Twins Game

Sleepy Leah

Twins dugout...

On August 1st we were able to go to the Twins Game. We were lucky enough to be able to walk on the field in support of the March of Dimes. There were hundreds of us, it was very cool. We were also on the big screen! Ryan, myself, Brooke, Leah and my mom went and had a great time. It was a hot day and right at naptime, but the girls were troopers and did great!

It has been awhile since I have posted. I'm not sure I am cut out for this! I thought I would update since the last time I posted. We have been having a lot of fun this summer, but really, where has it gone? The 4th of July has come and gone and it is almost mid July- half way through the summer.

In the last few weeks the girls and I have gone to the MN Zoo. We went with two of my friends from college (Leigh and Stacie) and their kids. We had a lot of fun, but wow, it is much harder with two kids! On the 4th we went to Aitkin. We have gone up to our friends house there a couple times before for the 4th, but this is the first time with kids. Brooke liked playing in the sand and if she was in the mood, playing in the lake. We took a nice pontoon ride and had fun hanging out with friends and eating good food!

The sad news since my last post is my grandpa Milo passed away. I feel lucky enough to have had made it to his last birthday party. It was sad to see him go. When Brooke says her prayers at night she says, "God Bless Grandpa Milo in Heaven." It is so cute.

Hopefully I'll start posting more again, we'll see!

Lutsen Vacation

This last week we took a family vacation up north. Ryan, Brooke, Leah and I went to Brainerd for one night and Brooke went swimming. The next day we met my parents and my brother's family in Lutsen. We spent 2 nights there swimming, visiting Grand Marais, throwing rocks in Lake Superior, going down the alpine slides and enjoying nature. Ryan and Dan even got to go golfing at Superior National golf course, in the rain! We had such a good time despite the cold, wet weather. The next day the 4 of us went to Duluth and stayed at Edgewater Water Park. Brooke wasn't so sure at first, but she found a little pool that wasn't too intimidating! Duluth was super windy and cold, but we managed to get to Canal Park and throw a few more rocks in the lake! Ryan and I decided to take a detour home from Duluth and went to the cities to go to our first Twins game at Target Field! We loved it and can't wait to go back!

Updates/Misc. stuff

I haven't written for awhile, so I thought I would just do an update of the last week or so. Last week I went to my parents for a few days. While there I took the girls to the Como Zoo along with my parents and aunt Barb. The zoo is a great, inexpensive place to go. Brooke loves going there, or any zoo actually. She is a big animal fan. Last weekend I took the girls to my cousin Lauren's graduation party in Granite Falls. Many of my cousins were there who I don't get to see very often. They are from my mom's side of the family and are a lot of fun. It was great to catch up with everyone. Brooke and Leah were a hit with the younger girl cousins (although they are in their teens and twenties!). They blew bubbles with her, took her on the swingset, and just plain made her day! The next day Brooke got to go to her first "friend" birthday party! Her friend Roxy, who used to go to daycare with her turned 4 and invited Brooke to her "princess party." Brooke had a lot of fun playing and getting party favors. It's hard to believe she is old enough to be getting invited to "non-family" parties. My little girl is growing up too fast. This week Ryan and I went and bought a new bike trailer (a gift from my parents). Already Ryan has taken Brooke on two little bike rides and I have used it as a stroller and taken the girls to the park a couple times. This weekend we are going to Lutsen with my family and then the 4 of us are going to the water park in Duluth for a night. So, more pictures to come later!

Pool fun

Well, it's the first day of summer vacation (even though it's still May and summer technically hasn't started yet). It has been so warm this last week, May has just been beautiful. Today the girls were able to enjoy the warm weather and spend some time in their kiddie pool. At about 9:30 this morning I asked Ryan to fill up the pool so the water could warm up before we went outside to use it. Well, Brooke just couldn't wait. She had to go out right away!! So, Brooke got to play in her pool this morning while Leah watched, and then later in the day Leah got to join her. Both girls really like the water and have a lot of fun today! I am sure there will be many more hot summer days spent in the little kiddie pool!

Last Day of School!

Today is my last day of school for the year. Yeah! It has been a tough year. First, Leah interrupted the beginning of my school year by coming 2 months early. Because she was in the hospital I ended up taking extra time off and not going back to school until the beginning of December. When I returned to school I had some challenging students that were new. So, I was basically starting back to school, trying to get into the swing of things, trying to get to know a couple new students and missing my baby terribly. But, I made it! I am sure ready for the year to be over! My contract was non renewed this year, but we're hoping I get hired back and that I won't have to look for new jobs over the summer.

Ryan still has a few days left of school, I am sure he is extremely jealous!!

We are looking forward to the summer and a family of 4 this year! In June we are going to Lutsen with my side of the family and then spending a couple days in Duluth with just us and the girls. It should be a fun time. We can't wait!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Last night we celebrated my Grandpa Milo's 89th birthday! After work I drove down to Dan and Kelly's house for the celebration. Many relatives from my dad's side were there. It was nice to be able to join them for this, usually I can't make it because I live so far away and can't get down there during the week. But, I decided that I should be there this time!

My Grandpa was diagnosed with a brain tumor after months of tests and doctors visits. It is an unfortunate diagnosis. We have seen a decrease in the last few months in his ability to accomplish tasks that he used to have no problem doing. Not long ago he and Milly were going dancing a few days a week. He had more energy than I did!

So, it was a nice dinner and I am happy I got a chance to visit with everybody.

Happy Birthday Grandpa! I love you!