Spring Concert-Braeden Washington Elem

This is a clip from Braeden's 2nd grade class spring concert held at Owatonna High School. Braeden is in the top row in a aqua green shirt wearing a tie.

Bend it Like Braeden

Soccer '08 is finally in swing after several rain outs (which we didn't mind because we were out of town for the first two games-and he didn't miss anything). In this picture, Braeden is in the maroon shirt looking back towards the camera (blue socks). He tripped on a kid in this game and softened the blow to the ground with his nose. Blood was everywhere-the kids were shocked and Braeden was too.

We got him off the field and then he didn't want to go back in the game. One of his coaches coaxed him back and he finished.

In his next game Braeden scored a goal-good thing, the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Way to go Beckham, way to go.

Last weekend my wednesday night hockey league participated in the Stick it to Cancer Tournament that is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer. We skated on pink ice, which proved a little hard to see the crease, but was festive. Our team raised over $2000 to go toward Breast Cancer Research. We lost our first game 4-3 (the other team clearly had a ringer) and our second game we lost 2-0, but our finally game we took it up a notch and posted a 5-0 win. This is a fun group of ladies with the majority of ages being 40-55. Our team name is Stickin With It, but Braeden decided we needed a mascot of the Eagles. The kids were troopers for the weekend. Laken took a nap almost every game, Braeden enjoyed giving me advice afterward and Preston's highlight was winning two items out of the crane game at the rink. Thanks for allowing me time for hockey fam!

Preston's Special Tea

Each year the preschool does a 'Special Tea' where the kids get to invite one special person to come hear them sing and eat some treat. Today Preston had his event and this year dad got to go (mom went last year). This video is a little snippet of the brilliant event.

Wisconsin Dells Baby!

We hooked up with the Shimek's at the RainTree Hotel in Wisconsin Dells, WI on April 12th. It is about half way for both families and is a great way to see each other. Here the boys hang out in the hotel room. (l to r: Braeden, Preston, Issac & Simon .Shimek). The girls were shy-May & Laken not shown

Nothing Says Happy Anniversary like a Goalie Mask

For their 9th anniversary, Brad surprised Heidi with the most romantic of gifts-a new goalie mask.

Birthday Party with Braeden's Friends

Braeden's friends met us at the bowling alley to celebrate his 8th birthday. Tim, Petey, Jacob, Mikela, and Nolan bowled a great game, eat cake, played video games, and opened presents. Happy Birthday Braeden!

Easter Sunday at Meier's in St Paul

We spent Easter Sunday at Gammy & Grandpa Meier's in St. Paul. The kids made it through church, only one head squish-Brad was leaving the pew with Laken and accidentally hip checked Preston's head into the pew.

Later that day they had fun re-hiding the eggs and finding them again. Braeden especially liked playing uncle Mike's PS3-NHL '08. Good times.

God Daughter's Birthday Bash

Madeline Paige Kleven's first birthday was recently celebrated in the greater Eleva/Eau Claire area, specifically at the Kleven ranch. You see young Madeline holding a stuffed animal from her aunt Linda-it was one of her favorites.

Heidi and Brad are thrilled to be

Madeline's godparents.

Easter Egg Coloring

Happy Easter. Since things always seem to be busy around holidays, we didn't get around to coloring Easter eggs until Good Friday evening. You see Laken and Preston already in their PJ's. We had fun, but Dad didn't make enough eggs--apparently a dozen is not enough.

Huskies Girls Basketball to State

The Owatonna Huskies girls basketball team went to the state basketball tournament this year (08) and we went to the game. Thanks to Eric Caulfield we got tickets to the Target Center. The kids each brought a Husky stuffed animal to help cheer the team. Unfortunately Minneapolis South was too much for the Huskies and they went home after the first round. We had fun!

Our Little Princess (and Pudge as Abby Cadabby)

Laken received this outfit from the neighbors (Jacobson's) and she loved it. You can see her twirling in these photos. Pudge is sporting a look alike Abby Cadabby costume. Since, we recently attended Sesame Street Live this new costume was all the rage.

Can It Be Another Year Older?

We celebrated Laken's 2nd Birthday (Mar 1st) and Braeden's 8th Birthday (Mar 31st) with family on March 1st.

Braeden's hockey cake featured mini hockey guys with a goalie and puck. Laken got scared because she tried touching one of the candles-she didn't burn herself, but everyone saying 'no Laken' scared her. We sang 'Happy Birthday' to that face pictured!

Braeden's 2nd Year of Hockey Comes to Close

March 1st, 2008 was Braeden's last day of hockey for the season, the jamboree.

They announced the kids names, sang the national anthem and played a game. Braeden is in the white jersey number 5.

Gammy & Grampa Meier, Grampa Hinckley, Mike Meier, Chrissy Meier, Sarah & Eric & Madeline Kleven, mom, dad, Preston and Laken all made it to the game.

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!