tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238513882024-03-13T16:37:02.279-05:00The Peanut GalleryStories from the little white house in Minneapolis . . .Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-71957572570455580482011-07-08T21:43:00.009-05:002011-07-21T10:41:01.439-05:00Summer UpdateThe last few months have flown by. These warmer months always seem to do that, probably because we are enjoying being OUTSIDE in the sunshine. We also took a trip last month to see our families in California, and all of the preparation and excitement involved in that venture made it seem as though June just disappeared.<br /><br />Before leaving, we went on a hike near Minnehaha Falls, which are about a mile from our house. We all love little hikes like this, and this was a perfect early summer afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYNRT-xrVgg/TidZJPAOlmI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Hp9BYG0TtW0/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYNRT-xrVgg/TidZJPAOlmI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Hp9BYG0TtW0/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631567874231277154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bW7dEbqe1tg/TidZH-I5aWI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Udcvmb-G7Bs/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bW7dEbqe1tg/TidZH-I5aWI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Udcvmb-G7Bs/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631567852524366178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjqWPACA_-o/TidZIYzZarI/AAAAAAAAA8U/DVO44FKkXDA/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjqWPACA_-o/TidZIYzZarI/AAAAAAAAA8U/DVO44FKkXDA/s320/IMG_1253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631567859681946290" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFCZYZiHPKA/TidZJSsOZmI/AAAAAAAAA8k/LVYZswtMz0U/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFCZYZiHPKA/TidZJSsOZmI/AAAAAAAAA8k/LVYZswtMz0U/s320/IMG_1263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631567875221120610" border="0" /></a><br />Our time in California was lovely, and very exciting for the kids, as they always love the time with their grandparents and cousins.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7izmeEq95A/TidZJ9s1v2I/AAAAAAAAA8s/weR29A1tEeg/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7izmeEq95A/TidZJ9s1v2I/AAAAAAAAA8s/weR29A1tEeg/s320/IMG_1296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631567886766423906" border="0" /></a>They were thrilled to swim in the ocean.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIUwQ43x6D0/TidZluxmIwI/AAAAAAAAA80/5j2A28gzt3k/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIUwQ43x6D0/TidZluxmIwI/AAAAAAAAA80/5j2A28gzt3k/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568363796177666" border="0" /></a>So much sand to explore.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kry_j9xU6w/TidZmFGmHcI/AAAAAAAAA88/rL3c-yAcyoY/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kry_j9xU6w/TidZmFGmHcI/AAAAAAAAA88/rL3c-yAcyoY/s320/IMG_1307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568369789836738" border="0" /></a>Papa did a good job of keeping them safe in the waves.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJqGDmKqNks/TidZmrF_P3I/AAAAAAAAA9E/5D1OLLGG6AY/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJqGDmKqNks/TidZmrF_P3I/AAAAAAAAA9E/5D1OLLGG6AY/s320/IMG_1411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568379987836786" border="0" /></a>We had a big 6th birthday party for Jack while we were there, graciously hosted by my brother and sister in law. This amazing cake was made by Joel's sister, Faith, and our cousin, Lori. They worked so hard on it, and Jack loved it! His Uncle Charles also spent a lot of time making the amazing lego creations for the cake. Jack was feeling very special, to say the least.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chc0dC4Gz3Q/TidZnWbo2cI/AAAAAAAAA9U/kD--ZxGQ55c/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Chc0dC4Gz3Q/TidZnWbo2cI/AAAAAAAAA9U/kD--ZxGQ55c/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568391621368258" border="0" /></a>The cousin round up.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wymFVbpRqU/TidZnJWTnPI/AAAAAAAAA9M/kKpx9ySelNw/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wymFVbpRqU/TidZnJWTnPI/AAAAAAAAA9M/kKpx9ySelNw/s320/IMG_1414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568388109343986" border="0" /></a>The Darth Vader pinata.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GqWkNJlW-U/TidZ9Z-iKrI/AAAAAAAAA9k/PjdQf_nvlZ0/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6GqWkNJlW-U/TidZ9Z-iKrI/AAAAAAAAA9k/PjdQf_nvlZ0/s320/IMG_1450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568770530159282" border="0" /></a>Jack takes a swing.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiAwJNioYe4/TidZ9EF-aII/AAAAAAAAA9c/UmQlIcK168E/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiAwJNioYe4/TidZ9EF-aII/AAAAAAAAA9c/UmQlIcK168E/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568764655790210" border="0" /></a>The Yoda Soda was a hit. We had a great time, and it was a wonderful excuse to get the whole family together for an afternoon.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuD02daPlYw/TidaXC0_XvI/AAAAAAAAA-M/maNc_G9j-GM/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuD02daPlYw/TidaXC0_XvI/AAAAAAAAA-M/maNc_G9j-GM/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631569210992713458" border="0" /></a>While at Grandma Greer and Grandad's house, Corrie spent a lot of time with Beatrice the Basset, and actually trained her to shake hands.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7prFBHPmH64/TidZ-boNwdI/AAAAAAAAA90/y05kpqiGYPE/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7prFBHPmH64/TidZ-boNwdI/AAAAAAAAA90/y05kpqiGYPE/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568788153287122" border="0" /></a>The kids had a great time attending "Adventure Week" at their cousins' church. As you can see from the photo, they really enjoyed themselves.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzmdqy0t_2g/TidZ-FxhC8I/AAAAAAAAA9s/hAEepzajKsA/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzmdqy0t_2g/TidZ-FxhC8I/AAAAAAAAA9s/hAEepzajKsA/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568782286719938" border="0" /></a>Cousins<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmAY7V63Os0/TidaWskkpeI/AAAAAAAAA-E/nfIqSn5kNWw/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmAY7V63Os0/TidaWskkpeI/AAAAAAAAA-E/nfIqSn5kNWw/s320/IMG_1494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631569205018273250" border="0" /></a>We also ventured up to Santa Barbara for a day to see Joel's grandma and some of the rest of his family. Grandma took us out to lunch on the SB pier. We had such a good visit with her.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4NlG8rotBI/TidZ-_cWR6I/AAAAAAAAA98/-q7q3O7ErRw/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4NlG8rotBI/TidZ-_cWR6I/AAAAAAAAA98/-q7q3O7ErRw/s320/IMG_1486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631568797767190434" border="0" /></a>The kids loved this whale at Moby Dick, a restaurant that Joel's family has frequented and enjoyed for many years.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJqGDmKqNks/TidZmrF_P3I/AAAAAAAAA9E/5D1OLLGG6AY/s1600/IMG_1411.JPG"><br /></a>It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, but we were so thankful for such a full and wonderful trip. Upon returning, we had a bout of fevers and coughs that kept us home for a solid week or so. It's never fun to be sick, but it provided a good chance to rest after all of the activities in California. We are now back in the Minnesota summer swing of things, with swim lessons and trips to the lake being at the top of our agenda.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-29123042744611173342011-04-21T20:20:00.005-05:002011-04-21T20:59:26.312-05:00Grandma & Grandad TimeWe had a visit last week from Joel's parents. Despite the cold almost-winter-not-really-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">springish</span>-at-all kind of weather we've been experiencing, we had a good time with them, and even braved the brutal wind at the park a couple of times. The kids are now insisting on playing outside, no matter how cold it is. They will not be denied any longer.<br /><br />But, back to our visitors. The kids always love a visit from the grandparents, and this was no exception. They played games on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grandad's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ipad</span>, talked and snuggled with Grandma, and enjoyed a break from our normal routine. They also loved being able to involve them in our world by having them come to our church, and to our co-op and swim lessons.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LX7mKOocY54/TbDa1ASiUNI/AAAAAAAAA78/G07YksiZfQw/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LX7mKOocY54/TbDa1ASiUNI/AAAAAAAAA78/G07YksiZfQw/s320/IMG_1141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214940967194834" border="0" /></a>We went on a fun outing to a locally well-known ice cream place. Yum.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-za1DUSrB7GI/TbDarCcBPTI/AAAAAAAAA70/5QiIJ4kAr40/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-za1DUSrB7GI/TbDarCcBPTI/AAAAAAAAA70/5QiIJ4kAr40/s320/IMG_1129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214769745149234" border="0" /></a>We also visited the fabulous and free Minneapolis Institute of Art. Every time we go there, I am amazed by how much our kids enjoy it. Other than drying Jack's tears after he got a stern lecture from a docent for stepping on a platform marked "do not touch", we had a great time.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Xg_pMrMUA/TbDaqsmScLI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Wr9doNB8Kp4/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Xg_pMrMUA/TbDaqsmScLI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Wr9doNB8Kp4/s320/IMG_1128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214763882639538" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rD8X2WDF5f8/TbDaqMpbQGI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Z4XULSSyLmU/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rD8X2WDF5f8/TbDaqMpbQGI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Z4XULSSyLmU/s320/IMG_1126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214755305865314" border="0" /></a>Good times at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Smashburger</span>. Our first time there . . . we enjoyed the food, but were puzzled by a steady shower of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">styrofoam</span> landing on our table as it drifted down from the ceiling. The manager looked puzzled, too. Definitely don't need indoor snow effects in Minnesota.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TojjqaTxVgQ/TbDap1QeDbI/AAAAAAAAA7c/QUgF7Yz45oQ/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TojjqaTxVgQ/TbDap1QeDbI/AAAAAAAAA7c/QUgF7Yz45oQ/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214749027175858" border="0" /></a>As usual, Grandma and Grandad were generous with the kiddos -- Corrie is here sporting her new favorite shirt.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xL26uJpXnDY/TbDapB0z6mI/AAAAAAAAA7U/fujHYMKKvBs/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xL26uJpXnDY/TbDapB0z6mI/AAAAAAAAA7U/fujHYMKKvBs/s320/IMG_1092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598214735220959842" border="0" /></a>We also stopped by Target Field to buy some Twins tickets. Joel and I are planning a baseball date for when my parents visit -- next week. Hoping it won't be as cold as it was when we took that picture. Stay tuned for my whining if it is.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Grandma and Grandad for making the trip, and for loads of fun memories.<br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-63159498575466818472011-04-15T15:42:00.004-05:002011-04-15T15:49:53.722-05:00Expert DayThis week brought "Expert Day" at our home school co-op. The kids each have to become an expert on something, prepare a display and report, and then give that report to small groups of their fellow students.<br /><br />Corrie's chose the topic of gladiators.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXcVZb4Wc5w/TaiuJ_KVp-I/AAAAAAAAA68/id1Yt0tuXX8/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXcVZb4Wc5w/TaiuJ_KVp-I/AAAAAAAAA68/id1Yt0tuXX8/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595914023604692962" border="0" /></a>A bit gory . . . perhaps not the most feminine of topics, but the kids seemed to enjoy her report, and she did a terrific job.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZE5rUWUu3g/Taiuj71LyyI/AAAAAAAAA7E/BamXmgjIplw/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZE5rUWUu3g/Taiuj71LyyI/AAAAAAAAA7E/BamXmgjIplw/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595914469387258658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6-DjA96efc/TaiukMSh0hI/AAAAAAAAA7M/37KoIcfWl5s/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6-DjA96efc/TaiukMSh0hI/AAAAAAAAA7M/37KoIcfWl5s/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595914473805304338" border="0" /></a>Jack was proud of his big sis.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZE5rUWUu3g/Taiuj71LyyI/AAAAAAAAA7E/BamXmgjIplw/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG"><br /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-56808288102361480682011-04-06T16:47:00.009-05:002011-04-06T18:01:31.383-05:00Lutsen - Part 2After our pool time and lunch back in our condo, we decided to head out on a snowy hike. I must admit that I was less than thrilled about packing all of our snow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paraphernalia</span>, but I was glad I did when it enabled us to go on a hike and see a tiny bit of the famous Superior Hiking Trail. It was beautiful and amazingly silent in the woods (if you don't count my less-than-silent kids). The kids loved looking for the blue marks on the trees that confirmed we were still on the right path, and, of course, they loved just playing in the snow along the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VD7ybY55gFs/TZzgnjuAvDI/AAAAAAAAA5E/_sTQzfOXHC8/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VD7ybY55gFs/TZzgnjuAvDI/AAAAAAAAA5E/_sTQzfOXHC8/s320/IMG_1014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592591807495060530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReYNUtbmVQw/TZzgnQtj73I/AAAAAAAAA48/25VS28xlThw/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReYNUtbmVQw/TZzgnQtj73I/AAAAAAAAA48/25VS28xlThw/s320/IMG_1011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592591802392899442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aST-jf3lARs/TZzgmyUzygI/AAAAAAAAA40/1m-91-6ldXk/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aST-jf3lARs/TZzgmyUzygI/AAAAAAAAA40/1m-91-6ldXk/s320/IMG_0994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592591794236017154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhx9hfzoYrs/TZzgmvsyofI/AAAAAAAAA4s/xAqXQqiq3DE/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhx9hfzoYrs/TZzgmvsyofI/AAAAAAAAA4s/xAqXQqiq3DE/s320/IMG_0996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592591793531298290" border="0" /></a>By the end of the hike, the boys were tired, but still had a burning desire to go throw rocks into the biggest freshwater lake in the world.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44AzZ8UN-uI/TZzhxA8Oe-I/AAAAAAAAA5k/nEW-OZvWGrs/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44AzZ8UN-uI/TZzhxA8Oe-I/AAAAAAAAA5k/nEW-OZvWGrs/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592593069469760482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzuaRosSRqc/TZzhw8eaiII/AAAAAAAAA5c/O6Cyof82D8U/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzuaRosSRqc/TZzhw8eaiII/AAAAAAAAA5c/O6Cyof82D8U/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592593068270979202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HvJuZs4ndM/TZzhwsaH0NI/AAAAAAAAA5U/IiUFQQQelMc/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HvJuZs4ndM/TZzhwsaH0NI/AAAAAAAAA5U/IiUFQQQelMc/s320/IMG_1027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592593063958008018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwu1IMmkw4s/TZzhwYc575I/AAAAAAAAA5M/MaRzwsb7sdw/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwu1IMmkw4s/TZzhwYc575I/AAAAAAAAA5M/MaRzwsb7sdw/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592593058600972178" border="0" /></a>That night, Corrie and I made a point to go out on our porch to see the stars over the lake. It was truly one of the most amazing sights I can remember. The darkness of the huge lake contrasted with the bright stars was incredible.<br /><br />We awoke the next morning to some pancakes prepared by Daddy.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vadhtD-1KR0/TZzioMm3mUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/J3FmaUkE8bo/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vadhtD-1KR0/TZzioMm3mUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/J3FmaUkE8bo/s320/IMG_1040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592594017494210882" border="0" /></a>After breakfast, we went back to the pool, where we enjoyed having the whole facility to ourselves. These are the benefits of traveling in the middle of the week in the off season.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WphXHOhNlg/TZzjTSnv2yI/AAAAAAAAA50/2D-9aoGSkb4/s1600/IMG_1041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WphXHOhNlg/TZzjTSnv2yI/AAAAAAAAA50/2D-9aoGSkb4/s320/IMG_1041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592594757842885410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHcGNM-Qxyo/TZzjTo7jqdI/AAAAAAAAA58/nhnrr5imEVw/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHcGNM-Qxyo/TZzjTo7jqdI/AAAAAAAAA58/nhnrr5imEVw/s320/IMG_1044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592594763831552466" border="0" /></a><br />We then packed everyone into the van and drove about 30 minutes north, to the town of Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Marais</span></span>. We'd heard a lot about this area, and we could definitely see how charming it must be in the summer and fall. We had a good lunch at the Minnesota-famous Sven and Ole's, where Joel and I shared pizza made with (you guessed it) wild rice. Then, we took a walk along the shore and out toward the Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Marais</span></span> light house. Finally, we stopped off at the Java Moose for some tasty coffee beverages before heading back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lutsen</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npJChKJPIpg/TZzk4QysvKI/AAAAAAAAA6c/_6KzbOahGoA/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npJChKJPIpg/TZzk4QysvKI/AAAAAAAAA6c/_6KzbOahGoA/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592596492518735010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47ZL5iR0oxY/TZzk4B1ej3I/AAAAAAAAA6U/K9S-Ta28X-U/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47ZL5iR0oxY/TZzk4B1ej3I/AAAAAAAAA6U/K9S-Ta28X-U/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592596488503857010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBaw8NRy9Sw/TZzk3_bs71I/AAAAAAAAA6M/Z29PkrwkCyw/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBaw8NRy9Sw/TZzk3_bs71I/AAAAAAAAA6M/Z29PkrwkCyw/s320/IMG_1061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592596487858876242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWpAmBlne5I/TZzk3xT_tqI/AAAAAAAAA6E/e28ZzI2FCJc/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWpAmBlne5I/TZzk3xT_tqI/AAAAAAAAA6E/e28ZzI2FCJc/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592596484068456098" border="0" /></a>After some down time back at the condo, we split up for one last adventure. Joel took Corrie on a longer hike up a mountain overlooking the lake, while the boys and I walked along the rocky shoreline and collected some more Lake Superior rocks.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ca57lPogCnE/TZzuXB_sISI/AAAAAAAAA6k/xw-7QCYEavE/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ca57lPogCnE/TZzuXB_sISI/AAAAAAAAA6k/xw-7QCYEavE/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592606916727284002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gO0im_SsYtg/TZzuXatTFcI/AAAAAAAAA6s/7EP2NGqOJjU/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gO0im_SsYtg/TZzuXatTFcI/AAAAAAAAA6s/7EP2NGqOJjU/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592606923361031618" border="0" /></a><br />That night we experienced a small tragedy, in that Corrie and I had raved about our star viewing to the boys and encouraged them to stay up to see them. Unfortunately, clouds came in that evening, and there wasn't a star to be seen. Our very tired boys cried and cried when they hopefully ran outside and were completely disappointed. One would think I would have already learned the lesson of not promoting such things until I know with certainty that they are going to happen. Oh well, we now have an excuse to go star gazing again this summer.<br /><br />The following morning we set off from home with snowflakes falling. Thankfully, it wasn't a terrible storm, and it actually made for quite the beautiful drive.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R19r51qhtbg/TZzuX_vGZiI/AAAAAAAAA60/DtQxF0ZpjDw/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R19r51qhtbg/TZzuX_vGZiI/AAAAAAAAA60/DtQxF0ZpjDw/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592606933300700706" border="0" /></a>Now we are home, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of warmer days. Today it was 57! And I actually saw a 70 in our forecast! Dare we hope???Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-22497872021005810322011-04-04T14:00:00.007-05:002011-04-04T14:41:59.596-05:00Lutsen - Part 1We had the fantastic opportunity last week to take a four day trip to Lutsen, a town about 4 hours drive north of Minneapolis, on the shore of Lake Superior. Despite the still-winterish-not-really-spring-yet weather, we had a great time. I especially enjoyed spending time with Joel and the kids away from home, and without any agenda. As a homeschooling mom, I often feel like my interactions with the kids are centered around prodding them on toward accomplishing some task. Last week, we had the chance to just *be* together -- playing games, throwing rocks in the lake, hiking, and having fun.<br /><br />We drove up on a beautiful, clear day, and our first stop was Pizza Luce in Duluth. The pizza was fantastic, as usual, and the kids enjoyed getting to watch the pizza dough being flung into the air.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcQcuxaLru0/TZoXBjlXaJI/AAAAAAAAA20/iNPWBEmGDYo/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcQcuxaLru0/TZoXBjlXaJI/AAAAAAAAA20/iNPWBEmGDYo/s320/IMG_0918.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591807202833164434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YftGODqWbnE/TZoXBAyUSXI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Z1U1oI-_iQw/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YftGODqWbnE/TZoXBAyUSXI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Z1U1oI-_iQw/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591807193492244850" border="0" /></a>We also got to see a number of deer on the drive north (we are still Southern Californians at heart, and are excited easily by the viewing of critters in the wild).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t19bOQS9IoU/TZoYu_FdUDI/AAAAAAAAA28/8IZz7Xu135w/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t19bOQS9IoU/TZoYu_FdUDI/AAAAAAAAA28/8IZz7Xu135w/s320/IMG_0935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591809082821267506" border="0" /></a><br />The next morning, we had breakfast at the Lutsen Lodge, where the kids enjoyed pancakes shaped like little bears, I had eggs, and Joel went with the wild rice pancakes. An endearing Minnesota North Shore tradition is to somehow incorporate wild rice into every recipe. I must admit, the pancakes were *very* good.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFKR97SIrZs/TZobNki3l2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/h9ZcRKJlmpY/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFKR97SIrZs/TZobNki3l2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/h9ZcRKJlmpY/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591811807296067426" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRJPP11tcN8/TZoYvJTGnsI/AAAAAAAAA3E/ow69lnE5fqQ/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kRJPP11tcN8/TZoYvJTGnsI/AAAAAAAAA3E/ow69lnE5fqQ/s320/IMG_0938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591809085562855106" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBIMvH2EJH0/TZoYwid2ffI/AAAAAAAAA3U/dYHJ4jKUiZo/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBIMvH2EJH0/TZoYwid2ffI/AAAAAAAAA3U/dYHJ4jKUiZo/s320/IMG_0944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591809109498691058" border="0" /></a>After breakfast, we began exploring the Lake Superior shoreline.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swBbqIoNKYA/TZoYxK1Ng8I/AAAAAAAAA3c/MpXlYTiIAmw/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swBbqIoNKYA/TZoYxK1Ng8I/AAAAAAAAA3c/MpXlYTiIAmw/s320/IMG_0951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591809120334087106" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvktO_30bho/TZobNeTdxfI/AAAAAAAAA38/Asp34DvDnX8/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvktO_30bho/TZobNeTdxfI/AAAAAAAAA38/Asp34DvDnX8/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591811805620848114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y748WVEuiTk/TZobMmWKxcI/AAAAAAAAA30/gfme7TVVQao/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y748WVEuiTk/TZobMmWKxcI/AAAAAAAAA30/gfme7TVVQao/s320/IMG_0971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591811790599800258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft56jiMKhWY/TZobMcJw5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3s/fw07cH37vNc/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft56jiMKhWY/TZobMcJw5ZI/AAAAAAAAA3s/fw07cH37vNc/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591811787863418258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIFAOGV2k68/TZobMOpK9OI/AAAAAAAAA3k/a7fmWdoJX_o/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LIFAOGV2k68/TZobMOpK9OI/AAAAAAAAA3k/a7fmWdoJX_o/s320/IMG_0957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591811784237053154" border="0" /></a>But, seeing as the temperature was a bit on the chilly side, we decided to head for the indoor pool and spa for some morning recreation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYga9MO5TRo/TZoduSimXQI/AAAAAAAAA4U/3z4HhjB_L34/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYga9MO5TRo/TZoduSimXQI/AAAAAAAAA4U/3z4HhjB_L34/s320/IMG_0979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591814568422038786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRzap9A8t3I/TZoduH0NWsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/2JEVNWXk07M/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRzap9A8t3I/TZoduH0NWsI/AAAAAAAAA4M/2JEVNWXk07M/s320/IMG_0978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591814565543107266" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eV1Mi2ibMQ/TZoduq5jwKI/AAAAAAAAA4c/qTEUjUJkirI/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9eV1Mi2ibMQ/TZoduq5jwKI/AAAAAAAAA4c/qTEUjUJkirI/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591814574960787618" border="0" /></a>Nothing says vacation like chocolate milk, poolside. I think we all felt like the trip was off to a good start.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-48461998351321272172011-03-27T18:31:00.003-06:002011-03-27T18:38:56.047-06:00Craft TimeI am a horrible mom. It is a rare day that I do crafts with my kids, even though they love them and would craft away each day if allowed to do so. Why? Because I am lazy. There you have it. True confessions. <br /><br />Every once in a while, though, I get inspired. Inspiration this weekend came in the form of a "Bead Pets" kit sent by Auntie Lori and Uncle Jeremy for Corrie's birthday. How could I refuse when the kids were so excited to get started?? So, I read the directions, enlisted Joel for help, and, lo and behold, we have pets made of beads!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd-BiqtrrPI/TY_XntRb3LI/AAAAAAAAA2k/hC682wxFwqo/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd-BiqtrrPI/TY_XntRb3LI/AAAAAAAAA2k/hC682wxFwqo/s320/IMG_0912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588922739757669554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqglahjnr6M/TY_XnMbMo4I/AAAAAAAAA2c/XFMiA0bApKo/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqglahjnr6M/TY_XnMbMo4I/AAAAAAAAA2c/XFMiA0bApKo/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588922730940244866" border="0" /></a>Thank you, Jeremy and Lori, for enhancing the lives of my craft deprived children. They loved it!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-9347106392701303042011-03-26T09:20:00.004-06:002011-03-26T09:40:48.515-06:00Swim Lessons!In an attempt to beat the late winter doldrums, we decided to sign the kids up for some swim lessons. After a few attempts at taking lessons at the community pool, and not seeing much progress, we decided to pay a bit more and sign up for lessons at the local fancy pants swim school. With the abundance of lakes around here, the kids want to be able to swim in them all summer long, and so our goal for this summer is to really get them swimming well.<br /><br />Our first lesson was last night, and I'm impressed so far. Corrie only has three kids in her class, and Jack only has four. The teachers seemed to do a great job of quickly assessing their skill level, and then got right to working hard with them. By the end of the lesson, Corrie was picking up rings from the bottom of the pool!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgPuI_qtH2s/TY4GFI7zLOI/AAAAAAAAA18/RbGt0qYgAdU/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgPuI_qtH2s/TY4GFI7zLOI/AAAAAAAAA18/RbGt0qYgAdU/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588410872980778210" border="0" /></a>Before the lesson . . . ready to go!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6uznqZGg7o/TY4Gi2fDhEI/AAAAAAAAA2U/5LaHg7BijZ4/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W6uznqZGg7o/TY4Gi2fDhEI/AAAAAAAAA2U/5LaHg7BijZ4/s320/IMG_0892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588411383424451650" border="0" /></a>Looking good in the pink goggles.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIu7g5tTgeg/TY4GFbGt6bI/AAAAAAAAA2E/AqyK2sxKJDM/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIu7g5tTgeg/TY4GFbGt6bI/AAAAAAAAA2E/AqyK2sxKJDM/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588410877858408882" border="0" /></a>Benefit of fancy pants swim school: glass enclosed room to contain/entertain the Wes man.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-1337224343692792032011-03-22T18:17:00.004-06:002011-03-22T18:52:06.486-06:00The Long, Long WinterWell, to say that this post is overdue is more than an understatement, but I've decided to not give up completely on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ol</span>' blog (yet). This year has been the busiest since we moved to Minnesota. Jack joined Corrie as an official student enrolled in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bascom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Homeschool</span> Experiment. Keeping both of them learning, thinking, and reading (while keeping Wesley from dismantling our house) has kept me fairly occupied this year. We are also now involved in two co-ops -- one is a small gathering of moms and kids from our church, and another is a larger, more established group that provides field trips, testing, social gatherings, etc. Both groups have been a blessing, but meeting with the other ladies from our church has been a really wonderful thing for me and the kids this year. I have made some good friends, and so have the kids. My extroverted children are thrilled, and I'm exceedingly thankful.<br /><br />Here is a photographic run down of the past several months:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoynaQf568A/TYk9euTp0RI/AAAAAAAAA1s/OBv573YTU1w/s1600/IMG_5662.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoynaQf568A/TYk9euTp0RI/AAAAAAAAA1s/OBv573YTU1w/s320/IMG_5662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587064410765644050" border="0" /></a>In the fall, ready to kick off a new school year.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjXC0FDXDnk/TYk9eebCooI/AAAAAAAAA1k/38KFWr5P-pE/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjXC0FDXDnk/TYk9eebCooI/AAAAAAAAA1k/38KFWr5P-pE/s320/IMG_4021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587064406501663362" border="0" /></a>It was a typically beautiful fall in Minnesota.<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OExJ_Fn2J4/TYk8ZyAOdiI/AAAAAAAAAz8/K_cG0xXSw34/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJVx0NSJqG4/TYk8aYXHcxI/AAAAAAAAA0E/GO_tQPrCmZU/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJVx0NSJqG4/TYk8aYXHcxI/AAAAAAAAA0E/GO_tQPrCmZU/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063236643484434" border="0" /></a>We enjoyed it thoroughly . . . the kids loved picking apples and visiting the pumpkin patch.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjXC0FDXDnk/TYk9eebCooI/AAAAAAAAA1k/38KFWr5P-pE/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws7e6WKZ-oU/TYk9eHF7O5I/AAAAAAAAA1c/ppjNE2zPUyE/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws7e6WKZ-oU/TYk9eHF7O5I/AAAAAAAAA1c/ppjNE2zPUyE/s320/IMG_1902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587064400239082386" border="0" /></a>The snow started in November, and there is still some on the ground today. In fact, we are expecting snow and sleet tonight. It has been a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">looooong</span> winter. Spring, come soon. Please.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XKxy5HV0yo/TYk83bcZMzI/AAAAAAAAA0s/znsV2Bcp-Cw/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XKxy5HV0yo/TYk83bcZMzI/AAAAAAAAA0s/znsV2Bcp-Cw/s320/IMG_0695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063735687131954" border="0" /></a>We took a break from the snow in January with a trip to California to see our families. Here's Corrie at the beach with little cousin Katie.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tj3KsYYZJ3k/TYk9dxjDRFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/NaHojnPy63M/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tj3KsYYZJ3k/TYk9dxjDRFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/NaHojnPy63M/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587064394455663698" border="0" /></a>We all got to meet my brother's new baby girl, Emily. She was only two weeks old when we arrived.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ6zqqGLaVA/TYk9do1WQ0I/AAAAAAAAA1M/KYUSpreEZL4/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ6zqqGLaVA/TYk9do1WQ0I/AAAAAAAAA1M/KYUSpreEZL4/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587064392116486978" border="0" /></a>We all love her.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4r46SPmtug/TYk84j6qVPI/AAAAAAAAA1E/zJ6Stn9n13c/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4r46SPmtug/TYk84j6qVPI/AAAAAAAAA1E/zJ6Stn9n13c/s320/IMG_1508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063755141436658" border="0" /></a>The kids loved all the good cousin time.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFlMZPlXBhQ/TYk83qjLZFI/AAAAAAAAA00/rt86TI_eVm0/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFlMZPlXBhQ/TYk83qjLZFI/AAAAAAAAA00/rt86TI_eVm0/s320/IMG_0754.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063739742118994" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqofaRIXDDU/TYk83NxZmlI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Ehtbtcr5EPM/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqofaRIXDDU/TYk83NxZmlI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Ehtbtcr5EPM/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063732017142354" border="0" /></a>But, soon enough we were back to this.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzPeoZZHCko/TYk8bWX03qI/AAAAAAAAA0c/4nJS5l4HDFk/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzPeoZZHCko/TYk8bWX03qI/AAAAAAAAA0c/4nJS5l4HDFk/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063253289459362" border="0" /></a>And this.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzdumK_ng0c/TYk8bOUDLHI/AAAAAAAAA0U/XrL96To1UpI/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzdumK_ng0c/TYk8bOUDLHI/AAAAAAAAA0U/XrL96To1UpI/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063251126135922" border="0" /></a>And this. Thankfully, the kids can't get enough of playing in it. Corrie told me this week that snow is the best thing about Minnesota. Gotta love that positive attitude.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89XnCNrRh-A/TYk8avnA8nI/AAAAAAAAA0M/0ZMt1lIBZCg/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89XnCNrRh-A/TYk8avnA8nI/AAAAAAAAA0M/0ZMt1lIBZCg/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063242884182642" border="0" /></a>I have to admit that my attitude is reflected pretty accurately by Wes in this picture. I love the snow at Christmas time . . . but by late March, I am officially ready for green.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpQB_ucdsYo/TYk84DGjHyI/AAAAAAAAA08/705y9o-A8VA/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpQB_ucdsYo/TYk84DGjHyI/AAAAAAAAA08/705y9o-A8VA/s320/IMG_0873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587063746332925730" border="0" /></a>And, to bring you completely up to date, we celebrated Corrie's 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> birthday this week. I'm ever so grateful for her. She fills the house with enthusiasm and make believe, she loves her little brothers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">somethin</span>' fierce, and she gives me reasons to laugh every day. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XKxy5HV0yo/TYk83bcZMzI/AAAAAAAAA0s/znsV2Bcp-Cw/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqofaRIXDDU/TYk83NxZmlI/AAAAAAAAA0k/Ehtbtcr5EPM/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzPeoZZHCko/TYk8bWX03qI/AAAAAAAAA0c/4nJS5l4HDFk/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzdumK_ng0c/TYk8bOUDLHI/AAAAAAAAA0U/XrL96To1UpI/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89XnCNrRh-A/TYk8avnA8nI/AAAAAAAAA0M/0ZMt1lIBZCg/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJVx0NSJqG4/TYk8aYXHcxI/AAAAAAAAA0E/GO_tQPrCmZU/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OExJ_Fn2J4/TYk8ZyAOdiI/AAAAAAAAAz8/K_cG0xXSw34/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG"><br /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-8391869233336872942010-08-06T11:00:00.003-05:002010-08-06T11:02:49.473-05:00Summer MilestoneFirst ever treats from the ice cream truck. None of them were able to finish before massive melting occurred.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwx1PjU3oI/AAAAAAAAAzM/IZTUc01nCx8/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwx1PjU3oI/AAAAAAAAAzM/IZTUc01nCx8/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502327635517431426" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-90871781545686521992010-07-20T09:08:00.007-05:002010-08-06T09:19:03.796-05:00Busy SummerSummer is flying by, and we are doing our best to soak up every warm second of it. We've had an exceptionally busy summer, with Corrie playing soccer and continuing violin lessons, Corrie and Jack taking swim lessons, and visits from our families. Thrown into the mix has been some work related travel for Joel, along with an unexpected trip to California for the funeral of his grandfather. I am looking forward to the second half of summer having a slower pace . . . especially since I still need to sort and organize curriculum for the fall!<div><br /></div><div>Here are some pictures of our latest excitement:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw-Mf3XgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/fKudY2Sz1kI/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw-Mf3XgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/fKudY2Sz1kI/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495993502828813826" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jack turned 5 in June -- my parents came for a visit, and we had a fun celebration.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw-yvY4VI/AAAAAAAAAyM/r-8hphm4PVQ/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw-yvY4VI/AAAAAAAAAyM/r-8hphm4PVQ/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495993513094472018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In honor of the big birthday, we went to the Children's Museum in Saint Paul. Jack is trying on the scarecrow's hat from the Wizard of Oz exhibit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXtwbs5QI/AAAAAAAAAzE/xVcXuWYmwzY/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXtwbs5QI/AAAAAAAAAzE/xVcXuWYmwzY/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXtwbs5QI/AAAAAAAAAzE/xVcXuWYmwzY/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502298919602545922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Joel's sister and her family came for a visit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXtD-dz0I/AAAAAAAAAy8/LnPBBaehctU/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXtD-dz0I/AAAAAAAAAy8/LnPBBaehctU/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502298907668762434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of fun cousin time . . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWxBL6FkQI/AAAAAAAAAyk/iykqTdI8w34/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWxBL6FkQI/AAAAAAAAAyk/iykqTdI8w34/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495993554209968386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">. . . including some nice swim time in the local lakes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXM9BRt1I/AAAAAAAAAy0/t1uBfNjkbDE/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXM9BRt1I/AAAAAAAAAy0/t1uBfNjkbDE/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502298356045690706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Corrie LOVED playing soccer this summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXMeJc61I/AAAAAAAAAys/tUCKoKtVGuw/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TFwXMeJc61I/AAAAAAAAAys/tUCKoKtVGuw/s320/DSC_0181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502298347758480210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">She was on a team with a very sweet group of little girls, and she wept bitter tears when the season ended. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWxAGHPy7I/AAAAAAAAAyc/4OTq6vvmqws/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWxAGHPy7I/AAAAAAAAAyc/4OTq6vvmqws/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495993535474682802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wes has spent most of the summer doing something like this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw_SJFaWI/AAAAAAAAAyU/YJzL3CuY_lY/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/TEWw_SJFaWI/AAAAAAAAAyU/YJzL3CuY_lY/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495993521523747170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe he will be 3 in a few weeks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-48236750844930664502010-05-25T20:16:00.004-05:002010-05-25T20:43:54.395-05:00ChicagoWe arrived home yesterday from a road trip to Chicago, and are feeling very thankful for our time back on our old stomping grounds. We piled the kids in the car on Wednesday morning, and enjoyed the beautiful drive across Wisconsin and down into the northern 'burbs of Chicago. The kids did quite well on the drive, and were delighted with our hotel and the wondrous murphy bed upon which Corrie and Jack were privileged to sleep. Thankfully, no one was smashed or maimed as a result of their fascination with that bed.<br /><br />Our first day in Chicagoland involved taking the train into the city, where we went to the Shedd Aquarium, Buckingham Fountain and Michigan Avenue. The kids had a great time, and the boys were especially enamored with the train ride. Our second day was dedicated to returning to our home in Evanston, where Corrie was born and lived the first year of her life. It was great, and so nostalgic for Joel and I. The next day we went into the city again, this time by car, and visited the fantastic Lincoln Park Zoo, and saw a concert in the same neighborhood by our friends, <a href="http://thespares.net/">The Spares</a>. Love, love, love their music!<br /><br />Finally, we were able to attend a church that was recently established by some good friends from our Chicago days, and then were hosted for lunch by some friends who made up our small group at that time. We haven't seen many of them for years, but it was great to make connections again, and to see how our families have grown. We were all young married couples with no kids in those days, and now there was quite the gang of little ones running around.<br /><br />All in all, a great trip . . . and a gift to have Joel away from work and all to ourselves for a few days!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7omI7U2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/Ti3kEu6zmaA/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7omI7U2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/Ti3kEu6zmaA/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475387184338654050" border="0" /></a>On the Train!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7oO4fW9I/AAAAAAAAAx0/TCOI_Js5DsY/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7oO4fW9I/AAAAAAAAAx0/TCOI_Js5DsY/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475387178095696850" border="0" /></a>Aquarium<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7nWm1-WI/AAAAAAAAAxs/kdzqHZmdYo0/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7nWm1-WI/AAAAAAAAAxs/kdzqHZmdYo0/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475387162989295970" border="0" /></a>Getting ready for the 3D Movie. She hated it, by the way.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7m6tuqRI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gNtYLQ0YJrA/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7m6tuqRI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gNtYLQ0YJrA/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475387155501984018" border="0" /></a>Wes & Daddy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7mPStNtI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Hl7cLHzHsQM/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x7mPStNtI/AAAAAAAAAxc/Hl7cLHzHsQM/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475387143845918418" border="0" /></a>That is one big fountain<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x64YLHA5I/AAAAAAAAAxU/hyHT4auGj0Y/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x64YLHA5I/AAAAAAAAAxU/hyHT4auGj0Y/s320/IMG_0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475386355955991442" border="0" /></a>At the front door of our old apartment<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x630TwRYI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wXA0cTkvQ04/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x630TwRYI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wXA0cTkvQ04/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475386346328573314" border="0" /></a>Best giant cinnamon chip scones ever.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x63HOqsLI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rgKXnwkl75Y/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x63HOqsLI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rgKXnwkl75Y/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475386334227640498" border="0" /></a>We stopped at a lot of playgrounds<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x62eZ2IkI/AAAAAAAAAw8/C78A3w4rQF0/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x62eZ2IkI/AAAAAAAAAw8/C78A3w4rQF0/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475386323268674114" border="0" /></a>Hey look, it's a polar bear<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x61z3Nk-I/AAAAAAAAAw0/sLbf1-Xzlqg/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S_x61z3Nk-I/AAAAAAAAAw0/sLbf1-Xzlqg/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475386311849120738" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-80956086547065363602010-05-09T21:41:00.002-05:002010-05-09T21:42:43.823-05:00Thankful Mama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-dycngg7LI/AAAAAAAAAws/J0Wq41amvt0/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-dycngg7LI/AAAAAAAAAws/J0Wq41amvt0/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469466108432018610" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-71883943602971585372010-05-06T09:47:00.003-05:002010-05-06T09:56:15.813-05:00Lowry Nature CenterWe took a family field trip this week to one of the nature centers / park reserves in our area. It was a beautiful, HUGE place with great walking trails. The kids absolutely love these places, and are more than happy to spend the morning being "nature explorers." This particular nature center included a great nature themed playground, complete with otter slides, a beaver dam, and lily pads. We are having an amazing early spring in Minnesota, and it feels so great to get out an enjoy it.<br /><br />Some pictures . . .<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXyICmJcI/AAAAAAAAAwk/jIv7TeEFC7E/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXyICmJcI/AAAAAAAAAwk/jIv7TeEFC7E/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468170153733006786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXxg8K4sI/AAAAAAAAAwc/4xTRLFDGi9w/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXxg8K4sI/AAAAAAAAAwc/4xTRLFDGi9w/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468170143237071554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXwwOV0zI/AAAAAAAAAwU/R21eBebGKls/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXwwOV0zI/AAAAAAAAAwU/R21eBebGKls/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468170130159948594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXvzZ8nnI/AAAAAAAAAwM/jVN7UuJ-9FQ/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXvzZ8nnI/AAAAAAAAAwM/jVN7UuJ-9FQ/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468170113834065522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXvQ1s6kI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ujNOlqt-18k/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S-LXvQ1s6kI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ujNOlqt-18k/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468170104555235906" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-67037102326829815392010-04-11T21:21:00.004-05:002010-04-11T21:35:35.094-05:00The Latest NewsWe've had a great couple of weeks here in Minneapolis. Spring has arrived early (for this part of the world), and we have been enjoying beautiful days. Daffodils and tulips are coming up, trees are blossoming, and I am LOVING the general greenness all around.<br /><br />We had a great visit with my parents, who were here for a week and spent Easter with us. Trips to the zoo and to the park were highlights for the kids, and I especially enjoyed our fantastic Easter feast together. Here are some pictures of our times enjoying the sun . . . and a short video of Corrie's very first attempt at riding her bike without training wheels. I think she's got the hang of it, and she's looking forward to a lot of riding this summer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGUOMEupI/AAAAAAAAAv8/bW5_V_qO38Y/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGUOMEupI/AAAAAAAAAv8/bW5_V_qO38Y/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459073380290706066" border="0" /></a>My handsome guy, on a stroll.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGTQ9xonI/AAAAAAAAAv0/aoPP7hlBjvE/s1600/IMG_6912.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGTQ9xonI/AAAAAAAAAv0/aoPP7hlBjvE/s320/IMG_6912.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459073363856171634" border="0" /></a>The Easter 2010 shot<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGTCQw1SI/AAAAAAAAAvs/xPu4RGjfduc/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGTCQw1SI/AAAAAAAAAvs/xPu4RGjfduc/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459073359909279010" border="0" /></a>Grandma and Jack at the zoo<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGSotcZVI/AAAAAAAAAvk/6nyFmvXe_E8/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S8KGSotcZVI/AAAAAAAAAvk/6nyFmvXe_E8/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459073353050252626" border="0" /></a>Cheeeeeeese!</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQkJ2g58BVSVnCxYQjOKdo5I3Tz9nuwfu71yZtSBuNKG5mSLTFky19FlPxs9l1O5WQcb8uUhx3oX4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-59208799338122553372010-03-25T19:57:00.005-06:002010-03-26T06:33:55.415-06:00Violin Recital TimeHere is the video from Corrie's violin recital, which took place this evening. It was our fourth recital of this school year, and was a little bit more challenging for Corrie than others have been. She was upset because a couple of girls teased her by telling her there was a spider in her hair right before the recital started. Being deathly afraid of spiders, she did not take this joke very well. Then, she was frustrated because the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">accompanist</span> played her piece too slowly. But, all in all, she survived and made it through the song. Oh, and you'll be happy to know that the teasing girls apologized to her during the post-recital cookie and punch time, so all is right with the world.<br /><br />Here is a link to our usual poor quality video. Someday, I shall purchase a new camera . . .<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/losbascoms/100070">Corrie's Performance</a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-40626441373636184932010-03-21T20:19:00.004-06:002010-03-21T20:57:14.465-06:00Kansas CityWe arrived home yesterday from a short trip to Kansas City, MO. Joel's parents were there in order to cheer on our ol' alma mater, Biola, at the national basketball tournament. So, we made plans to meet up and spend a few days together. The kids did amazingly well with the driving portion of the trip. As long as we kept their favorite CD's playing, and the snacks coming, they were quite content. Wes had a couple of minor meltdowns when he just couldn't take it anymore, but other than that, the 7 hour drive went smoothly.<br /><br />Upon arrival in Kansas City, we settled into the Residence Inn, where we shared a nice, spacious suite with Joel's parents. It was perfect for our family. It was perfect for the adults because the children could be enclosed in their own room, and we didn't all have to go to bed at 8 o'clock. It was perfect for the children because of the free breakfast buffet that was included with the room price. I don't know about other kiddos, but mine can (and do) eat a serious quantity of food at breakfast time. Perhaps this is because they are often less than thrilled with my attempt-at-healthy dinner offerings, and therefore hold out until the good stuff comes out at breakfast. In any event, our kids felt that this breakfast buffet was truly nirvana, because they could eat, and eat, and eat cereal and yogurt and oatmeal and fruit until stuffed. Every morning.<br /><br />The kids also enjoyed our trips to the art museum, the zoo, and the Crayola Cafe, where we celebrated Corrie's 7th birthday. She was thrilled with the special day, and capped it off by attending the Biola basketball game that evening. I was not with her, as I stayed back at the hotel to put the boys to bed, but Joel reported that she loved her first basketball game and cheered with exceeding loudness for Biola throughout the entire game.<br /><br />The excitement for the adults mostly centered around food. Kansas City is known for it's barbecue, and massive quantities of it were ingested within a three day period. I think I'll eat salads forever from now on. Joel and I also had the rare opportunity to go out on a date, and we had a great time exploring the city a bit.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the trip was very short, but it was great to get some bonus Grandma and Grandad time.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYLqdGnVI/AAAAAAAAAuU/BItoTK7VmeI/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYLqdGnVI/AAAAAAAAAuU/BItoTK7VmeI/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282093865082194" border="0" /></a><br />A sort of strange looking picture taken at the Albert Lea, MN gas station/gift shop/McDonalds. Jack, pull your shirt down, please.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYL41Df6I/AAAAAAAAAuc/CDm9ODX7Dig/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYL41Df6I/AAAAAAAAAuc/CDm9ODX7Dig/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282097723637666" border="0" /></a>Running toward the giant shuttlecocks at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYMSxai1I/AAAAAAAAAuk/LbexX3cMroY/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYMSxai1I/AAAAAAAAAuk/LbexX3cMroY/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282104687692626" border="0" /></a>Me 'n' Joel<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYMx5A_YI/AAAAAAAAAus/I2PBe5vzydw/s1600-h/IMG_0029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYMx5A_YI/AAAAAAAAAus/I2PBe5vzydw/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282113041071490" border="0" /></a>Awwww. Aren't they cute?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYNYGdL4I/AAAAAAAAAu0/x_n--qPj_U4/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bYNYGdL4I/AAAAAAAAAu0/x_n--qPj_U4/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282123297992578" border="0" /></a>We left our stroller at home. Not good with a rambunctious two year old in tow. Thank goodness for those stroller rentals at the zoo. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZRyzQoZI/AAAAAAAAAu8/gJju-uflb3k/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZRyzQoZI/AAAAAAAAAu8/gJju-uflb3k/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283298696339858" border="0" /></a>Love this kid.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZShtLOGI/AAAAAAAAAvE/ErSwA6_CEUY/s1600-h/IMG_0043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZShtLOGI/AAAAAAAAAvE/ErSwA6_CEUY/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283311287285858" border="0" /></a>Corrie and her Grandad.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZSztAyrI/AAAAAAAAAvM/FvYyRa9-dJU/s1600-h/IMG_0055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZSztAyrI/AAAAAAAAAvM/FvYyRa9-dJU/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283316118440626" border="0" /></a>With Grandma on the big birthday.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZTbc91hI/AAAAAAAAAvU/yk5_d3sMjLs/s1600-h/IMG_0073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZTbc91hI/AAAAAAAAAvU/yk5_d3sMjLs/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283326788556306" border="0" /></a>Wes and Corrie.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZT-5J0CI/AAAAAAAAAvc/P2KCskGKqdg/s1600-h/IMG_0081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S6bZT-5J0CI/AAAAAAAAAvc/P2KCskGKqdg/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283336302022690" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And, the big birthday celebration. She did share this with her brothers, after exclaiming, "Oh, I couldn't POSSIBLY manage it all!" Good times.<br /></div></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-70161244704515164682010-03-12T15:21:00.003-06:002010-03-12T15:23:38.226-06:00Posted on my Basement Wall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5qwbWGyicI/AAAAAAAAAuM/BI8-HVSkZpg/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5qwbWGyicI/AAAAAAAAAuM/BI8-HVSkZpg/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447860683095050690" border="0" /></a>Upon further investigation, I determined that they were looking for a shirt for one of their stuffed animals. Because they were playing house, and they "don't want naked children."Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-10522343952768724572010-03-11T06:50:00.002-06:002010-03-11T07:21:28.467-06:00Co-Op DayToday is a busy day in our little world. Homeschool co-op, library, group violin lesson, dentist appointment. Listing all of this reminds me that I need to stop for gas in our van. But . . . anyhow . . . the kids love days like this, especially because it is a "co-op day." Our little co-op has been a great thing in our lives since moving here and beginning homeschooling. It meets right down the street (we could walk if I was inspired to walk through the sort-of-spring-melting-slush). Jack goes to a preschool class, and Corrie goes to art, PE, and science classes. They have a great time hanging out with the other kids and they get to learn all kinds of fascinating things that I would never cover at home. For example, Jack gets to use a lot of glitter, glue, and other mess-making craft stuff that I avoid like the plague. A highlight (or was it a lowlight?) for Corrie recently was learning about the anatomy of a fish in science class, by watching the teacher gut a fish right before her concerned eyes. <br /><br />I am currently the "room mom" helper in Corrie's PE class. Though here in the frozen north they call it Phy Ed. Weird. They also call duck-duck-goose, "duck-duck-grey duck." Double weird. But the mild mannered Scandinavians will fight you to the death if you tell them that these names are wrong. Just a warning. What was I saying? Oh, yes, I am working in Corrie's <span style="font-style: italic;">Phy Ed</span> class and am having a great time watching her learn the important things of which she is deprived while homeschooling, like how to play kickball and dodge ball. <br /><br />Meanwhile, when I'm not helping out in some way or another, I get some time to sit and talk with the other moms. This has been a great resource for me, as a non-native to the area, because I hear about all kinds of fun ideas for family outings, lessons, activities, etc. <br /><br />Now, we'll work on being just as thankful for the dentist.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-32163482179216308992010-03-09T07:35:00.002-06:002010-03-09T07:37:58.479-06:00Bedhead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5ZO7rY7jfI/AAAAAAAAAuE/NbYgKbE6gWg/s1600-h/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5ZO7rY7jfI/AAAAAAAAAuE/NbYgKbE6gWg/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446627586517732850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5ZO65LHsCI/AAAAAAAAAt8/fEamp7z0oLw/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5ZO65LHsCI/AAAAAAAAAt8/fEamp7z0oLw/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446627573038034978" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-17772134065690537132010-03-06T18:56:00.006-06:002010-03-06T19:10:33.737-06:00Weekend ExcitementWe kicked off this weekend with fresh haircuts. This picture pretty much captures the attitudes of our children regarding this activity:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7DzGZsgI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Gea8BSLZ8Ts/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7DzGZsgI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Gea8BSLZ8Ts/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445690942119588354" border="0" /></a><br />On Friday (day 1 of Joel's weekend) we decided to explore a bit of Minnesota that we haven't yet seen. We drove for about an hour down the Minnesota River to the town of St. Peter. It was a pretty drive, even across the snow covered landscape, and we had a good time spotting farm animals and bald eagles circling overhead. St. Peter was a cute little town, and is home to Gustavus Adolphus college. I enjoyed the trip, though I was sorely disappointed that we were unable to locate the cheesy tourist attraction of "St. Peter's Pearly Gates." The city's website declares that authentic appearance of the gates will actually make you pinch yourself in order to confirm that you haven't reached the great beyond. Perhaps next time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7_1U8-_I/AAAAAAAAAt0/rcldpf7jgKM/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7_1U8-_I/AAAAAAAAAt0/rcldpf7jgKM/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691973509643250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7_ArGZ6I/AAAAAAAAAts/qxBLdJLXhjw/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7_ArGZ6I/AAAAAAAAAts/qxBLdJLXhjw/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691959375456162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7-2Z-cQI/AAAAAAAAAtk/IDoK_hVQ7MA/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7-2Z-cQI/AAAAAAAAAtk/IDoK_hVQ7MA/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691956619276546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7-aHx6NI/AAAAAAAAAtc/gw7F8pYHL_I/s1600-h/IMG_0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L7-aHx6NI/AAAAAAAAAtc/gw7F8pYHL_I/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691949026765010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L790SnKuI/AAAAAAAAAtU/GkFCHK9X8h4/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S5L790SnKuI/AAAAAAAAAtU/GkFCHK9X8h4/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445691938871651042" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-891238304423986512010-03-03T20:15:00.002-06:002010-03-03T20:28:09.842-06:00Ballet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S48ajJarRxI/AAAAAAAAAs8/KsJsXSugkRQ/s1600-h/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S48ajJarRxI/AAAAAAAAAs8/KsJsXSugkRQ/s200/IMG_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444599665639769874" border="0" /></a><br />For months, or perhaps years, Corrie has been asking to take a ballet class. She loves to dance at home, and would earnestly tell me, "Mom, I just really, really <span style="font-style: italic;">admire</span> people who do ballet." We were hesitant, however, to pursue this interest because of the time and money involved. I had always heard that dance classes were very expensive, especially when considering the cost of costumes for performances. I looked into our local park and recreation options, but they only offered classes for wee little preschoolers. Finally, I happened upon a great option. A local dance studio started offering ballet classes during the daytime for home schoolers. The price was reasonable, there are no formal performances, just an hour per week to dance, dance, dance with a great teacher and a few other little girls. Since Corrie's birthday is coming up this month, it became her birthday present, and she is overjoyed.<br /><br />Her first class was this week, and it was pretty fun to watch her having such a great time. I truly don't think she ever stopped smiling.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-15313050621542568532010-03-01T22:07:00.001-06:002010-03-01T22:10:31.796-06:00How a Minnesota Kid Eats Breakfast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S4yPfpake0I/AAAAAAAAAs0/OqhshxPsTaE/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S4yPfpake0I/AAAAAAAAAs0/OqhshxPsTaE/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443883823440100162" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-14978512773731660712010-02-28T20:42:00.003-06:002010-02-28T21:00:27.317-06:00Goodbye, OlympicsOlympic Fever has overtaken our household for the past two weeks. The kids have loved catching some of the action every night. They love to chant U-S-A at annoyingly loud decibel levels. Even Wes gets in on the action. When walking into the room and seeing the Olympics on TV, he immediately looks at Joel or I and asks "This guy USA?" If we say no, he walks away as if he can't be bothered. Corrie was troubled by the absence of team USA from some of the sports, and so set about making a list of the countries she deemed worthy of support. In true Corrie fashion, she decided on each country based on whether or not it has spawned one of her favorite composers or literary characters.<br /><br />We also have a new appreciation for winter sports because we live in the land of snow and ice. Joel was nearly mowed down, while walking through our neighborhood last week, by cross country skiers coming out of their driveway. People ski, snow shoe, ice fish, go tubing, and play hockey here like crazy. Rather than retreat from the insane cold, everyone just gets out in it and has fun. Someday, perhaps, we will join their ranks. Joel is eager to take Corrie for a cross country skiing lesson. Watch out world.<br /><br />And so, we are sad to see the Olympics go. But not sad to see the commercials go. We had to cover the kids eyes umpteen million times to avoid nightmare inducing ads for 'Shutter Island' and 'Clash of the Titans.' If we had seen one more P&G "up with moms" ad, I would have had to cover Joel's eyes as well. "You'll <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">neeeeever</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">waaallk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aloooooone</span>."Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-43626093954966913012010-02-26T17:01:00.004-06:002010-02-26T18:05:26.097-06:00Mouse TrapWhat to do on Daddy's weekend, when we all have disgusting colds and its freezing outside?? Play Mouse Trap, of course. Here is a video of Jack's special technique for rolling dice. I like his form.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVVfN5VqUG-5umQMqBSp2ApQW20Xk1Oz0SX8dKPtZgYpZOGVnbvwGy--WTJZUJcXTJXFgXankhEkc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23851388.post-36864697504989367452010-02-25T19:57:00.003-06:002010-02-25T20:09:39.979-06:00A New ViolinAfter almost two years of playing violin, Corrie finally grew enough to move up to a larger sized instrument. As of today, she is now the proud owner of a 1/8 violin, versus the 1/10 she had before. It is a big improvement in terms of the sound of the instrument. This excites me greatly, as I am privileged to be her practice coach at home. In other words, I get to listed to a whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lotta</span> 6 year old style violin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">playin</span>', and I'm thrilled that it will now sound a bit better.<br /><br />The violin shop has a great statue of 'Concerto Charlie Brown' out front, and seeing him is always a highlight for Corrie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S4csQlknxeI/AAAAAAAAAss/5z1_zO3w79o/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U2LlRsOmNNY/S4csQlknxeI/AAAAAAAAAss/5z1_zO3w79o/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442367338175776226" border="0" /></a><br />In spite of all the work involved for both of us, we are definitely seeing the benefits of studying an instrument. Corrie has had to learn a lot of discipline and has really had to stretch herself to master each piece. She is less than thrilled with practicing, but she loves to perform, and she loves to play with other kids. We were just at a group lesson today where she performed a Bach minuet with four other little girls. It actually sounded quite good! As with most everything in life, it is amazing to see the progress that happens from steady, daily work.<br /><br />Welcome to the family, Jesse the Violin and Louise the Bow (yes, she names them). Farewell, Judy and Betty. We'll never forget you.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10841987210493382956noreply@blogger.com1