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.

Enjoying the Season

The boys have been enjoying the weather and getting ready for Christmas. Thursday night we attended a preschool Christmas party. Anton enjoyed the cookies more than the entertainment and Cadel was way more interested in the instruments that were on stage than singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" with his class. Neither was interested in visiting with Santa, though he did write a letter to him requesting a monster truck. Anton has been checking out all of the ornaments on the tree.

He's not sure what to think about the snow yet. Here he is signing "COLD".

Yesterday, Rob and Cadel dug out a snow fort in our front yard. It's hard to tell from the picture, but all of us could easily fit in the fort.

We're looking forward to Christmas with family and seeing the expressions on the boys' faces Christmas morning. Wishing you all a peaceful and happy holiday!

Halloween

On Sunday, we hosted the second annual Children's Neighborhood Halloween Parade. While I didn't get an exact count, I would estimate another 60+ people in attendance. There were knights, bugs (butterflies, bumblebees), princesses, an acorn and squirrel, and last but not least a monkey and "storm power"/superhero (aka Cadel). Fun and good treats were had by all. What a great way to reconnect with and meet new neighbors.


One of the funniest moments came towards the end of the party. One of the little guests (who shall remain nameless) ran up and stole the head off of our scarecrow (see group photo-shot prior to the incident). He just tore the styrofoam head off its post and ran off with it, much to his mothers dismay. The look on Cadel's face was truly priceless!