Papa Jim, You Awake? Papa Jim?

After a long flight from Jacksonville to Minneapolis and a three hour drive up to Wadena, Papa Jim was EXHAUSTED. As the boys put on their pj's, Papa Jim laid on the couch and fell fast asleep.

Annual Holiday Gingerbread House

Every year we purchase the gingerbread house kit and the boys and I enjoying frosting and placing each candy piece on the house. This year Justin actively participated and concentrated very hard on putting his candy in just the right spot! The best part? They always enjoy their finished creation and that's what it's all about!

Justin & Pitiful Pearl

Look what Mom and I subjected Justin to....sitting and posing with Poor Pitiful Pearl. Pearl is my mom's childhood doll. I also played with her endlessly as a little girl. We found her in a drawer and thought to ourselves "Wonder what Justin would think of her?" Let's just say he pacified us for the photos but that was it. I guess Justin didn't fall in love with her little homely self like my Mom and I did. ;)

Giddy Up Horsey!

"First the horsey walks, then the horsey trots, then the horsey GALLOPS!" Justin loves, loves, loves this game/ride on Nana's lap - can't you tell by the all-out grin and giggles!

O' Christmas Tree

Mom did a wonderful job of picking out the tree, putting the tree in her truck (all by herself!), hauling it in the house and decorating it. I helped mom with a few other decorations once we arrived (over the archways, banisters,etc...) and it really made the house festive and fun.

Skyping w/Papa Jim

Justin and I headed up to Wadena the weekend before Christmas. The morning of Dad's birthday we "Skyped" him on the computer as he was still down in Florida. Justin always enjoys seeing Papa Jim and I think it was a wonderful start to Dad's birthday!

Halloween Night 2009

One more picture of Justin with the leaves, then it's TRICK OR TREAT! We went trick or treating around the "Auntie's Block". We saw Auntie Diane as a crazy Vikings fan - such fun! Justin did very good for his first real experience with Halloween. He caught on quickly, venturing up to doors and yelling out "Trick or Treat" and "Nank You" (his thank you version). A fun night had by our two little pumpkins!

Halloween Day 2009

We spent Halloween Day at Aunt Karen & Uncle Jerry's house. It was a wonderful fall day with homemade mac n cheese & choc chip cookies, playing in the leaves and getting ready for the big night of trick or treating.

Applewood Orchard

Children's Museum Fun

Birthday Cake ... A Day Late

Since we got home so late from the MOA on his birthday and I didn't want two little boys hyped up on sugar at 9:30pm...we waited until today for the cake. Yummy yellow cake with chocolate frosting ... and sprinkles to boot! Michael was sure to stay far enough away while blowing out his candles...he didn't want a repeat of last year's performance when he got too close and burned his little lip.

After he blew out his candles, I asked him what he wished for and he said "I wished that everyday was my birthday." Aaaaahhh!

Think Happy ... My Sweet Birthday Boy

Michael James, may you always keep a positive attitude in life. We love you and are blessed to be your parents! XOXO

Michael's Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Michael's birthday as a family at the Mall of America. First we enjoyed a fun (and delicious!) dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. We sat right in front of a beautiful aquarium and the boys enjoyed watching the "Finding Nemo" fish. They also were entertained by the "lightening & thunder" in the jungle as well as the gorillas who would beat their chests during the storm.

We then went to the Nickelodeon themed park in the mall. I took a picture of Justin's first park ride (without a parent!). He was all excited to get on but once it started bouncing him up and down he was less than thrilled.

Michael enjoyed all the big kid rides that he was tall enough to go on...even something called Splat-O-Sphere that Mommy braved with him. Ok, I'll admit it...I screamed louder than any little girl in that park! Michael even held my hand the whole time...geez. :)

Michael sure was a lucky boy this year too. He received so many wonderful gifts...Bakugans, his first Webkins (Paul the Pug) from Geri, Racecar Lego sets from the Bunkers, and of course Power Ranger figurines. Life IS good.

New Shoes for the Birthday Boy

After picking up the boys from Geri's, we headed to the Mall of America. The birthday celebration started with a present from Nana & Papa Jim - NEW SHOES! All we had to do was pick them up at the store. Michael was so excited and immediately put them on - of course he had to show us how fast he could run with his new shoes! Thanks Nana & Papa Jim!

Michael is 5 Today!

Michael is 5 years old today - WOW! I really do wonder sometimes if life will ever slow down...just a little. My baby is having a milestone birthday and he's loving every minute of it.

He awoke this morning to his bedroom decorated with balloons and that put a HUGE smile on his face. He ran upstairs "Mommy, Mommy...my room has balloons all over!!" Now that put a HUGE smile on Mommy's face. :)

Justin's ABC's

Justin has been busy learning his ABC's and now finally he is saying them out loud ... much to our amusement! Here he is saying them while pointing to the letters on his Leapfrog activity table. Listen carefully to the letter "Q"... it has it's own special Justin spin!

Sweet MJ's Smile

“Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.” ~Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Michael Enjoying the Fun of T-Ball

Michael had a wonderful 1st night of T-ball. He received his coveted #6 t-shirt and hat. He made fast friends first with a pretty little blond (see #1 in last picture!) and he got to run the bases, throw to 1st base and hit off the tee. He likes Coach Eric and said the night was "wonderful"...aaaaahhhh!