Finding the Fun Indoors

With the extreme cold temperatures and never ending snow, we have tried to find activities indoors to do this winter as well.

Andy and our friend, Sam, took a trip the Lake of the Woods this winter.  Eva and I took the kids to Pump It Up in Shakopee for a day of fun in the big inflatables and balls.  They had a blast.  We were there for hours and packed a "picnic" lunch.  We took a good bath when we got home, but they were tired.  Eva and I were laughing on our way out because as we were walking, Aiden's eyes were closing.  How can you fall asleep walking?  It was a success!

We also cleaned out our closets and organized the drawers.  He wanted to wear this to preschool.  I look like a "professional football player" Mom! 

While Andy and the other Dad's were away on another fishing trip, the Mom's and kids (11 total) got together at a friend's house for a play date. It was a great time, but I am totally looking forward to Mom's weekend away in March!

I got to take a field trip the Children's Theater with Carter and Alex through Preschool to see the play "Hungry Hungry Caterpillar".  I have never seen anything like it before, I was amazed!  The bus ride was also fun since we were the first ones on the bus, we got to choose our seats first.  The boys insisted on the back seat!  

With all the snow days this winter, we were thankful for some indoor activities such as the Kiwi Crates from Uncle Nate and Aunty Abby.  We also played with play dough, legos, went to dinner, the Lego movie, played with the Wii and with other indoor toys.

Oh! Did I mention we all had the flu at some point this winter. Ugh.

Kindergarten shots for my big boy!

With all that said...Winter, we are done.  We enjoyed all your activities and it is time for you to leave. Bring on Spring!

A Snowy and Cold Winter

Let's face it. This winter has been brutal. It seems like when it hasn't been below zero and frigid; it has been above zero and snowing. I have questioned more than once why we continue to live in the frozen tundra. I think it all comes back to family and roots, but it is often tempting to pack up and move South.  

Even with the cold and snow, we have had a few days to enjoy the benefits of living here.  Sledding in my parent's backyard is the perfect little afternoon activity. The hill isn't too big for the boys climb back up, but big enough to go down and have fun. 

On two particular days this winter, we got all bundled up and walked over to my parent's house.  It's not too far, about 1.5 miles and it is just nice to get out in the fresh air once in a while.  

We also enjoyed building a snowman or two.  Of course we helped ourselves to some hot chocolate afterwards as well.

One night, the boys and I were feeling particularly ambitious and dug out a tunnel in the snow at our house.  They thought that was so cool!  I remember doing it as a kid and just thinking how awesome and unique our snow houses were.  Some day they can do that too.  Maybe not yet.  The tunnel was ambitious enough for now. :)

Love Day

We always make our special sugar cookies for Valentine's Day and this year we aligned it with Aiden's party so we could make them with Cassie.  It's always fun bringing the cookies to school for others to eat also.  The boys had a good time and it was nice to have an extra set of hands to help.  Although the boys were not quite ready for the cookie in face finish from Cassie.  Aiden actually gave Cassie the death stare and didn't talk to her for a while. Alex, thinking it was funny when she did it to Aiden, burst into tears when she did it to him.

Daycare was closed on Valentine's Day this year so we were able to have a special day.  We got dressed in our 'red clothing' and went out running errands, because isn't that fun?  We got a lot done, too.  We also stopped for lunch at Noodles and Company.  The boys loved their spaghetti and meatballs and I had a nummy Thai dish.  We don't get there much.

After heading home, we took quick naps before Andy got home with flowers for me.  I love flowers!  We had a traditional Papa Murphy's heart pizza for dinner with a special treat, Pop!  The boys and I got Andy a big bag of Caribou coffee and underwear for Valentine's Day.  Too Much Information?  Andy and I got the boys books, a little candy and some home made ice packs for Valentine's Day.  Gifts from the heart is what I call them.  We followed up with a movie night and bed.  A perfect day.

The boys ended up celebrating Valentine's Day at daycare the following week and Alex had a special day at preschool.  He loved all his Valentine's and has them saved in a special spot in his room with his Valentine's from last year.  Aiden shared applesauce "You are Awesomesauce!" treats with his friends and Alex shared sour worm "Love Bugs" with his friends. Yes, I am afraid I have a pack rat on my hands!  None the less, their hearts are filled with love for each other and others.  The last three pictures are from daycare. Sarah is so awesome!

Sarah made special bags for the kids for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day at Sarah's

Aiden's 3rd Birthday

Daycare ended up being closed on Aiden's birthday this year, so I was able to be home with him and Alex.  Super special for me since I wasn't planning to take the day off.  I asked Aiden what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said, "Go to Zoo!"  We invited his friend, Emily, to come along for a quick indoor trip.  

Emily came over bright and early around 7 AM.  Both my boys were up and ready to go.  I made a special pancake and egg breakfast for them and then let them play a bit.

The Birthday Boy!

I failed in planning because I was thinking it wouldn't be busy as it was a school day.  I failed because it was "Spanish Day" at the zoo.  Between pushing my way through the zoo with three kids and trying to get them to see the animals, it wasn't the best trip yet. 

After the Zoo, we dropped Emily off at her Grandma's, Alex off at Preschool and headed home for a quick nap.  That evening we met Andy at Brunswick Bowl for some dinner and bowling. The boys had a blast and we did too!  It was the perfect way to celebrate my Little Man turning three!

Happy Birthday, Aiden!