Just a week after returning from the North Shore we took on our greatest adventure yet! A road trip west! We left at dinner time on Thursday, June 22nd heading to our first stop in South Dakota, Sioux Falls. This was supposed to just be our staying point for the first night, but we ventured out the am of the 23rd to explore the name sake of the city, and it was beautiful!
Each leg of our trip was planned to take no more than 4.5 hours in the car at a time, this was to keep the kiddos comfy and not restless. It worked beautifully! From Sioux Falls we continued westward through South Dakota visiting lots of places along the way, on Friday the 23rd we hit up The Corn Palace, The Badlands, Wall Drug and ended in Rapid City for the night.
Waking up in Rapid on Saturday the 24th we got ready to do the next journey, kicking off the day with some Starbucks and Mount Rushmore! This was one of our favorite portions of the vacation, if you have never been as an adult we highly suggest you do this trip. It was a beautiful work of art, a wonderful - warm day and an amazing piece of history! We continued our day with a brief stop at the Crazy Horse Monument, a spectacular drive through Custer State Park and a winding drive over around and through the beautiful Black Hills. Eventually crossing the boarder into Wyoming for our next evening layover.
Gillette, Wyoming is a hustling town of hotels, gas stations and truckers stopping areas. Arriving after dinner time we were saved by our hotel having a small indoor water park that gave us a great place to play and let the littles blow off some steam (the reason we picked it in the first place). We had a nice couple of hours playing in the lazy river, water slide riding and a couple of games of basketball. In the morning of Sunday the 25th I brought the little guy into the after hours clinic because he had developed a rash, I didn't want to risk spreading it so we had him checked out while DH and Bel stayed behind for a little more water fun.
When we returned we hit the road again... this time for our main destination... kind of. We picked Gillette because it was a short 5 hours to Bozeman, Montana where we were reuniting with one the best friends a person could ask for. Kristi, her husband Jamie and their little guy Cole. Kristi and I became amazing friends in college and she and her family are in Montana for her husbands job. It had been over 3 years since we saw each other last and it was well overdue and a perfect excuse to have a family vacation. When we got on the road we were an hour in before we changed our plans for the day instead heading further west to go to Yellowstone! Crazy, amazing, beautiful! This turned our 5 hour final leg into a 9 hour drive through the mountains and around amazing sites!
We did finally arrive in Bozeman after bedtime on the 25th, and I have to say it was a fantastic reunion! We stayed with our friends for 3 days and experienced their city and places of work. Most importantly we were able to spend time together, our kids got to play and our friendships spread to them.
On Thursday the 28th we left our good friends, waving goodbye. This was hard, and well lets just say the momma's were crying. The kids were tired and well the daddy's enjoyed their time too. We drove from Bozeman to Bismarck, North Dakota. A long drive with mostly beautiful scenery. When we got to Bismarck, we went to eat and found we had a flat tire... at least we arrived safely and long story very short had it fixed on the morning of the 29th before we finished our last leg of the journey ending at the cabin in time for the fireworks on the 30th!
An amazing adventure that we are looking forward to doing again sometime.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
North Shore Summer Style
So I am really, really bad about keeping things up to date on the blog... well at least this summer I have good reason. We have been very, very busy!
June 14th - 17th we took the Grandma's Marathon adventure. Uncle Doug ran the full and DH ran the half. We we blessed to have great weather and extended our stay at one of our favorite MN getaway locations.
June 14th - 17th we took the Grandma's Marathon adventure. Uncle Doug ran the full and DH ran the half. We we blessed to have great weather and extended our stay at one of our favorite MN getaway locations.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Children & The Theater
When I was younger I had the amazing privilege of going to see shows at the theater with my family. From Cats, Phantom to Les Miserables, Rent, Secret Garden and even Lion King I have been blessed to have this as a part of my life. I love the idea that we too can share in these experiences as our kiddos get older and we started early with the girl. Isabel has had the wonderful experience of attending the theater a couple of times in her life. She has seen Mary Poppins, Cinderella and now Pippi Longstocking. We got the tickets from DH's partner to The Children's Theater and we asked Isabel's friend Griffin to join us! These two have been friends since Isabel was born and it is so fun to enjoy experience with them together, they are like family and we love this family! So the two little boy's Griffin's little brother and the baby boy stayed home with Sandra and Brandon and we took the olders to see the show! This was so fun, we can't wait to do it again!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
4 months...since my last post!
I have started a number of new posts, none of them making it to the final cut. So here I go giving into a quick recap of what has happened in this time!
We are plugging away at spring, many days feeling a lot like summer, warm and refreshing! We are spending tons of time outside, flowers are already potted and a new bird feeder is hanging from the play house. The kids love to be on the swing set and enjoying simply walking around the lake or shorter around the block.
Another school year is close to the end which I am looking forward to for so many reasons! On the other side of that is that when I return to work in the fall our girl will be headed to school for the first time! We are so excited to see what this new adventure will bring.
Our beautiful babes continue to grow and amaze us each and every day. Bel is so grown up in so many ways and is an amazing big sister. She amzes us with how smart she is and how thoughtful she can be with her brother. I cannot wait to see what the next couple of months bring with our almost 5 year old! She continues to swim and even to part in her first meet, it was a fun meet the swim school she goes to held and this momma was one proud lady to say the least! My heart was pounding with anticipation and pure pride when she completed both of her races! She loves it too! She finished another year of faith formation at our parish and loved being apart of class. She will be continueing next fall as well as attending school. She has decided she would like to try t-ball this summer and I look forward to the outside playtime with her.
The buddy boy is also growing so quickly! He is crawling (Quickly) everywhere, he has a mission for each move he makes. We call him trouble too because he goes around with a cute little grin that is full of mischief and we are aready seeing the differences of having a girl and a boy. He currently has two teeth that are his little chompers. We have him in a big boy rear facing carseat now because I can't carry the old with him in it, he still can fit, I just am not strong enough :-) He loves to talk, squeek and say momma, dadda and numma. We are working on Bel Bel or sissy, but it may be a while! He is so laid back (much like his daddy) and goes with whatever we are doing. He doesn't complain too much unless he isn't feeling well which with seasonal allergies has been a little bit more trying lately. He has his second double ear infection right now, but you would never know it by being around him. I am thankful for the feaver for the tip though!
Both kiddos continue to thrive at their daycare and love being with Pam and friends. DH says baby boy jumps from his arms when he sees Pam in the morning and even though it is hard to be away at work, when I know that they are loved and cared for it helps. Oma (dh's mom) gives us a couple of nights a month to go out without kids and that has been an amazing time for dh and I to spend quality time with just each other. We love our babies, but having time just the two of us, not exhausted from work or running around has been an amazing gift!
We are looking forward to a summer filled with adventure with family and friends near and far... especially those far who we have longed to spend time with. There will be more updateing and pictures ahead... this time I promise!
We are plugging away at spring, many days feeling a lot like summer, warm and refreshing! We are spending tons of time outside, flowers are already potted and a new bird feeder is hanging from the play house. The kids love to be on the swing set and enjoying simply walking around the lake or shorter around the block.
Another school year is close to the end which I am looking forward to for so many reasons! On the other side of that is that when I return to work in the fall our girl will be headed to school for the first time! We are so excited to see what this new adventure will bring.
Our beautiful babes continue to grow and amaze us each and every day. Bel is so grown up in so many ways and is an amazing big sister. She amzes us with how smart she is and how thoughtful she can be with her brother. I cannot wait to see what the next couple of months bring with our almost 5 year old! She continues to swim and even to part in her first meet, it was a fun meet the swim school she goes to held and this momma was one proud lady to say the least! My heart was pounding with anticipation and pure pride when she completed both of her races! She loves it too! She finished another year of faith formation at our parish and loved being apart of class. She will be continueing next fall as well as attending school. She has decided she would like to try t-ball this summer and I look forward to the outside playtime with her.
The buddy boy is also growing so quickly! He is crawling (Quickly) everywhere, he has a mission for each move he makes. We call him trouble too because he goes around with a cute little grin that is full of mischief and we are aready seeing the differences of having a girl and a boy. He currently has two teeth that are his little chompers. We have him in a big boy rear facing carseat now because I can't carry the old with him in it, he still can fit, I just am not strong enough :-) He loves to talk, squeek and say momma, dadda and numma. We are working on Bel Bel or sissy, but it may be a while! He is so laid back (much like his daddy) and goes with whatever we are doing. He doesn't complain too much unless he isn't feeling well which with seasonal allergies has been a little bit more trying lately. He has his second double ear infection right now, but you would never know it by being around him. I am thankful for the feaver for the tip though!
Both kiddos continue to thrive at their daycare and love being with Pam and friends. DH says baby boy jumps from his arms when he sees Pam in the morning and even though it is hard to be away at work, when I know that they are loved and cared for it helps. Oma (dh's mom) gives us a couple of nights a month to go out without kids and that has been an amazing time for dh and I to spend quality time with just each other. We love our babies, but having time just the two of us, not exhausted from work or running around has been an amazing gift!
We are looking forward to a summer filled with adventure with family and friends near and far... especially those far who we have longed to spend time with. There will be more updateing and pictures ahead... this time I promise!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Snow has fallen... Daybook
Outside my Window:The snow is finally here! I love snow, I love winter, if it is cold there should be snow. There is only an inch or two on the ground, but it looks nicer than the brown grass!
I am thinking:About how my classes will go this week. I am in the middle of teaching WWII and also have a few student presentations this week.
I am thankful for:My mother in law giving DH and I the opportunity to have dinner a couple of times a month without children. We went to Axel's this week,and it was so good, we also headed to Caribou and Best Buy after dinner before returning home.
I am reading: Heaven is For Real. I have about 50 pages left, and I think I have cried for over half of it. It has many connections to my family life as a mom.
I am hoping: This week goes by quickly, though I hate wishing away time (I want my babies to stay babies) I can't wait for uninterrupted time with them, and that comes on the weekends.
On my mind:Making sure that I stay up on grading, I have done pretty well with this so far since returning to work but I want to maximize time at home!
We're learning: How to build on foundations.
Noticing that: My children love each other, truly unconditionally love each other. They want to be together, they watch each other and there is true joy in their eyes when they look at one another.
A few plans for the week: The early part of the week is quiet, but Thursday there is swimming, Friday there is piano, Saturday dance and dinner with friends, Sunday church.
From the kitchen: Baked Ham and potatoes tonight, tomorrow a pork roast in the crock-pot, Wednesday steak, Thursday pesto and chicken pasta, Friday pork chops. Saturday is yet to be determined as we need to chat with our friends to see what they would like :-)
Around the house:Organized chaos. Things are clean just not all put away :-)
I am thinking:About how my classes will go this week. I am in the middle of teaching WWII and also have a few student presentations this week.
I am thankful for:My mother in law giving DH and I the opportunity to have dinner a couple of times a month without children. We went to Axel's this week,and it was so good, we also headed to Caribou and Best Buy after dinner before returning home.
I am reading: Heaven is For Real. I have about 50 pages left, and I think I have cried for over half of it. It has many connections to my family life as a mom.
I am hoping: This week goes by quickly, though I hate wishing away time (I want my babies to stay babies) I can't wait for uninterrupted time with them, and that comes on the weekends.
On my mind:Making sure that I stay up on grading, I have done pretty well with this so far since returning to work but I want to maximize time at home!
We're learning: How to build on foundations.
Noticing that: My children love each other, truly unconditionally love each other. They want to be together, they watch each other and there is true joy in their eyes when they look at one another.
A few plans for the week: The early part of the week is quiet, but Thursday there is swimming, Friday there is piano, Saturday dance and dinner with friends, Sunday church.
From the kitchen: Baked Ham and potatoes tonight, tomorrow a pork roast in the crock-pot, Wednesday steak, Thursday pesto and chicken pasta, Friday pork chops. Saturday is yet to be determined as we need to chat with our friends to see what they would like :-)
Around the house:Organized chaos. Things are clean just not all put away :-)
One of my favorite things:Snuggle time with both my kids :-)
A picture or two to share:
A picture or two to share:
 |
| Sitting like a big boy |
 |
| Dance outfit and Happy! |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Daybook Returns...
Outside my Window: I see grass that remains brown, bare trees and small hints that show we should have snow.
I am thinking: About how hectic it can be during short weeks of school. We only have students three days this week, and though its often a blessing its also a curse when you have days filled to the brim with things going on, especially a week with parent teacher conferences!
I am thankful for: So many things, my husband, my children, my family, my friends.
I am reading: Heaven is For Real, well actually I am going to run to get it shortly :-) I am excited to read it as I have been told its a must read!
I am hoping: That my little man is headed in the right direction health wise. He has been battling a cold for three weeks, but I think he may be in the tail end of it. I would love a full nights rest!
On my mind: Thinking ahead to next year! School year that is, that's how I think. Bel will be in kindergarten and we have decided to send her to private school.
We're learning: still learning to get 4 bodies out the door in the morning on time. This is hard, especially with how cold it has started to be. DH's biggest pet peeve is our inability to get anywhere on time. Well what can I say, that isn't me!
Noticing that: I am feeling more organized now that all of the Christmas decoration have been put away. I love my Christmas decorations, but they take up more space, add more to clean and frankly I needed them gone! Now I am feeling better :-)
A few plans for the week: Well as it s already midweek we are in the day of long work... I have conferences until 7 pm, that's a 12 hour day without my family. Tomorrow is swimming lessons, Friday is piano, Saturday we are headed to one of DH's new clients and Sunday is church!
From the kitchen: I have been out of the kitchen this week, believe it or not I found joy in providing meals for my family while on leave. Since going back to work I have tried to remain in this role, but its also been difficult depending on what else is going on. Because of dietary restrictions while nursing, I have to keep dairy and soy out of my system. This is difficult as these ingredients are in everything! But my little guy is worth it!
Around the house: Clean...clean... house! Love!
I am thinking: About how hectic it can be during short weeks of school. We only have students three days this week, and though its often a blessing its also a curse when you have days filled to the brim with things going on, especially a week with parent teacher conferences!
I am thankful for: So many things, my husband, my children, my family, my friends.
I am reading: Heaven is For Real, well actually I am going to run to get it shortly :-) I am excited to read it as I have been told its a must read!
I am hoping: That my little man is headed in the right direction health wise. He has been battling a cold for three weeks, but I think he may be in the tail end of it. I would love a full nights rest!
On my mind: Thinking ahead to next year! School year that is, that's how I think. Bel will be in kindergarten and we have decided to send her to private school.
We're learning: still learning to get 4 bodies out the door in the morning on time. This is hard, especially with how cold it has started to be. DH's biggest pet peeve is our inability to get anywhere on time. Well what can I say, that isn't me!
Noticing that: I am feeling more organized now that all of the Christmas decoration have been put away. I love my Christmas decorations, but they take up more space, add more to clean and frankly I needed them gone! Now I am feeling better :-)
A few plans for the week: Well as it s already midweek we are in the day of long work... I have conferences until 7 pm, that's a 12 hour day without my family. Tomorrow is swimming lessons, Friday is piano, Saturday we are headed to one of DH's new clients and Sunday is church!
From the kitchen: I have been out of the kitchen this week, believe it or not I found joy in providing meals for my family while on leave. Since going back to work I have tried to remain in this role, but its also been difficult depending on what else is going on. Because of dietary restrictions while nursing, I have to keep dairy and soy out of my system. This is difficult as these ingredients are in everything! But my little guy is worth it!
Around the house: Clean...clean... house! Love!
One of my favorite things: Watching my children together, there is absolutely nothing better than watching them. God has blessed us with two precious gifts and I wouldn't be more happy!
A picture to share:
 |
| Best Christmas Gift |
 |
| Gutherie Night |
 |
| My Two Favorite Men |
 |
| A Boy and His Toes |
 |
| Sweet Girl Making Treats |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)