Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Hey grandma, I got a fun idea! Let's slide down these stairs on our butts!!!

So funny, grandma!!! AGAIN!!!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

My first baseball game.





Mankato has it's own baseball team called the Moondogs. They are a collegiate team meant to keep the college players in shape during the off-season. It's really fun to watch. I decided that our family is going to be fans so we've tried to go to a few games. Unfortunately our plans went awry with Shawn's illness, but we have been able to catch two games now. Wednesday was Evie's first. She loved it and all of the good food and the in between inning talented dog shows. It was a great game, they won 2 to 1 against Duluth's team.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Evelyn and her new favorite "toy", Toby. He is a chorkie puppy we all adore, except when he's barking to get out of his kennel.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

They're hitched...

The wedding was beautiful! Evelyn didn't make it down the aisle as practiced but it was still a great day! Here are some quick pictures:


The lovely bride.


The happy couple.


Our family.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

My top 10...

The top 10 reasons I love this little girl:

10. She is joyful. Her happiness is contagious.

9. The way she holds my finger in her tiny hands.

8. Her "I can do it myself" attitude. While it can be annoying it also has its up sides and endearing parts.

7. She loves music and to dance. Her walk, running and jumping are just too cute!

6. She is a girly-girl. Plays with dolls, talks on the phone, and loves her toenails painted.

5. She's mine. Forever.

4. All 2000 adorable, kissable body parts. Like little baby elbows.

3. Lots of sweet kisses.

2. She says my name so clearly, pointing at me, even if I've only been out of sight for a second. The sweetest word in life, "mommeee." Isn't that what we as parents wait on bated breath to hear.

1. I just can't help myself.

Monday, July 6, 2009

We're on TV!!!

Check out Shawn on our local news station promoting our 4th annual book drive for Operation Paperback! I think he did great! I'm just glad he had to do it! I, on the other hand, taped a radio commercial which I heard for the first time today. We're starting to take off...just watch us grow;o)


Here is the location to watch Shawn: http://www.keyc.tv/node/24440

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Family

As we celebrate our nation's Independence today, there is another family that is laying to rest a young husband, father, son, and brother. His death was unexpected and tragic but in it we can remember some life lessons:

1. Seek forgiveness quickly.
2. Give forgiveness freely.
3. Never miss an opportunity to say "I love you."
4. Say "yes" to family outings, date nights, cuddles, spontaneous fun, and making memories even if you're tired, the house is a mess, or you don't feel like it.
5. Take pictures: of each other, of trips, of special events, relationships, favorite things but all the little things too. Record these little things and your daily life whether by journaling, scrapbooking or your favorite method.
6. Ignore each others annoying habits. They may be missed some day. Think of them as endearing qualities and eccentricities.
7. Laugh A LOT.
8. Have fun A LOT.
9. Don't be so serious. Act silly.
10. Never be to old too get on the floor with your children. Create memories with them. These doesn't have to be big moments, it can be simply reading with them before bed every night.
11. NEVER put work, whether in the home or out, before family.
12. Cherish and practice family traditions.
13. Celebrate the small things.
14. Ask yourself, "will this matter 10 minutes from now, 10 days from now or 10 months from now." Choose things that will.
15. Most of all, live, laugh and love today. Tomorrow may not be there.
Celebrate these moments. Love hard!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Cousins Part 2

I was reminded recently about the joy of going on a boat ride as I witnessed Xander and Evie enjoy their very first. Here's what you might miss if you're only using the boat to get to your next location:

1. Playing in the fish tank (minus fish) is a blast.
2. It's important to have extra support if you want to enjoy the water waves from the boat.
3. Water tastes great fresh from the lake.
4. Or off of your face.
5. The wonder of nature is amazing at any age.

6. Grandpa's make awesome guides.
7. Why use one hand when you can use two?
8. The only bummer is those dang life jackets, but safety first. Wear yours!

We had a blast, wish you were there;o)

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Cousins Part 1

As promised...

I love the dynamics between Evie and Xander. They are so totally opposite each other that it is cause for lots of frustration (on their part) and smiles (for the rest of us). Xander is all boy. He loves, loves, loves everything to do with cars. Whether it's watch Cars the movie, play with his cars, drink from cars cups... if it's about cars he loves it. That also goes for trucks. He tromps more then he walks and makes the most adorable frowns. He is still shy and this Auntie has to steal her kisses, which I did as often as possible. His favorite thing to say is "_______, doin'?" Fill in the blank with gramma, grampa, Auntie Tawnda, Uncle Shawn, Evie...you get the picture. Xander doesn't mind if you help him out either with eating or getting down stairs.

Evie on the other hand is all girl. She loves to hold, cuddle and feed her "babies." She pushes them around in their stroller, puts them in the booster, and trys to diaper them. She's a runner and loves to smile. She willingly gives both hugs and kisses. She doesn't say much we can understand, but loves to talk, talk, talk none the less...especially on the phone. Evie is very independent (which could be termed stubborn). Please don't even try to help her with eating, dressing babies or walking across the street.

Evie loves to play with Xander. Xander is used to going solo. Her idea of playing is to take his cars. This leads to Xander being upset. Out of everyone, Evie loves to share her hugs and kisses with Xander the most. He doesn't want her girl cooties. On the other hand, if one of them finds something funny they both laugh hysterically. They enjoy being around each other especially if it includes being outside. I love that Evie has a cousin so close to her in age. I know that as they grow they will become best friends...as long as she doesn't expect kisses and stops her toy stealing ways.

Here is some of the first highlights from their week together:

First rides on a 4-wheeler.

This is how Evie plays with trucks...and this is how Xander plays with them. His face says, "Evie you are doing this all wrong." But he did try to sit in the same dump drunk minutes later. Unfortunately, Evie's tiny self is the only one who could manage it.
Playing with cars...I can't tell by Xanders face if she stole one or not. It wouldn't be the first.

Miss innocent. She is wearing her first pair of tennis shoes. Bonus: She didn't scream bloody murder when we put them on. She loved them!!