Freedom Days

This July will mark five years since I moved to Becker.  (At the time Mark was still living up in Thief River Falls and was going to teach another year at Greenbush Middle River.)  Every year the city has their celebration right before the Fourth of July.  The closest we've ever got to attending was last year when we watched the parade while sitting out on our deck.  It's amazing how having a child can change things.

The parade!  Anthony loved looking at the fire trucks, but didn't like the loud noises they made. For the first part of the parade he sat in daddy's lap and was a bit shy.  After the sirens past he really got into the tractors, horses and, eventually, picking up the candy too.

Daddy and Anthony checking out the line-up of tractors that came by.

Laura came with us too while Michael was busy helping out with the band and color guard.  She did a great job getting candy for us and enjoying some freezie pops too!  After the parade the three of us walked up town to check out the sights and chat with others while Mark stayed home to mow the lawn.  (Sound fair?)

The absolute craziest sight at the parade was the Gilman Hillbillies.  (I swear they are all Zimmer's relatives!  No wonder why we always have so much fun at the meat raffle every November!)  This contraption - I think that's a better word to describe it rather than vehicle - would spray out water and "buck" back and forth with the front wheels leaving the ground.  I know my description really doesn't do it justice.  Apparently the megalopolis of Gilman has a celebration in July.  We might be calling up the Zimmers and having some fun with the "Hillbillies"!

The absolute best part of his morning was getting a ball.  Once he got it he didn't want to give it up and ended up holding onto it until we got home.  

Also, in honor of our Twins winning ten in a row Anthony sported his jersey from Grandma Kathy today.  Hopefully they can keep up the winning streak!

 
I'm looking forward to attending more parades up north and just continuing to enjoy the summer with family and friends. 

Our Big Day

Today was a great reminder of everything we have to be thankful for.  Mark and I have certainly been blessed.

This morning we had an 8:30 court appearance to finalize Anthony's adoption.  I have to admit that I was a bit nervous.  The check-in line to court was quite long and a bit shady.  (Maybe even a bit TPT, Erin.)  The surprise of the morning was our own private guide waiting for us.   Turns out a former student's mom works at the courthouse, saw our name on the docket and was waiting for us to show up.  She rushed me through the line (which drew lots of dirty looks - YIKES!), got us signed in and showed us to the right courtroom.  I was very thankful for Lisa! Meeting with the judge went really well.  It was obvious that everyone in the court system loves adoption hearings; it gives a good reprieve from everything else they see day in and day out.   Our adoption of Anthony is now official and legal after four months of having him home and after 14 months of beginning this whole process.  By the end of the summer we'll have his new birth certificate and have his social security changed as well.  

Because we feel so fortunate and thankful we wanted to "pay it forward" and give to others. (Perhaps that was more me than Mark, but he wasn't too upset.)  So tonight we went to a Lutheran Social Service meeting for couples who are going through the process we went through last summer.  I was super excited that Cynthia was able to attend as well; I really wanted everyone to see the benefits and the possibilities of having an open adoption.  While we were there we were able to share our story and answer questions while Anthony entertained everyone.  Hopefully our story gave someone else strength or just an impression of what their lives could look like in the future. If so, then it was completely worth it!

The best part of the day was spending time with Cynthia.  We haven't seen her for a couple of months even though we talk on the phone often.  I have to once again emphasize what an amazing person she is - we're so fortunate to have her in our lives!  I love the fact that our time together isn't awkward.  Ever.  Right away we hugged and started talking like we were old friends. Everything just feels so natural and right.  Again, I'm so thankful she is Anthony's birth mommy and in our lives.

After being on the panel we went out to supper to spend time together and celebrate Cynthia's upcoming 20th birthday.  Here she is unwrapping her gift, which was decorated by Anthony.  

And here's the boy of honor who just turned 22 months old today.  He loved his mac and cheese and got lots on his face, shirt and daddy too!  The best part of dinner was entertaining us all by jumping, talking and pointing out the balloons and hot items in the restaurant.  It was great to see that he completely remembers Cynthia and enjoyed visiting with her as well.

Getting a picture of Anthony and his mommies proved to be very difficult.  Sitting still wasn't something he really wanted to do - at all.  So this was as good as it got tonight.  Perhaps sometime in the future we'll be able to get a good photo of the three of us.

Today was a beautiful and wonderful day - just one out of many.  I don't think there will ever be a day that will pass that I won't feel completely thankful.  How fortunate are we?

Say a Little Prayer....

Tonight there are two people on my mind who could use my prayers as well as yours.  (If you believe in that sort of thing. If not, that's fine too - just send positive thoughts!)

My godson, Camden, got hurt last week and is still unable to put any weight onto his foot.  The doctors said it was a sprain/strain, but are a bit befuddled as to why it's not getting better. Tomorrow he'll probably have to go back to see the doctor and have more tests done.  

My brother-in-law, Damon, has spent the past two days in the emergency room.  Yesterday he was at the Grand Rapids Hospital and today he was at St. Mary's in Duluth.  As soon as I got the call from Manda this morning I got out of the house as quickly as I could with a little one. Several tests were run today and thankfully many serious possibilities were ruled out.  The scary part is that we are still unclear as to what's happening with him right now.

It's never easy having ones you love hurt and knowing there is very little you can do to help.  Tonight I hope Cam and Damon will both start to feel better and be on the road to recovery.

The Next Minnesota Twin?

For about about a week now Mark and I have been playing catch after dinnertime in the backyard.  It's been fun and I've even been told that I don't throw like "a girl" by my husband. Thanks, I think...  Zoey has absolutely loved the action and gets super tired because she constantly chases the ball.  (Maybe this is even better exercise than going for a walk!  Less painful too!)  Anthony has also enjoyed the whole glove and ball experience.  Tonight he wore his glove and stood by me like he was involved in the whole game, which was super cute.  Of course his attention was easily diverted and he had to go check out the tree instead, but it was still fun to have him involved.

Since Anthony always wears his glove as a hat Mark had to give him a little lesson on the actual use of a glove!

He figured it out and is ready to play!  Perhaps he'll be the next Joe Mauer?  Or wear #13 like his dad did and play for the Bulldogs.  I'm definitely looking forward to the day when he can join in with us and play too.

You Make My Day

Today was a rough day.  Anthony got up a little before 4:00 this morning and never really went back to sleep.  By 5:00 he was completely up and not willing to hang out in bed with mom.  I was beyond tired and trying hard not to be crabby...

Throughout the day he continually would get easily frustrated and start crying; we could tell he was just tired. Unfortunately, I was getting frustrated too.  The lack of sleep the night before was making me feel sick and non-energetic.  

Tonight, though, made up for the whole day.  After we said our prayers and kissed good night I rocked him a bit and started singing.  Lately I have been singing a version of the song that my Grandma J wrote, You Make My Day.  I had stopped singing and was rubbing his back when he popped up and looked at me.  He smiled and then said more.  I asked him if he wanted more water or num-nums.  He said no to both.   Then I asked him if he wanted me to sing again.  He said yeah and laid back down.  

It may sound goofy, but I teared up while I sang the song once again.  For me, this day epitomizes what it's like to be a mother.  Some days are really hard and exhausting.  Regardless of how I feel I still have a little one who needs my attention - my full attention.  All of it is worth it, though, when he flashes me his amazing smile or gives an impromptu kiss or hug and I can see the love he has in his eyes. 

I'm still learning and growing when it comes to being a parent and I will continue to be for years to come.  Again, I cannot help but feel so blessed to be given this amazing opportunity. Through all of the struggles and tough days this will always be the most amazing part of my life. 

I love being Anthony's mama. 

I couldn't think of anything that would come close to being better than that.

Beach Bums

It feels like summer is officially here!  This morning we spent time with the Gunderson family at Big Lake beach.  Even though it was a bit breezy the kids had a great time playing and the adults had a great time chatting.  Hopefully we'll be able to go back soon and enjoy another beautiful day.

Thank you Hanson family for the cute swimsuit outfit!  He was quite the cutie on the beach today!

Anthony and Dada did go into the water right away, but he got super chilly.  Playing with sand and going down the slides turned out to be a much better idea.  Hopefully next time it will be a bit warmer.

Will, Anthony and Ella playing together on the beach.

Garage Sale

This weekend was the third annual friends' garage sale, but it was the first time Mark and I "hosted" the big event.  It may sound really goofy, but the June sale is always a fun time to get together, sell some unwanted "stuff" and spend lots of time chatting and enjoying the beginning of summer.  This year was no exception.

On Thursday the majority of the items were dropped off and we started to set up shop.  Several people ended up staying throughout the evening and we had a little impromptu gathering.  It was great fun to spend time together and have the kids play in the backyard.  

Overall, the past two days have been very successful and lots fun.  

I forgot/was too busy to take photos of my friends during our sale; however, I happened to snap a few before and afterwards that are pretty cute.

Anthony got a chance to finally play with the cutie patootie Zimmer kids - Clara and Mason. They spent the whole afternoon in the backyard playing in the sand box and the frog pool only taking breaks to gets some snacks.  Hopefully we'll be able to get together again sometime soon!

Anthony loves freezies, but has some trouble figuring out how to actually eat it.  I think most of it ended up on the ground even though Alexis was trying to help him out.  Oh well!

Luckily, Dada was here all day today to watch the little man. (However, I think Anthony and Zoey are doing more "watching" than Mark is in this picture.) On Friday I had to scramble to get a babysitter (actually TWO babysitters) to watch him.  Obviously I am a new mom still and didn't realize how much a 21 month old would love to tear through a garage disrupting everything.  Next year I'll be sure to get a babysitter right away!

Long Weekend

This past weekend Mark headed to Milwaukee with the guys to watch the Twins take on the Brewers at Miller Park. This baseball/beer fest weekend was planned long before we got Anthony and he's been excited to go on this road trip.  Since Mark was going to be gone all weekend Anthony, Zoey and I decided to pack up Alice, the Grand Prix, and head up north for the weekend to visit family members and friends. 

Our first stop on Thursday was at Auntie Manda and Uncle Damon's house.  As soon as we got there Anthony got "comfy" with help from auntie and started to play in the pool and with water toys.   I just couldn't resist taking a picture of his cute butler!  

On Friday we went over to my parents' house with the intentions of going camping at the lake lot.  Due to the weather and my body not feeling the best we decided to stay home instead. Anthony enjoyed walking around the big yard, playing with Grandma and Grandpa and getting to drive the lawn mower.  

On Saturday we had lunch at Sportsman's Cafe - cheap, yummy food in DR - and then visited King's Courtyard at the elementary school.  It was already past Anthony's nap time and he ended up falling asleep in the car between the cafe and the playground.  However, once he saw all of the equipment he perked right up and decided to nap a bit later.  All of my family members showed up to play with Anthony in the thirty minutes we were there.  Of course I had to take a photo to capture all of the fun we had.

After nap time on Saturday we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Hanson's for the night. Anthony really enjoyed going to the park with grandma and getting to play with all new toys as well as just spending time with them.  

The absolute highlight of staying at Mark's parents' house was meeting their cat Joe Meeoowwer.  (I'll have to check on the exact spelling of the cat's name because I know that's wrong.)  Anthony really enjoyed holding, petting and playing with the kitty kitty.  All was well until Sunday morning when they got into a boxing match.  I'm sure Joe got sick of the constant tugging and pulling of his ears and tail and had to put Anthony in his place.  Needless to say, there was a bit of blood and tears, but no serious injuries to report.

 

The whole time we were gone Anthony missed Mark.  Everyday I would hear "Dada" with the hopes he had spotted his daddy.  How do you explain to a 21 month old that dada is gone for right now, but we'll see him in five days?  Needless to say, Mark was spotted countless times.  My favorites were the times we were in public and he kept saying dada.  I felt like we should have been on one of Maury's paternity shows searching for my baby's father.  :)

All was right in the world when Anthony woke up from his nap on Monday to find his dada FINALLY home.  He officially become dada's boy for the day and mom got shunned.  Understandable, right?  It was super cute to see them interact.  I'm not sure who missed the other more; Mark was beyond excited to have his little boy back in his arms again and to play the afternoon away

Got to love summer and long weekends...

Emerson Arrives!

Emerson Kade Hare

Born Tuesday, June 10th at 11:57am

8lbs. and 12 oz.

After summer school last Wednesday Jenn and I visited Tracy and Shaun at the hospital as well as the beautiful and cutely dressed Emerson Kade.  He is so adorable and it is still amazing to think that just a day before he was inside of his mama.  (For some reason that always amazes me.)  It was also good to see Tracy and know that she's doing well after her c-section.  She honestly looked amazing!  (Check out BeadsOnOneString to see the last picture we have of Tracy five days before he arrived.  She was always such a cute pregnant mama-to-be!)   

Congratulations, Shaun and Tracy!  

I cannot wait to see you again Emerson.  I already know you are going to be the cutest dressed baby in all of central Minnesota!

M-O-L-L-Y!

Last week on Tuesday Mol came down for the night because she had a meeting the next day in St. Cloud.  (Unfortunately, Ella didn't get to come on this trip...) Even though the visit was brief it was great to see her for the night - as well as Lucy who's due to enter this world in September - and have the chance to catch up.  I had an idea what we would make for supper, but Molly, as always, took it to another, beyond delicious level.  I REALLY wish I had the cooking sense that she has...I know Mark would enjoy that too.

I'm really looking forward to the try-to-be-annual camping trip with Mol, Rach and our families in July.  I can't believe we use to take it for granted that the three of us would get together.  Our time together now always needs to be scheduled and mapped out far in advance because of where we all live and our families.  

Anyway, THANK YOU MOL for coming to see us!    

We love you!

NOW START LEAVING US MESSAGES AGAIN!!  SERIOUSLY.

Dada

Anthony and I looked at several cards trying to find the right one for Dada on his first Father's Day.  None of them even came close in my mind and I think Anthony was a bit disappointed as well because he was looking for a "boo" card, but didn't have any success.  

I love cards.  I keep and treasure my cards.  Even though Mark doesn't have the same affinity towards a folded piece of paper I still wanted to get him something---meaningful and from the heart.  Instead Anthony insisted on a card that has Mickey and Minnie Mouse on it.  Seriously, kid?  It's cheesy, but when he held onto it with a death grip I knew it was the one.  (Okay, perhaps he tore it a bit too and I felt bad putting back a slightly torn Father's Day card.)  

Being that I have an "orange" personality and deal with emotions more so than facts or figures, I really wanted to find something that captured the essence of who my husband has become in the last three and a half months of becoming a parent.  Mark has always been an amazing guy in my eyes.  I always knew he would be a good dad as well.  Turns out he's not just good, but rather a natural.  He's wonderful.

One of the best things about becoming a mom is seeing Mark become a dad along side of me. Anthony LOVES his dada and they have this wonderful-t0-see bond between the two of them. He copies everything Mark does and acts like all is right in the world when dada finally comes home each day from work.  They are always playing with toys on the floor, watching baseball together, finding cows on the internet, going outside to play, taking the car for a spin, and so much more. When I watch the two of them together I see love.  And every time I see that love I am thankful to have Mark as my partner in this team called parenting.  I'm thankful Anthony has such a wonderful dad and role model.  

You are the best.

Happy first Father's Day.

We love you, Dada.

Sunday Thoughts

Random thoughts to wrap up this week...

School is out and summer is here!  The last week of school was definitely busy, meeting filled and emotionally draining...  I'll leave it at - I wouldn't want to get Dooced.  

Thank you to Marv and Carol for coming last Sunday and staying through Thursday.  It was great to have them here watching Anthony while Mark and I worked.  I'm sure they had lots of fun with him, but are probably enjoying the quiet life once again in GR!  

Speaking of Carol, I've been meaning to post the beautiful quilt she made for Anthony.  This fall the moms came down to Becker to go shopping for the nursery.  At the time we had no clue we would be getting an 18 month old!  We decided on this gender neutral fabric and then they were busy putting everything together.  The quilt is now hanging in his room and we LOVE IT!  Thank you again, Carol, for all of the time and love you put into making this for your grandson.  It will always be treasured.

Joni - aka Becoming Picasso - has landed in Ballyvaughan and her six week adventure in Ireland has begun.  The story of how she got there is truly amazing;  it definitely speaks to how strong she is.  I think I would have been a mess.  I guess The Amazing Race would never be for me.  I like my comfort zone and rarely like to travel out of it.  Way to go, Jo! I'm looking forward to seeing more photos and hearing about your adventures.  

Gas prices.  I probably shouldn't go there, but I'm going to anyway.  I'm still shocked it has reached $4.00 a gallon. Today we put 16 gallons into my car and it cost over $60.00. Unbelievable.  Today I heard that a barrel of gas will cost $150 by fourth of July.... I guess it will continue to get worse before it ever gets any better.

I think I'm still stuck in Sex in the City mode because I continue to think about my friendships with others.  This past week Jenn and I got together a couple of times and have had great conversations.  Without a doubt, her friendship enriches my life and she's helped greatly with everything that has been emotionally draining... 

If you haven't heard of Brent Holmes and his amazing kids music you should look into it!   Anthony is completely in love with Cow Tunes for Kids and listens to it multiple times a day. The good thing is that Mark and I really like the cd as well.  The music is fun and catchy; you'll find yourself singing and dancing too!  Holmes has several other music too - bear tunes, moose tunes, etc.  Check it out!  Thank you, Barb and John, for giving Anthony this wonderful gift he loves!

The next two weeks I'm teaching summer school and Anthony will have Lauren - a former student of mine - babysit him during the morning.  I REALLY hope he will be feeling better tomorrow for her.  Today was worse then yesterday with being sick and he always wanted to be held by mommy and daddy.   There are many diarrhea stories I could share, but I will spare you all the details.

Not that any of you care, but I saved almost fifty dollars today at Cub with all of my coupons!  (I told you this post would be random thoughts!)  Coupons have become my new addiction...

I think that's it!  Enjoy the upcoming week everyone!

A Saturday at Home

Today has been a lazy Saturday.  We were suppose to go up north this weekend, but decided to stay home because of my busy schedule this past week and summer school starting up on Monday.  I definitely need the time to plan and figure everything out.

I'm thankful we stayed put because Anthony hasn't felt well since he woke up.  He's had diarrhea all day, which has been delightful for Mark the gagger!  So needless to say, it's been kind of a low-key day around the house.  

We did make it to the park, to a garage sale down the street and out into the backyard.  Our neighbors had their grandson, Ronan, for the weekend.  Here they are hanging out and Ronan is trying to figure out a way to climb over the fence.  Hopefully the next time he visits Anthony will be feeling much better.

Even though he wasn't feeling the best the frog pool was too hard to resist.  He ended up playing in the water and even getting daddy to play too!

Hopefully tomorrow will be another nice day and he'll be feeling much better.

Getting "Carried" Away

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha definitely didn't disappoint!  

It's late - 11:11 to be exact - but I know I won't be able to go to bed until I put some thoughts down and out of my already filled-to-the-max mind.  

I grew up with basically two channels that worked and one or two that would come in really fuzzy.  I always believed that "snow" was just a part of viewing a television.  So it should come as no surprise that I lag behind the masses when it comes to popular television shows throughout the decades.  

HBO really was out of the question and it was a big deal to stay at a hotel that had it.  (I now laugh when I see those signs of advertisement and get filled with a bit of nostalgia too.)  Never had I watched Sex in the City until a few years ago when I ran across the syndicated version on TBS.  I have to admit that I was quickly addicted to the story line and fascinated by a life I know nothing about. I shouldn't say nothing...  Perhaps I'm not big into labels, finding the next fashion  party and I certainly don't live in New York; however, I was immediately drawn to the friendship of the four women. Watching them interact through the good, the bad and funny life situations was always a thirty minute treat. The movie has proved to be even better.

Tonight the eight of us armed with yummy homemade treats - thanks, Gina! - went to our first girls night out movie together.  This was a PERFECT movie to go to with the ladies.  (Thanks again Mark for declining my invitation!  I'm so glad!)  There were times we laughed so hard that we were crying and other times we connected with their emotions so deeply that we cried once again.  The outfits they wore were definitely outrageous and the lives they live are unimaginable to me.  But, once again, it was their friendships with each other that resonated deeply in me.  

So tonight as I think and type I reflect on my own life and the friendships I have been blessed by throughout the years. When I was younger I always wanted more friends like they were trophies to collect.  I thought that would make me happier, more popular, or well liked.  Luckily I realized in high school that substance was more important than quantity and I carried that lesson with me throughout the years.  

I have amazing friends.  Friends who are honest, diverse, and come from all different backgrounds.  Even though they are all different they share similar qualities as well.  I know I've gotten through many of life's struggles because of their support and constant "cheerleading" for Tonja.  Thank you for accepting me as I am and sharing your life with me.  

Anyone surprised that I have taken this fun, lighthearted movie and turned it into something emotional?  I guess I always just get "carried" away with the things that really matter in life and it bubbles out of me.  

11:49 - DEFINITELY time for bed...

Anthony's Big Plan

Grandma and Grandpa Hanson came down today to watch Anthony this week while I finish up at work.  He was excited to see them and even more excited to bring them out to the backyard to say thank you for the pool they bought him.  I'm convinced he had a plan even before we walked out the deck door...

This picture is innocent enough.  Right?  He's just touching the water and trying to express just how much fun he had playing in his frog this afternoon.

Yep.  He's in the pool.  It started off with a foot in the water with his sock and shoe on.  Daddy took off both socks and shoes and this was the result. (In case you were wondering today was a multiple change of outfits day.)

After much "talking" as well as pushing and pulling Anthony finally got daddy to join him in the pool too.  HOW FUN!  (I wonder if all three of us can fit in there?  I'm sure we will find out sometime this summer.) 

Once again, the smile says it all.  He might be drenched and have the heaviest diaper of all time, but he is clearly having so much fun.

His first display of public nudity...please don't call the cops!  He was stripped of his soggy clothes, but got away from me before I was able to wrap the towel around him.  I'm convinced that he really did have this all planned out from the moment Marv and Carol walked in the door.

I cannot help but to smile as I see these pictures and post this blog tonight.  Motherhood is full of struggles and there has been several times I've second guessed myself since February. However, all of the struggles and second guessing is worth it!  Anthony truly is amazing and I love everything that comes with being Anthony's mama.  We are so blessed.

The Frog Pool

Today was gorgeous - even a bit too hot.  (Don't be too mad at me for saying that!)  Mark and I decided it was finally time to get the frog pool out and put to good use.  While Anthony napped we blew it up and filled it with water.  

At first he was a bit hesitant to get in, but he warmed up to it eventually.  The eyes at the top were just too irresistible and he had to get into the pool so he could touch and play with them.

Zoey was a big fan of the new pool too.  She loves the spraying water option so she can get a drink whenever she would like.  (You can see Mark in the background working hard transplanting a bush.  It makes me feel a bit guilty now that we played all day while he skipped lunch and worked constantly outside.)

Finally!  After many screams of DADA! Mark came over to check out the fun!  

The smile says it all.  Anthony loves being outside and the frog pool was a big hit.  I'm sure we will have lots of fun playing in the backyard this summer.

EXTREME Moonlight Bowling

After the BBQ we headed over to Monticello's relatively new bowling alley to take part in some extreme moonlight bowling.  It was a major stepping stone for us because it was the first time we have been without Anthony since getting him over three months ago.  The Feierabends had their fabulous babysitter, Rachel, come over and we went to have some fun.  (FYI: Anthony did great and so did his parents!  Are you surprised?)  

The night was an absolute blast with lots of laughs, gutter balls and some strikes along the way too!  (Some of us even won money for those strikes!)  

Shaun didn't disappoint!  The dragon shirt came out; however, the dragon pants had to stay at home.  I was hoping Tracy would go into labor and they would rush out while he was still wearing this awesome shirt, but that didn't happen.  However, he did manage to leave without his shoes...

Speaking of Tracy, baby Emerson is about to make an appearance any day now.  Unfortunately, she didn't go into labor last night, but hopefully his delivery day will come soon.  We are all so excited to meet him.  Tracy was a great sport last night with all of our craziness.

 

Gina and April - the two hotshot bowlers also know as Lips and Zesty - smiling for a pre-bowling picture.

Juicy Joni, New Woman Alexis and Lustful Laura lounging in between their amazing feat of ball control.

There was LOTS of dancing happening last night.  (I told you we had a great time!)  I tried catching Luke's famous moves, but failed each time.  However, I was able to capture Michael's crowd pleaser.  I wonder if this was before or after he won ten dollars for that strike?

Hopefully now Mark and I won't be as hesitant to get a babysitter and go out every once in awhile.  Even though Mark didn't dance at all while I was pulling out some old school moves we both had a great time stinking at bowling and hanging out with great friends.  

Non Bird Flu BBQ

The Feierabend's hosted another springtime BBQ yesterday, which was, as always, such a great time.  (The "Non Bird Flu" comment stems from two years ago when after a Sunday BBQ at their old house in St. Cloud the majority of us became ill and missed a day or two from work. No one is sick in our household today so I'm hoping we are bird flu free this time around!) Even though some bad weather rolled in and we wondered whether or not to head for shelter we still had a great time.  It was nice to celebrate another year of teaching, Alexis and Gina's birthdays, have a pep talk for delivery with Tracy and celebrate Joni's impending trip to Ireland in just four short days.  

I guess it all boils down to the fact that it feels great to have such amazing friends that I can work and "play" with.  I definitely feel blessed to have each and everyone of them in my life.

Anthony and Cam-a-roo spend some time reading books and playing together before we head outside.

What a cutie, huh?!  Anthony is getting ready to go down the slide while the clouds were setting up for a BANG. Luckily, the weather didn't get too nasty; however, the sirens did go off, which was unsettling in lieu of what happened last weekend in Hugo.

Ry and Cam enjoy some swinging time while mommy pushes them and visits.  I'm looking forward to many play dates this summer as well as watching our boys grow and build friendships in the future.