WE made it!

The boys spent over 5 hours outside each day this weekend.  Saturday started off with "The Great Dam Project".  This lasted a few hours.  There were trips around the block, picnics on the front stoop, tree cutting, cars, cars, and more cars, and time spent playing on a neighbor's swing set.  Charlie even tried out his 2 wheeler (with a little bribing by mom).  I am so thankful they all love being outside!  I love it even more that WE MADE IT!  Spring is here!  LOVE it!

Cross Country Skiing

Charlie and I were able to try cross country skiing a few weeks ago.   I'm glad he liked it... something we can try again next year!

My Sweet Boys

My biggest little boy is growing up!  His second front tooth is coming in....the little boy stage is almost over.  He is a BOY!

He is beginning to pick up books to read on his own.  Works on his number scroll from kindergarten at night before bed...he's on 1600 or something like that...  He loves to help cook and he really enjoys school and his friends.  I am so excited to see what the summer ahead brings.  Bike rides?  Swimming?  I know there has been lots of planning going on about the worksite in the backyard.  We are on year 3 of worksite fun.  I am so thankful my boy is still a little boy at heart!  Love you Charlie!

Day 3 - The Snowy Day

Catching some snowflakes today!

Sam swallowing some snowflakes.

Pushing some snowflakes.

I feel lucky that my boys love snow!  Charlie wants to get up early tomorrow so he can shovel before he gets picked up for school at 7!

Fun at the Park

Give my boys a few donuts and a swing and we're ready to play for hours!  I love that Charlie loves pushing Ben and Sam.

I Heart Faces - "I had enough" Smirk

I've wanted to get some cute pictures of my 3 little boys next to an old truck this summer.  Well, this guy wasn't in the mood.  This was the look he gave me on about the 3 shot.  "Are you done yet?"  "Is this smile good enough?"  Luckily, kiddo #2 was in the mood!

See other fun smirk photos at I Heart Faces this week.  Click on the icon below to see them!

One Last Look Before you Go-Go

We spent some time at the park today.  I knew I had to try and get a few pictures of Charlie before he lost his other front tooth.  Lucky I did, it fell out this afternoon with a little help from Sam.  The boys were having a "disagreement" over who could drink out of the water bottle.  Sam yanked the bottle from Charlie's mouth.  I heard a little gurgle and saw lots of blood.  Chris brought Charlie into the bathroom to see how everything looked and the tooth fell out during a mouth rinse.  Chris put the bloody tooth into a glass of water.  

I, of course, threw the tooth and water down the drain while doing dishes a couple hours later.   I was able to fish through the noodles that had slipped down into the disposal from dinner and found the tooth.  We even remembered to have the Tooth Fairy come.  (Last tooth, the fairy took 3 nights!  Oops. Sorry Charlie.)

Just In Time for 1st Grade!

Charlie came running into our room this afternoon with a tooth in his hand!  His wiggly tooth had finely fallen out.  Now he even looks like a first grader!


Charlie's first day of 1st grade is tomorrow.  He is excited to start school.  I can't wait to hear about all he learns this year.

Charlie Sees the Ocean for the 1st Time

Charlie's first moments playing in the ocean.  I think he liked it!

Charlie told me tonight before bedtime his favorite part of the ocean was building sand castles and digging in the sand.  He also loved playing in the waves.  It was a beautiful day to see the ocean for the first time in your life.  I wonder what Charlie will remember about today....but I'm sure he will remember something.  I will always remember his beautiful smiles of pure joy as he splashed and played in the waves with his cousin Kate.  I love to see him so happy.  Hopefully his memory will bring a smile to his face.

California Swinging

Charlie and I flew to San Diego to visit  my sister's family late, LATE Monday night.  We didn't get to Jen's house until 2:45 CST!  The next morning Kate and Charlie had a swimming lesson at the neighborhood pool.  Charlie floated on his back a little and "swam" a bit under water.  He still doesn't love going under water.  After the lesson, Kate, Charlie, and I played in the water for another hour.  Kate is an excellent swimmer but couldn't convince Charlie of the funs of swimming under yet.  We're going again tomorrow....maybe!

Later in the day, Kate and Charlie had fun playing on their neighbor's rope swing.  I caught a few fun photos for you to enjoy.

Charlie's Ride

Charlie is riding his bike!  With a little push from behind to get started he can ride  the length of a block and stop.  He was nervous to try again this spring but on his second time out he just did it.  He is now excited to take his bike out.  I am hopeful we can take family trips to the park soon!

Love his big smile while he's biking! 

Christmas Around the World

Tonight was our Christmas program, Christmas Around The World, at church. The kids traveled around the world to learn how different cultures celebrate Christmas. They sang songs in Namibian, Korean, Spanish, and Swedish. It was a great idea for a program! Charlie was a Masai Warrior Sheep Herder and Sam was his little sheep. Many people made comments about Sam's many faces during the show. Charlie had a couple speaking parts and did great...speaking very loudly and clearly!

Charlie's family pizza night

Getting ready for the Robot Dance.

Charlie had a family pizza night at his school last week. His grandparents were in town and came along. Charlie sat by some classmates and Chris and I met some parents. After dinner the kids went off to play games so the parents could socialize. Then after the kindergarteners sang a few songs and did their famous "robot dance". Charlie isn't a big singer or dancer, but he did do a few motions, lots of waving at us, and a little dancing. Below Charlie is way to the right next to the
boy in blue stripes.

Pure Excitement

This is one of my favorite photos of my oldest little guy. His face is filled with excitement and anticipation at jumping into the leaf pile he just had created. I love how his hands are in the air, his dirty jeans and red shoes! Hope you enjoy all of the "excitement" photos at I heart faces this week.

The Big Guys...

Happy Birthday Dear Gus!

Charlie's good buddy turned 5 on Friday. Charlie was so excited that Gus was 5. I still remember the first time Gus' Mor Mor strolled Gus down when he was about 18 months old. Little did I know then that his mom would become a best friend and Gus and Charlie would become best buddies. Gus was always a sweet little boy with a wonderful smile, quick to share a toy. He has grown into an energetic, silly and very sweet boy with a great smile, and still quick to share. He's an excellent buddy for Charlie. We love you Gus! Happy 5th Birthday!

Charlie's First Day of Kindergarten

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Charlie had his first day of kindergarten today. He woke up early (6:10), ate breakfast, read books and was ready to go down to catch his bus that comes at 6:51! Chris said he was quiet as he got on the bus and started to go down the aisle towards the back...he was redirected to the front luckily! I went to school to meet him and he was already in his room, back pack hung and looking for his name tag. He gave me a quick smile, allowed me to give him a quick kiss, and he was off to join the group of kindergarteners surrounding his teacher.

He came off the bus with a smile and told me about snack, science class, and sitting with a friend from preschool on the bus home. He's excited to play puzzles when he gets to school tomorrow. "They have a fire truck puzzle I can play with tomorrow."

Charlie, way to go! You are such a big boy. Found your first loose tooth yesterday, off to kindergarten today. You are growing so quickly and I love the boy you are...keep your big smile and enjoy kindergarten!

Geocaching at Split Rock

We had fun geacaching at Split Rock on the north shore. It was our first time using a GPS to try and find coordinates hidden around the park. The final "cache" was in a special box and contained animal cards and trinkets left by other geocachers.

Charlie found the second coordinate. He was very excited and ready to continue on the adventure!

Looking for the final treasure box.

Found!

Charlie, Sam, and Chris enjoyed geocaching so much they went again already to Fort Snelling State Park.

Happy Birthday Will!

Charlie's good buddy Will turned 5. We were all invited for a jump o rama party! It was fun to spend the afternoon with good friends and watch all of our kiddos get some energy and laughs out...(and cries). I can't believe our little boys are turning 5!