are we offically old now...

Fall in photos

2009-12-03T14:06:00.008-06:00

Starting with Cade's Birthday way back in September! (Look how cool of parents we are, we've got the Zhu Zhu's!)

First day of Pre-school-

Apple orchard-

Corn Pit at the Green Barn-

Halloween-

Bike trip at Bunker-

All the cousins-

Photo overload

2009-07-06T12:56:00.006-05:00

We've been busy. Here is the short list:
Planting gardens
Visiting the cabin
Celebrating birthdays
Throwing parties
Visiting cousins
Enjoying the outdoors
Being completely potty trained (Yup, even at night!)
Swimming lessons
Art Fairs
Fireworks
Boat rides
Picking strawberries and flowers
Mix in a few tantrums and thats our summer so far!

Andrew's 30th surprise party set up!

Baby turtle at the cabin!

As close as we could get Trash to the water...

4th of July

Princess-

It's Official

2009-04-23T08:26:00.002-05:00

Genevieve is done with diapers! (Ok, except at night-but she has nap time down!)
She has been for a few weeks now, but with Eve we never know if we're going to jinx it!
Yay Genevieve!

March and April...

2009-04-15T14:57:00.012-05:00

About 2 weeks ago Andrew and I left the kids behind and traveled to the Big Island. The flight in was long, too many transfers, but we made it in an hour early which is apparently pretty unheard of! We grabbed our rental car, found our adorable hotel, got a beer, and ate Taco Bell! (Even though there was a 20 minute wait (with three other people in there) for food...?)
The next morning we woke up and drove to Volcano National Park. About a 3 hour drive from Kona.

The weather is crazy on the big island. In Kona is was always 78' and beautiful. The rest of the island, you never knew what you were going to get. Rainy one minute, sunny and hot the next. But we weren't in MN, so it really didn't matter!
This is the closest we got to any real flowing lava...

You used to be able to walk through this crater, but a few weeks before we came it decided to open up a little bit more! The day before we got there it was throwing out 3 meter wide rocks, and broke the viewing fence. Half the park was closed because of all the sulfur dioxide gas.

After our day at Volcano we made a slow drive home. Visited a winery, ate a fabulous lunch, then went to a Black Sand beach and saw our first (ahem, dead) Sea Turtle! (Don't worry, we eventually found live ones near our hotel!)

Then we went to South Point, driving down crazy, narrow, hardly paved roads. We walked along the edge for awhile looking for the Green Sand Beach, but it was getting late and the sun sets very early in HI, so we never found the actual beach-we did see a lot of green sand though!
We also watched some locals fish and tried not to fall over from the wind.

We did a fantastic hike into Waipio Valley. We walked down a 25% grade road to Hi'ilawe Falls. Then we wandered the valley and the road doesn't get much better.

This was the nicer part of the road with lines cut in it for traction.

Once in the valley the road crossed the river many times. Usually it was ankle deep and calm. This time it was thigh high and raging rapids. The first time we crossed it we had the thrill of a tour bus watching us. The bus turned around and went back up...we kept going.

We were also told that mosquitoes were thick in the valley- we laughed at the guide, especially when I only had to brush one off of me the whole time!

We also visited Hilo, and saw the beautiful falls around the town.

Half-way through the trip we were starting to go through kid withdrawal. Luckily our friend Holly, her husband Jason, and their two ADORABLE daughters came from Oahu to visit us! We headed back to VNP, and loved every minute of it!

The VOG rolls in. Yuck.

Holly and I split a delicious volcano cinnamon roll.

We took a lot of hikes, and for once we actually did one twice! The first time, we really had no idea what we were getting into. (We had no idea it was a 2 hour hike, full sun, blah blah blah.) The second time we were a little more prepared and brought our snorkel gear to swim in Kealakekoa Bay.

The trail was all lose volcanic rock too...

The snorkeling was beautiful and we had a great time, until I accidentally hit a sea urchin with my heel.

The wound. It doesn't look that serious but I probably pulled out 20 barbs in the hotel room and I could feel even more. Not to mention that they release venom which makes you light headed and short of breath and we had a 2 hour hike up a hill to do! I'm still limping in the mornings and we've been home for over two weeks. (Just needed to prove how tough I am...)

On our last day we explored the Kohola coast and all the fancy resort villages-which made me love our hotel even more! But we enjoyed shopping, eating, and more beautiful views!

Out last hike was Polou Valley. It was pretty quick, but very painful! The bottom was another black sand beach, and full of make-shift swings from old ropes.

Our flight home was long and late. We missed one plane and had to run through an airport to not miss another. But we were thankful to be home and for such a wonderful trip.

So, we got home and got right to work. Of course the house needed sweets, so Eve and I worked on that!

Cade and Andrew put together a smaller bike for Cade until he grows into his new one.

The kids and I spent a morning at the Macy's Flower show. The best part was the sleeping cat (See the chair behind them) and the cookie at the end.

Easter Eggs! They made awesome eggs this year.

And now the weather has been beautiful and we've been outside every minute we possibly can be! Cade has been loving the Spring Yard cleanup!

The kids got three Easter's! First the Bunny came to our house. Both kids woke up and instantly started spotting eggs. Thankfully we only put a few Jelly Beans in a couple because Eve had them GONE before breakfast!

The kids got all dressed and ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa R's, then Andrew decided Eve needed her nails painted!

Forgot the camera at the second Easter...
Then we grabbed a nap, and later headed to Grandma and Grandpa S's house for more eggs and the annual trap shoot.

Hello?

2009-02-26T13:35:00.011-06:00

Well, we haven't dropped off the face of the planet, yet! But since I have posted in, well, 2 months, prepare yourself for a lot of photos. We'll start with the most recent and work our way back!

Last weekend Andrew and I took the kids to the Edgewater Water park in Duluth. We had planned to start the day at the aquarium and then swim, but because we got such a late start we just grabbed lunch, checked in early, attempted a nap, then swam till well past bedtime.

Pizza dinner on the floor!

This was at probably 6 in the morning. We woke to Eve helping Cade go to the bathroom-there was no sleeping after that!

Except an attempt by Daddy.

After we packed up and started driving, I gave the kids some animal crackers- they didn't even make it to Eve's mouth before she fell asleep! Cade was out 5 minutes later.

The weather has been pretty nice lately too! So the kids have been enjoying being able to play outside for more than 5 minute at a time! We spent an afternoon making forts, following deer trails, rolling down hills, and teasing the dog.

King of the mountain!

We celebrated Chris's birthday a few weekends ago. I love having all the cousins together to play- Though this time I set up a huge "art" table with markers, crayons, playdoh, and more, so that hopefully they could play "quietly" together rather than just run around-which eventually happened!!

Yes, we still have Trash. An though sometimes he is a little hyper, he does have his moments where he loves laying with the kids and lets them (I mean Eve) get away with anything!

Yes, I actually let them do this...

And how could I forgot, Eve turned 2 at the beginning of the year!
Her prized possession: The Hut Baby

Just waiting for the party to start!

We had an ice cream social for her party. Even her Godmother Briana came down to celebrate!
(Speaking of birthday's I just ran across Thank you letters that I wrote, but obviously NEVER sent out! Maybe we'll combine them with another holiday! But Thank you, Eve loved all her presents from a new Grandma Jean pillow case to Money to new books and games!! THANKS!)

And here is Cade's view of the world in the last few weeks! Funny half the photos on his camera were taken when he should have been sleeping...

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T15:09:00.011-06:00

Christmas has come and gone, the New Year is almost year, the flu has run through this house 2 times in the last 2 weeks, and my baby is almost two. Wow.
Cade got an early Christmas present...ice skates. He has been out once and we hope to take him again soon, he had a blast.

Andrew cut down a full size tree for us and brought in the top of it! It was prefect!

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa S's house. Cade was sick the night before so he took it easy watching Polar Express.

Eve waiting for present's after dinner...

She knew there was a few "BIG" presents that were hers!

She is all about babies right now, she hasn't stopped pushing the stroller around with one of her many new babies in it!

Christmas chaos...

After going home that night the kids put out cookies for Santa and even checked the window's to make sure it wasn't flying by!

Check it out...Cade Skywalker-

Baby #1...

Cade's new bike-

After naps (yes somehow we got them to nap on Christmas) we headed to Grandma and Grandpa R's house. Eve sucked down as much egg nog as she could!

We've gotten so big the living room is now the dining room!

The cousin's sing Christmas carols

Total Chaos...

At the hotel after the farm. Unfortunately Cade wasn't feeling the best the first day at the farm, and the second day Eve got sick again...make it stop!

Cade got a camera for Christmas...

Here are some "best of" Christmas photos from Cade's point of view:

Halloween

2008-11-03T15:18:00.006-06:00

Halloween preparations...Genevieve found a pirate wig and lived in it for a day. Maybe next year...

On Halloween we headed to Jilly's school for a parade. Then we were off to the Zoo for trick or treating!
Cade, my orangutan, had fun pretending to eat Genevieve all evening.
They came up with their costumes by themselves. Cade said he wanted to be a monkey again, and Eve looked right at me and said "Nana!" Then Cade said, "Yeah and I can eat her!"

They all had to touch the snake.

On Sunday we got to celebrate Madeline's 3rd birthday at Adventure Park!
The kids played, ate pizza, cake and ice cream and had a great time!

After a much needed nap, Genevieve got her first motorcycle ride and she was WAY into it, which kind of scares me. I thought she'd just want a little ride around the yard, but they went up and down the road and apparently she was yelling "faster, faster"...Hmmm...

Hiding...

2008-10-17T13:34:00.002-05:00

So we've been hiding a bit, that is because all I do is make the kids work, especially Cade, and there is no fun taking picture of that!
He rakes leaves:

Teaches Eve yoga:

Styles her hair:

And puts her down for naps:

We still have Trash, he weighs about 70lbs now, and still growing...

Cade had said to Eve that her and the scarecrows hair matches, now she calls the scarecrow, "Eve".

A favorite sitting place.

Building whatever he can dream up for the day.

September

2008-10-01T13:50:00.007-05:00

Well, yesterday our little boy had his first day of preschool! Cade and I get to go together (he starts "real" preschool after Christmas). We play, eat, sing, read, and then Cade gets to have "class" while I get to go hang out with the other moms. Genevieve comes too. She gets to play for a few hours in the sibling room. Really, I'm not too sure what she does, because once I leave I know if she sees me again she wouldn't want to stay in the room! But there are lots of babies in the room and she loves babies.

Jump all the way back to the beginning of September...We went to the cabin for Cade's birthday party. Almost everyone made it up for a day of swimming, boating, relaxing, and of course, chips.

Cade soaked uncle Michael by the end of the day.

Plotting something...

Complete present madness..

Cade got a fishing pole from Grandma and Grandpa S, and no kidding, in about 10 minutes he was casting farther than Andrew.

A few weeks ago, Chris and I left our families behind and headed to VEGAS for 5 days. She won the trip, the room, and a Cher concert...so all we had to do was figure out how to eat and drink for cheap. We succeeded, we ate very well and cheap and basically drank for free (just lost a few dollars on the penny slots!). It was hot, and probably a day too long, but we had a fantastic time!

Oh yeah, I even got to meet my 6th grade dream boyfriend...(I know, I've always wanted a sugar daddy I guess...) Donny Osmond.

Last weekend all the cousins headed to Apple Jack orchards. Cade and Eve each went on their first horse rides! They loved it. They also got to ride on a cow train, a tractor, get lost in a huge corn maze, and gorge in the orchard on apples and raspberries. The next day Chris May and Neil took us to the Renaissance Festival...It was interesting!...We almost rode an elephant but the kids were so tired from the day before that they wouldn't have enjoyed it. But we watched a magic show and just had fun people watching!

Cade is 3!

2008-09-05T13:36:00.006-05:00

For Labor Day weekend, Andrew and I parted ways with the kids! They headed up to the Cabin, then the Farm, then Rolag (which was a HUGE hit) with Grandma and Grandpa. Andrew and I went camping in Itasca with Mike and Emily, then headed up to Roseau for Jamey and Kate's FABULOUS wedding! The day after the wedding Andrew and I RUSHED home to build a sandbox for Cade's BIG birthday present! Enjoy the photos:

Non-stop continues (without photos...)

2008-08-18T15:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, still going non-stop to end summer with a bang.
Our list of photo free activities from the last week include:

-Grandpa R's birthday
-A picnic at the park
-Dinner at Aunt Chris's house/lunch at Aunt Chris's!
-Meeting Dalila
-Story time at Red Balloon including some amazing frogs
-Visiting Uncle Neil's motorcycle shop
-Playing with Catherine
-Mike, Dorie, and Madeline arrive!
-A weekend without Dad :(
-Shopping for chips for Cade's birthday
-Pools, Sprinklers, Dirt, and more Dirt

It has been a good summer!

2008-08-05T21:13:00.003-05:00

So, the kids have pretty much been going NON-STOP for over a week now. We've slowed down now that the weekend is over, but we've definitely tired them out!
Last Sunday we headed to the Anoka County Fair to watch the Demo Derby, see some animals, and eat junk food.

After the fair we headed to the Grandparent's house to wear off some cotton candy induced energy.

We've had many pool days because it has been so warm and humid out. I'm not quite sure why she puts the bucket on her head, but if there is a bucket around, it is usually on her head.

Thea, Rob, and Matt came into town. We got to take Matt's senior photos, so Cade got into full photographer mode practicing on his sister...

On the walk to take photos, Eve had enough of being Cade's model, she picked up a stick and began chasing him.

We even got to go to the ZOO with Aunt Gail! They loved the animals, but the ice cream was the BEST part!

The next day was Andrew's work picnic. The kids had a blast goofing around, eating, going in the bouncy castle and dumping water on people's heads...(I'm so sorry, but everyone egged Cade on and I just couldn't stop him. Thank goodness he's cute!)

Then, the NEXT day, my somehow relative (I'm not good with genealogy) Chris came into town and it was uncle Jame's birthday. Time to party again! Of course the kids had a blast playing and eating.

Needless to say, they have slept very well this last week. They must think I am terribly boring so far this week!

2008-07-31T13:42:00.001-05:00

She might be able to take Grandpa R. in a corn eating contest...She ate 3 ears the other nite at dinner and was looking for more.

2008-07-25T14:04:00.002-05:00

This morning Eve woke up and gave me "the look". Yes, she has a lot of looks for her lack of language, but I knew what this look meant.
So this afternoon, we took the crib out of the room and put in her "Big Girl" bed. She is sleeping soundly in it as I type this!

2008-07-21T14:29:00.005-05:00

The day before we moved in I took the kids out to the field to take photos. I've never seen the grass so high and thick. Luckily the bugs weren't to bad so the kids had fun picking and smelling all the wild flowers while I snapped away!

This kids on their first morning in the house. They've already developed their little routines. Cade has to pick out his outfits in his new low shelf closet. Genevieve has to kiss Cade before going to sleep. And many many more.

Fourth of July weekend we went up to the cabin for a day. EVERYONE was there! Eve got her first boat ride, and spent the whole day in the water with Cade and Jilly.

Grandma warming up the little water bug! (Can you tell where Eve gets all her looks from! Don't they look like twins!)

Jilly beans birthday party!

Daddy changing a diaper...check out her face!

I know, it is dark, but I hate using a flash at a museum. We took the kids to the Science Museum this weekend and saw Star Wars. Eved love the Jawa, C-3PO, and the Wampa-who she could have stared at all day! Cade love the whole thing and though all the interactive parts were great!

Andrew's big ping pong tournament. Unfortunately all my hard training still didn't turn up a win this year!

Summer has been going by too fast, and we've been very busy; Going to all the street fairs, playing with the kids, trying to find time to work on the house (we still have windows to do). So far it has been great!
Summer isn't official unless there has been a little mishap. Last year we had Andrew's knee, this summer Eve accidentally touch the hot motorcycle and burned her left hand. It was very scary for me because I was around the same age when I burned my hand and arm badly. (I got to have a sock on my arm all summer!) Luckily hers wasn't as bad as it could have been and she is being great about keeping her bandages on, but I can tell it hurts her a lot. She has learned how to do things with one hand pretty quickly. (It is actually really cute, I will go to help her and she kind of pushes me out of the way and gives me the "I can do it" look.) More importantly she's definitely learned the meaning of "hot things burn".

2008-07-16T11:22:00.000-05:00

We're in, we've been in for a few weeks, pictures coming soon!!

2008-06-25T14:32:00.008-05:00

We've been having some great summer weather and the kids have been loving it. For Father's Day we had a great picnic dinner outside, went back to our house for dessert and then the kids got a Bug ride!

A few days ago I took the kids outside and taught Cade how to use my reflector.

Here is his first attempt trying to fill the light in on Eve's right side! Looks pretty good to me, next week will have to work on diffusing the harsh sunlight...

He wanted to do it to himself, but it was TOO BRIGHT!

On Friday, Grandpa R was playing at a carnival, so the kids and I, and Chris and Jillian met up with Grandma R and listened to music, rode rides, played games, and ate junk food!

Somehow I always get suckered into going on the super jerky kid roller-coasters with Jillian...

We then headed over to a park to wear off some sugar induced energy

That night Cade got to go "camping" in the backyard with Dad! I think it was the highlight of his summer so far! He got to stay up late, bring his flashlight outside, sleep in a sleeping bag, and listen to all different types of sounds. He LOVED it!

A few house updates: Outside only. We are growing grass, slowly...and starting to do a little landscaping.

I'll post some inside photos soon. All the doors are trimmed, the floor has its finish on, windows are almost ready, and we get our Certificate of Occupancy on MONDAY! And yes, we will be moving in and finishing the rest while we are there!

2008-06-11T15:43:00.008-05:00

Somewhere in the middle of all our rainy weather we had a really nice warm day! So nice that we set up a pool for the kids! They loved it. They got to swim while we shoveled dirt!! I loved it because they could play in the dirt and clean off in the pool! Perfect!

Genevieve gave us a big scare about a week ago. She slept in late, so I went to check on her and she was laying in her crib but was literally white everywhere-lips, face, hands. I picked up her and she was breathing and awake but very lethargic. We rushed to the Dr. and luckily on the car ride over her color started to come back. At the Dr. she let them touch her all over, lay her down, finger pokes, and she didn't care, she just sat there. Not normal Eve behavior at the Dr.'s office. After a lot of tests all they found was an ear infection...needless to say I am watching her closely, and am still uneasy about the Dr.'s visit (I'm happy they found nothing, but I have some unanswered question, mainly "why did she turn white"), she seems fine and she has a check up in a week or so.
Genevieve and Cade loved it though, because Eve got all the popsicles and juice she wanted and of course Cade did too!

Planting flowers with Grandma

Great Grandma's 75 birthday party! (My kids have very good genes)

Playing with Caitlyn at the party

I didn't feel so well this last weekend, so while I laid downstairs, this is what Cade and his dad did...

For my birthday all I wanted to do was take the kids to the MN zoo so Cade could finally see the new grizzly bears. We did and they both loved it.

She likes every animal, but show her a pig (any type, any size) and she'll scream, "no no no"...weird...

Even Bri got to join us which was fabulous! The kids loved having her there, Eve couldn't stop saying, "Brianna, brianna", which sound more like "B-nana"

2008-05-27T20:57:00.006-05:00

While storms hit at home we spent a beautiful Memorial weekend up at the farm and Aunt Karen's for Cassie's graduation party.
Everything went great except the fact that the car seats are now permanently separated....

Of course we had to stop at the cabin first for some water wading!

When we got to the farm the kids had to greet the dog first.

Cade finally got ice cream from Jimmy's ice cream machine again...

and Abby force fed him cotton candy...

Later Eve was forced to try some as well...

We then headed to Cassie's Grad party, where they had tons of stuff for the kids-
A sand box (and more trucks than they knew what to do with!! aka HEAVEN)

Bubbles!

A trampoline!

All of us had so much fun and wish we didn't have to drive home that evening. We figured the kids would have been out as soon as they got in the car, but instead, they both kept us company the whole 4 hour car ride home. (They maybe each slept 20 mins...!)

Proof they are totally related...

2008-05-16T21:28:00.002-05:00

Cade 17 months...

Genevieve 17 months...

2008-05-13T14:10:00.008-05:00

The kids still aren't 100% up to par. They've both been acting up a little (aren't they just supposed to lay in bed when they are sick?) so we've been doing everything possible to keep them busy and their minds on not feeling sick. I'm not sure how well it is working, but they are having fun, and that is all that counts.
Last Friday I took them to the Como zoo. I purposely forgot the stroller at home and made them both walk. Everyone marveled at my perfect little kids walking around the zoo holding my hands. (Especially those moms with their 7 year olds still in strollers...) They were actually perfect at the zoo. Cade asked so many questions about every animal that it just blew me away. Eve had a great time really being able to see the animals and not at the mercy of where I pointed her in a stroller like she usually is. We even had some excitement on the tropical trail! As we were watching the Sloth, she decided to come down from her tree, something she has never done before. She is not fenced in so before we knew it she was coming down the path. No one seemed to care till I grabbed one of the workers, within a minute the whole area was surrounded with security. Someone told me sloths come down from the trees to go to the bathroom about once every three months, so who knows what was going on. We left just in case they had to do something to the sloth I didn't want the kids to see. We had a picnic lunch in the park and enjoyed the nice day. (No photos, my hands were busy)
Andrew also put a rocket together for Cade because he is in love with all things rockets right now. We had a great time launching it off...

Yes, that is where our rocket ended up...We are now waiting for a windy day.

The Saturday before Mother's day, I headed out with my mom and sister and Andrew was in charge. It was total mayhem. They ate dinner outside, in a tent, in the rain. They LOVED it.

We've also been lucky enough to have some nice weather lately so the kids have been outside a lot. I hope all the fresh air gets the little funk out their systems and back to normal!

He's up to 50lbs. now...(he was 43 when we got him a month ago)

2008-05-06T20:52:00.006-05:00

Why, oh WHY is it that the kids get sick whenever something big is happening. I'm not talking about just the holiday's, but if I have something planned, you better believe that one or both will get sick.
The week started with both of them having small colds, which were really not too bad- though Eve sounded like a dying cat- and ended with an ear infection for Cade and a double ear infection for Eve. Please don't even ask how the trip to the doctor's office went or it will end with a huge political rant as to why I am voting for a democrat.
It was a bad week to be sick with Mike, Dorie and the cousin's in town. Cade and Eve missed out on getting to know their two cousins as well as a lot fun with them. But we did have a great time when we were with them-probably because just about everyone else was sick too!

Of course we had to try for the group shot of all the cousins...My kids never cooperate, this time it was Eve who wouldn't sit still.

Notice Cade's face as we get towards the end...

These three stayed to cuddle for a while after the photo shoot!

We had a big dinner to celebrate Mike's birthday before they headed home to Connecticut. It was suppose to be outside but it was snowing or raining or cold, or something... (I'm not paying attention to the weather anymore until I can wear a tank top for a week straight.)
I have no idea what is going on in this photo but
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER!

When we were eating cake, Madeline got COVERED in frosting and ice cream! It was adorable, but for the life for me, every time I went to take a photo something like this happened...

Or this...(proof even the photographer was sick as well, right?!)

The day after they left, the kids and I went on a big bike ride with Grandma and Grandpa R. and ended at a park. (Yes, Cade does live in the sweatshirt! It is his all time favorite at the moment.)

The nice big brother waiting to help Eve slide down the big slide in his lap...

Oh wait, he just put her there so he could push her down by herself...(thank god she is a dare devil too and doesn't mind)

The kids are so used to the big kid swings that they weren't quite sure about the toddler swings anymore. Unfortunately the"big" swings at this park were way too far off the ground, so they had to be in these.

Perhaps another reason why we named him Trash?...

2008-04-29T13:07:00.010-05:00

Before it decided to SNOW again, we had a beautiful week. The kids were outside all day, everyday...even eating outside as much as possible. I'm not even taking photos of the snow anymore because I refuse to believe it can snow a week before MAY. But, speaking of snow-cold, blowing snow-Andrew ran a 10K in the middle of all of it, in 50 minutes! I would think all the snow and wind would help you run very fast!

Trash takes on a turkey...

He needs some training...

I leave the porch open and Trash does very well to stay put, but the kids love to go in an visit. I caught Genevieve sneaking him cat food the other day.

And of course his bed is about the coolest place...

Our picnic lunch the other day

Yes, that is Genevieve swinging all by herself on a big kid swing...she learns fast.
(Sorry about the camera strap, it was insanely windy)

I'm sure she'll learn to do this next week!

Cade loves that he can climb trees now!

...

The perfect chair

Another good chair!

This is the naughty corner. Genevieve is a little young for it, but when Cade gets in trouble this is where he has to go. The other day, Genevieve hit Cade on the head, and I told her she was "naughty". She got up and sat herself down in the naughty corner. She understands EVERYTHING...

Cade's bikes:

On Friday, Mike, Dorie, Madeline and Catherine came into town. The cousins played together like they've been playing together their whole lives. It was so much fun to see!

The next morning we had breakfast at Chris's house.

I never thought I would see my brother doing this.

Cade fanning Dorie

Catherine telling Cade, "don't even think about fanning me..."

2008-04-17T21:04:00.004-05:00

Besides getting a dog, we have been pretty busy this last month.
Cade got to go on his on little vacation at the beginning of the month up to farm. Just him, Grandma Wanda and Gail headed up north for a one night trip that turn into a two night trip on account of about 12-16" of snow!! He had a blast jumping on trampolines with dogs (something he already asked me to get for Trash), playing in the snow, watching Grandpa Buzz's tractor pull out Gail's van, and hanging out with all the cousins! Eve and I had a "girls" weekend. She really brought out a vocal personality without Cade around!
Andrew and I have been busy staining doors and trim while Bill is doing all the little jobs that take way too much time and I'm glad I'm not doing! The electrician was in and finished and we should have the plumber finish next week as well. Then it is up to us! I just keep say to myself, "window trim, door trim, stairs, then we're in...." But then I have to start paying a mortgage...
Here is some random cuteness from the last week...enjoy!

I hate to think of what would happen if we lost this doll...

Watching deer

Dad's shoes

He wears his shoes, why not one of his many Ipod's

A good run down the hill!

She can climb the slide by herself now!

I still cannot believe he is only 5 months...he is HUGE!

Where our poor cat, Cale has been hanging out lately...(since Saturday)

Our house looks good in Spring!

Is there such a thing as cute Trash?

2008-04-13T20:41:00.007-05:00

Meet Trash! The newest member of the family. Part German Shepard, part Husky, maybe some Collie (don't see it) and probably some bear. His paw print is like nothing I have ever seen...and he is only 5 months old!
So far he is very mellow for a puppy. He hung out with us all weekend while we worked at the house, happy just to be around us, sitting in the sun on his new bed, chewing a bone. He plays great, enjoyed his runs with me, and loves to have Cade lay on him. He is great with the kids, though his size does intimidate Eve a bit.
Some may think Trash is not an acceptable name for a dog, let me explain...A few days before we got the dog I had showed Cade some photos of him on the internet and told him to think of a new name. A couple days later, I went to get Cade up from his nap and he was so excited. I asked him what he was so thrilled about, and he said,
"Mama, I know what I want to name the dog, I dreamed about it all nite long!!"
I told him that was great and asked him what is was.
So filled with enthusiasm he said, "TRASH!"
I laughed and asked why, he told me he wanted to name him like Trash Gordon on Sesame Street, (For those who don't know, Oscar reads a chapter from "The Adventures of Trash Gordon" at the end of every show) but "without the Gordon". How could I say no!!

2008-04-04T09:03:00.006-05:00

The kids and I have had a pretty busy week. All the carpet is in, except on the east stairs! We've been busy moving stuff over all week...now to get those windows trimmed!
Cade, Genevieve, and I braved the MN zoo last Friday, it was a nice day and busier than I've ever seen it! We even made a first trip to Chuck E Cheese, which was a little disappointing for me (I miss the huge muppet things that played music) but the kids like it and had a great time. We had Jillian with who gladly showed Cade around! The Spring weather I've been dying for is finally here and since its going to be so nice this weekend (something I never expected) I'm still trying to decide if I want to run a 5k tomorrow. Help me decide!

I'm also trying to decide what the heck to do on the front of the bar. Andrew thinks tile, but I think it needs to be more durable with kids kicking and what not...Any ideas???

So happy to have carpet in his room!!

Snow one day, swing the next...

Yes, he is trying to knock her down; No, he was wasn't going big enough at all!

Our "after the art" project!

2008-04-01T08:38:00.004-05:00

We have more carpet!
Our bedroom/porch now has carpet. On Thursday the downstairs bedrooms and living room will get it too! The carpet is made from corn husks (we're green!) and we can use bleach water on it to clean up stains; no fading, no discoloration; sounds like a dream carpet with kids! Yay!

Bathroom tile, still needs grout.

(Our bathroom does not have pink fixtures and walls, I just didn't color correct, sorry)

We got snow too. March is done now, the snow better be too...

Not to be out done by her brother...

March madness...

2008-03-24T15:26:00.006-05:00

Such a great term in so many ways...
It fits today because while I was importing photos, the computer decided to do some illegal operation and deleted the first half of the photos.
What we lost:
Adorable egg dying photos...probably the cutest thing you ever would have seen, so maybe its a good idea that they aren't here.
The first half of our Easter morning...basket rummaging, egg hunting, brunch eating...
Photos of the kids outside in short sleeves on day, and in their snow gear the next. This was supposed to be another point on my March madness theme. I seriously hate March, I put the sleds away one day and the next day it drops 6" of snow. This goes on an on all month (which is by far the longest month of the year). Maybe next year I'll learn.
Finally, my brackets for the March Madness...every team I picked to upset, failed, and everyone I picked to go on, got upset...I've still got some good ones in there, and my big winner UCLA pulled through a nail bitter...There's an IPhone riding on this, I want.

Here are the photos my camera saved:

This was love at first taste...Both kids got more sugared up than ever before.

But we didn't just allow them candy, they also were given as much snow to eat as they wanted.

Easter games

It was also my Mom's birthday. I'm pretty sure Cade spit salmon all over the cake while helping to blow out the candles.

Eve licked this plate clean...you can see the sugar haze in her eyes.

Why couldn't I focus faster...

Jillian introduced me to her new toy, the Barbie dog...

Get the idea...

We normally shoot guns on Easter, but we forgot to make the run to Wal-mart for some ammunition.
In honor of the broken tradition:

We love guns...

New York

2008-03-14T13:26:00.005-05:00

Andrew and I made our way to and from New York this past week. We left the kids in good care with the Grandma's and Grandpa's. All I know is that they went to McDonald's and went sledding which seemed to be the highlights for Cade!

As soon as we landed in New York we ran to the Airtrain, then ran to the subway, then ran through Grand Central and made the 12:07 train to New Haven by about 1 minute. We spent the rest of the day in CT with Mike, Dorie and our two beautiful nieces, Madeline and Catherine.

I told Madeline to stick in her tongue out in all the photo...she did!

Monday morning we got up early and headed to New York. We had breakfast in Grand Central and then started walking, which is pretty much what we did all week. WALKED (and went record shopping)...
Central Park-

Later that day we head to the MOMA, checked out our hotel, and then met up with Justin for lunch. Afterwards I finally got to head back to Polaroid to see Jen.

The next day we headed downtown and began walking again.
Looking at the Statue of Liberty in Battery Park

The Brooklyn Bridge.

Then we met up with Justin again, it was his birthday so the evening began around noon...

Taking a break in our room.

It was also the nite of my show at Grace, which looked good, but was interesting to say the least. I forgot to take any photos of the show, but I am hoping I can convince someone at the school to send me a few. Everyone I wanted to see (except Beth, an intern from polaroid...) came to the opening.
John-

Gabe and Jen.

On Wednesday I was too tired to even think about taking a photo. We walked up into the park again, saw Gabe's studio, and headed to Brooklyn with Justin for the nite.
The next morning we grabbed bagels and headed to the airport. The trip went way to fast, but at least the kids didn't hate us when we got home.
Things are already back to normal.

we've got carpet!

2008-02-27T20:23:00.003-06:00

I find it funny that the one room we weren't going to finish is the first room to get carpet...how does that happen?

baby, what a view

2008-02-18T13:27:00.007-06:00

Thought I should post some more house updates, as we have been moving right along. (I'm almost done with the third and final coat of paint throughout the house!!)

The kitchen is almost complete. Just need some hardware on the doors, and to figure out what we are going to do with the front of the bar.

Our sinks we splurged on! LOVE them!!

All the doors are installed!!

I was finishing painting the other day in the porch and I just kept staring out the window. I can't believe this is my view! The hermit in me loves it and the touch of city girl I have goes crazy...

More doors!

Andrew and Bill just finished building and taping a wall around our air exchanger, blower, etc. They built in book shelves which I am very excited about. As soon as we sand the tape it will be the last thing I have to paint! We will be starting trim in a few days, and hopefully have carpet in this room in a couple of weeks!

The outside still looks the same!

The kids are still cute. I caught them pretending to sleep the other day while I was doing laundry. Too cute!

Congrats to Neil who got 1st place in the One Lunger 100, in the insanely COLD Minnesota weather!!!

2008-02-10T20:38:00.001-06:00

2008-01-29T13:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I am officially an exhibiting New York artist.
I never considered my show at the New York Studio Program an exhibition (it was up for 24 hours...) so I never really considered myself to have had a piece shown in New York. On March 3, I will have a piece up in the Grace Institute Museum for a show centered around women's work. It is a small step and I am hoping I can take the excitement and momentum and continue making and showing work...something I haven't done for a little while now!

Some house updates:
The kitchen is coming together, though since Andrew and I are having no trim around the cabinets, it is taking a little bit more time to get everything aligned and opening properly! Here it is with almost all the cabinets up! We will get the hood on Wednesday and probably finish up then!

I get really excited whenever doors get put in!

Dog kisses...

Water Water Water!

2008-01-21T12:52:00.000-06:00

Last week, Cade, Eve, Chris, Jilly, Grandma and Grandpa and I headed up to Duluth for some much needed Waterpark action.

Eve loved the water and the fact that there were balls in it! (Notice- she has them all the time!) Cade did awesome and was able to swim by himself with a life jacket! At one point he even asked to go underwater and he loved it!

When we weren't in the waterpark (rare) we were relaxing in the hotel room or eating!

Or enjoying the view from our room!

Somehow Grandpa was able to fall asleep with a roomful of people!

Andrew was able to take Thursday off work and join us.

After spending some time in the waterpark with Dad we headed to the Train and Childrens museum.

Finally heading home on Friday.

More photo overload!

2008-01-07T11:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday doll.

We spent last weekend up at the farm for Christmas! Andrew and I learned a valuable lesson about 4 hour car rides and our kids..err...Genevieve- let her wear off energy before we go next time. We packed up and left right after breakfast, Eve pretty much screamed the whole way up! She wanted nothing to do with being strapped in! So, we got to the farm, no sleep, a little stressed, but the kids did great. All the commotion, new people, and toys kept them entertained all day.

They both had fun getting harassed by Leroy (and all the uncles)

About half the family fit into the porch this year!

After opening presents and eating all day, we headed to a hotel room for the nite. The INSTANT we put the kids in the car they were out! Once we got to the hotel room they had to check it out for a little while, but crashed all nite once they went to bed!

After breakfast we took the kids to the pool. Eve is such a water baby and would probably have just jumped in herself.

Cade was so excited about swimming only to be a little scared at first. He kept the death grip on dad for awhile, but pretty soon was jumping in and having a great time!

We headed back to the farm and had to check out the cows!
First Cade wanted to get some hay to feed them-

He could have stayed there all day-

Opps. Sorry Andrew...

We left the farm that afternoon, the ride home was much better than the ride up. (Though we thought Cade would sleep but he stayed awake talking to us the whole way home!)
We had a quiet New Years and got some more work done on the house. And, before you know, we have A ONE YEAR OLD!

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone, and all the great things that have happened.
(Started the house, Andrew's new job, I got a teaching job, the smartest 2 year old alive, on and on...)
We had cupcakes on Genevieve's actual birthday and let her open a present from us.

Cade was way more into the cake than her.

On Sunday we had her big party, but before everyone got there Andrew and Cade made a snowman, and Genevieve got her first snowmobile ride!

Well rested and ready for a party!

Eve really thought eating like this was the best!

A little birthday Wii action.

She is an old pro at opening presents!

At one point she even had to climb on top of one to open it!!

The boys putting together her chair!

She loves this thing!!

She had three bites of cake, then threw it...

Cade, again, got way more into the cake than her!

A little birthday rock and roll

Photo OVERLOAD!

2007-12-26T11:44:00.000-06:00

As I type this, the kids are coming down hard from two days of Christmas and colds! Both of them were so good all weekend, so I guess a little extra crabbiness is expected...

We started out the long Christmas weekend on Saturday with cookie baking.

After 9 hours of baking, our results:

Andrew and I went on a snowmobile ride over the weekend and did some work on the house.

Fun to see it from a different view

The "oh so fun to install" wood ceiling!

Duct work in the upstairs east side

Dreading they day we start to put the IKEA kitchen together...

(A week ago at Andrew's work Christmas party...

Aren't we cute...)

Christmas Eve!

The photo-shoot could have gone better...

We had a full house for Christmas Eve, Thea, Rob, Matt, Anita, John, and Gail joined us!

Cade got a tool set and decided to fix daddy's leg again...

Awesome light-up SpiderMan chair!

The next morning SANTA came!

Don't let the raisins fool you, her dad let her open and eat a candy cane...

Kind of like her brother got to...

Cade noticed Santa left his reindeer behind!

Eve having a quiet moment with all the new toys!

Cade typing a Christmas wish to everyone!

That afternoon we headed to the other grandma and grandpa's house!

More presents!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T22:23:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas...Cute photos to follow!

See for yourself!

2007-12-21T08:49:00.000-06:00

We got a tree!

2007-12-13T21:21:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Neil found a perfect tree for us across the field! We took the snowmobiles out and dragged it home!

Cade had to put the star on!

We'd put them up, Eve would take them down.

Cade pretty much decorated the whole tree. He even got the piano bench so he could hang higher! A couple of branches got multiple ornaments. I love how kids do it!

Check out that pout.

Cade can keep himself busy for (almost) hours arranging toys...

...and dumping water...

2007-12-06T13:15:00.001-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving twice this year. First with all the Anderson's where a new toy box keep Cade and Eve busy all day!

A few days later we celebrated with my parents, where Jillian keep Cade and Eve busy all day!

The Monday after Thanksgiving was back to normal.

Then we got SNOW! After taking an hour to get the kids bundled up, we headed outside for 20 mins...

Sled rides...

Throwing snowballs...

First snowmobile ride with Neil

Eve didn't get to participate...

What they look like when they come in-

She just threw herself on the ground and laid there, like all the extra clothes was an incredible weight that just wore her out!

2007-11-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Genevieve is quickly learning new things.

Here are my two favorites:

Climbing the stairs (and everything else...)

Talking on the phone

Maybe Cade has learned a little bit too much about Daddy's knee injury.

Enjoy some cute videos:

A favorite game between Cade and Eve.

Genevieve can and will push anybody around!

Cade loves pushing his sister around!

Halloween

2007-11-09T16:44:00.000-06:00

Yes, we did celebrate Halloween, I just have been slow to post!

Andrew and the kids carved pumpkins.

Monkeys pose:

Monkeys play:

On Halloween the kids got to go trick or treating at the zoo. They had a great time. I just felt horrible for Cade-I figured we'd be outside so I looked for a warm costume, opps!

He couldn't get enough touching of the scary animals!

My little monkey needed a treat!

Andrew had his ACL surgery and all went well. He is already off crutches and back at work! A few more weeks and he'll be back to normal!

2007-10-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

Andrew was scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday but complications arose, and it was postponed. After spending half the day trying to figure out what the heck was going on, and being too late to go into work, we did what any good parents would do: Go to the zoo!
(It was great, no one was there!)

We were told it is very rare for the tiger to sit up next to the window.

Just as exciting as the animals:

Thomas!

Scuffy!

The next night, we fired up the Greenwood (our furnace) for the first time!

On Saturday Andrew and the kids headed to the Anoka Halloween parade!

Monkey #1 (refused to wear his costume)

Monkey #2 (had no choice)

I met up with them after running my first 5k with Chris!!!
(29:58- not bad for a first time!)

Sunday we celebrated Grandma's birthday!

Cade entertaining us at the dinner table.

Eve...

Of course we had to buy Guitar Hero on Sunday!

Cade...

Andrew has his surgery on Monday, so send good thoughts for a speedy recovery!!

a week of mishaps...

2007-10-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Eve's walking- with a walker, that's not a mishap-

But she is also climbing EVERYTHING!

(Not pictured- the slide, the stairs, our bed, into the bathtub...it goes on....)

But all her climbing eventually leads to this:

Mishap #1

Down a few stairs, and Mom was too slow...
I feel horrible. (It looks even worse now!)

Mishap #2

He wanted a mustache like daddy's.

Playing with Cade's toys..shh don't tell Cade.

Putting it in writing

2007-10-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

Cade is offically potty trained! We still are using a diaper at night, just in case, but he hates putting them on now so I think we'll be moving onto undies soon.
We're about $20 in the hole buying matchbox cars, but it worked! In fact his matchbox cars have taught him a lot. The other day we were at the post office waiting in line, Cade looked out the window and said "Red Porsche mama". And sure enough there was the life size version of his red matchbox Porsche sitting outside. (You should have seen the owner of the Porsche's smile!)
I have to say that once we finally got serious about getting Cade out of diapers it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. (Though he has already learned the stall tactics of going potty -"time for bed Cade", "no, poop in toilet now mommy" is how are nites are going!) I credit Andrew to getting Cade to go. After weeks of me putting Cade on the toilet and standing in there waiting for him to go, Andrew put him on the toilet, said "Cade do you want to be alone", Cade said yes, and he went! I can't tell you how nice it is to go to Costco and only spend $32.00 on diapers as opposed to $60!!

PS. I haven't posted much about Genevieve lately, probably because we are a little disapointed with her right now. She had her 9 month check up a few days ago and is only in the 95% for height instead of Off the Charts. We're hoping she can catch up again soon. :)

A fall day

2007-10-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

Cade, Genevieve and Jillian all had a perfect fall day yesterday.

Eating apples!

Wagon rides

And jumping in leaf piles.

Cade and Jillian also helped me pick pumpkins, move hay bales, and tie up corn stalks for some halloween decorations. They set it up all by themselves and it looks great.

It looks like a house-(don't mind the unpainted front door)

We are now working inside!

!!!

2007-10-08T14:13:00.000-05:00

My little man pooped in the toilet this morning, and right now is napping in his underwear. (I never in my life thought I would type something like that, parenthood is amazing, I'm excited about poop!)

Out of touch

2007-10-06T21:55:00.000-05:00

President Bush? Didn't you just declare it National Children's Health Day?

I really like Trent Lott's reason that the bill wouldn't work "if we add a large tax to cigarettes, people will stop smoking, and then the SChip won't be funded..." Do people listen to themselves?

2007-10-05T11:27:00.001-05:00

We started SERIOUS potty training last week and Cade caught on really quick. Probably because at first he got a new matchbox car AND chocolate everytime he did anything...we are bad parents sometimes...
He is now offically "pee" trained, but still won't poop for us. At least instead of going in his underwear he asks for diaper. So that is our challenge next week. But he is doing great, he is even waking up from nite time and naps dry! Yay Cade!

We've been having a lot of rain lately, so I finally let Cade go out and play in the puddles...

At first I think he was in shock that I was actually LETTING him play in the puddles...

But he got the hang of it real quick!

Eventually he ended up striping out of his boots and coat, and later his pants..

We brought home some hay bales the other day and Grandpa showed Cade how to climb to the top while Dad showed him how to throw it!

Cade making bubble gloves while I mop.

A Cade masterpiece. (Mom drew the mane in)

The only way to play guitar

How Genevieve, Cade and Jillian play piano together.

And what happens when I walk out of the room for two seconds.

We went to the zoo on on of the non-rainy days.

We always have to sit on the turtle

Eve loves getting out of the stroller and looking at the fish. I think she could do this all day.

New animal exhibit?

2007-09-13T20:51:00.001-05:00

Now that Genevieve is standing, it is about all she wants to do.

Especially when she doesn't want to sleep!

Notice the lucky land of the large can!

Breakfast

Wishing they could go outside on their own..

Cade has gotten very good at catching toads.

He is always finding them back at the house. I'm always amazed how gentle he is with them.

On Thursday, Andrew's work had a picnic at French Meadow park.
Almost every employee has kids right around Cade's age so it was really geared for them. They had a reptile show that he loved. He had to touch everything 3 or 4 times and then run up to me and tell me if they were sticky or slimy...never mind that he catches these things all the time!

Even Genevieve got to check out the turtles.

SNAKES!

The park had an awesome playground. It was pretty much all cargo nets so Cade could climb like crazy. It was really well enclosed so no matter how high he went we didn't have to worry.

I think Cade could have stayed there all day!
They had tire swings, sand diggers, huge slides, and tunnels. It was a dream come true for him!

we have a two year old...

2007-09-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that Cade is already two! It is absolutely amazing watching him become such a great little man. I especially love seeing little bits of Andrew and me come through in him, but for the most part he is very much is own self!!
So needless to say we had a great party for Cade on Saturday. Both Grandparents were there, aunts, uncles, and even Thea, Rob, and Matt drove up from Iowa to celebrate!

We let him open his presents from us as soon as he got up in the morning.

Then we let him have chocolate milk...

Then cake...

Which somehow he didn't finish!

He got to play with Jillian...

And open more presents!

Eve had fun watching her brother

Though unfortunately she was sick.
In fact, Cade, Eve, and I all had terrible colds all weekend, but I think Eve had it the worst. She not only had a bad cold, the kind of cold where the second you lay down your nose is completely full making it impossible to breath, but she also got her second tooth. It was a long weekend for all of us.
But, sick or not, we still managed to have fun.

Climbing trees...

Swinging...

Crazy mowing...

Cat attacking...

Bath time togetherness...

Hiding in our bed...

And cute faces...

We probably all got sick from our big day at the State Fair last week...

Cade went on his first Merry-Go-Round...

And had to pet every animal in every barn!

He got to eat is first Pronto Pup!

And after 5 hours at the fair, they were out!

I thought I should also put up some house photos, as we have been making progress!

The east and west sides are completely sided...

The middle section should be done soon and after that we can start painting again!

I can't wait to use this bathtub.

this has nothing to do with my kids...

2007-08-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

Two things this week that have just made me smile.

Ebay

I can't leave the kids out completely...
Genevieve got her first tooth on Sunday. This makes me smile as well!
Enjoy!

a week at home

2007-08-21T13:50:00.000-05:00

We bought Cade a swing set last week and he loves it. I wasn't sure he'd be able to do the swings without a back, but he figured it out right away.

Lunch time with Cade and Eve involves lots of faces.

While at dinner time, Eve usually gets to flirt with Grandpa.

About a week ago we had a bad storm and had to get the kids out of bed. The power went out so we all sat around with candles and flashlights. Cade got his out that nite too, along with his firemans hat. As soon as he got up the next morning he had to get them again, even though the power was back on.

Eve fell asleep for a long time on her hand...

The kids at work at the house.

Now that Eve is getting more mobile she sometimes gets herself stuck.

Cade loves that Eve is moving around more, I think he thinks he'll be able to do this more and more...

More new tricks-

The first time she pulled herself up she instantly let go and stood for a long time!

where do they learn this stuff...

2007-08-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had to take Cade to Urgent Care. He had a temp. that was averaging around 102.8. It turns out he has an ear infection in both ears and strep throat. However, since we had to go to Urgent Care we were quoted that the wait would be about 2 hours, so I packed everything I could think of that would keep him busy. Andrew got off work early to make sure Cade was ok and to sit with us at the doctor's office. After about an hour and a half of staying fairly still and entertained, Cade began to get restless, so Andrew got up and walked him around. We were seated right next to the eye clinic so they walked in to look at the glasses and checked out the rest of the building. Andrew and Cade came back, and Cade was just slowly wandering by himself. He started to go slowly into the eye clinic, he turned around and looked at both of us for the "ok" or "the denial", I told him "no" and to come back, but he just stood there. So then I said "Cade, back up, back up, back up". Which always prompts him to walk backwards towards us. But as I said it Cade started to say, "back up back up back up", he then turned around, faced us, and walked backwards into the eye clinic.

No, this is not a repeat...

2007-08-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

Last week we went to the zoo, again! Can you ever have too much zoo?
Jim, Abby, Joe, and Great Grandma came down for a long weekend. We had a nice cookout on Sunday with them.

Helping Joe carry water to boil the corn.

Why are you over there mommy?...

Cade's favorite game, "here comes the bee from the barn to the house to get you!" until later that day a bee actually got him three times.

Eve watching the goats at the zoo.

Cade did lots of things he never would do before at the zoo...

Pet the goats...

Go through all the big dark tunnels...

Ride the Monorail. (Actually we don't do that because I'm too cheap!)

Grandma had to put Eve's toes in the fountain

How Cade eats broccoli

Eve got a new trick this week

She finally got a new sound!!

pictureless

2007-07-31T13:57:00.000-05:00

We've done a lot of things this last week, but I misplaced my camera since I last uploaded photos.
You'll have to use your imagination. We spent Saturday evening at Michael's house. Eve got to "play" with another baby her age, and Cade just got to be cute and impress people.
On Sunday, we all went to the Anoka County Fair. Our hope was to see the Demo Derby, but by the time it was scheduled to start it was too hot and the kids were tired out. We still had fun looking at animals and rides.
On Monday, the kids and I went to the Minnesota Zoo with Chris and Jillian. They had special treats for the animals because of the heat, so a news crew was out filming. Apparently the kids were on the news, we just never figured out what channel. Cade got to see the bird show and the dolphin show! (Usually he is too tired to make it to both).
We came home that evening to find out that Cade and Eve have another girl COUSIN!!
Today we spent the morning swimming with Jillian in her pool and getting rides in her Barbie Jeep.
Progress is going well on the house. We've gotten high enough with the siding that we are using scaffolding now. Almost all the windows are trimmed, I get a garage door on Thursday, and next Monday the lower level walls get built. I think Cade is going to miss the open lower floor. He can ride a trike around pretty easily on the concrete and doesn't have to steer too well.

Duluth!

2007-07-25T21:21:00.001-05:00

About two weeks ago, I packed up the kids and we headed to Duluth to bud in on Chris, James, and Jillian's vacation. We stay in a hotel with a waterpark, and after a few minutes of checking it out, Cade loved most of it! The splash pool he wanted NOTHING to do with after seeing a huge bucket of water splash all over the kids every five minutes or so. But, the vortex pool, regular pool, and lazy river were all hits!

Eve didn't do much swimming. It was so hot and humid in the pool area, she would pretty much fall right asleep!

Turtle walk!

Swimming!

They had balls in the water! PERFECT!!

The vortex pool

Relaxing in the hotel room.

The next day, we headed out the Lake Superior, and went on the Vista Cruise harbor tour.

Eve's first boat ride.

Just finishing up throwing rocks in the lake!

Watching the "HUGE" boats come in

Doesn't this look dangerous...

Cade and Eve were worn out after the trip. But the next morning we went to see Grandpa play guitar in Anoka.

And the day after that, we went to Jillian's Birthday Party. Or as Cade calls it, "Happy Cake Day"

Cade had the death grip on the side of the Barbie Jeep the whole time Jilly drove him around! (I would too, she ran him into a couple of bushes!)

Practicing driving!

On Cade's last ride, the jeep ran out of batteries...

so the girls pushed him home!

Presents!

Piñata!

Cade's stash!

Even the dog got to get in on it!

Eve was happy playing with grandma's watch.

and in the grass!

Cade was happy with rocks,

So happy in fact that he asked for rocks for his birthday.

And we delivered! (though a few weeks early)

(They get put in the ground in a day or two)

Sometime in these last few weeks Cade hit the terrible two's. He wants to be independent but all the choices overwhelm him. He acts so grown up sometimes that its hard to remember he's not even two yet!! I hope this phase passes quickly. It is so hard to see him frustrated with simple things.
Eve on the other hand is just a happy baby. She smiles, laughs, and waves at just about anything. We are still trying to get her to get something out other than a scream or a laugh. One of these days she will get her ba's and goo's!
She had a check-up last week. She is still off the charts for height- over 28" tall!! and 16 lbs 13oz. (70%).

2007-07-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

The kids, Wanda, and I headed up to the cabin before the 4th. Cade spent the whole day in his swimsuit. He jumped off the dock, scooped dirt, splashed, threw balls, and had a blast.
Eve tried to eat the dirt all afternoon while watching her brother.

The sleeping ducks. Cade wanted them to "fly up".

The Engelson's came to visit again.

Cade tried to convince Matt to come into the pool.

On the 3rd, we went to my folks house to watch fireworks.

I couldn't help but notice our festive appetizers.

Cade and Jillian played outside for most the evening.

About 9:30, trying to stay awake to see his first 4th of July fireworks.

Hopefully he enjoyed it. Unfortunately Eve was in bed around 7 and missed to whole thing.

I found some photos of our 4th of July last year. I can't believe how fast kids and stomachs grow.

We went to visit Jay and Melissa and their son, Justin.

Adorable!

After promising we'd go to the zoo for about a week, we finally made it last Friday.

We went to see the new Sparky show.

Cade was entranced the whole time.

I was disappointed that the new Sparky can't blow a horn.

Eve was there too.

We went to Como Town. I tried to get Cade to go on a real ride, and he just screamed "No!" So he finally agreed to a quarter ride and had a lots of fun.

This is what happens when I tell Cade to put mommy's robe and Eve's hat away.

Not to be out done by Eve's new found talents, Dad taught Cade a few new tricks this week.

How to dunk Oreos

and how to clean a carboy.

The house is coming along well.

IN FLOOR HEAT!!!!

Does anybody notice the green crayon all over his face?
Don't nurse a baby to sleep when your child has crayons in a different room, this could have been MUCH worse.

we had kids so we'd have a painting crew

2007-06-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

we started siding and trim this past weekend. we will be caulking and painting as we go so one job doesn't get overwhelming. i am so excited to lay down a coat of "iron ore" on the siding to see how black, err...dark gray, our house is really going to be!

This photo is for Jay.

I counted 11 chicks with 2 hens! Suprisingly these little babies can fly already!

Cade, while waiting for me to finish dinner, got his toy plate, cup, and spoon, buckled himself into his chair and pretended to eat. I felt bad and gave him some water and fresh peas.

Playing is so hard...

So is relaxing...

Last Thursday, Eve got a new trick.

I just sat her on the floor and she had it. She is now only happy if she is sitting up!

The Wonder Horse!

How to call a cat

Thank god we have the nicest cat in the world. She puts up with anything from the kids and still loves them and wants to be near them.

If I can sit, I can golf, right?

Birthdays and Baptisms

2007-06-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

We've had two busy weekends in a row.

Thea, Rob, and Matt came to visit.

I turned another year older, and I'll continue to stay behind the camera.

At one point I set the camera down-When I uploaded my photos I found this-

Thanks James!

Cade, who has mastered the somersault, has yet to figure out how to log roll down a hill.

Chris attempted to teach him.

He also had fun playing with Jilly and Neil.

Cade got his first popsicle. Most of it ended up on this stomach.

He also found the best toy ever. Trucks that dump and scoop all by themselves!

House progress was made:

Skylights were installed.

The plumbing went in our house and the electrical work has been started.

Unfortunately this is our electrician...

He and his motorcycle decided to take on a deer.

The list of injured people in our family is stacking up, here are two more:

Knee surgery. Torn tendon.

And of course Andrew:

At least he can still play croquet, otherwise he might not know what to do with his time...

Eve's Godparent's, Michael and Brianna.

Genevieve was baptisted on Father's Day along with her second cousin Kaitlyn. Unfortunately I lost my camera for most the day so I have no pictures of Kaitlyn. (They are about 2 months apart)

She got past around to everyone!

A tree from her Godmother!!

Cade has a blast all weekend. He played in the pool...

Ate lots of cake...

And played with other kids!

Finally relaxing after our busy weekends!

At some point during this time the kids and I got terrible colds, but everything has been going so fast we've barely had time to notice!

Pools, Drums, and Knees

2007-06-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

Basically Cade is happy so long as he is outside, he is even happier if he has his drum sticks, he is happier still if Jillian is over, and he is happiest if he is in the pool with Jillian and his drum sticks! Cade has had a good week!

Eve takes it all in!

On Sunday Andrew injured his knee during soccer (FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON!) We knew it was fairly bad, but found out today that he severed both his ACL and MCL and stretched or tore pretty much everything else in his knee. We have to wait about three months before the surgery for the stretched ligaments to tighten back up. Unfortunately Andrew will be on crutches for a long time.

FROM THE MAN IN CHARGE..it made me smile

2007-05-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

The plumber will be working early next week and LeRoy will put the
underfloor conduit in. Connexus can then install your electrical
service. After that the concrete guys will level out the floor and we
will insulate it and put down a vapor barrier. Then comes the infloor
heat followed by the floor slab. We then buy a garage door. Once the
floor slab is in, Brad will do the interior walls. After that,
electrical and plumbing will be installed in the walls and then we can
hang the drywall on the upstairs ceilings. Then comes the air
conditioning ductwork and heat exchanger. Then the insulator can do the walls and ceilings. The drywall is then installed, taped and painted
followed by cabinets, trim and finishes. During this time we will be
working on the exterior siding, trim and paint. The sewer can be put in
after the floor is poured.
Piece of cake. It will be done before you know it.

2007-05-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

We decided that Eve is probably too big for the bouncy chair.

She pretty much has to be sitting up to be happy.

Sitting in the house, over seeing this weeks work

We spent the weekend shingling. Don't let the cloudy sky fool you, we all got plenty of sun...

Fortunately we got to take a break at the Fanucci's BBQ with a game of croquet

Eve got to hang out with Grandpa

And Cade got to play in the dirt with Grandma

We even met another Genevieve

I never get in on the pictures...