My Cousin's Wedding

 My cousin Eric married the love of his life Erin McGowen this past Friday night in downtown St. Paul. I have been looking forward to this event for months and it did not disappoint!!  My family is small and we don't get together (all of us) very often.  So, when my cousin got engaged my mind immediately went to....pARTY WITH MY FAM!!! I haven't seen my Aunt Carol for 5 years and my cousin Annie for 8!  I digress...So Eric and Erin got married and she such a wonderful addition to our family. She's outgoing, up for anything, and sarcastic (my favorite).

 I was honored to be a reader in the wedding.  They told me they gave me the hardest one since they thought I'd know how to pronounce all of the hard words.  I was flattered, as was Dan since that has more to do with him than me:) Thursday night Dan stayed home with the kids and that morning I had picked up my Mom at the airport.  We spent the WHOLE DAY shopping together.  We haven't done that for 3 1/2 years!  Are you starting to understand how excited I was for this weekend!?!

 The first photo above is of my Uncle Jefferey and best friend Pam.  Pam came out as the Groom's dinner was getting finished.  We were in downtown St. Paul all night and stayed out late.  The whole weekend was a mini Jamestown reunion and Pam got to see some old friends too. After the groom's dinner we hit a bar in downtown St. Paul and my uncles were on a roll and we all couldn't stop laughing. The next two photos are Dan and I the night of the wedding and my Mom and Ron at the wedding!

 This is a bad angle, but it's all I have of My Mom and her older sister Carol as well as my cousin Annie.  They live in Denver. They were disappointed they didn't get to meet the kids, but we knew we made the right decision in leaving them home.  It would have been way too complicated for us and them to bring them along. I was super sad though and feeling torn about it. The kids stayed home with Jackie and did really well.  No tears before bed for either and them and they both slept through the night. Kieran was up at 6 a.m. (sorry Jackie), but other than that they handled our absence well:)

 My cousin Laura was a bridesmaid.  She's so excited to get a sister-in-law and she and Erin are like two peas in a pod:) She has 11 months to go in her Physician's Assistant program.  I haven't seen her in a year so it was awesome to see her too!

 I tried many times to get a photo of these two, but as you can imagine they were everywhere and all over the place so this is the best I've got. They were a great looking couple and it was fun to watch how much in love they are with each other. The best part of the night was the band.  They were awesome.  I haven't danced for 2 years (that's is WAY too long) and I was in heaven. The reception as at A'bulae, which is brand new and on top of a parking garage.  Sounds strange, but it was a gorgeous venue!

 This is my Grandpa Marlan's sister Shirley and her daughter Karen.  They all live in Fargo and I haven't seen them MANY years as well. I talk on the phone quite a bit with Shirley.  She was a teacher and has been a mentor to me as I started in teaching.

 The three lefty grand-daughters.  We are the only girls and the only ones in the family who are left handed....weird! Everyone says we look a ton alike, but I think it's kind of hard to tell here.  I have glasses on and all of us are a little bit....um...tired:)

This is from the morning after the wedding.  We had lunch as a family before I had to leave to go home to see our babies.  I hadn't seen them since Wednesday night so I was super ready to snuggle them! It was also my Aunt Shawn's birthday. 

Overall it was one of those weekends when as soon as it's over you feel a little depressed that it's over.  I'm going to just count the days until Laura gets married and we can have another party:) It might be awhile, but I can wait:)

Our Weekend

There was a lot of running this weekend.  Dan and I pretty much tag teamed and it was busy, but fun with these two monkeys! There was a volleyball game on Thursday night that I took Svea to after Kieran had gone to bed.  Dan stayed home and we let Svea stay up way past her bedtime.  She handled it really well and sat and talked to people and sat in people's laps that she knew.  At one point though, we had to travel to the other side of the gym to sit by Peyton (her best friend from daycare).  Those two are so funny together.  They were jumping, twirling, and dancing in the stands.  It was some good volleyball too.  I LOVE watching!

 On Friday, Kieran went and got the stroller, put this monkey in it all by himself, and then started pushing him around.  He was so proud.  It's so fun to see him have his own mind and  try to express himself whether he's being silly or frustrated with his sister.

 He's likes to climb in baskets.  This weekend alone I found him in a total of four different baskets between home and church.

 Kieran likes to look out the window from his crib (thank goodness we got a chord free one since his room is so small and anywhere we put the crib he's be super close to it).  If we don't pick him up fast enough after he's woken up he walks over, pulls the curtain aside, and takes in the outdoor view.  When we open the door quietly he doesn't notice and that's how we know:)

 Svea came with me to the dentist on Monday.  She sat on my lap backwards and watched the whole process.  She was pretty shy with the technician, but warmed up a bit.  Hopefully it'll help her for when she has to go the dentist sometime after she turns three. She was excited to get stickers and a new toothbrush herself!

Hanging out in another basket reading his books.  He's REALLY getting into them.  It's so cute to hear him read to himself.  Kieran's language is taking off a little bit.  Dan walked into the kitchen the other morning and he said, "Hi Dah". It wasn't very clear, but it was obvious (if you were paying close attention) what he was trying to say. He also started saying "uh-oh" this weekend.  I was pulling out some more fall clothes and he was climbing in and out of his drawers saying uh-oh.

 Svea wanted to talk to "Ginger" (the talking cat) this weekend.  Did you know she unravels the toilet paper just like our cat?  Just like Meeko:)  Dan was busy this weekend.  He had to work on Saturday morning and Saturday night for a few hours.  In between he rented a sprayer to stain our fence.  We have a LARGE fence and he got the whole inside done in about four hours.  It looks FABULOUS!  I love it!

 This was Sunday morning after church.  Svea was making Kieran laugh, which was a little difficult to do as he was fighting sleep.

 You've seen Dan's super cute new glasses.  Here are mine.  They are VERY similar to his.  That's a compliment right? I had tried on his and liked them, but he said I couldn't get the exact ones.  So I didn't, but found some that a tad different:) I am LOVING them especially because I can wear them all day long and not get a headache like my old pair.  They were the wrong prescription and weighed about 20 lbs.  These are obviously correct and are as light as a feather!

 Svea's new hat!

 

OH boy....she looks so grow-up! We were trying on new jeans today.  I had a pair of 3T jeans that were hand me downs and they fit except for the length:) A few rolls and we called it good!  This is also a tank top that will maybe fit her next summer or the next, but she insisted on it.  It was a gorgeous day today (Sunday) and we soaked up a bit of time outside.  I love it when Svea wants  to go on a walk.  I push Kieran in his car (he drives) and she just wants to hold your hand, walk, and talk.  It's so sweet and I enjoy every second of it.

Dan is gone the first part of this week at the annual theological conference in Mankato. He isn't exactly thrilled about it, but I told him to enjoy the quiet time that he may get and the chance to hang out with a few guys he likes, and possibly sleep without a little boy or girl waking and crying. I'll probably be a just little late each day and get to experience what Dan goes through every day of getting the kids off to daycare.  I'm sure we'll be fine, but will be missing him and ready for him to return on Wednesday!!!  I think the biggest thing for me is not liking the feeling of me being at work and him not being right across the street from them during the day.  Weird, I know:)

This and That

Kieran is laughing here.  It looks like he is crying, but something was super funny.  For the most part he is usually pretty giggly.  We love it when he is in his high chair and you make little moves toward him with a goofy smile he throws his hands up in the air, throws his head back, and shakes his head "no" in excitement and anticipation of you coming over and tickling him. So fun!

 Cutie blue eyes:)  Dan started iQuest again tonight.  It's off to another great start!  We went to church last Wednesday night and there has been somewhat of a switheroo with the two kids concerning church.  Where Svea is now getting to the age where she is entertained by coloring, looking at books, dancing to the music, etc. during the service it's Kieran who is just starting to get wiggly.  The last couple of times we've had to leave and head to the toy room because of the Mr.

 Speaking of church.  Svea is so fun to watch during the songs.  She loves to dance and she closes her eyes sometimes and does her ballet moves complete with twirls and bows.  I seriously cannot stop smiling ear to ear when she does this.  It is so precious and I wish I could just etch some of these memories into my brain and never forget them.

 I LOVE this picture of these sweet pigtails.  "Take a picture of me jumping Mommy"!

 Kieran is filling his pants here.  Nothing else is going on here:)  Ha! We have a large handful of times that Kieran is sleeping through the night!!!!!!  I seriously want to have a huge party to celebrate:)  Woo hoo!!!  I LOVE picking the kids up at Lynda's every day.  He gets this huge genuine smile on his face each time.  It makes you feel so special.  I just love being his Mom:)

 Superhero Svea.  We fashioned these glasses together from a tool we received from Zenni optical when Dan and I received new glasses. She wanted to be a superhero just like her Daddy did when he was little:) We are loving our new glasses.  I'll have to do a post on those because they are so much fun!

 Showing off her muscles.  Don't you love a superhero who wears a pink skirt?!

Such a busy guy....Kieran likes to close the doors after he leaves a room.  He's pretty careful and good at it as well.  He's giggling about something here too.  I'm floored by his athleticism and how easy he gets around walking.  Pretty soon he's going to be working out with us in the basement.  Svea does btw.....she takes the remote controls and makes faces in between coloring sessions.  It's kind of fun to bring her down with you.  The only trouble is when she tries to climb on your back during push ups:)

It's just a normal week around here. Work, church, and spending evenings together when we can at home.  Until the next post and random pictures:)

Our Rainy Weekend

Well, it certainly felt like fall this weekend.  It was cold and rainy since the moment we got home from the apple orchard on Saturday.  Dan and I were going to go to an outdoor concert in the next town with some friends from my work, but it rained, so we ended up going to someones house for a couple of hours.  It was super fun!!  We came home pretty early though since Dan had to be up for work this morning. 

 Kieran will NOT walk in shoes....well, at least this pair.  I did try on a different brown pair for church on Sunday and he walked in those:)

 An attempt at a shot of the two of them.  Something was too funny though!

 Saturday afternoon after Svea got up from her nap she said she wanted to go outside to play.  I told her it was raining, but we did have a rain jacket and rubber boots that a co-worker friend gave me.  They are just the right size for her!  So away into the rain she went!

 She was a little timid at first, but then was giggly.  Dan took her out again later too:)

 Kieran loves playing with this kitchen just like Svea did at this age. I remember this age with Svea so well since I had just found out I was pregnant with Kieran.  Time flies!

 Our little peanut.  Here he is all dressed up for church on Sunday.  He looked so handsome (in his 9 month outfit) Ha!

 Svea insisted on dressing herself this morning.  She did pretty well I must say. 

 Pink shirt (that is really last year's dress, black pants, pink shoes, brown leopard tutu skirt, white sweater, and of course a bow, which she just pushed down over top of her hair and kind of looks like a flapper.  I'm not sure, but it's messy and cute:)

Dan is watching football now and it looks like the sun is coming out so maybe we'll be able to enjoy a little time outside before this weekend is over!

Apple Orchard Farm

 We checked out a local apple orchard in Collegeville today.  It's a very small town attached to St. John's University and although quite small we all enjoyed the experience:)

 They had a small petting zoo with lamas, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, bunnies, and horses.

 We couldn't pick the apples from the trees,  but it was fun to show Svea what it was.  She picked one up off the ground if that counts:)

 Before we left the house Dan ran to church quick to tackle a quick task and Svea picked out her outfit herself!  She was trying on all kinds of headbands with bows and flowers on them and was so proud.  I slapped this one on her head on the way out of the car.

 She had many questions today asking "what is that or that". 

 She was a little timid of the all of the scarecrows at first, but when we told her they only are there to scare birds then she was content with them!

There was a little fish pond with Coy swimming in it.  I think she looks so big in these pictures, but I guess I say that just about every two month or so:) After seeing a few sights we headed to the little country store they had and bought apples, maple syrup, blackberry jelly, bbq sauce, and a spaghetti squash.  I had a revelation today...did you know you make spaghetti squash with a spaghetti squash and I was making it with a butternut squash?  Well, I was doing it wrong.  I hope my "noodles" turn out better next time!  Ha!

This piece of art/structure was along side the road on our way to the orchard.  We thought it was so cool.  It was a nice morning for us!  Svea got out of the car and said, "There is no wind today"!  Kieran did what he does best and enjoyed the ride and the sights and didn't complain.  I am so thankful for easy going weekend days like these:)

Stuff:)

As you can see, I haven't taken as many pictures, videos, or posted as much since school has started.  I'll get there and find a balance, but for now I'm enjoying soaking up the little time I have each work night with our family.  No more lunch dates with Daddy in the middle of the day.  No more nap time work-outs with a partner to keep me motivated, but that's ok.  It's a new season and it's been fun to see all of my students and co-workers at school.  It feels good to get a shower on most days of the week instead of taking one when it's absolutely necessary (because that's how I roll in the summer).

I can't even remember what happened this past week!  ha!  Dan has had four big funerals this past month and I'm trying to squeeze in some new testing with my students so my brain is mush trying to get used to a to do list again. I love having lunch with my friends four days a week though!

This past Saturday night my Mom came down to visit for two quick nights.  She and Grandpa Ron leave for Mexico tomorrow for Dannielle and Eric's wedding!  Anyway, Mom is always good about trying to get us a break and get us out of the house, so that we did!  We enjoyed a night out with Shumackers at a restaurant called Indulge.  We both over-indulged and had a lot of laughs....enough said. The night before we had Larry and Darcy over from across the street to thank them for taking such great care of our animals so many times over the summer.  We would of had them over anyway....we think they're great and are so blessed to have them as neighbors.  I have a funny story to tell you later about Svea having a meltdown in front of Larry:) More on that later.

The rest of the weekend we didn't do much, but laid low, went to church, made some spaghetti squash and cauliflower mashed potatoes (we're getting crazy about hiding vegetables over here) played with the kids, and looked through fashion magazines. It was another mellow weekend and now this week is off with a bang!  One cute thing on each munchkin.  

Each time we hand Kieran a rag to clean his face and hands he likes to throw it on top of his head and then pull it down again to play peek a boo.  He also splashes in the tub on demand.  Svea and Kieran basically take their baths now together almost every time.  It saves on water and energy expelled by the parents:)

Svea is officially a "ballareena".  She loves to walk on her tip toes, imitate moves from Angelina Ballerina, and twirl. When we ask her to do something about 50% of the time she sing songs...."O-k"!  The other half of the time she stalls.  Ha!  She shows a lot of empathy and understands when someone is sad and talks about how we should help them. It makes us proud:)

13 Months Old

Kieran here's what you've been up to!  You love to "talk" and look at books trying to read them to us.  You love to explore and are so content to sit and examine something new.  You are a thinker.  We are starting to work on sign language more with you.  You haven't done it yet, but I'm hoping you will catch on to help ease some frustrations that we know come along with being 1:)

 You are eating three meals a day and one or two snacks.  You feed yourself 90% of the time with finger foods and finally drink milk from your sippy cup. Mom and Dad have been having to hold the cup for you sometimes and you are getting the hang of that now too on your own.  Aunt Megan said your cousin did the same thing for a long time too:) You are slowly turning on to food.  We are still nursing 1-2 times a day if Mom is home and if not just once before bed.  I can see the end to that the better you get with your sippy cup and cow milk.  I will be sad, but I know it's time for you to move on....tear:)

 You are still in some size 9 month clothes, but mostly 12 months.  We will probably need to keep you in that size for the winter as well. I swear I just retired a few pairs of size 6 month pants.  You WILL have short legs my dear boy:)   You are in a size 4 diaper and we switched you to Huggies diapers.  They fit your body SO much better. Did I ever tell you it is next to impossible to change your diaper.  You hate it and the random toy or new gadget doesn't hold your attention at all.  T.V. you scoff at.  We just take a deep breath and dive in and try to work as fast as we can.

 Not sure how much you weight, but probably 19 or so lbs. We'll go to the doctor in another two months so we'll find out then.  You sleep from about 7:30-8:00 until 7:30-8:00 in the morning.  You are still waking up at least once during the night although you've had a handful where you make it until 6:00 am and that is only because you hear Mom get up for work.  I think you'd keep going if I could stay in bed. Some nights I come to you depending on your cry.  Other nights I let you fuss and you put yourself back to sleep.  I'm so glad God instilled "mama instinct".  The other night you let out this cry that I immediately came to your right away.  You had pooped in your diaper, which you haven't done in the middle of the night for MANY months.  So glad...we got your changed and you went right back to sleep.  You are a great napper, snoozing for usually 2-3 hours each day starting around noon.

 Your personality is very happy! When other people are around you just light up.  You love to interact with others and communicate in your own way.  You can say Mum, mum, mum, Da, and lately I hear you say the "k" sound for kitty.  I've heard you say "hi" to Gaga over skype and when we do skype with her or Papa, or Grandma and Grandpa you often reach for the screen to give a hug and a kiss. You can wave and you love to clap for yourself when you walk.  Speaking of walking you hardly ever crawl.  You went from taking your first steps a month ago to doing so 90% of the time.  You improved drastically every day and we can tell you LOVE this new skills SO much!  You like to sit down and read books, but you don't love it like your sister did.  You'd rather look at a book yourself and read it to us:)

Kieran we are so happy that you are with us and part of our family.  You bring tremendous joy and we love talking about the new and fun things you are doing.  We can envision our life without you and pray for you daily that you have a long, healthy life.  We love you just the way God made you sweet boy!