Archive | July 2012

Server migration complete!

We recently did a server migration and think everything aside from the theme made it over OK. If you see something that doesn’t work/look right, please let us know 🙂 It was time for a new theme anyway!

This entry was posted on 31/07/2012, in Uncategorized. 4 Comments

Beaches in Minnesota…

July 27-28

When you have 2 extra kids and all are restless what is there to do??? Well… take them to a beach! And here in Minnesota there is no shortage of those. Trinity was feeling under the weather the night before and the day of but well enough to join in on the fun. The park we went to was called Centerville Beach. This is a park that we actually went to back on our last visit. Though not nearly as warm a day so we went on the paths and walked with Cory. 

It was actually a lovely day for the beach. The water was (I am told) warmer than it usually is due to our rather warm and consistent weather. Yours truly took the job of photographer while Baba and Ken spent the bulk of their time in the water. Echo was less than enthused by the park AND the beach… it was full of her nemesis… SAND! So at first she kept herself strictly to the grass filled areas. 

In her element

So we had 6 kids in the water and one running amok on dry land. All in all great fun. The sun was not too harsh AND I even saw some herons! 

Heron

In the lake

With their cousins

Note Ken in the back

Baba and his Baby

Pretty much wore everyone out which was good as we got home, had pizza, let the kids watch a movie and then BEDTIME! Which leads me to Saturday. A much more laid back sort of day as we were waiting on Ken’s brother Joe to come collect his kids and then head out to Sam’s Club to get a family membership and FINALLY some shopping for a cross stitching kit to keep yours truly more busy. 

A good start

This was Echo’s first meeting of her US uncle. She was reticent but there is plenty of time to work on that. 

Joe, Ken and their dad

Hanging with Uncle Joe

Oh and did I mention, Karyn got herself a brand new kitten??? I got to Skype with her and Miss Loki Friday night!!! VERY cute, I am so envious… I cannot wait til we get settled and hopefully can get our own little furry friend. 

Skyping with Karyn and the kitty

Are we coming to the realization that here is where we stay (by here I mean Minnesota)… sorta… but we will!

Enjoying some together time

Settling into a New Groove

July 25-26

We are lucky as we know both of Quinn’s parents so on Wednesday we got to have ANOTHER playdate with him. This time with his daddy Steven along to visit with the adults. Ken and I both went to University with him (Ken two different schools, one in Canada and one in the US). So our friendship goes way back. In fact, we played the same text only game together. Anyway… before that, while waiting Trinity spent her time blowing bubbles and supervising her Baba’s bug killing. 

BUBBLES

Proud catch

Now Quinn and Emanuel have bonded most strongly over Thomas the train so I am sure you can imagine where they went right off the bat! Quinn tells us that we must come to his house and see HIS trains.

Bonding over Thomas

For Ken and Steven it was just like old times. We were able to sit and chat about everything and nothing while they played with their electronics and seriously relaxed. Just what both of them needed I think! 

Boys and their electronic toys

Further relaxing in the basement

We had lunch together – sandwiches, and then there was MORE time to play – this time heading outside to run as fast as little legs can go! 

Sandwiches together

Fun in the sun

I am so glad that Quinn has gotten along so quickly with our crew. It is great to add another sociable soul to our family unit.

Quinn and his Daddy

Thursday was a day for getting things done. Ken his job searching and such and the kids SCHOOL WORK! Actually we have been working on a little each day this week and it has gone… better… Once the boys truly realized that less whining means it all goes faster… for the most part we have trucked right through the little I have them doing (Farmer Boy and then their review books for the previous year). My hands are still rather tied until I either go shopping or get the rest of our things from up north. 

Drawing pictures for mailings… gotta get those stamps!

Echo on her own

We have spent a little time each day going to garage sales, checking prices at places like Target and Walmart. So far no boys’ toys but some unusual finds for myself…

The movie is one I just watched with Sharon recently!!

Don’t forget a nearby now dubbed Rainbow Park. 

Park

Baby in park

I am hoping to have better luck later but in the meantime we have enjoyed our finds and the kids are settling in more and more!!

Dolly chair is just her size