Happy 4th of July!

On Friday, the kids at Civic League Day Nursery had a 4th of July parade. The event was captured by a local newspaper photographer and photos appeared on the front page of the paper today. Anton's photo is in the paper as well as online. Here are some links...

http://postbulletin.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge_remote.asp?source=&remoteimageid=3071339

He's the one on the far right.

There's also a video of the event on postbulletin.com. Click on video then search local videos. Cadel can be spotted when the kids are turning the corner. He's got a blue shirt on, and Rob and I are in the background watching.

Hope you all have a happy 4th of July!

Growing up FAST...

I am amazed each day at how FAST the boys are growing. Cadel is riding his bike better and faster each day. He's able to slow and stop now and takes turns without difficulty. He can ride a total of 3 city blocks with minimal assistance. Rob has taken up jogging to be at his side, just in case. The video shows Cadel riding around the block. This is his 5th time out. If you listen, you can hear Anton say "bike".

Anton is also growing up FAST. He has new words each day and is running with new energy and skill. Last night he braved the curly-Q slide all by himself. He came out the other end saying "again!".
Anton's favorite outdoor activity is driving his car...

Cadel's is chasing Mom and Dad...

Learning to Ride a Bike...

Cadel has had a trike for the past 2 years, but he's been asking for a new bike (aka "motercycle" for a while now). So, before the snow was even gone we bought him a new 16 inch bike. It's finally nice enough to get out and let him ride.

Here he is getting instructions.

Slowly he takes off...

He's got it!

Cadel is learning to ride without training wheels with the help of a nifty little invention called the gyrowheel ( http://www.thegyrobike.com/). There is a battery operated gyroscope inside of the front wheel which helps to keep the bike in motion and from tipping over. You can dial up the speed for beginners and turn it down as they learn to balance. He's already going 10-12 feet without help from us and giggling the whole time.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the scratches on Cadel's face are from daycare. He fell on the concrete and a friend fell on top of him, pushing his face into the ground. He was pretty scratched up when we picked him up that day. He's looking better now though.

Tennis Lessons

Cadel has been taking tennis lessons this spring. Last night was his last session. It's been fun to see him take an interest in this sport and begin to develop some hand eye coordination. We've had him in a number of sports over the past 2 years (gymnastics, soccer) but this is the first time he's been excited to go on a regular basis. We got him a racket and are looking forward to playing this summer at the park nearby. Here Cadel practices his foot work...

Nice follow through!

It's been a long winter...

It's amazing how one's expectations shift over time. Growing up in Indiana, spring came early in April. I remember in college wearing shorts and enjoying college baseball games in the warm spring sun. Now, however, I've come to realize spring comes a little more slowly. In fact, in Minnesota we actually have a spring with mild temperatures and rain showers. You learn to notice the little signs like the buds of spring bulbs popping through the earth and people out walking their dogs again. I'm thankful to say that spring is finally here, and with it comes a little more breathing room as we are once again able to play outdoors.

Today, we ventured over to Soldier's Field park for the first time. It's just a short walk from our home and in the summer you can find us there most evenings after work. We're thankful to have such a nice park nearby.

Not long ago, the park was rundown with old metal climbers and no character, but a neighbor took on the project of raising funds and manpower to restore the park. Shortly after we married, but before we had children, Rob and I helped to dig holes for the horses that you see the boys riding on. Our names are etched on pickets around the perimeter of the playspace indicating we helped to fund the project. I'm looking forward to another summer, building memories at the park with the boys.

Indoor Fun

I'm always looking for a new activity to do with the kids when I'm home and since it's bitterly cold out these days, indoor activities are necessary. So, today we went to Monkey Junction. It's a new indoor play space in a local church. I was pleasantly suprised with all of the activities and space that they have for the little ones to run and play. We spent 2+ hours there today running, climbing, and playing ball. It was a blast, and at only $1 per kid, well worth it!

Happy Birthday Cadel!

Thursday, February 3rd was Cadel's 4th birthday. Thinking back, I recall it being a bitter cold weekend when he was born, similar to the weather we are experiencing now. I also remember watching the superbowl from my hospital room with the little guy. Those first few days were a blur, and the last 4 years seem to have flown by with a blink of the eye. Rob and I sat in awe of the miracle before us then, and we continue to marvel at his growth and development with each passing day.

Cadel received 2 new T shirts, one batman and one superman. He couldn't be more proud! I'm glad now that we have 2 as it gives us 24 hours to wash one while he wears the other (sigh...).

Here, Cadel celebrates with his new friends at preschool.

More cupcakes at home.

Cadel's favorite gift (beside the new T shirts) were these Magna Tiles. They are geometric shaped tiles with small magnets on the edges that make it easier to build castles and other structures. He will play for 45 minutes straight, buidling and rebuilding. It's been fun to watch his creativity as he works to create unique designs.

A trip to the Dells

Last week we headed over to Wisconsin for a few days at the Dells. It's pretty quiet this time of year, especially with school in session, but it suited us just fine. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge (no relation). They focus on the younger age group and the boys really enjoyed it. There were lots of activities for us all to enjoy.



Here are the boys trying their luck at guitar hero. Anton is busy climbing up and through the tree house. The resort had a children's club house with toys and crafts, which provided an alternative to swimming.



Cadel measured in at 41 inches. Too short for most rides and not yet brave enough to go on any of the kid slides alone.

The boys enjoyed story time each evening in the lobby before bed.

Cadel became increasingly more brave with every passing day. Here he sits on a log by himself as I stand at the edge of the pool praying he doesn't fall in.

Anton loved the water. Here he is playing in the wave pool with Daddy. He fell asleep with floating on the lazy river with me one day.

Here Cadel climbs the rope ladder in MagiQuest (a magical, mythical interactive game).

Ava

Rob's niece Courtney, her husband Dave and daughter Ava came from Fargo for a visit recently. Ava is 1 month younger than Anton. The kids enjoyed playing Grandma's piano, Dave enjoyed playing with the boys (finally someone who likes trucks!) and Grandma Wolf enjoyed hosting 3 generations.