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.

Backyard Hockey

Preston's Kid's Tube Video

So Preston and Braeden have found this site called Kid's Tube. A Kid's version of You Tube. Here is an example of some video Preston and Braeden have worked on to post to Kid's Tube.

Braeden at bedtime with Sakari

I had to snap this picture of Braeden asleep. He sleeps with his Build a Bear, Sakari, every night. I love this little boy moment every night.

Here is a slide show from Christmas 2008. We have a tradition that after church and dinner on Christmas Eve. The kids open a gift of new jammies, a family game and a family movie. This year's game was Operation and movie was Shrek the Third. Laken loves the Shrek movies, so now we have all three.

We woke up Christmas Morning to find Santa, of course, had paid us a visit. Highlights included: Laken getting Bitty Babies and a jogging stroller. Preston and Braeden received a Wii and the entire family got Wii fit.

Then, it was off to Nama's and Grandpa's were the loot continued. Highlights were: Braeden got a remote control helicopter, Preston a DS and Laken an American Girl Elizabeth doll. Brad and I received a new entertainment center. Brad and I, also, enjoyed giving Madeline a slide.

Finally on the 26th we celebrated with Gammy and Grandpa. There was no shortage of gifts here, either. Highlights included: Build your own lightsabers for the boys, a new princess dress handmade by Gammy and a tent for Brad and Heidi. We are excited to embark on tent camping with the Meier Family this Summer.

Crazy Christmas

Preston Gets a DS-Excitement

Laken's Dance Recital (and Heidi too)

We hope you enjoy this little snippet of Laker's first ever dance recital. It lasted approx. 15 minutes and the kids kind of did what ever they wanted, while the moms did the moves. It was fun!

Old Time Hockey

Building a rink is as much dad's little winter hobby as it is a winter recreation spot for the kids and their friends. Through the fall Brad planned how the boards would go, what plastic would be used and how to make a 'warming house'.

After one false start-Brad inadvertently put holes in the plastic while trying to keep them stapled to the boards. We got a new piece of plastic and widened the rink to 30x40 ft.

The weather has been perfect-cold. We already have a fully functional rink. You can see the kids use it a lot and Braeden is trying his parent's old position, goalie.

Braeden as Bobby in 365 Days of Christmas

Sheperd Preston

ECFE Holiday Open House

We attended the ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) open house. As, you can see from the picture my children are not big fans of paying a visit to Santa. Preston bolted as soon as the picture was snapped. Laken whispered her wish, which has remained consistent-a dancing princess. I am not sure exactly what that means, but my guess it is an American Girl Doll that she loving looks at every time the catalog arrives. Braeden was the only brave soul to talk with Santa. He told Santa he wanted a nerf gun. Then, each child receives a gift of a book. Their favorite spot, however, is the cookie decorating station. We are so blessed to live in a state that is passionate about Early Childhood Education.

Tree Decorating

The kids had a blast decorating the tree. The have each received gifts of ornaments over the years, so the boys particularly were excited to find their "own" ornaments to place on the tree. Laken likes rearranging the ornaments. After the tree was decorated she declared, "It's christmas! Now we can open presents." And, she proceeded to try to open one of her gifts wrapped under the tree. Needless, to say I've had to put the wrapped gifts away. She doesn't get the Advent Calendar concept, either. Everyday she says, "But, it is Christmas." Oh, life through the eyes of a toddler.

Madeline Sleeps Over

We brought Madeline to our house the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for a sleepover. She didn't even cry when she left her parents to go in the Durango. I think it was due to the fact that I had cheetos and a movie in my vehicle. It was so much fun for Laken and Madeline to spend time together. And, she called me Mom which I got a total kick out of. Here the girls are participating in a Meier Family Favorite, Painting in the bath tub! Our only glitch came when Madeline decided to get up at 4:00 am on Thursday and basically stayed up. I think she was ready for Black Friday a day early.

Preston Builds a Bear

Preston had his turn to Build-a-Bear! Meet Ruffy the dog who wears Viking uniform and helmet. He was able to build this bear thanks to Gammy and Chrissy's gift certificates! Chrissy needs to forward me the family photo at Build a Bear so we can add it!

Searching for the Perfect Tree

We traveled to a farm west of Ellendale, MN where an older couple runs a Christmas Tree farm. This is our 3rd year of finding the perfect tree here. It is an awesome spot that always feels like Christmas. You see the old shack where they sell the trees. The family walked the whole tree farm, only to come back to where we started to find the right tree.

Braeden found out how to use the timer on the camera and you see the result with a great family photo (durango hood in foreground).

3rd Grade Performance

Braeden's 3rd grade class (Dr. Eichman) performed several plays in front of 60 parents/grandparents at Washington Elementary School. Above, Braeden (yellow) spinning on stage helping turn the main characters in and out of reality. The next photo is a scene change and Braeden is moving a chair.

Beautiful Barber

Laken thought it would be a great idea to cut her own hair. So she decided to clip a swath off the front of her bangs. Heidi was mortified; Brad laughed. She now has a semi-mullet, just in time for hockey season!