home is where my family is

Her rubber ducks modeled for her

Twins Player

We took the kids to a game at the new Target Field last week and it was great! It is a beautiful stadium, and we look forward to enjoying many more games there. We went with 2 of Gabriella’s best friends and they had a blast holding up their sign and cheering on the Twins. Benjamin’s favorite part was seeing T.C. Bear. At one point, we had an ESPN camera guy filming all our kids having fun. Wonder if they made it on tv?!

Spring Twin City Twisters Show

Gabriella had her gymnastics show last weekend. We enjoyed watching her on the bars, beams, and floor work. She has gotten really strong and has been moved up again to the next level. So proud of our little gymnast!

Meet Dora!

As in Dora Winifred Read, aka D.W., from the show Arthur. Not to be confused with the Spanish-speaking Dora. Gabriella wants to be sure that’s clear.

In honor of our first family pet, we made a goldfish painting project. The kiddos just love dot painters, so we used them to make our aquarium accessories, and then added a few goldfish.

Gabriella has taken quite well to her responsibilities as a pet owner. She feeds Dora regularly without my prodding, and she reminds me when we need to clean her bowl. We were a little worried at first that Dora might not like her new home. She did not eat for a whole week. But then we moved her into Gabriella’s room, turned the light off, and she chowed! She apparently likes her new surroundings better, and Gabriella loves having her friend in her room. As it turns out, it’s also a great bargaining chip for Mom & Dad! “If you don’t listen, Dora can go back in the kitchen….”

2nd Dance Competition – a Success!

The Jewels did a fabulous job once again – they really enjoy getting up there on the stage and showing the judges what they can do. Took 1st place again for both dances (being the only team in their age group again) – and this time they received a special “Too Cute” award from the judges. And they were definitely Too Cute! See for yourself!

Our New Swingset

Kirk never wanted a swingset. He didn’t want it taking up space in our yard, he said there’s no reason for it when we have a park so close… I had a really hard time talking him into getting the small one we had. Two swings and a tiny deck with a slide. So he really surprised me when a month ago he announced, “I think we should get a bigger swingset.” Really?! Well, then, let’s start shopping!

Kirk and I make decisions a little differently. He sees something he likes and says, “Let’s buy it.” Me – I have to look at all the different options, taking note of all the ones we like, make lists weighing out the pros and cons, and eventually make a decision that I probably question once or twice after it is all said and done.

Well, here you have it. Our new swingset. Decision made in about 3 days. We compromised on our decision-making ways, and we are very happy with the one we chose.

We went from this…

…to this!

And yes, my handy husband put it together - with the help of a handy father-in-law (thanks Papa Dit), two handy friends (thanks Troy and Brian), and a wife who reads directions meticulously.

The best part is the kids are having a blast!

Oh the Weather Outside is… Beautiful!

Trust me – I will remind them of this when they are teenagers.

They asked to wash the dishes. Yes, I said asked. I gleefully slid out of the way and let them have at it.

Aunt Win’s Visit

We love you Aunt Win! Can’t wait to see you again!

Fun with Daddy!

Okay, is this safe?? Well, I suppose it’s safer than pulling them behind the lawnmower in a snow sled tied to the lawn mower, which is how my dad did it growing up.

Boys Being Boys…

…. playing in the dirt!

More Showstoppers Fun

These pictures were taken by another mom last weekend.

I’m Cute

Near the end of the song, they storm the front of the stage and get to do this cute little pouty thing. The judges loved it!

Martian hop

Love their little martian faces!

Showstoppers – Northrop Auditorium

1st Competition down, and a big success – Jewels did a fabulous job! They took gold with both of their dances (tap and jazz). Okay, so they were the only team in their age group. But they really did nail it! And even though Gab and I had to be up at 5 am on Saturday to get ready and be there by 7 am, we really had a great time!

High-Low

Easter afternoon, Benjamin went poo on the toilet – very exciting! But even more exciting? He stood up, pointed at the poo and exclaimed, “Momma, poo poo!” Another word to add to his vocabulary list – his 3 new words are poo poo, hop, and two!

That night in the middle of the night, Benjamin rolled off the end of our bed. I heard a boom and a cry; I scooped him up and immediately could smell blood and feel the wetness on his face. By the time we turned the light on, there was blood everywhere – his first bloody nose! Poor little man.