Braeden's Birthday Night at the Owatonna Express Game

Braeden's birthday party (a month early because this was the last home series) at the Express Jr A Hockey game with Tim, Jacob, Nolan, Preston, and Laken. Each of the kids got an Express Horn.
They high-fived the players as they took the ice.












Part of the party was a locker room tour. A surprise gift from the team to Braeden was an Express shirt autographed by all of the team. Notice the kids aren't standing on the logo....team rule is you get fined $10 if you touch the logo.







After the 2nd period there is a game called Chuck-a-Puck. Each of the kids got a puck to chuck. Braeden got his puck closest to one of the targets and won a gift card to a local pizza place! In this photo he's walking back with his gift card prize.





During 2nd intermission we went upstairs in the rink to have cake and open presents. Braeden wanted a Golden Gophers cake. We watched the rest of the Express 5-1 win from the upstairs. The boys were completely hyperactive and had a really fun time.

A Homemade Valentine's

Braeden needed to make a Valentine's Mailbox for his class Valentine's exchange. The sheet suggested using a shoebox or a coffee can. Oh, no. Not for this creative child. He decided he was going to make it out of wood. He had a complete vision. He built a "inbox" looking thing out of wood with his own tools (with Dad's guidance). Then, he painted it with craft paint to look like a hockey rink and I helped him hot glue some hockey guys, that I saved from a birthday cake, onto the box (I knew those figures would come in handy some day). Brad had to drive him to school the day he brought it in, because it was solid. Did I mention there was a decorating competition involved? He won 1st place! We, also, have another tradition in our family of making our Valentine's cards. Preston drew Star Wars Lightsabers and we color copied them. We wrote "May the Force Be With You" on the inside. Braeden wrote I'm cocoa for you and decorated some envelopes with hot chocolate tucked inside. I love this yearly tradition.

A Farewell to Chrissy

Last weekend we had to bid Chrissy a fond farewell. She is moving to Seattle with Ben, her boyfriend. We are excited for Chrissy's new adventure, but we'll miss her tremendously. She is a such a talent woman who is not afraid to go after her dreams. She has a magnetic personality and makes everything more fun. The kids adore Auntie Chrissy. We will are sad to see her leave, but know she will set Seattle on fire. And, we can't wait until she gets a blog (hint, hint)! Before she left she gave Laken her early birthday present a new stroller. Which will get a lot of use, especially since she has entered the land of American Girl dolls!

A video of Preston's Performance. Braeden did the camera work.

Fine Hearts

Preston had his Fine Hearts concert for preschool last Sunday. It celebrates music and the arts. Here are some pics of him singing and his artwork. My personal favorite was a rap they did called, "We are the kids of Trinity school." Mr. Braeden was the more willing photographer and Chrissy came and watched.

Chamber Annual Dinner

Brad had his Chamber Annual Dinner in January. I love this event as it gives me a chance to dress up. My dress this year cost me $36.66 and it originally was $198. And, to top it off it matched the scarf Chrissy got me in Argentina. I even got Brad to buy a tie that completely matched my dress. I don't know if he will do that again as you would not believe how many people noticed that we matched. Businesses can sponsor and decorate tables and there is a competition for the best decorated one. Our table is in the picture. Each year Brad gets more creative. They did Political Advertisement videos with the past chair and the incoming chair. Also, Sarah Palin made a live appearance. I am so proud of his accomplishments and leadership he provides.

We love the Obama's

So, the Meier household was glued nonstop to the TV on Inauguration day. Braeden even was able to watch it in school (otherwise dear old Mom was going to let him miss). What what a remarkable day in history! It is so refreshing to have a family that is in the thick of raising children in the White House. We feel like the Obama's could be any one of our neighbors. And, how about that ball. He so loves and adores his beautiful wife. I couldn't help put be teary eyed.