A little early birthday celebration

The weekend before Sadie's birthday, we went up to Stormy Lake for a long weekend. The kids were on spring break and we had no plans to go anywhere, so Matt took off a few days and we headed up. My parents also came up for the weekend and Matt's parents, as well as Tyler, were going to be at their cabin, so we thought it would be a perfect time to celebrate our favorite 6 year old. I asked Sadie if she wanted to have her cake with her grandparents and then not have one on her actual birthday or wait until her actual birthdate and she opted for having it early with everyone (who can blame her?! Cake is always more fun with lots of people, right?!) 

Her choice for her cake this year? A princess castle

(the two different shades of pink didn't show up real well on the photo and the flowers ended up looking more like snakes! oh well..she loved it and that's all that matters, right?)

You can see the different shades of pink a bit better on this picture--and you can see her reaction when she saw it for the first time!

She loved having everyone here--yes she loves being the center of attention, but thankfully she is equally as excited for others to enjoy it as well when it's their turn!

**pure joy**

After dinner, she piled up all her gifts on the couch and very patiently waited for the adults to finish talking so she could open them. I'm not sure what was going on in this picture, but it made me smile when I saw it!

Coloring books---she loves anything having to do with art, coloring, painting, crafts

Gotta love the surprise on her face in these pics...one of her favorite movies is "White Christmas" and she has the dance scenes memorized to a tee...but each time she does the song 'Sisters, Sisters' she complains that she can't do it without a fan (imagine large fan with feathers on the ends).....

My mom found one online and she couldn't even believe it was right in front of her...

She was equally as excited when she got the balance beam and mat for her doll McKenna, the gymnast, from Grammy and Papa

And Grammy knows how much this girl loves to dance, so what could be better than a grass skirt to wear this summer at Stormy Lake (and she got her an extra to share with a friend!)

Her final gift was this cute little jacket made by Grammy herself....it's reversible (as Grammy's creations almost always are) and Sadie loved modeling it for all of us....pink, sparkles and ruffles..what could be better?!

Showing Nani and Uncle Ty her jacket

I snapped this picture after all the gift-opening had subsided and everyone was talking....I looked over and noticed Sadie dancing with her fan, doing the dance from "White Christmas" while watching herself in the windows...

McKenna on her new balance beam

 (yes, Blake did attempt to stand on it and once that was put to rest, thought it could be used as a weapon)

When the idea of the balance beam as a weapon was put to rest, he found his plastic sword! (Notice the hand of Uncle Ty on the left using a magazine rack holder as a 'defense mechanism' and someone else's hand on the right trying to protect themselves)

Love this picture...Uncle Ty bringing Blake back to reality, reminding him that he's not the biggest guy in this fight, and Papa fully engaged in keeping the storyline rolling...

"Bring it Blake"

And then when Blake mysteriously 'lost' his sword (after nearly taking off Ty's head--several times), Papa said he thought it might be in Blake's shirt...

"..nope, not there...maybe in your ear?"

"Ohhhh boy, think we found it in your ear!..."

Ahhhh!! He found it!!

We had such a great weekend celebrating Sades and spending time with both sets of grandparents. SO thankful for them and the relationships they have with my kids! 

Yes, the best part about Stormy Lake is the amount of quality family time we get to spend together. And in the winter, that means lots of snowmobiling, sledding, and playing in the snow!
There is an awesome 'bowl' out front that the kids have made several sledding 'runs' into and named each run (i.e., Wyatt hill, Sadie mountain, etc)
Here is a picture of Blake and Matt taking a breather in the basin before hiking out again 

Nani, Wyatt and Sadie hiking out and planning their next run

Snowmobiling with the uncles!

And this was definitely a first--we went out to eat one night at a local bar that serves an awesome Friday night fish fry. (Let's just say that my parents raised this Wisconsin-born german girl right-- nothing beats a good fish fry at a local bar--topped off with a great beer!) We had found this place by accident the last time my parents were up and we were all anxious to go back. The first time we had gone there, the kids had tried the 'claw' game and of course lost, which we were hoping would teach them a lesson about those types of games. But when we were eating, another girl won a toy and had given it to my kids---how sweet is that?!

This time, the kids went over to the machine and looked longing at it, as if they had no toys of their own, when our waitress went over and opened up the entire machine, allowing each of our kids to reach in and grab whatever toy they wanted. Their eyes got so big and we tried to explain to them that even we, their old parents, had never seen anyone do this before!! They each picked out a stuffed animal that they keep up at Stormy Lake and the kids still talk about 'that time when that nice lady opened the game for us'.

And of course, lots of hugs/wrestling goes on up there as well!!

Such a fun weekend to kick off Sadie's birthday week!

3-3

Yes last month I also had a birthday--and no, I'm not trying to deny it happened. I am actually one of those people that loves birthdays! And not just my own--anybody's....I love celebrations and I think birthdays are a pretty big deal. (Disclaimer: I have been horrible over the past few years at sending out cards/gifts to friends and family members and am trying to get better---I honestly have no good excuse--just poor planning! But I'm working on this one!)

But back to my big day---the big 3-3! My family and friends made me feel extra special....it started off with flowers from my Dad. (Funny thing--the card actually said it was from my mom and dad but when I called to thank my mom, she replied with, "What flowers?"...we quickly realized it was all my Dad's doing, which isn't surprising since he's always been great at getting us girls flowers on special occasions. Not many men would be great at having all daughters but my Dad certainly was/is!)

The kids were actually a bit bummed that my Dad sent flowers because apparently that was one of their ideas, but Matt reassured them that it would be fine. Matt actually made an appointment for a massage for me on Saturday while he took the kids to do some shopping for my gifts. (I think I get a massage about once a year, usually only when Matt schedules one for me. If I have a free hour, I rarely want to spend it getting a massage, but when I am forced to go, I always enjoy it!)

The kids were so excited when I got home about my gifts that they couldn't wait for me to open them until the next day (my actual birthday). So I opened them on Saturday evening and my favorite ones, by far, are always the charms the kids pick out for my charm bracelet. I got the bracelet years ago as a going away gift from my good friend Patty Brown in La Crosse, who was one of my partners in getting the Side by Side chapter started there. It was such a sweet gift from her and the last two years for my birthday, Matt has taken the kids to pick out charms for me. Matt sometimes guides their choices a bit but this year he let them have free reign and I loved what they got me. Wyatt got me a charm called 'family forever' of a mom and dad and kids all holding hands around the charm with little gold hearts between each of them. It fits Wyatt as he is my most sentimental child. Sadie got me a charm that is all blue sparkles--also fitting as she is my most 'colorful' child and loves anything sparkly! And Blake got me a wooden bead which also seemed fitting--very masculine and no-nonsense. I love them and love even more that the kids picked them out on their own.

Sunday, my actual birthday, we went to church and then over to Pier 500, our family's favorite brunch place in Hudson for after church. And of course we saw a few friends from church there and the kids love ending the meal with the traditional game of bubble hockey in the lobby area.

We had a relaxing afternoon and then that evening, Matt and I went to dinner with our good friends Jamie and Julie Statema. Julie is one of my closest friends here and we actually have the same birthdate!  A few months ago Julie had told Jamie that she wanted to try this restaurant called "Butcher and the Boar" but the first available weekend reservation was months out. (It was the Minneapolis/St Paul Restaurant of the year in 2012--check it out here.) It's definitely one of the hot new restaurants in Minneapolis, which makes it hard to get in to but doesn't always mean it's good. So Jamie made reservations for our birthdate and we had an amazing time!!

The guys loved the bourbon flights and.....

..that tapper. Check out how many tap beers they have on that setup!!

A bit of a closer look....

While the guys were commenting this, Julie and I were noticing all the cool decor...filament lighting, large wooden slabs for tables, concrete countertops, marble with rustic accents...it was amazing just to sit there and take it all in.

And the food was no less amazing....we enjoyed some oysters (Matt's fav and a first for Jamie and Julie), amazing beer-battered fries, skillet cornbread, brussel sprouts, and who could leave out the amazing meat?

Check out this pork chop!! Thankfully Julie and I split it...it was honestly 5" thick!

Neither of these pics turned out great, but you get the idea! Such a fun night with great friends.

It was also a bit bittersweet since Jamie and Julie will probably be moving to Nashville sometime this summer. And they will be SO missed! I haven't had the heart to tell the kids, especially Wyatt, because I know he will be devastated. My other good friend Dixie is moving and her son, Titus, is Wyatt's closest friend at school. And now with Jamie and Julie moving, that means that two more of Wyatt's good friends (two of their sons, Mason and Parker) will be going away. It's been hard enough for me to deal with the reality of my closest friends moving away at the same time, so I can't imagine how Wyatt will deal with it. It will definitely be a tough summer/beginning of the school year. And as sad as I am about my friends moving away, I am excited for Jamie and Julie (AND we are already planning our trip to visit them!)

It was a great birthday and I am looking forward to the year ahead---bring it on 33!

One last (winter) hurrah!

A few days after our snow day, we watched Kael, Elli, and Beckham Lundquist while their dad was out of town and their mom had a dinner to go to nearby. Boy did we have a blast! The kids all get along so well and we honestly lost track of time while we were playing outside. We were planning on all having dinner together but never got around to it! We were so busy playing outside in the snow and clearing the rink off that Jen was finished with her dinner and back to our house before we even went inside! Good times with good friends....

Blake and Beckham 'boot skating' as we call it

The big boys getting the net all set up

The little boys watching--planning--plotting their next move

We weren't even sure we'd be able to skate because it was getting quite warm out that day, but thankfully the ice was still decent. The kids quickly took their hats off to cool off, but I was a bad mom and forgot their helmets! (Sorry Jen!) I didn't even think about it until I was taking these pictures......they had all gone outside to play in the snow and then helped Matt clear the rink off. By the time they got their skates on, I was playing with the little boys in the snow making snowmen and didn't even think about the kids getting helmets on. Thankfully no one went down but I'll have to be more on the ball next skating season!

The boys

Do you think they were warm at all?

And of course the girlies!! It was great for Sadie to have Elli there since Elli played hockey this year and was able to help/encourage Sadie with her skating!

These cuties were content eating snow and making snowmen with me!

My creations....the kids asked me to make 'seats' for them on the sidelines, so this was what I came up with. They are more like stools, but they did the job! Let me just say that lifting these after rolling them out around our yard was serious work--the snow was great heavy, packing snow but man does that make it hard to lift and move!!

Matt decided to join Kael on the sidelines and broke one of my stools!!!! Clearly they are not made for adults.

Two happy boys

The kids had so much fun and were already asking when they could see the Lundquists again as they were pulling out of our driveway! Hopefully next time we see them won't be in snow, though

First snow day!!!

The kids had their first official snow day (meaning no school) earlier this month. Actually, I guess that since it's April already, it was earlier last month...but since we still have snow outside it doesn't seem like all that long ago! The kids had an absolute blast and were literally outside ALL DAY LONG! I'd say that's just as good for them as being in school, if not better! They got pretty creative with their games and I'm not even sure what they were playing half the time. Oh to be a kid again!

Somebody is a bit anxious for spring!

I had the idea of digging a tunnel out in the snow banks at the end of our driveway and although it took awhile, we made it! Gracie was the first one to fit through.

...followed by Sadie.

Yes, spring is coming buddy! (His outfits always crack me up...snow gear, helmet and lawn mower)

Once Daddy got home from work, we let him take over our tunnel-making and boy did it progress faster! 

I know I've said it a million times, but I can't say it enough--we are SO thankful for our neighbors and how much fun the kids have together. I didn't get a picture with all the kids but managed to get at least one with Grace and Lillie. And although we loved our snow day, we are definitely ready for spring!

Neon-Big Hair-Cassette Tapes

Don't all those things make you think of the 80s? Our neighbor recently turned 40 and his wife threw him an 80s party, since most of his childhood (at least that he remembers) was lived in the 80s. Of course I loved putting together our outfits since I love a good reason to get in a costume. 

(check out that hideous stone-wash denim skirt!)

And what would an 80s party be without a banana clip and crimped hair?

Matt, however, wasn't keen on many of my 'brilliant' ideas.  He opted for the preppy double-collar with tight rolled jeans. I couldn't refuse this amazing mullet wig and after much discussion (and begging and pleading), Matt agreed to wear it. 

Jelly bracelets, fingerless net gloves, neon, crimped hair and stone-wash denim--how can you beat these styles? (Clearly those people who never lived through the 80s think they are great because all these styles are back in full swing!)

Fun with friends

Me and my hot date

I had to take a picture of this because it's basically a fossil....our kids would have no idea what one of these is!! Jodi did a great job decorating for the party...she went to Goodwill and got a bunch of VHS tapes of classic 80s movies (Breakfast Club, E.T., Stand by Me, etc) and cassette tapes and put them in hurricanes around the tables. She also had some great candy that reminded everyone of the 80s--whatchamacallits, Big League Chew, candy cigarettes, candy Dots) and we played a hilarious trivia game. (Disclaimer: I knew only like 3 or 4 of the questions, but what can you expect from someone born in the 80s?! I guess sometimes it doesn't pay to be the youngest!)

Matt, Joel and the birthday boy--Mr. Miami Vice himself--Tom

It was a super fun party and I am already thinking about what to do for Matt's 40th--ok, maybe I should just think about my 40th. Matt's 40th will have to be fewer people, no costumes, no themes--just good friends with great conversation. I think I can manage that!

Oh Blakers

Blake continues to amaze us, terrify us and make us laugh--often times all at once! I had a few pictures on my phone of random events that describe our 'baby' perfectly.

(1) I was at one of Wyatt's hockey practices at a rink we aren't usually at. On the side of the rink, there is this area where some 'big' kids (probably around 9-10yr olds) were playing some floor hockey. Blake picked up one of the black PVC pipes that had been laying on the side (see the one on the left side of the picture) and jumped right into the middle of the game, completely unaware of the size and age discrepancy between himself and the other kids.

The kids initially stopped and just looked at him, but once they realized he was serious about playing with them, they were gracious enough to include him in their game. He loved it and definitely felt like one of the big boys!

,,and just a little evidence that Blake has been in a room...

although all of that has led to this....

I really don't even know how this happened as I was making dinner one night and I heard Blake 'playing hockey' but never heard any damage....until after dinner when we were cleaning up all the toys and I noticed this. I don't even know if he knew when/how it happened!