climbing trees

Steve taught the kids how to climb trees.

jude runs and jude bikes

We are thinking that Jude has the athletic gene. I'm not sure how "coordinated" he is, so we'll see how he does in sports like basketball or football. The boy sure can run though! He can go nearly a whole mile without stopping. And he's fast! AND he's got good form! I think the best part though is seeing him so excited to do it. This spring we have given Jeneva the freedom to ride around the block on the parkway side without an adult along. Jude can go too, but he has to be with her, not on his own. Sometimes he chooses to run while she bikes. The other day she went around the block 4x with him tagging along the entire time. One time around is about a quarter of a mile. It's so cute to see him chasing her all the way around and pushing himself to keep up with her! Now we just need to teach him to pace himself. He's also becoming quite proficient on the bike. Jeneva was 4 1/2 when we took the training wheels off and she's been biking fearlessly ever since. Jude is 4 1/2 now and I think once his legs get a little bit stronger we'll be able to take them off too. Probably in a couple of months. He's getting more and more confident on his big bike. The other night we went for a family bike ride. Josie was in the Burley of course, but Jude biked right along and did great! Needless to say all the exercise has wiped him out and he's sleeping just fantastically at night.

a new tradition

...cutting down our own tree for Christmas. We had a blast as a family doing it together on the day after Thanksgiving. Next year we will be recruiting another family to share that tradition with. We loved it! Our day began with a stop at Cabela's--Steve's 2nd favorite place to go shopping...and it was insane due to that awful day called Black Friday.

What on earth do I title this picture? I find it hysterical for some reason.

Calm and cool amidst the chaos in the background.

I love Josie. I LOVE that face!

THE PERFECT TREE has been found and chopped!

Can we ride home in the back of the truck?

Wow! I'm actually in a picture. Usually I'm the one behind the camera.

Free pony rides to follow.

The first time around for Jude was frightening. The second wasn't so bad. He begged to go on the third.

Josie held on to her pony and giggled nervously the entire time.

And that's all folks!

biking in jammies

what do you do.....

...on September 12th...

...when it's 92 degrees in minnesota?...



...you go to the beach!...

...after school...

...for one final dip of the season.

josie's new bike

We found a bike and helmet at a garage sale yesterday for $3.00! Her legs don't quite reach the pedals yet, but by spring time I'm sure she'll be able to use it. For now she just sits on it and makes us push her. Can't you see how excited she is?!

lil' punkin'

it's no wonder we call little children "punkins"
can't you see the resemblance?!

december blizzard 2010

Snow falls.

A lot.

Continuously.

At five inches it's time to make a quick run to store for supplies.

Friday. Saturday. Sunday.

Warnings days in advance.

18 inches.

Can't get out.

Alleys aren't plowed.

Neighbors with snow blowers.

Piles.

Crazy strong husband who shovels better than a snow blower.

Kind neighbors.

Can't get to work.

City buses aren't running.

Plows are pulled off the roads.

Everyone stuck at home social networking all of the drama.

Christmas movies to watch.

More shoveling to do.

More piles.

Ice dams building on roofs.

Cancellations.

Monday and Tuesday school is canceled.

Spinning tires.

Stuck.

Mounds.

Puffy coats, snowpants, long johns, mittens, hats, scarves.

Kids love it.

Papa builds a massive snow fort.

Mama pulls kids on sled.

Hot chocolate.

More shoveling.

Sleep.

Be of good cheer! A white Christmas is definitely here!

fishing and archery and sleeping in a cabin

Steve took Jeneva and Jude on a 24 hour camping trip to Bayfield last week. They met his dad and brother in the middle of their stay there. It was kind of a last minute, spontaneous adventure. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the kids couldn't have been more excited! Jeneva got to miss a day of school and this mama was thrilled to have 24 hours with just Josie.

Jeneva had the opportunity to sharpen up her archery skills.

Fishing is always the activity of choice. Jude even got to reel in a big fish (northern? crappie? blue gill? I don't remember what kind it was. Can you tell how much of a fisherman I am?)

Three generations. Any resemblances?

Jude on the dock.

when it's hot, we do this...

for the grandparents

I blame everything these days on my lack of brain power due to pregnancy. I've had several blog post ideas swirling in my head for months, but can't seem to muster up the motivation to actually sit down and produce them. So, generically, here are some pictures of the kids/family spanning the past several months. In no particular order and without an abundance of creativity.

Getting sand in the shoes, the socks, the hair, the diaper.....the usual. It's alright. I like to vacuum.

A lazy morning at Lake Harriet.


Farm animals and Dinosaurs (or as Jude says: "o-sores") are Jude's current passion. He knows the sound of about every known species.

A family walk by the river after picking Jeneva up at school. Why did it have to get cold so fast? The weather on that particular day was Minnesota perfection!

Untitled. Maybe, just cute?

I couldn't resist this one. Jeneva and her bud Jack just chillin' at a local coffee shop. Note: Hot Cocoa...not coffee.

Oh what a fun day at the waterpark with some friends! Jeneva and Ava had a blast roaring down the slides! Had I not been 8 months pregnant at the time, I would have gladly joined them!

An impromptu 7 month pregnancy shot of me. I have some more recent ones coming. Stay tuned! I'm huge!

"Perspective"

Hanging out one morning by the stone arch bridge. I miss summer already!

Jude loves the water too!

Just a little walk off the diving board.

Getting ready for the big half mile race at Webber Park! It's fun to run with friends!

Just because I think that pictures of young children lined up on a couch is adorable!

Dinner with friends!

My handsome boy sporting a hat. I love hats on kids. That's one good thing about the cooler temps!

Not quite tall enough to pedal the pedals, but scooting it around works just as good for now.