Hans' Bakery

We decided to surprise the kids by taking them to Han's Bakery in Anoka for breakfast.  Han's Bakery first opened in the 70's.  It closed for a few years and reopened this past fall.  We have heard only positives about it, and since none of us had been there we thought we'd give it a try.  It did not disappoint, such yummy donuts and pastries!  The kids were smiling from ear to ear their entire breakfast.  They already asked if they could go back tomorrow; and I know for a fact it won't be tomorrow, but it will be sometime soon.

 Another special treat while there was singing along with Mark, the accordion player. 

Extended Birth Family Visit

Today Caleb's birth great-grandma, Judy made the three hour trip down to spend the morning with him.  It was really great having her here.  We spent our time playing and catching up.  

A special thanks to Judy for coming to see Caleb and continuing to build your relationship with him.

Gumball Toy

When Elyse and Caleb are at school I will often bring out new toys or puzzles for Kallen and Ian as a special treat.  Well when one son loves to throw balls and the other son loves to eat, carry, and fetch balls, our gumball toy was a given.  I had two very entertained boys for an entire preschool morning.  

Front Loader Washing Machine

When we decided to do cloth diapers for Elyse we knew we had to buy a nice washing machine.  We were told that the front loaders were more efficient and better washers.  We decided to purchase one and have had no complaints but one, it gets moldy if the door is left closed.  I hate having to leave it open for so many reasons.  Although mostly it's because it takes up so much of the laundry room (annoying to get around), and because Ian is always playing or throwing things into it.  It has become one of his favorite places to play!

Baby Books

When the kids asked me what all the pictures of Ian were for, I told them it was to complete his baby book.  That's when they asked if they could see theirs.  I agreed and the next thing I knew we spent over fifteen minutes looking and discussing events through each kid's book.  It brought me so much joy seeing the kids' faces as they looked at themselves.  Made the effort I put in making the books 100% worth it.

  And yes that is Ian playing with the garbage :)

Saturday Mornings

I don't know who loves Saturday mornings more, the kids or I?  The mornings are relaxing, we always eat in our pajamas, dad's home and we play lots.  Today the kids decided their play involved riding on Nate and wrestling.  Perfect way to start off our weekends!

He Thinks He's Two

When it comes to playing with his siblings and/or toys with wheels, Ian has the mindset that he is way older than thirteen months.  This morning I was able to quickly capture Kallen and him playing tractors together so nicely. 

Interesting Conversation Spot

Was in the other room with Ian when I heard some suspicious conversation and giggles coming from the bathroom.  I went to investigate and to my surprise, I see two little boys sitting on-top of the toilet talking and making faces.  

Thankful Thursday

I captured this picture below after dinner and since today is "Thankful Thursday", I decided to make one post incorporating the two.

Today I am thankful for...

• these five people that I love beyond words.
• quiet memorable moments as shown.
• the joy a book can bring.
• a warm chair and blanket (house) when temps are way below zero outside.
• love.

The Climber

Ian has officially won the award for child who LOVES to climb.  Now I understand that kids enjoy climbing, my other three did as well, but Ian will take every opportunity to climb.  For instance, when I sit on the ground with my legs down he leaves what he is doing and begins using my legs to climb over.  He prefers climbing through the chairs and over the table bar instead of crawling around it.  In fact, he goes so much out of his way, he will leave the toy room or where people are just to get to our stairs to climb them.  At Tot Time (indoor playtime for kids) he spent his entire time climbing the same slide we have downstairs and avoiding all other toys.  I'm hoping it's just a phase, otherwise we may officially have a rock-climber or daredevil in the family. 

Worst part is that we threw out all our gates last year because we NEVER needed them with the other three because they weren't interested in stairs, go figure.

Video is pretty poor quality because it was captured on Nate's phone, but still wanted to post it.



20150103 1103271[1] from NSquared on Vimeo.

Starting 2015 Off With Nonstop Fun

The 2015 year has officially begun and the last three days have been nonstop fun family days.  Some of the highlights have been going swimming at our local YMCA, eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Pizza Ranch, playing at the Children's Museum, and riding rides at Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America.   If 2015 continues being full of as much joy, relaxation, memories, laughter and love as it has so far, it is going to be a GREAT year!