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?...

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..."

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?

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!!

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!

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...