Build A Bear

For Christmas Braeden received two gift certificates for Build a Bear Workshop from Aunt Chrissy and Godfather Dan. Tonight we went to the Mall of America so Braeden could build his teddy bear.

Sakari, the MN Twins home run hitting Alaskan sled dog, is the end result!

Braeden had a great time and his brother and sister were very jealous. It was extra special because Chrissy and Gammy Meier joined in the fun.

Fine Hearts

Preston had his Fine Hearts concert for preschool on Feb. 10th. They performed songs and had a display of their artwork. He made the christmas tree picture in the photo. They, also, sang at a nursing home earlier in the week. He loves Preschool and is mad on the days he doesn't have school.

Backyard Hockey!

Wow have we gotten a lot of use out of our backyard hockey rink this year. Brad added some heavy duty plastic to it this year. He's really done a great job preparing it. Almost every day after school Braeden skates with his neighborhood friends in the back. Sometimes Preston joins them without skates. It has been really fun watching the kids out there. What great exercise and ability to organize themselves (with all the organized sports, something kids miss out on). It is not uncommon for us have to tell them to come in for supper. I'm guessing we will need to expand it next year.

Sesame Street Live!

I've always wanted to take the kids to Sesame Street Live and we were fortunate enough to get some free tickets! So, Laken, Preston, Bean, Madeline and I went one Friday morning (Braeden was not interested in going). The kids had a blast. Preston wants to go again. We bought a CD of music to listen to at home and they absolutely love it! It was so much fun I can't wait to go again, either. Unfortunately, there were some memorable mishaps on the way home, too. Some bozo sideswipped us at the exit to the parking ramp (luckily nothing more than scratches) and Bean's battery was corrided, so her vehicle stopped running. Who knew Elmo could be so memorable.

Skating at Morehouse Park

It has been a good year for outdoor skating. We took the kids out New Year's Eve Day to Morehouse Park in Owatonna, a river that freezes over. It was Laken and Preston's first time on skates. Both seemed to love it! Preston lasted longer than Laken (she got too cold). After, we treated our skaters to BK and they each got to pick out their own appetizer for our New Year's celebration.

Frosty the Snowman

I'm melting! I'm melting! Braeden and Preston made Frosty one fine January day. Preston has been doing his darndest to keep him from melting. His idea was to put a blanket and rug on him to block the sun and keep him from melting. I'm sure it was a strange site for passerbys, but I love his imagination!