A Rainy Saturday

A rainy Saturday, especially after a glorious spring Friday, makes everyone a little stir crazy! This morning I walked out of the bathroom and asked where Ethan was.... Colin simply said, oh he went outside. Yes, indeed. Later after a batch of gingersnap cookies, a round of playdough and a game of Trouble, the fort bulding commenced. By that point (given that Mike worked all day and I was flying solo), I didn't mind a bit!

Saturn

We have a placemat with the planets listed on it... I think I picked it up at Wal-Mart two years ago for around fifty cents. Both boys love space and anything and everything related to the planets. We are forever playing space ship at dinner, with Colin being the captain of the ship. Last week, I even created our own Pandora radio station containing the music of Star Wars so we eat "on board" while driving through the asteroid belt. Ethan is just as enthusaistic, as you'll see in this first video clip. I had no idea he was able to correctly name some of the planets! Later the same day, Colin came over to give him some instruction. I asked Colin to do it again so I could capture his teaching!

Kung Fu Master

Colin started karate six weeks ago and loves it. We think it's a good fit for his temperament too! His coach is great--very patient and encouraging. Since he started karate, he is forever practicing his "moves". Here he was caught practicing his stance! (What was even better was that Ethan was copying his every move and was on the other bed, also on a laundry basket, in a stance.... but entirely naked!) That picture, while even more hysterical, is obviously not appropriate for the blogosphere!

Easter 2009

It's SUPERMAN!

1st Annual Easter Bunny Cake

Nordic Trail, La Grange, WI

Grammie and her Colin

Counting rings in an old tree stump

We welcomed Grammie and Pop for Easter this year and the boys couldn't have been happier. The cuddles, tons of attention, loads of candy and Superman/Superdog for their Bat Cave made it a weekend to remember. Mike and I were thrilled that the sunshine decided to make an appearance!

We started Saturday morning off with an almost 2 mile hike at the state park--found some new trails that were fantastic for the jogging stroller--although Ethan really wanted to RUN! And we began a new tradition, that Mike and Jenna enjoyed growing up... the creation of the infamous bunny cake. The pictures speak for themselves. We also enjoyed hearing Mike play with the UWW brass quintet during church on Sunday!

Starin Park Playdate

Warm weather means we can have picnic playdates at the park down the street. Recently we spent a great early afternoon with Jaime, Emma, Isaac, Jo, Calvin, Silas, and baby Malcolm.

Check out those cheeks on Malcolm!

Isaac on the move!

Some of the crew on the infamous purple dinosaur!

Day trip to Dodgeville

Have you heard? Mandy is considering a move to Madison, and we're excited she's thinking of moving closer! The first week in April she came down for a visit and stayed with my Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob in Dodgeville. We drove over to spend the day with them. My parents came up and Cola and Sarah joined us as well. Mandy was so sweet and planned a special early Easter hunt for the boys as we weren't going to be together the following week. And we finished the evening with a amazing Uncle Bob meal... and chocolate cake to celebrate Aunt Judy's birthday a little early. The boys were sound asleep in the car by the time we passed the one main stoplight in town.

Mandy and her favorite boys!

Yes, Ethan used a purse in lieu of a basket!

Happy Birthday Aunt Judy!

Trip to STC

A few weeks ago, Mike was in Minnesota, and the boys and I headed to STC for some quality time. They were in heaven doing a "tour" of the local parks. Not sure why these pictures are all out of order, but enjoy nonetheless! For the record, they are now huge fans of Rocket Park! And yes, the old rocket is still there! Just like I remembered when walking there after a long day at Haines Jr. High!

Ethan running--his preferred mode of movement these days.

Colin running in the driveway with his best buddy Charlie... who will not leave his side as long as Colin keeps the tennis ball in his hand! Our little dog lives to play tennis ball!

Catching some rays, listening to some tunes with Bubba's old radio headset, and cruising the driveway!


Ethan tries to pedal his Diego trike!

And now, Colin stops to take a reading break.

Enjoying the warm weather at Rocket Park. Can you tell we're mother/daughter?

Steady, steady.... Ethan tries to pretend this is a balance beam!

He wouldn't go down the slide at first without his Mom!

Peek!

Ethan adores the swings. While Colin always asks for a gentle push, Ethan lives for underdogs and wants to always go faster and faster and faster!

Colin, just waking up one morning!





Playing with Charlie again!

Building legos... very serious work!


Helping Bubba with the garden!

The swings at Rocket Park.

Our sleeping Charlie.

And this.... is the most hilarous statue I've seen in quite awhile. He stands tall and proud facing the Fox River along the trail in St. Mary's park. My Dad and I passed it doing a quick walk with our nordic walking poles!

Rice Lake Hike

One of our last outings of Spring Break was a chilly visit to our favorite local haunt--the state park of course! This time we visited Rice Lake where the boys were able to investigate the rocky trail, red dogwood, dead fish, fallen trees and a variety of geese and birds. We are now becoming quite the group of naturalists!

The Zoo!

While Mike was on Spring Break two weeks ago, we took advantage of our family time and met my cousin Eric and his adorable girls at the zoo in Madison. It was a fantastic morning for all of us and the boys loved playing with their "cousins" as much as they loved seeing their favorite animals up close and personal. Because it was a cool day, the zoo was less than busy--prime for an optimal visit. We capped off our time with a picnic lunch. Needless to say, the boys slept the entire way home!