Kid's Day

Every now and then we have Kid's Day at our house. Sometimes we don't do much of anything out of the ordinary, sometimes we do, but Jake always thinks it's fun. Jake has been working really hard going to sleep by himself and has been doing a great job at it, so he was granted a Kid's Day. This particular day was way more special than normal. My sister and Gabe were looking for some time out of the house so we spent the whole day in St. Cloud with them on Saturday.

We started at the library. The new library is quite nice; we read a few books, played some Legos, and visited. From there it was off to Space Aliens for lunch. Gabe had been there many times but it was Jake's first visit, and oh what a visit it was. He loved it! He loved the ceiling that looked like space, he loved the man in the Alien costume that walks around, he loved the games and thought it was awesome that he won the jackpot on one of the games - 462 tickets! I wish I would have had my camera, he was pretty excited.

After Space Aliens we went to the mall for a short visit. Amy wanted to use the family room and Gabe and Jake played in their small play area. It was great there too! We've never used it before but Jake thoroughly enjoyed himself jumping from one thing to the next. The floor is squishy so falling isn't quite so bad. I'm still trying to figure out how to construct something similar in our basement.

The last event of the day was the movie theatre. We saw the movie Bolt. It was only Jake's second movie and he really enjoyed it. It might have been a little long, but it was a pretty long day for him. He asked the whole way home when we could watch it again and actually asked last night again when the movie theatre would be open. I'd have to say it was a pretty successful Kid's Day. Jake even got out of a haircut (which I really wanted him to get) because he reminded me we were just supposed to do things he wanted to do.

Ben stayed home with Grandma Linda while we were out bumming. His news of the weekend is that he cut a molar through. He's working on quite a few new teeth and that was the first new one to show its face. He's been doing pretty well with teething, I haven't given him anything for it and he isn't too crabby out it.

Last night Curt picked up the boys from daycare while I got supper ready. I got a phone call from Melissa. She was going on and on about Jake cutting out hearts, working with the scissors, "she was only gone for a minute", I tell you, I was starting to think that he stabbed himself or someone else. Nothing nearly so serious....He cut his hair. I guess he was really proud of himself for doing it. He wanted to cut more when he got home. I don't really know what to tell him, of course I said he couldn't, but he thinks it is such an accomplishment and I can imagine that since he goes to get his haircut that he knows it is OK to cut hair. Hopefully he doesn't try it on Paige's hair (she has long blonde hair), she probably won't forgive him until they graduate from high school.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Be thankful for all the wonderful things in your life and give all your kids an extra hug.

Almost Thanksgiving

Hello Everyone.

I thought now that it is getting cold, things would slow down - haven't seen those days yet.

Birthday wishes to my little brother!

I'm heading off to get some shut eye - I'll write more another time. Here's some pics...

Jake doing what he does best - jumping. He's always jumping on the couch, off the couch, on the couch cushions, etc.











Here's Ben - first day in snowpants. He's smiling here but outside he wasn't quite as happy. He couldn't get up when he would fall over.
















Smiling - this is not always the case but he does like to show off.











This is Ben's new activity. He LOVES to wear everyone else's shoes.

My tow boys. Everyone says that Jake looks more like me and Ben more like Curt - but it sure seems like they look a lot alike to me......

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!


Happy 40th Birthday Uncle Mike!!


Halloween was great. First off the weather on Friday was awesome, what a perfect day. I spent all morning mowing and bagging our lawn. It wasn't the most fun but I got to be outside and it looked great when I was finished. The shop lawn is still waiting - I think I'll get it finished up on Sunday. Jake spent the morning in the field and Ben went to daycare.


Our Halloween night started in Albany at the hospital. Grandma was working late and we didn't want to miss seeing her. Jake went as BumbleBee the AutoBot and Ben was a bat. They both really had a good time at every place we stopped. Before we could leave we had to play for a while in the park by the hospital. It is really a nice park and both boys had a great time. From Albany we went to visit Grandpa Ken (and Jake snuck to Nathe's to get a few extra treats). From there to Grandma Linda's. That was really the end of Trick-or-Treating but we enjoyed a little Pizza Party at Poepping's after that. By the time 8pm rolled around Jake had had enough and we had to go home. He needed a little relaxing time and all was well again.


This afternoon we went to Grandpa Ken's again for a fish fry. Uncle Mike and buddy came up to go fishing and to help Dad take the dock and boat lift out in the morning. Since Mom was on call we joined the party so someone would be around for Gabe. Amy stayed home with Will. Good thing we were there because right after the boat took off, the phone was already ringing. Funny how that happens. Mom was gone the whole night - wasn't even back when we headed home. It was a lot of fun - the boys were great.



Jake waiting to get into the hospital. We went in the back door and they already had it locked for the night.




Jake, Grandma and Ben all enjoying Halloween.


At the Nurses' Station - they had all sorts of goodies for the boys.


Getting treats at Grandpa Ken's - Ben even had it figured out by then.

Meeting William

I finally got to meet William. Amy, Mike, Gabe and William came up for a weekend visit. He sure is sweet! Ben thought he was the best thing ever - he kept wanting to pet him, hit him, poke him, bring him his blanket, put his nuke in his mouth, and on and on. He would smile from ear to ear when he got close and scream and holler when we tried to keep him away. Jake held him too, I guess since he isn't his little brother, he thinks he's pretty cool.


Grandma, Amy, Gabe and William came to play on Saturday morning. Gabe wanted to see the semis and it worked out that he got to ride along for a bit. I'm not certain if he enjoyed the semi ride or if it was watching the DVD in the bunk with Jake. Either way - they both had a good time.


Ben rode along in the combine today. I think it was probably his first time. I can't imagine that we had him out there last year. He loves all of that stuff already. He sat pretty well but he'd much rather be driving. Jake loves it as well. He's been a long in the combine and the tractors a few times already this fall. He'd ride along all day if we let him. Curt keeps saying that I should go out in the field and help - my response is only if Jake can drive! I don't think I'd mind combing but digging isn't for me.


Well, the weather is turning and winter is definately on its way. I can't say that I am totally disappointed, I'm ready for a little more quiet time and a lot less running.


I booked our flights to Jamacia (a good thing to do as the weather turns cold) - we are going along with Brian and Jen for their wedding on April 2nd, 2009. It should be a blast - I'm pretty excited to get away. The last vacation that Curt and I were on was to California when Kim and Kyle got married. It will be a little long to be away from the boys but I'm sure everyone will survive.

Ben trying as hard as he can to get to Will.

Jake and William.



Our first pumking of the year - Jake just couldn't wait any longer.




Watching a movie in the sleeper.


Gabe and Jake in the semi.

Middle of October Already?

Wow - I can't believe it is half way through October already. We've been pretty busy - work has been busy for me and Curt's is full swing of Fall Craziness (even without hunting). We did enjoy a beautiful fall day at Nelson's pumpkin patch by Litchfield. We went with Pam, Amiah, Amelia, Linda, Heidi, Brent & Carly. The weather was perfect, last year it was about 85 degrees, this year it was wonderful.


Ben and Jake are doing great. We've had our first round of colds but everyone has faired through it pretty well. Ben loves being outside, begs to get out the door everyday. Jake is still learning how to tolerate his brother's presence. One minute he's trying to help Ben and the next he's pushing him out of the way, hitting him over the head or yelling at him. I can only hope that the older they get they might find a peaceful way of playing together.


Here's some pictures.



Brent, Carly & Jake



Amelia & Jake



Ben checking out the goats.



Jake coming down the big tube slide (I even gave it a try!).



Ben, Grandma Linda & Jake

Ben relaxing when Jake wasn't home.

Wrestling...

Welcome William Michael!

My sweet new beautiful nephew, William Michael, was born on October 3rd. Everyone is doing great (I guess, I haven't gotten to see them myself!!). Hopefully I'll be able to go and visit soon and I'll share some more photos. These are courtesy of Amy.

October

It has been a very long time since I updated. Lots of fun stuff has happened.

First off, I got away for a weekend with my girlfriends the second weekend of September. It was great to have some time away and to see the girls. The weather was gloomy but the company was awesome, as was the resort. We stayed at Ludlow's Resort on Lake Vermillion. I'd certainly recommend it if someone is looking for a peaceful get-away.

While I was off enjoying myself, my sister was taking care of Jake and Ben. It was the first time they have ever stayed at her house. Everyone did great. Jake had a little homesick moment but a talk on the phone with his Dad cleared it up. Dad was busy working at home and setting up Jake's new bunkbeds. He was pretty excited about them when we got home!

Everyday Ben continues to change. He's interested in a doing everything that a 3 year old might want to do. Needless to say, he's often frustrated. Jake and Ben have been finding moments of real play between them. It's a lot of effort on Jake's part and he's been doing a wonderful job.

I'm including a picture of Ben wearing his new shoes. He's never had actual shoes on his feet before and I was starting to get worried that it would be a battle. Well, he surprised me once again. He absolutely loved them. He sat patiently while I put them on and then giggled the minute he started walking in them. He must have run up and down the hallway a dozen time, stopping occassionally to check out his feet and have a little giggle.

The weekend after the boys stayed with the Evenochecks we headed back to Cambridge for Gabe's 4th Birthday party. Everyone had a great time. Jake still can't figure out why they want to live sooooo far away from us. The drive is torture for him. He thinks that they could easily build a house right next to Grandpa Ken's garage.

This picture is of Gabe opening his gift from Jake. It is R2-D2 - I guess he has taken a liking to Star Wars.
While Gabe was opening presents Grandpa Ken and Ben were bonding in the living room...