Happy Earth Day!

For earth day, I decide to not drive to work...haha...many of you realize I work from home :)

Really, Garek and I planted some flowers outside, and the boys (along with most of the neighborhood) decided to start digging a big hole outside. We are pretty sure that someone told them it is the way to China. It is not really in our back yard, as there is a bike path and on the other side of the bike path is a berm up to the highway. The boys dig in the slight hill. Garek and I discussed what erosion is, but that does not seem to stop the 6 year old and pals when there is work to do with dirt and shovels!

Yesterday, when the boys were digging in the berm area, they actually transplanted a "tree." This tree is actually a bush that is growing in the area. They dug a hole, dug up the tree and moved it over. Then they gave it plenty of water. I guess our boys and the neighbor boys have been watching as Matt and Tim (the neighbor) have each planted trees in the backyard over the past couple of weeks. This is how little boys grow into big boys :) I love watching the imitation of daily adult life and household chores.

All in all we love spending time outside, and it is a good reminder on earth day how we want to keep our earth this way (or better) for the generations to follow.

Happy Birthday Tiki!

We are a house of many pets! Today is Tiki's Birthday.  He is 6 years old, just like Roxy and Garek (we have three "family" birthdays within a month of each other, and they are all 6!) Tiki is a conure and he talks to us regularly.  SOme of his favorite phrases include: "Pretty Bird," "Whats a matter with you?" "Tiki good birdie" " Tiki wants to go to" "I love you" "Gimme kiss *smacks lips*," and "Tiki whistle" (followed by a whistle).  He was originally Matt's grandparent's bird (Bob and Louise).  He still enters Bob into his phrases, and the other day at the avian vet, there was an employee named Bob and Tiki heard someone say Bob and immediately went into "Where's Bob?" over and over.  The employees thought it was funny.  Anyways, Tiki has been a nice addition to our family, even when he squawks or confuses house sitters by mimicking the sound of dripping water.  Happy Birthday Tiki!

Happy Anniversary Jake and Jody!

Five years ago today we were off taking pictures at Leif Ericson Park and the Rose Garden for Jake and Jody's wedding!  I will need to look around, as I know we have some awesome pictures! Gavin was the ring bearer, Matt was best man and I was matron of honor, while Garek was just a cute one year old :)  It was a beautiful April day, not too cool and perfect for some outdoor shots! After pictures, we headed to Greysolon Ballroom where we ate and danced! It was a privilege and honor to be a part of Jake and Jody's very special day and it has been fun and exciting to watch as their family has grown and as we eagerly await child number 3! 

Birthday Report

So, as Gigi pointed out, Garek just celebrated his 6th birthday. It seems like just yesterday that I was running home quick to get the bag of "stuff" because Gigi's routine Dr visit became "your having a baby today"- and the rest is history.

So, since I billed this as the "birthday report" I figured a quick recap of the celebrations and some pictures are in order (especially since Gigi promised they were coming- she is working on homework for class, so I am going to help out with this since I am sure she doesn't want me doing her homework)

This year was a two part adventure. First a "family" party on the weekend in the cities at Chuck E Cheese, and then a traditional "kids" party at our house on that actual day of. . .

So, part of the reasoning for the Chuck E party is that Garek has a special place in his heart for the place because of previous trips with Grammy and brother, but facilitating a trip up to Burnsville with kids from town- not so easy. The other big reason is that we try to do what we can to find a centralized location for the family to meet since we have family up in Duluth and we are down here in St Peter (with a few clumped in the Metro area). Unfortunately, Garek's cousins (Kaleb and Ian) became very sick the day before the party, and traveling with kids who are running a 103˚ temp is never a good idea. The boys still had a great time, and the adults got a chance to visit. Here are some pics:

Eating pizza and chatting it up with Uncle B:

Opening the present from uncle B and auntie Andee (since B needed to get back to work- he works at the LensCrafters in the same mall as Chuck's Place)


Opening more presents:


And some "adult time" as the boys were off playing:

On the actual day of his birthday, we had a party at our house for Garek. It was a lot of fun (for the kids) and not to bad for the Adults (Gigi and I are glad that Avery's dad Tony stuck around since they came from Mankato- it gave a boost to the Adult:Kid ratio).

Some highlights:

It was a "bug" themed party, so many crafts were done around the table:

Kyle got some help from his brother Tim on his caterpillar:


There were period in between activities where the kids would play/ "battle" downstairs
(things were a blur- literally):


Gigi helped Liam make a butterfly:


We opened presents:


Sang "Happy Birthday", had some cake and ice cream:

Gigi had the kids decorate and assemble their own Goodie Bags:


And that was that.

As I said before, a bit wild and crazy for two hours, but the kids all had fun (and I really, really appreciate only having two kids, as 10 is just way too many).

Final thoughts: