of football. Thanks Kurt(and mostly Cristen!!).

~ Last night with helped celebrate a dear friend's 30th bday. We cruised around in a party bus, bar hopping and dancing the night away. Dan and I also got a dinner date beforehand...so lovely!!

~ Christmas shopping, decorating, holiday festivities....it's all been so fun this year with the boys being so interested in all of it. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a nighlty read and the famous singing Santa is on all day. I love this time of year-CHEERS!!

Gobble, gobble...Ho, Ho, Ho!

2010-11-22T19:49:00.001-08:00

Connor and Liam hosted Brady and Isaac for a costume party

Dan was out of town all last week so the boys and I rented lots of movies, ate supper in the basement and slept in!! Novak woke up Monday night with Croup, which lasted three days!, and then finally I took him in Friday morning and he had ear infections(ugh, poor guy!). The other 2 still went to school, Aquarium class and played with friends to keep busy all week. Me, I just needed a mocha here and there and I was just fine :)

Connor got asked to walk in the Christmas City of the North Parade with some friends on Friday night(Dan was supposed to fly in at 6pm but due to some delays he got home late that night). With Connor all dressed up as a penguin, I rushed all three kids downtown to drop him off then took the other 2 to park, dress in warm clothes(it was about 20 degrees with a bitter cold wind chill) and walk the 5 blocks to our spot. Luckily we bounced in and out of a dear friends printing shop to warm up and watch a bit from inside(that saved me!). Connor's group came by almost last but he was ecstatic to see us all cheering for him and calling his name. He walked almost a mile waving, handing out candy and smiling ear to ear. It was cold and a lot of work by myself but I'm so glad Connor did it-so memorable!!

We spent the weekend decorating for Christmas(I know its a bit early but if not now, then when?!) and hanging out with friends. I brought the Nativity up and the boys have been totally enthrawled with it. We discussed who each piece was and why they are there while taking it out of the box. Since then the boys have spent countless hours playing "house" with it. We even had some little friends up on Sunday and all 5 kids gathered around to take part in the action. They have added new people, animals and dinosaurs to the scene but the principle is still there; "this is where baby Jesus was born(Connor telling Liam one morning). "

And as for the decorations, you can call me Martha...Stewart that is! We have been busy painting, cutting, hanging, stringing and pinning new creations all over our home. It's absolutely stunning in here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Time

2010-11-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is what litte boys wear when their mom forgets their swim trunks...oh well! We still had a fabulous time in the cities with my parents last weekend.

Wearing a larger than life Ducks uniform...he's obsessed!

Who says pumpkins are worthless after Halloween...?

Things around here are all turkeys as we prepare the boys for Thanksgiving. Connor continues to bring home feathered turkeys and what not from school, Liam can identify all the letters in T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G and Novak walks around pointing at and saying "turkey". Now we continue teaching the thankful part of this holiday...

Happy Turkey season!!

Halloween...

2010-11-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fantastic. The boys have been wearing their costumes for about 3 weeks so they were very ready to hit the door to door come Halloween. Both boys had Halloween parties at school on Friday. Dan went trick or treating with Connor off-site while Novak and I stayed to carve pumpkins, color scarecrows and eat snacks with Liam's class.

Connor has improved some in his weekly skating class. This week he brought a small hockey stick out on the ice and it was as if a light went off...he was chasing down the ball, shooting and really enjoying himself while skating. Dan takes both of them skating on Wendesday nights and Liam is catching on quick having skated most of the time this week alone!

Novak is big into hockey and football right now. Give him a stick or a football and he's happy :)

We put a bench at the dining table this week which allows all three to eat together-they are pumped!

They are starting to appreciate and enjoy looking through their scrapbooks which I have slaved over since they were born. Makes the memories that much sweeter.

Mr. He-Talks-A-Lot!

2010-10-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Novak is well into the teens for number of words he says. Just today in the garage he said, "football." By far his favorite words are "hockey", "mama" and "birdie". After being somewhat concerned about Liam's lack of speech around 18mo., its refreshing to hear Novak trying out and saying so many new words. It certainly makes day to day chatting more fun!

Photos

2010-10-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Birthday cake from Kathy-mmm!

Jersey day at school

Swimming in Bemidji

Connor's skating class

Novak and his bestie Rhea

Giant pumpkin at Blackwoods for my Birthday

WWJD??

2010-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

??What Would Jonan Do??

Lately, all Connor can talk about is his cousin Jonan. Most days we play "Claussens"; Connor being Jonan, Liam is Dillon, I am my sister Cristen, Dan is Uncle Kurt and Novak is Ben. We call each other these names, Connor and Liam dress like the boys, say things that they say and emmulate their every action figure moves. It's so cute to here them talk about their cousins like they're celebrities!

Anyway, Connor has been asking to buy hair gel so we can spike his hair just like Jonan does. We also purchased our first set of boxers for him....because Jonan has some. And when we pulled out the Nike tennis shoes we bought and have been saving for a year now, he replied, "Yes, Jonan shoes(he always wears Nike, tie shoes)!!" So Jonan, if you're out there and reading this, Connor loves you and misses you and until he sees you again, he will continue "being" you.

We LOVE you!!

Time for Family

2010-09-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

We are back from Omaha and almost recovered from our spell of strep throat. The house seems quite these days with wedding season over, vacations crossed off and the older kids in school. Dan and I are trying to settle back into a routine. We have few plans for the fall and for that we are grateful. We will enjoy evenings playing with neighbors outside, short weekend 'spur of the moment' day trips and watch more than our share of football! Just good, quality family time for awhile. Hope you get outside and enjoy the weather too!!

Quick updates on the boys:

Novak - Not sure how he can get any cuter! He is loving the alone time with me every T/Th morning. He can say several words including: ball, momma, dadda, drink, cheese, ya...and puck, if you're really listening! He walks around the house carrying a ball or hockey stick most of the day, he still takes/needs 2 naps a day, can't get enough outside time riding on the scooter, big wheels and pushing the wagon. He is still nursing, which surprises me but doesn't. Not sure when that will end. He loves playing peek a boo and hiding from the big boys. He continue to give me a shock each day with new high places he gets himself stuck(ie. the picture above of him atop the desk in his room)!!

Liam - He loves preschool! The teachers have had nothing but great things to say about his listening, following directions and helpfulness. Hmmm, kid #2 excelling when out from under the shadow of kid #1...textbook! He is potty trained!!! Its true, the kid I mentally gave until 2012 to learn did it in 6 weeks. We are completely baffled but elated(I think cloth pull ups at night work wonders!). He is starting to figure out numbers and letters, is asking more inquisitive questions and says the goofiest things all the time("uhhh, mommy my eyeballs are soggy.") He and Connor are way into superheros and spend most of the day fighting crime or each other. Liam can certainly hold his own with Connor and is already pulling the classic little brother moves that drive Connor mad. He loves his tricycle and scooter and could spend hours reading/looking at books. I just want to squeeze him!!

Connor - He is doing well in the Pre-K class at Jefferson. The teachers say he plays well with others and is doing great in the classroom setting-phew! We have been working with him for the past few weeks on being responsible for his actions, acting his age and earning priveledges. He is a hot head sometimes and, although it hasn't been easy, we have seem progress in his behavior. He and the neighbor did a lot together this summer and we don't see why that would change this fall/winter. They are great little buddies. He will continue the skating classes on Sunday evenings with Dan later this fall. Not sure what else he might sign up for, maybe swimming..? Dan and I love hearing some of the questions he comes up with, always so curious about everything. He and Liam(as am I)are infatuated with the cartoon Phineus and Ferb. So cute!

I recently joined a kickboxing class three nights a week and it feels fantastic to be working so hard after so long! I also have several clients lined up for the fall/winter....baby fever!!

Dan starts tennis this week so will see what that brings. He still is traveling for work but spends every second he can with the boys-gotta love him!

Peace to all!!

Husker Hideaway!!

2010-08-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Swimming at the Claussen's

With my grandmother passing away this summer, selling the cabin is most likely in the works. I wanted to get out there one last time with my boys to do what I used to do when I was their age. It all was fantastic!!

Novak adores my dad. He walks around all day saying, "Daa T"(the kids call him daddy t)

Novak walking with my auntie terri and mom after the farmers market

Climbing at the park

Cousin sleepover-the boys love anna!

Grilling after cheering on Team Swift to victory!

Me restraining the boys to get one picture during 'date night' -LOL!

Liam with Godfather Daniel

The Homy Inn!!

The boys and I have been in Omaha since the 11th of August!! My little sister was married on the 14th and I was maid of honor(i refuse to say matron-way too old!). It was a beautiful ceremony and we had a great time at the reception with the boys. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wellwood! (no pictures from the wedding-i forgot the camera!!)

It made sense to stay a couple weeks until this weekend because tomorrow I will be inducted into the Marian High School Hall of Fame for our record breaking basketball season in 2000. Although we miss Dan tremendously we are having a great time! Our "Fun" list: Swim at Cristen and Kurt's, Cabin fishing/sleepover, Hockey tournaments/games/practices, The Homy Inn!, The Wild life Safari, Scheels ferris wheel, Pipal Park and picnic lunch, Date night with mommy, lots of walks in the stroller and visits to parks....still to come: H of F banquet and Lincoln musuem, wildlife refuge, planeterium, ice skating. This weekend marks the end of our trip. We will caravan with the Claussens to the MN State Fair...Dan will meet us there.

We can't wait to see you Dan. The boys have grown so big, learned so much and miss you like crazy. We love you!!

Connor's Birthday

2010-07-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Connor turned 4 yesterday and all day was about him! He got to pick out the groceries for his birthday supper, choose a cake from the bakery, skip rest time and help set up for his party. He picked Transformer everything this year. Having no time to create a cake from scratch, and wanting to spend most of the day with him, I opted for buying a cake this go around! Friends and family came to eat, shower him with love and gifts and enjoy cake. He had a most fantastic day!

This past weekend I drove to Omaha for Mary's wedding shower/bachelorette party. It was a great weekend all around but I think I'm getting too old for late nights at the bar!

We are off to Bemidji with Dan for a couple days then I leave for another bachelorette party this weekend. It's been the summer of weddings in this house!!

Novak is ONE!

2010-07-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

We hosted our family on the 7th for kabobs and cake. Novak was all about the cake smash and loved opening all the gifts. It doesn't seem possible it's been a year already.

Here are his stats:

Weight: 20 pounds 10 ounces Height : 30 in. Physically completely healthy!

Things he is doing: Barely walking, braver each day(We find it hard to believe he is our last walker...)

Can sign: 'All done' and 'more'

Makes, what we call, words for ball and cheese(when you put a camera in his face!)

LOVES tubby time and climbing(found him on the kitchen counter yesterday)

Can answer when you ask what a puppy says, "fffpp" and bird, "ba,ba"

All around happy, active, intellegent little boy.

Novak you are a joy to be around, you bring a smile to our face and we will never stop loving you! Happy Birthday!!

Happy 4th of July!!

2010-07-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

With three kids, I have learned to settle for family pictures like this...atlesat we were all in one spot for .5 seconds!

Liam wanted to be buried like DW in Arthur's Family Vacation book =)

AHHHH!!!!

While Connor is at class Novak, Liam and I take a walk then get coffee.

Liam, Connor and Chi Chi(Isaac) at the new Playfront park.

Liam fell asleep in the dorrway last week.

We were reminiscing today about this weekend last year when I was(secretly!)having contractions out at Dan's parent's cabin. Ahh, how fast time flies when you're having fun(and chasing 3 under 4!).
Connor started "camp" at the Great Lakes Aquarium 2 weeks ago and so far is enjoying all he is learning about, "deep sea creatures(as he tells me)". Liam has shown slight interest in peeing on the toilet but Dan and I aren't getting our hopes up. He still gags at the sight of anything in the toilet-he may take awhile! Novak will have a birthday celebration Wednesday with family and friends before we head out this weekend for a Doyle family vacation.

We had a wonderful, somewhat relaxing weekend out at the cabin. The older 2 spent hours in the water swimming, fishing(Connor caught 4 on his own), and splashing. Novak was in the water as much as he could be but spent most of his time crawling/walking all over the beach. We will enjoy tomorrow with Dan home, preparing for all the festivities in the coming week.

Novak's official 1 year post coming soon...

Summer Shananigins

2010-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Too much to blog about...life around here has been very busy. Lots of sun, family fun and travel. Life is GOOD!

"Far, far away"

2010-06-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Family picture at the zoo

Novak at the zoo

The cousins in the Crocodile Cave

Last day at Lisa's

We went to the Fire Hall for a field trip last week

We packed the van and headed to Omaha last weekend to spent time my family and attend my 10 year high school reunion. The drive never gets easier, or shorter!, and this time the boys seemed to struggle more than on past trips. About south St. Paul Liam pulled on his car seat straps and said, "Mommy, I'm ready to get out!" Ugh, we had 6 more hours to go!

Friday morning we(Mary, Mark, Kurt, the Knutson kids, and our family) went to the Henry Doorly Zoo. The boys had a blast running from place to place for about 2 hours. We saw the elephant(they were so excited bc they have never seen a real elephant), sea lions, flamingos, gorillas, a white tiger, and polar bears. Their favorite by far-the aquarium with penguins, sharks and jelly fish and the crocodile cave. Dan spent the evening with the boys at the Claussens while I attended the "Girls Only" outing of the reunion. Saturday morning Dan golfed with my dad and I took the boys to see my Grandma. We skated that afternoon then Dan and I dropped the kids at my parents and went to the second night of reunion festivities(I'll have you know I am tied for 2nd for 'most kids'!!) Sunday we drove back, again it was terrible on the boys, but we arrived home safely!

Other events of the past 2 weeks:

Connor's tubes

Fire hall field trip

Skating with Uncle Kevin, Grandma and Daddy T

Last day of Daycare for the year

End of the year picnic for ECFE

Several birthdays and anniversarys

Its been a great start to a busy summer. We are hoping to paint the house this weekend

Stay well!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yep, Liam forgot to put his shoes on before leaving the house!

Novak chased Liam all the way to the curb.

Liam's watermelon smile

The kids made a tent out of umbrellas

Ears of Corn

Connor sportin' some sweet glasses!

Novak and me at the parade

Just chillin' in the swing

Liam and I had special time at Caribou this morning...he got coffee(hot cocoa)too!!

What a beautiful, gorgeous, busy, hard-working, family fun weekend!! We finally completed the front landscaping job, enjoyed hours of sun and fun with the kids in the yard, attended the Memorial Day parade in west duluth, hosted supper tonight for family and friends and signed in new tenants in the rental properties.

We love long weekends!!

My little blessings...

2010-05-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life drops a big dose of reality right in your lap...and you're forced to stop for a moment, take it all in, and react as best you know how. The life lessons you have learned influence and guide you along as you deal with the, sometimes harsh, happenings of life.

Last night as I tucked Connor into bed I asked him to keep me in his prayers. He turned, grabbed me around the neck and squeezed..."I love you mommy," he said.

Life is rough sometimes but my 3 little blessings give me the strength to move gracefully through the tough times.

Quick Post

2010-05-11T19:34:00.001-07:00

I was without my camera for awhile so not too many pictures to add. Things here are good: kids have been battling a cold but the winter was good to us so we'll take it. Mother's Day was perfect with catered meals, painting projects, alone time with a long run, and a hot tub with my little ones! We stayed in the cities a couple weeks ago for Dan's last tennis match. Novak had his first swim and loved it!! He splashed and played for about 25 minutes...it was awesome! We celebrated Papa's 65th birthday last week. He picked the perfect seat as he was surrounded by all his grandkids for supper! Novak's 1st Twins shirt.

More later...

Boys, boys, boys!

2010-04-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Transformer movie-7 cousins Dinner outside - 5 cousins

Horse swing

Cousins: Jonan-5 Dillon-4 Connor-3.5 Liam-2 Ben-23mo. Novak 9mo.

At the park

Mai Tais with my sis-she wasn't ready, but I looked good=)

We are back from our long, twice extended trip to Omaha. It was better than I anticipated in all areas and I'm actually eager to make the brutal drive again.

After spending so many days with their older cousins, Connor and Liam now have a love for action figures. Playing guns(nerf guns!), swords, good guys vs. bad guys, wrestling, Transformers, Spiderman, Ironman...the list goes on. Things they never knew about are now in our daily talk and nighttime prayers(God bless Bumblebee Transformer!). They morphed so quickly into the boys who idolize action figures(thanks Claussens!!)...thus my life with four boys! Although a bit much at times, it is endearing to watch and listen to them pretend play all day together. Wonder what the next trip will bring...

Happy Earth Day!

Liam's Videos

2010-04-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Me:Who is Mark?

Liam:Mark, my best friend...in the world!

Awww!

Liam and Daddy T playing baseball.

Blessing in Disguise!

2010-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

As hard as it is to have my whole family 8 hours away, its trips like this one that make me feel the blessings of that fact. We get to spend every day with Grandma and Daddy T, play daily with cousins and friends and constantly have some gathering including cake of some sort!

The "concentrated time"(as I call it) with my family gets us by until the next visit back here. Best trip to date!!!mGosh, I love O-Town!!

**Novak is nine months old today! This video was is the tub tonight. Not sure if it's the ceramic tub or just his "fishy" nature that makes him flop in the water, get back up then do it again...but it's hilarious!

smiley faces of novak

2010-03-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

our baby boy(aw, that sounds so sweet!) is growing up so fast...and he couldn't be more adorable! the free smiles, the left thumb sucking, his snuggley nature...it all melts my heart. i love loving all the "first times" all over again! here are a few recent pictures of our big, little man...

in the swing out back

his favorite place: the tub

crawling through the tent tunnel

in the doyle baptismal gown

cruisin' around in the walker

climbing the steps for the first time

novak's first easter basket at Grandma's and first egg hunt

funny boy!

i almost forgot this tub video...he's a fish!

Grandma Colleens is Back!

2010-03-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Connor pre and post surgery

Novak's 8 months Liam stretching before hockey

Connor stretching - "Ryan Miller"

Liam's goalie save

Grandma Colleen spent the last week in CO. We wanted to post some pictures to welcome her back.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy March Madness!!

NOVAK CRAWLING!!!

Hockey Highlights

2010-03-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

The boys have fallen in love with a You Tube video of the Top 20 Best Hockey Goals. The memorized the music and lyrics from the video, know which players shoot where, from which team and how they celebrate...it's quite obsessive!
Anyway, it's still adorable that they are beginning to idolize these professional players. Connor now refers to himself in the third person as "Ryan Miller"and Liam is "Crosby".
They devour all things hockey.

#1 First video was caught last night. They sang the Star Spangled Banner before starting their game together.

#2 Connor and Liam were ecstatic watching Canada's winning celebrations last week. The glove throwing, stick launching, mask ripping, pile diving events have them keyed in on winning teams celebrations. (Liam hasn't figured out Connor isn't trying to tickle him...just hug him!)

videos

2010-03-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

I've had a handful of videos to share for quite awhile...

Updates...again?!

2010-02-18T17:44:00.001-08:00

An update is due....

Connor's had some ear issues over the past month. He had been ear infection free since Nov. of '08 and we hoped he would grow out of them before getting hit with more. We assume he ruptured his ear drum again because it has been bleeding for over three weeks-gross! He is on his second antibiotic in attempts to heal it. An ENT visit in not unlikely but he are hoping to avoid that. This would explain some of the overly crabby, "freak out" behavior he has been having lately...but certainly not all of it!
After weeks of breaking Dan's heart by saying he "doesn't like skating, doesn't want to learn, won't skate until he's older..." he finally got back on the ice and had a blast. I'm impressed with Dan's patience and proud of him for not forcing him to go every week. He says Connor has great balance and both are very, very eager to go skating again.

We started looking at preschools for Connor and we hope to have something figured out by the end of this month. He is better at recognizing the alphabet and can tell us what words start with which letters. His imagination is in hyper drive. Constantly pretending he's a daddy, or chef, or teacher, or a hockey player. He gets these pretend games going that involve all of us to play certain parts that he dictates...it's hilareous! He really enjoys reading books, playing hockey and everything dinosaurs...and Dan!!! For the most part he is a terrific big brother. He suprises us sometimes with how thoughtful he is towards them...then he'll turn around and shove Liam into the wall(ohhh, brotherly love!).

Liam got his hair cut!!! We finally decided it was time and he did fantastic. He looks so cute and when asked what he did to his hair he says, "we cut the curls offff!" He is a total boy! Jumping off the couch, playing trucks and hockey, being loud, getting dirty. We understand most everything he says and if not, he shows us quite well. He is terribly independant and will try things several times before he gets them right...quite unlike his brother(one and done!).

Liam loves skating and everything about hockey. He has a mean backhand, loves to do the goalie leg save move and always announces, "bamboni, bamboni on the ice!" when they play.

He is getting his 2 year molars right now so his hands are always in his mouth. Still such a book work. Most nights we find him sitting at the top of his bed, reading by the light from the windows...too adorable! He loves sharing a room with Connor downstairs and has had no problems staying in his bed for naps or all night(thank goodness...we were due!).

He is our all-around dare devil, accident prone but never out of commision, giggly, toe walking, anti-potty training, juice loving, affectionate, fun loving, blonde hair, blue eyes middle child!

Novak is moving! He has just figuring out that first move from his hands and knees that gets him forward, toward what he wants. And just tonight he pulled himself up using the side of the crib. It still amazes us, the transition time from sitting to rocking to crawling and pulling up. It's like a 4-8 week process that flies by! He is getting his I teeth(the top fangs) which are typically pretty rough...and he was hurtin' for awhile. He eats anything in sight, and I mean anything. Things he has tried: pancakes, pizza, eggs, PB toast, animal crackers, rice, grapes and blueberries(cut up and skinned). He seems turned off by the pureed stuff and just wants real food. He is still breastfeeding and seems to like it that way. He takes three naps a day(give or take) and sleeps from about 8pm-7am most nights. He and I get lots of alone time when the boys go to daycare and it's always nice to play games or read books to him uninterrupted while the are gone.

He just started the "attached to mommy...cry when she leaves the room" stage. I forgot how stressful that can be not being able to leave him with anyone. This too shall pass! He is a content, hungry, happy, smiling, bouncing, sleeping, giggling, moving, chubby baby that has one awesome name(ha...I just love it!!).

We have been super busy these past few weeks with playdates, doctors appointments, errands, family get togethers, tennis, holidays and fun family time. My mom spent the weekend with us over Valentine's Day, while Dan was away for tennis, and it was so fun to have her here. Then President's Day Dan was home so we hit the doctor, skating, errands, Bulldog hockey practice, Liam's hair cut and movie night. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Bemidji with Dan which was a blast. They had bunnk beds in the room for the older boys-Connor slept on the top bunk all night-and a waterpark. Both boys let loose, jumping in, dunking under and splashing around. They even had johnny jumper seats for Novak, poolside!! It was great to get away and spend quality time with the boys.

We head into next week anticipating the big Bulldog/Gopher hockey weekend. Every year since our wedding we have hosted our wedding party, plus some, for a night of supper, drinks, the game and more drinks. Should be a great time!!

Wow, that was a lot...

Liam pushes the chair.

Connor and Dan are across the rink in black. Connor runs his legs like the Road Runner!!

Oh boy...

2010-02-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Novak has been getting up on his hands and knees and rocking this past week. He moves in circles and backwards quite a bit...will he be scooting soon??

Enjoy!

A mess of pictures

2010-02-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

I am on my computer, in bed, at 9pm tonight. One word, rare! I often ask during super stressful times, "when do you ever get time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy life?" We are approaching 2 years in this house, Dan's been with Shire 4 months, Novak turns 7 months on the 8th, the boys are settled in their new room and I am finally back on a routine after the holidays and still there seems to be very little time to slow down and breathe...for now, I just enjoy!

I threw up a ton of pictures to sum up the past few weeks around here. It's been fun...

1: Dan and the boys on the ferris wheel at Scheels in Omaha, my dad and three friends came to stay with us this weekend bc they were competing in the Pond Hockey Tourney. We went out to eat at Gma's for hockey radio talk and pizza.

2: We celebrated our twin cousin's(2nd) 3rd birthday-a carnival theme-so cute! Dan and the boys on the ice in Omaha.

3: I met up with an old teammate Callie and her son Tyson(5 mo. old) this weekend at UMD. Me and the boys with the NU mascot!

4: The final hour at the 24 hour SkateaThon, Novak up on his knees rocking, Liam, enamored, watching hockey at Mark and Mary's. Godfather Daniel and Liam!!

Liam and Connor giving me their "best hockey smile!" Connor and his good friend Zoey, Liam being awesome! Connor took a liking to my dad's friends Doc and Doug(he followed them around all weekend, sitting by them, talking with them and asking them a million questions), and Novak showing off his new abilities.

All in all, it's been a crazy few weeks. But as long as I remember to breathe, in and out...in and out, I continue to enjoy the ride!! (sorry they got all mixed up at the end...you get it!)

Remove your hats please...

2010-01-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

If you've talked with Connor or Liam lately, hockey was probably the subject matter! These two amaze me with their whole hearted, obsession with all things hockey. We have the goals, the sticks, the helmets, gloves, shin pads, breezers, pucks and jerseys littering the floors of our house-all day, every day...and rarely do they sit untouched! Just recently it changed from Dan passing a puck with the boys every once in awhile to waking up to Connor asking, "Daddy, will you play hockey with us?" The living room instantly becomes an ice rink, zamboni and all, and the slap shots begin. They get into full gear-jerseys, helmets, gloves, shin pads, and sticks, fill their water bottles and put them on the back of the goals, line up to sing the National Anthem-oh ya, they know all the words!, then scramble around the living room passing, shooting, falling and mimicking everything Dan does. They give each other knucks, tap each other's butts with the end of their sticks, huddle together in front of the goalie before games for "pep talks"-each contributing a line like, "are we gonna score lots tonight boys?", pause with their heads down to "think about their shots" before each period and quickly jump up on the couch when the pretend zamboni comes out on the ice. It's quite the production these days in our living room

It's loud...it's cold...it smells...its expensive, but gosh it makes it all worth it to see how totally happy all three boys are when they're playing hockey together!

Above is the National Anthem performed at my parent's house last weekend with Dan, my dad, Mark and the boys.

SkateAThon Results!!

2010-01-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

The 3rd annual Parkinson's SkateAThon was a huge success. Over $9400 has been raised so far and we continue to receive checks daily. Thank you to all who attended, donated, skated and helped out with the event. Our family is truly grateful!! Check out the blog for more post-event results and pictures.
www.skateathonforparkinsons.blogspot.com

Novak's 6 month update!

2010-01-10T19:33:00.001-08:00

Novak Lewis celebrated 6 months this week! He wanted to share a few "stats" about himself and let you know how he's grown since his last update.

- I weigh 20+ pounds and I'm fitting into mostly 12 mo. clothes

- I eat fruits, veggies, meats, and teething sticks like a champ! Favorite food: sweet peas

- I popped my 2 bottom teeth, had ear infections and met Santa all in the month of December.

- My quirk: I toss my head from side to side(just like Daddy T used to do!) when I am tired or trying to fall asleep.

- My loves: Giggling, playing and reading with my brothers, "walking" with mommy and daddy, taking baths, going for walks in the Ergo and stuffed animals!

- I'm rolling both ways, sitting up with support and pushing up to my knees on my belly. I'm very curious about everything, reaching and grabbing anything I can.

- I recently became a thumb sucker which everyone keeps saying is "sooo cute!"

- I love my new room. So do mommy and daddy because I am sleeping so much better at night!!

Ok, that's it. See you in 6 months!

We have a thumb sucker!!

2010-01-04T09:21:00.001-08:00

Never had one...it's too adorable!

Pond Hockey

2010-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

Dad - Dan got this video this weekend. -26 outside...lets hope for warmer weather in a couple weeks for your team! There was Red Bull, snacks and heaters in the blue bubble. Fire pits kept players and spectators warm outside. The ex NHL players didn't play until afternoon so he didn't stay to watch them. High school kids are playing in this video. Enjoy! Can't wait to have you all here.

Holiday Hoopla!

2009-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

The boys with their new train table from Santa

Novak with the little puppy Santa brought him-notice the peace sign earrings Connor gave me!

Attempt at a family picture via a timer-check out those adorable socks!

Playing in all the snow on Christmas Eve

The boys got new hockey skates for Christmas and love wearing them in the basement to play.
Our family picture at the Doyle's Christmas Night

Novak's First Christmas!!

WOW!! Those words were uttered so many times this past week in response to several things: the 25 inches of snow(with three to four foot drifts!), the amazing meals Grandma Kathy cooked, Santa's generousity!, families equal generousity, sheer exhaustion, nameless children's behavior(both good and bad), Novak's sleepless nights and finally, realizing Christmas had come and gone in a flash. It was another memorable year in all areas for us...we sure know how to have several life changes going on all at once!

Enjoy the pictures...Happy New Year!!

Novak "walking"(sorry for the cute butt shot!)

Pictures for those out of town folks!!

2009-12-19T15:58:00.001-08:00

Here is a very merry recap of the past week or so...

Liam's birthday party today...with the dinosaur cake!
Santa at Grandma and Papa's

Connor swimming at the waterpark in Grand Rapids

Bentleyville

*No pictures from the Polar Express...thats what happens when you don't bring a camera!

Come and get it!

2009-12-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

Our new family tradition:
making christmas trees! They turned out beautiful...
thanks Grandma Colleen for the idea.

Cousins, pondering how to cut open a pomegranite.

Me and Liam being goofy at the game

Connor AND Liam got to ride the zambonis at a UNO hockey game in Omaha. Liam did amazing all by himself and Connor waved to and smiled at the crowd the whole time.

1st experience with cotton candy...loved it!

Imagine that...tonka trucks

Matt, Dad, Mark, Dan, Kurt, and Daniel playing in the 25th annual Turkey Bowl.
Auntie and Liam playing Perfection-where does this piece go?

Novak peeking at the camera

Mark tickling Liam

Novak's First Thanksgiving!!

November Update

2009-11-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

1. Connor with his skates on. 2. The boys on the trains 3. Novak's first Bulldog game 4. How I found Liam asleep one afternoon 5. Novak with his new best friend Jack O'Kane 6. My mom with the Claussen and Doyle boys(all 6 under 5!!).

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! What a wonderful time of year to celebrate that which we are thankful for. We have been discussing this for the past few weeks and here are some of the things the boys came up with: baby Novak, our family, trrrraaaactors!, Lisa(aww!) and not being sick. Of course, I totally agree with all of these and feel so blessed for all we have.

A few highlights from this month. Novak is 4 months! He is starting to roll over, is eating veggies and fruits and is still the happiest, most content baby.

We finally got our H1N1 vaccines. As most of you know, this was a tiring process for me and it stressed me out a lot! Now that it's done, I'm happy and confident with our decision.

Dan spent a week in Florida for work while the boys and I kept busy with school, Lisa's and playdates. He ate well, learned a lot and got some fun gifts too!!

We spent 2 hours at the Chilren's Museum one Saturday morning together. It was so fun watching the older boys run from place to place to explore.

The boys and I drove to Omaha last Friday. Somehow I figured out a way to make that work and it did, quite well! Since being here: Mary's birthday kegger, a pink eye scare, meeting baby O'Kane, 4 stitches in Liam's forehead, hockey games(Dan is at the Wild/Bruins game tonight with my dad), shopping, seeing friends and lots of outside play!!

I am so looking forward to spending Thanksgivng with our whole family: Mom, Dad, Cristen, Kurt, Jonan, Dillon, Ben, Jenny, Matt, Anna, Oscar, Isaac, Emily, Daniel, Crystal, Me, Dan, Connor, Liam, Novak, Mary and Mark. (We will have a few special guests as well.)

We are so thankful to have each of you in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

Snip Snip

2009-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Connor said about a month ago, "Mommy, I can't see my books with all my hair in my eyes." When we asked him if he wanted it cut he jumped up and said, "YA, like daddy's!!" I couldn't fight the inevitable any longer and decided to schedule a cut. He got a wash and cut and loved everty minute of it. He asked every person we saw today if they liked his new hair cut and told Dan about a hundred times, "we're twins now daddy...we both have short hair, you and me are just twins now!" Ahhh, he looks so adorable I think I might keep it short...ya, right!

Another trip for Daddy...

2009-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

We miss you Daddy!! Mommy said you are in Florida, where is that? Do they have tractors there? We played on the swing set today and went to Ruth's and had school too. We get to go to Lisa's tomorrow and then watch a movie with mommy. When are you coming home? Will you ride in an airplane again? We will come pick you up. We love you and can't wait to see you!!!

Your favorite boys - Connor, Liam and Novak

The much anticipated AZ Trip!!

2009-10-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dan and I are back: relaxed, sun kissed and ready to retire somewhere warm!!! We spent 5 days in Scottsdale AZ with my sister Cristen and her hubby Kurt. This is our 4th trip with them and they keep getting more and more fun(and expensive Dan adds!). We spent most of our days sun bathing by the pool or doing laps in the lazy river(always with a drink in hand!), ate expensive, delicious meals every night and took in the lavish lifestyles of the locals-talk about keeping up with the Joneses!!! It might not have been perfect timing, with Dan's new job starting and all, but we certainly needed the break after all the madness over the past few months.
Thank you, thank you to those that helped watch the boys. Our friend Tawni and Dan's parent's did the majority of it and my dear friends Dara and Jodi helped too!! Thank you for making this trip possible!!

We Made It!!

2009-10-18T19:24:00.001-07:00

Dan spent the past 11 day in Philadelphia for work and just arrived home Friday night(6 hours late due to delays!). Somehow, I survived!! Saturday morning I indulged in an hour-long pedicure while sipping a mocha in silence.

Although we missed Dan we had a fabulous two weeks. Most nights Novak is sleeping until 7am and the boys seemed to turn the corner from terrible to tolerable! My mom came up on my birthday to celebrate and stay a few days. As always, we tackeld several projects and had major "parenting epiphanys" I'm calling them that have made life much easier around here. After she left, I kept busy with the boys(which is hard when you're avoiding public places in order to keep them healthy!!)here around the house but did enjoy supper once or twice with friends. We are so happy Dan is finally home but now we face the reality of him going back to work every day...something I'm sure will take getting used to for all of us! Thanks to eveyone who helped make the past two weeks managable and enjoyable!

As if the last two weeks weren't crazy enough, Dan and I are leaving this Wednesday for five days in AZ...without the boys!! For the past few weeks I have been vigilent about vitamins and probiotics, hand washing and avoiding parks, playdates and public places in hopes of avoiding the flu-something that would cancel our trip no doubt! As of today we are packing to leave and looking forward to martinis by the pool and sleeping in.

Pictures for Daddy!

2009-10-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Dan is in Philadelphia for training so we thought we would post some pictures of the boys for him. We love you and can't wait to see you!! Come home soon!

Peek-A-Boo

2009-09-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is a short video of me and Novak playing peek. His giggle is so adorable!

2009-09-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from the past week or so.

Novak taking a nap =)

First day of day care at Lisa's. Liam gets to go this year and so far he loves it!
Dan's sister Karen had a baby girl, Sara, earlier this month. She and Novak will be best buds!

Dan and the older two "camped" in our backyard with the neighbors.

And as Dan says "his favorite day ever on the golf course!!" He took Connor to Enger Monday night and they both had a great time. Check out Connor's swing!!

Hope you're all having a great start to fall.

Novak's 2 months and one FUN weekend!

2009-09-07T14:33:00.001-07:00

Novak turned two months!! He has changed so much over the past eight weeks. He's beginning to develop a loveable personality and has the most infectious smile with just the hint of a dimple. He enjoys splashing in the tub with his brothers, walks in the stroller/front pack and just being outside. He is starting to reach/bat at toys above him and His chill personality has made the transition from 2 to 3 kids an enjoyable one!! Stats as of 9/9/09 - 14.1 pounds 24 1/4 inches

So this past weekend we packed up and headed south AGAIN! We stayed with Dan's friend Chad Friday night before meeting my sister's family(she has two boys, age 4 and 3) at the State Fair Saturday morning. We spent atleast an hour exploring the city-block jam packed with John Deere tractors. The kids went on several carnival rides-Connor's been asking to go on a ferris wheel for awhile now and Liam inched his way across the swaying path in the fun house, holding up a long line of kids =). We ate corn on the cob, french fries and, of course, cookies and milk. We witnessed my brother-in-law eat deep fried snickers, oreos and a twinkie-YUM! We walked through the animal barns and had a blast taking in the large crowds of people!

Can't wait for next year.

We went back to the hotel for supper and swimming that night. I think Connor gained some confidence from his cousins(they swim quite well) and was jumping off the wall into the water then swimming the length of the of the pool on his own!! We couldn't believe it!

Sunday we woke up and headed to the St. Paul Children's Museum(after we jumped our mini van bc I left the cooler plugged in all night-whoops!). The kids spent 2 1/2 hours running all over that place, discovering new things even this time. Back to the hotel for quick naps then off to the Mall of America for more rides in Nickelodeon Land. Connor: bumper cars, pineapple jumping house, Dora bus and the fire truck. Liam also rode the fire truck and the carousel but was most fascinated with all the Dora stuff. It was loud and crowded but so much fun to see the boys faces on all the rides.

We finished the night at supper and ice cream with our dear friend's the Wheeler's. The kids ran around the restaurant and outside Dairy Queen until 9:30. It was so great to see them and catch up.

Monday morning we woke up, said good bye to the Claussens, swam then packed the car to head north again. We were pleasantly suprised with how managable this weekend was with three little boys at the fair, museum and the Mall but we think we'll stay home for awhile now. Thanks Claussens for coming up for another fun-filled, food dominated!!, weekend!!

My favorite part you ask: the black out shades that allowed us ALL to sleep until after 8 am both mornings!!!!

Put Your Shades On...

2009-08-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

Posted are tid bits of the past few weeks. We have had great fun with friends and family this summer. Woo Whoo!

The boys jet skiing at the cabin

We stopped in St. Paul to stay with Kari, Aaron and Lilly. While there we went to the Children's Museum and the Farmer's Market. It was so great to spend time with them and catch up. Thanks for everything, Wings!!

Connor dressed up like Clifford and crawled around barking!
Novak and I chillin' in the Bug Room.

I take this picture every time we visit and it's amazing to look back and see how much they've grown! Our family of FIVE.

First on the list when we arrived in Omaha was the big slides in the Old Market. So fun to share things with the boys that I loved doing as a kid =).

How perfect is the new addition to the Omaha Childrens Museum?

We took the boys to my grandma's cabin for a few days with Mary and Mark. It was probably my favorite part of the trip because we relaxed, had camp fires, slept in and got some sun.

These days Liam is never far behind Connor. Auntie(thats what he calls her) and Liam

It just so happened that the neighbor's yard was being filled in with dirt the morning after we got there. Both boys camped out and watched the crusade of dump trucks and one busy skid steer most of the day. You never know what you'll find in my Grandma's closet...

Is this the biggest marshmallow you've ever seen?!?!?! My dad made a slip 'n' slide in our backyard. Again, so fun to do things with the boys that I grew up doing(nice form huh?).

Daddy T watching a movie with the boys. My little Tree Hugger!!

That's it for now. Enjoy the rest of your summers!!!

Just text

2009-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

No pictures just a brief update from the past week...
St. Paul Children's Museum
Awesome park with 2 story-high slide!! and then a yummy BBQ
Farmers Market
Helm Wedding(I finally met Flip Saunders)
Family dinner/Anniversary celebration
Big slides
Omaha Children's Museum
Volleyall Reunion at my parent's house
Hockey, hockey, hockey...for Dan and my dad.
Pipal Park with the Knutsons
Omaha Childrens Museum x 2
The CABIN(both boys fell in the water-more lives saved by lifejackets!)
Around the Bend Steakhouse
Godmother Erin
still to do...
Golf Quarry Oaks
Hot yoga

More later...plus pictures!

What's "A gust?"

2009-08-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Connor asked me that the other night...shocking it's already here!!

We have been surprisingly busy around here. Dan and I have to laugh that as a stay at home mom and an unemployed dad we some how aren't finding the time to finish projects, refuse to wake up any earlier than our children(usually 7:30!), can't remember what day it is or month and never feel like doing the routine chores! What we have been finding plenty of time to do is spend time with each other and enjoy the time Dan has at home right now.

Connor got a two-wheel bike from his Godmother Erin for his birthday and has learned to ride quite well. He can ride all the way around the cirlce with little help. The boys and I went to Chester park Wednesday morning with our good friends to play trucks in the sand and get some sun. Lest week I took them to Wednesday Night at the Races(Dan was at an interview)and Connor decided he wasn't going to run the race, but walk really slow(literally 30 yards behind everyone as you can see from the picture above!!). We came in dead last of all the 4 and under runners...I laughed the whole time!! This week he ran the whole thing with his cousin Audrey and greatly improved his time-ha! Then Audrey stayed the night and we played out back, had ice cream and then a hot tub. I took the boys to the cabin Thursday morning(by myself!) to play in the water and soak up more sun. Dan and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary this year with the theme, "Four wonderful years of marriage, three beautiful boys, two lays offs and one new house!" We walked the Lakewalk, had supper at the Brewhouse and then Blizzards(thanks for watching the boys Kathy!). Connor had his first dentist appt. and loved it. He has great teeth and even got to hold the drills.

Novak is doing awesome. He gets up twice a night and is now eating and then going right back down-yes! He can focus more on your face or a toy and is smiling all the time. He likes to be held(I don't mind this one at all!!) and still seems to be pretty content. It is amazing how quickly he is growing out of the newborn, and even 0-3 mo., clothes. What can I expect?!?

As the shirt reads...Life is Good!

Thanks Grandma and Daddy T

2009-07-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

Immediately when I saw the shiny red plastic through the packaging, I knew it was a fire truck and said, "She must be joking!".

My mom and dad had a larger than life package delivered to Connor today that turned out to be a 21 inch, remote cotrolled, water squirting, SIREN SCREAMING, fire truck. I laughed the whole time I untied the 9 million metal twist ties that held it in the box thinking, "they mnust be joking...they are trying to torture me...did they not hear I just had a baby?..." After Liam pushed the siren button for the twelth time in a row, we set it aside until after supper. With Liam and Novak fast asleep tonight, I took Connor out on the back deck to let him explore his new prized possesion. He was enthrawled with every buttons movement(there are 10 total!) and concentrated hard to make the truck do what he wanted it to do. I completely underestimated his ability to play with the fire truck, instead of push the siren button over and over again, like I thought he would do.

My initial annoyance with the choice of gift quickly subsided as I watched my newly 3 year old manuveur the fire truck across the deck, swing the ladder, raise the bucket and squirt the water in order to, "put out the fire on the grill!!" Thanks Mom and Dad...we love it!!!

Quick Pics

2009-07-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post my favorite picture from my sister's visit with her boys.

The rest are Connor's bday celebrations...yes, that is plural. We celebrated with his best friends Zoey, Myla and Isaac and all their friends on Thursday in a BIG way. We rented an inflatable castle for all of them to enjoy. It was a blast to watch and jump with all the little kids. Every so often, Connor and Liam would emerge from the castle doors sweaty and flushed, ready for some hydration! It was awesome!!

Saturday we had "the best birthday present ever(Connor will tell you that!)" delivered to our driveway-a backhoe!! Our friend loaned it to us for the day. Connor played out there for hours, quickly coming inside to take a bite of cake and tear open his presents. Thanks Billy!! A cook out with friends and family was last night and today was filled with hours of backhoe play and whatever else Connor wanted, but mostly low key. He received tons of awesome presents that will keep he, and Liam, entertained for hours.

Thanks to everyone for celebrating with us!!

As you requested...

2009-07-21T13:39:00.001-07:00

4 days old!

So many of you have been asking for more pictures and updates about Novak and because I have all three sleeping(yes, I am quite happy right now!), I will post. Novak has lived up to all the hype we heard about BIG babies. He sleeps, eats and poops...literally! He was back up to his birth weight after just one week and hasn't slowed down the "gain train" since. He has been amazing at night, last night sleeping from 10pm - 5am!!! He stays content during the day, tolerates the boys somewhat roughness and has yet to get really, really upset with us(time will bring that one out!). Overall, life has been pretty mellow around here.

Dan is still home and that has been great for all of us. The boys are doing well with the changes of having another one in the house. They want him to do everything they do. Connor keeps asking when he can play tractors with him, take walks with him, eat snacks with him...he is such a loving big brother.

I am doing and feeling wonderful. Recovery was quick and painless, stress levels are low, sleep is decent and I am soaking up all that comes with having 3 under 3...that is, until Sunday!!

More later!

BIG News

2009-07-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

We welcomed Novak Lewis into the world on 7/8/09. He weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds 6 ounces and was 20.5 inches long-chubby baby!! Labor was fast and furious(good thing but that left him a bit bruised on the head and face) but Novak and I are both doing wonderful. He is an eating machine and, thus far, sleeps a lot. the boys adore him. Connor wants Novak to eat with him, take naps with him, sit with him, and play excavators with him...he can't get enough. Liam gets all giddy when he's around, smiling and jabbering "baby". It has been great having Dan home to help care for the boys, keep the house in order and get me what I need(what a blessing in disguise).

Both Dan and I were shocked when he said, "It's a Boy!" but it feels just right around here with 3 boys. He fits right in!

And now I get to go spend all the money I would have spent on girl clothes on myself...I'm one blessesd and happy mommy!!

Still sportin' a belly!

2009-07-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been some I will cherish. When mid June rolled around, I was so prepared(physically, emotionally and strategically) to go early with this baby that I stopped enjoying my last weeks of being pregnant. Over the past few weeks we have taken the time to spoil the boys and enjoy doing everything together. Walks, swimming, backyard play, the Lakewalk, movie nights, picnics and cabin days. The boys have grown up so much this summer already: getting more brave in the water and on water toys, at the park, exploring further on their own and entertaing/playing with each other outside each day. I am so glad I was able to take the time to focus on them and witness their milestones.

Over the 4th, we were at the cabin with Dan's family, just roughin' it! It was so awesome to relax, play with the boys and enjoy time with Dan...without having a little newborn to care for as well. We savored our(potential) last weekend of man-to-man defense!

I honestly didn't think I would make it to my due date, but now that it's here...I'm more prepared then I was three weeks ago!

Ok, come on baby!!

How we beat the heat

2009-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here!! It has been rather warm this week and we have found plenty of fun, wet, relaxing things to do to beat the heat. Grandma's Marathon was unbearably hot with runners dropping out left and right but we managed to cheer on our friends and family for a few hours before heading out the the cabin for some fun in the sun. We played in the water, fished, swam and jet skiied. Saturday night we all slept on the newly carpeted basement floor and stayed up late watching movies then woke up together to wish Dan a Happy Father's Day. A neck injury sidelined his golf plans for the morning so back out to the cabin it was. We swam again(me trying to move this baby along!) and played all afternoon in the beautiful Duluth weather. Both boys took great to the water and spent most of their time getting in, climbing out and splashing around.

Almost every day we have filled the kiddie pools and put out the slip and slide. We also had a fire at the nieghbors with smores and have taken several walks to the creek to feed the ducks and fish. This is the weather that gets us through the winter!

They are ready....

2009-06-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today the boys found the romper with the big excavator on it that they will give to the babe when he/she arrives. We put it on their cabbage patch doll and after that, it was all about the baby...changing Sunshine's diaper(that is what Connor named the babe in my belly), taking her on the swing set, giving her snacks, strapping her in the car seat and tonight, Connor tucked her in for bed next to him.

He has been talking to my belly at night. It is the sweetest thing to hear him asks her questions and have little made-up discussions with her. He can't wait to meet her!

Today after lunch he asked me, "Mommy, is the baby full now?" Just precious!

Omaha Invasion!

2009-06-13T20:31:00.001-07:00

My mom and dear niece Anna came last Saturday for a week of fun in the sun and relaxation...only one of which took place...and it wasn't relaxing!! From the moment she got here, my mom eagerly and gladly tackled item after item on a marathon long list that has been growing since we moved in. Anna was a jewel and played with the boys all day so we could work on organizing, rearranging and preparing for the new baby. Just to mention a few of the projects we completed: painted the cradle, made my laundry room functional and fabulous!, landscaped the front yard, painted and updated a coffee table, cleaned our grill and made a baby book. It feels great to finally get some of these things crossed off the list and we are breathing easier as we count down the days until the babe is here.

With all the work, we did manage some fun during their stay. My mom made it in time for my Blessingway, the boys attended open gym at the Gymnastics Academy, we all played outside whenever it was nice out, Anna stayed the night at the cabin with Dan's sister's family, my mom and I got haircuts and Friday we took Anna to the Lakewalk to buy her an early bday present and get her ice cream.

The boys adored every minute with Anna and Grandma and already miss them both. We loved having them, are amazed at what we got accomplished in one week, and can't wait to have them back up soon to meet the new babe!

- The boys were so fun to watch at the gym. Connor jumped off a 6 foot mat into the pit over and over, Liam walked across the balance beam(with little help) and mastered the trampoline and best of all, both were exhausted well before lunch time!

- We have just 3 weeks left until the baby is due. I am feeling pretty good and reveling in these final days/weeks of my third pregnancy. We can't wait to see our new little one!!

- Basement walls were sanded tonight...paint tomorrow...trim Wednesday...carpet Friday. Things are moving along just great!!

M&M and Brainerd

2009-05-29T07:04:00.001-07:00

The boys were terrified of the HUGE bucket that would dump water(pictured above our heads in the family shot)so they would sit on a chair and watch-Liam holds his hand up and "dumps" too!

(Liam doing yoga with me outside the hotel!!)

This past weekend my sister Mary and her boyfriend Mark came to visit. We spent the whole weekend playing, site seeing and enjoying each other while we caught up and reminisced about the good old days(well, six months ago when she lived here!). The boys adore them both and really enjoyed the extra attention all weekend. We wentto the beach, walked the lakewalk, had BBQs and late night fires, made homemade doughnuts and attended the Memorial Day parade in West Duluth. It was so nice to have them here and we can't wait to have them visit again(hopefully permanently!!).

After Connor's last ECFE class for the year on Wednesday we headed out of town to stay in Brainerd with the bys for a couple days. Dan got us the hot tub room so we could "swim" during the day while he was at work, then both nights we took them to the waterpark. They both had a blast running around squirting, pouring, splashing and dunking. The lazy river, waterslides, hot tub, play land and climbing pool kept us all busy for well over an hour both times. We planned this as the last big road trip with hotels and waterparks for the boys before the baby arrives. Hope they enjoyed it!!

In the video Connor is talking to Bob the Builder.(Pardon the brief nudity!!)

"Hi, Bob. I'm on the phone. Are you going to come sheet rock with me? Well, I'm at a hotel...I went when you weren't at your house...and then I was there and I didn't see you at it. Bye"

Videos....FINALLY!!

2009-05-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Since Christmas, we have had camera problems limiting our ability to capture and post videos of the boys. Finally, we are able to post a few from the last few weeks.
1. Liam showing off his spoon skills(April)
2. Connor at the St. Paul Children's Museum(May)
3. At the park in Orono(My Favorite!!)(May)
4. Liam at the Museum(May)
ENJOY!!

Take a sneak peek of the boys photo shoot!!

2009-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

www.lmpreciousdesigns.wordpress.com

BOY HEAVEN!!!

2009-05-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we headed north with the boys to visit my good friends Julie and Paul and her parents Greg and Shirley. Greg has a crane company up there and has invited us several times to bring the boys and drive them around. We finally decided today was the day and it was a blast!! Connor was a bit nervous at the beginning but he quickly got into it. Liam loved sitting in the Bobcat, watching the crane go up and down and climbing up the four wheeler. For 25 minutes, Connor sat on Greg's lap and got to steer the crane arm all over the place. He took a spin in the Bobcat, sat on Greg's motorcycle and rode the four wheeler with Julie's husband Paul.

On the way back to Julie and Paul's to prepare supper, Greg spotted a parking lot full of transportation vehicles(AKA transportation night part II). He, Dan and Connor got to see and sit in fire trucks, snow plows, gas tankers, cement mixers, tow trucks and cop cars. And if that wasn't enough...a helicopter flew overhead and landed and the hospital helipad nearby.

We had a wonderful day shared with good friends and a delicious meal to top it all off. We are grateful to the Lenci's for taking the time to make this day so special for both our boys(and I think Dan liked it too!). The Anderson's were great hosts and we appreciate all their hard work. Thank you for making such amazing memories for us all!!

Pointing at the wall in the shop, Connor says "Mommy...that is the biggest wrench I've ever seen!!"

HELLO

2009-05-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

We are on the last stages of sheet rock in the basement and then things will move along pretty quick after that. We think we are within 4 weeks of finishing the whole thing-Yes!! The boys love playing outside, their new Bob the Builder vehicles(7 total) and everything about the baby. Both have been kissing and touching my belly, lifting my shirt to talk to he/she, and rubbing lotion on my stomach at night(Connor). Liam has been caught carrying a doll around, giving her kisses and hugs, and putting a blanket on her-awww! Our appts are still saying early July so we are in full speed trying to get things organzied and more prepared for he/she's arrival.

Mother's Day we went to church then to get me a mocha-mmmm! After that we sheet rocked and played outside on the swing set most of the morning and afternoon. The boys took a quick nap before heading to a friend's house for a BBQ. It was perfect weather and the kids played great so it was mostly relaxing. I loved spending the whole day with my family; playing outside, reading books before naps, working side by side with Dan and finally falling asleep with Connor. I love being a mom!!

Pictures:
Transportation Night with the boys. Liam atop the Zamboni and Connor with the fire helmet on.
Connor snuggling and then asleep on the couch sitting up.
Liam eating strawberries at a friends house, carrying his baby.

MAY Madness and one sad boy!

2009-05-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

We hosted a wonderful, activity-filled May Day party here at the house on Friday. There were 6 adults and nine kids here making baskets, decorating cookies and playing on the swing set. After the festivities ended we packed the car and headed back down to the cities for another tennis tournament. The boys did great in the car and when we arrived I treated them to pancakes and eggs for supper(a favorite in this house!).

Saturday morning we(the boys and I)went to Lake of the Isles to spend the morning playing at the parks and walking. Then onto Orno for lunch with a long time friend Amanda and to spend some time at her new house. It was gorgious outisde so we went to a nearby park for over 2 hours(they had 2 excavators-need I say more!). We swung by the tennis match to check in with Dan before heading back to the hotel for supper. Later that night, after Dan arrived, he was walking the boys downstairs when Connor pulled the fire alarm!! Dan ran to the front desk to tell them it was a mistake but sure enough, cops cars and fire trucks came rolling in the parking lot. Amidst all the excitement, we still felt it necessary to sternly lecture Connor about fire alarms, and hope he never touches one again

Sunday the boys and I headed back to Duluth around 10:30, another perfect trip with both sleeping the whole way, and were able to enjoy the weather with a nice walk to play at the park.

This weekend marked the end of the tennis season for UMD. I think they had a pretty good year and Dan enjoyed coaching again.

When discussing Liam's accidental injuries during a recent appointment, our pediatrician jokingly said to us, "it's amazing second children survive." I never understood this phrase until we had our second. Liam has had more freak accidents and close calls than Connor has had in his whole life.

After our walk this past Sunday, I had parked the stroller at the front door to unload our stuff. Liam tried to get out on his own but ended up face first on the concrete. True to form, after a mintue or two of crying he was back outside playing in the sunshine with Connor. Gosh, that kids a trooper!!

Right after the accident...

later that night...

and on day two.

Rain, rain go away...

2009-04-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

With rain all over the weather reports, we still managed to have a great weekend in the cities with Dan and his tennis team. Knowing better than to expect the boys to be hush hush at the tennis match, we dodged the whole thing. The boys and I went to the Children's Museum in St. Paul Saturday morning then grabbed lunch on the way back to the hotel. After naps we wasted time at Walmart playing with all the toy trucks and finally settled on 1 new tractor each. We made supper and then Dan joined us for a quick swim in the pool/hot tub/pool/hot tub(they couldn't stay in one place longer than a second-glad I waited until Dan was there!). This morning the boys and I played around the hotel, had breakfast then headed home(in the nasty rain) just in time to swing by the alumni volleyball gathering at Skyline Lanes. It was fun to see old teammates and hear hilareous stories shared by all. Overall, the boys traveled really well, slept and behaved awesome and we look forward to doing it all over again next weekend!!

Other pictures in this post: Liam devouring a bowl of cotton candy ice cream-and loving it!Godfather Tim took Connor for lunch and ice cream on Thursday-Thanks Godfather!

A glimpse of summer in our backyard with the neighbor kids over.

Finally posting some of our recent videos(last video was months ago!)

EARTH DAY 2009(and belly picture)

2009-04-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends Kari and Lilly were able to come and stay the night during their long visit to MN last night. We had a great breakfast this morning and played on the back deck. The boys decorated their own buckets last night to put plants into today. Connor really liked scooping the dirt and pressing it down around his plant. We did Liam's then watered them and put them in the window until it's warm outside.

Since being at my parents, Connor has been asking for a birdfeeder. I bought one at Menards and let the boys color all over it with permanent markers. We filled it with seeds and hung it outside in full view from the windows. The boys will be glued to the windows, watching the birds eat, just like at Grandma and Daddy T's.

We had school today as well. Upon arriving Connor says, "Happy Easter...I mean, Happy Earth Day!!" Too cute. Today we also read the book we bought the boys, Why Should I Recycle, and continue to talk about things we can recycle, what they can be made into and what we do with food waste. He really seems interested in what we are trying to instill in them.

We dropped off our food waste at WLSSD, along with bags of leaves, and will fill a few more planters tonight to top off our celebration!

What did you do for the Earth today??

I attached a bunch of pictures from our visit from Kari and Lilly. Lilly and Liam are 11 days apart in age. They were adorable to watch interact.

These are for you Aaron!!

I finally took a belly picture(last one was at 18 weeks-whoops!). Here it is...29+ weeks!

Oldies but Goodies

2009-04-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

2 year old birthday party last summer!! --- Connor and the Bulldog on Halloween

Family day at the museum -- "Where's my balnkie Mommy?"

Christmas 2008 -- Train ride up the shore with our friends.

Liam always sits with Connor while he uses the toilet-hopefully that

rolls over to easy potty training! -- Duct tape and Connor

Found a few good pictures today while backing up my photo files. Enjoy!

Easter 2009

2009-04-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well most of you already know the saga that was our week-colds that manifested into diarrhea and vomiting, ear infections and a bad diaper rash. After a week of constant laundry, disinfecting everything and little sleep we are ready for a break!! Saturday morning Dan took the boys out for doughnuts to let me sleep in a bit. Later that morning we headed to the Lakewalk to meet a friend for coffee and a walk and then to an egg hunt at Dan's cousin's. Sunday we celebrated Easter with an egg/basket hunt at home, mass, a family walk and then brunch at the Doyle's-Yummy!!

It made us feel like kids again hunting eggs and finding baskets with the boys. Having the boys makes each holiday so special and unique!

Oh ya, we had an Easter party for the" 2 year old" crew on Wednesday. It was so fun to watch the kids run around and find eggs, paint wooden egg decorations and play outside together.

*Liam fell off the counter and got a black eye on Friday night-just to add to the saga!

Surrender

2009-04-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

That was the word up for discussion at the prenatal yoga class I attended Monday night. I took the class while I was pregnant with Liam and couldn't wait to start again with this little one. In many ways the class was life altering for me the first time around; encouraging a deeper, more personal connection with my unborn child that I otherwise don't think I would have had, giving me the strength, confidence and desire to deliver my baby into this world naturally and the overwhelming sense of connectedness being surrounded by pregnant women striving to make the same healthy decisions for their families.

We discussed the presence of surrendering in each of our pregnancies, births and busy lives today. As I listened to each woman's response it became apparent to me that this is something I have learned to do. Surrendering my body, sleep and eating habits during each pregnancy, surrendering to the pains of labor and trusting my body knows what its doing and the daily surrendering of my time and energy to care for Dan and the boys. It is a balancing act when you become a mother; balancing the time you need to still remain true to yourself and the time your children need for guidance, love and teaching. It has been truly satisfying to see how far I've come in learning this lesson but I anticipate much more change and adjusting when the new baby joins our family.

At the end of the day, it's all worth it when your children kiss you good night.

Boy update

2009-03-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted an update about the boys so here goes...

Connor is potty trained! We started mid January and things went better than expected so we kept at it. He has had a few accidents here and there over the past month but for the most part his days and nights are dry. Yipee!! Being the little brother that he is, Liam often interferes with Connor's personal play time and completely frustrates him. We got a great idea to buy Connor his own special tote and fill it with only 'Connor toys'. He gets to play with the items in this tote(mostly tools) if he stays in bed for naps/bedtime or whenever we feel he needs some alone time from Liam. So far he is loving the idea of "his space" and we hope this helps lengthen the amount of time he plays on his own without our help(and stays in bed!). We considered preschool for Connor this fall but recently decided to send he and Liam to Lisa's(where Connor goes now) 2 days a week instead. She was a teacher for 10 years and schedules most of her days the same way she did in the classoom so Connor gets lots of structured time during the day. She, and several other people in the teaching field we consulted, feel Connor is up to speed verbally and socially, which is why we considered preschool in the first place. So, I will still have 2 half days alone with the new baby while Connor and Liam learn and play with other kids.

Ahhh, Liam is growing up too fast! I love the age he is right now and we have so much fun playing and laughing with him. He can say/mumble several words: choo choo, banana, sticks(hockey), dog, tractor, and ba ba(bottle-yup, still gets 'em). He understands what we say to him, ie. "time to eat" and he runs to his chair, "change your diaper" he heads for his room. He still eats and sleeps like a champ which we totally appreciate. His favorite things to do include jumping on Connor's bed and playing hockey. He has a great shot and never fails to lift his stick in the air and say "goal" when he scores. We are excited to have Liam at Lisa's next fall to begin building his social skills, handle being away from us for extended periods of time and, best of all, build a even better relationship with Connor. He will be fun to watch this summer, following Connor and Brady(our neighor) all around the neighborhood, trying to be older than he really is!!

One funny convo

2009-03-19T11:23:00.001-07:00

I chatted brackets with my brother in law this morning on the way to drop Connor off at Lisa's. When I got off the phone Connor asked, "who was that mom?" I told him and he said, "why were you talking to Uncle Kurt?" I said I like talking to Uncle Kurt. He replies, "I don't like talking to Uncle Kurt! I like talking to Daddy. Where is Daddy?" I told him he was in Hibbing for the day working. He asked, "Is Uncle Kurt in Hibbing?" I said, "No, he is in Omaha. That is where Gma Colleen and Daddy T live. And Auntie Mary too." As I always do(shock!) I asked him, "should we live in Omaha?" There is a long pause, and in a goofy voice he says, "Ya, we should move there and live in Gma and Daddy T's house." Over my laughter I start asking questions, "Where would you sleep? C-"On my bed, in gma and Daddy T's room." Laughing I asked about Dan, me and Liam and apparently we would ALL sleep in Gma and Daddy T's room! Finally I said, "Is the baby going to sleep in the Gma and Daddy T's room too?" C-"No!" Me-"Where will the baby sleep?" In a DUH manner he replies, "In the bathroom mommy." Me-"Oh, in a crib." C-"No, on the floor!" Almost peeing my pants, trying to control myself while driving I ask, "who will come visit us?" C-"Uncle Daniel!" (no shock there!!)

I love conversations with him like this. He makes us appreciate the minds of little 2 year olds and never ceases to make us laugh while doing it!!