The Duck Race then Birthday Party

July 14: This was it, the big day after the big day arrived - Carl's Birthday Party! I had been planning and planning and planning this event (you might remember the invite) and I was glad the day finally arrived. There was a little sleep depravation that was going on that week leading up to the race, but I wouldn't change it for the world.  I was excited first and foremost to celebrate with family and friends Carl's 1st birthday, secondly, for our first ever Rubber Duck Race down the creek in our backyard. Personally, I think it went rather smoothly. My volunteers did an exceptional job and the birthday boy even woke up from nap in time to catch a glimpse at the races.

I believe my final tally was just over 50 people, a little more than half of them being kids. It turned out to be a gorgeous morning, perfect for having some fun, food, and fellowship. I'd like to think I started a new family tradition and maybe next year it will be even bigger...

Even made some shirts for the occasion.

We dropped the ducks in at the start of the race with two buckets and let the current do the rest. As a fun side note - our nephew, Justin, just a few days prior had given Carl a small gift he brought back with him from a trip he had just taken. Turns out it was perfect for race day, it was a little duck caller! Carl let me borrow it to signal the start of each race.

Not all ducks stayed up-right, but that didn't stop them from making the finish line! 

There was quite the competition brewing in the adult category. There were enough kids around to keep everyone civil ; )   

Our judges at the finishing line hard at work, trying hard to save every duck from passing our net. We did have one duck slip through the very first race but it was quickly recovered. The duck belonged to a little girl, who her mom just asked me that morning about whether or not they would get their ducks back after the race - the girl was very concerned she would lose her duck. I assured them we would do everything in our power to save the ducks, we even put up a net to make it a little easier. When we realized it was this little girl's duck, I got nervous and was hoping it wouldn't slip away. She was so worried! Thankfully, we managed to bring it back safely. Not a true event without a little drama!

Oh yes, we had medals and prizes! I may have gone over the top on that one, but it was sure fun to see all the smiles that day. At the very end, there was a call for a champions run to see who really was the fastest duck. Turns out this little angle won every race!

A big thank you to my sister for helping take photos, capturing the ducky moments! More on the Birthday Party to come...

Carl's Birthday Adventures

July 12: A one year old has little requests for activities, but I thought we had better make it special. It just so happened that we had a lot of things lining up on his special day!

It started with a trip to the Como Zoo with cousins and a ride on the carousel.

Brianna really wasn't sure about the carousel and didn't want to go on, but I already bought tickets and just went for it! Turned out to be ok, she was just getting hungry.

Next we had plans to go see 2nd cousin Ashley while she was in town. We had packed a lunch and headed to Harriet Island Park to play some more. It was pretty hot out that afternoon and the heat and tiredness started to set in. We played for a little bit, then headed for home. Before too long, they were both sleeping in the car. One transfered to bed the other didn't. I'll leave that up to your imagination as to who.

 What a fun day! 

We pray a full year of new adventures and a ton of fun on your next year of life! 

We love you Carl!

Laying in Comfort

July 10: Our dog has always had an affinity to soft things. Even as a puppy he would find a pillow or soft blanket to curl up on. On most days this is how we find him. You'd never know a dog needed the extra head support!

Getting My Nails Done Mom

July 5: We were so thankful to have Betsy and Justin (Jon's sister and her son) in MN for almost the entire month of July. We had so much fun running here and there and playing, playing, playing! While hanging out at the cabin over the 4th weekend, Aunt Shelley offered to give manicures, to all the cousins (boys included). Brianna was really excited and sat SO still waiting for the paint to dry. It was her first time getting her nails done, and she couldn't have been happier. Thank you Shelley, she went hysterical when I finally tried to get what was left of the paint off. She thought it was gone forever... I had to reassure her we had to take this paint off in order to put new paint on. That made it a little better!

Brianna being pampered! I promise she was happy, she was just focused on staying still.

Carl's 1st 4th

July 4th: Fireworks!

Brianna just chillin' with her cousins!

 The happy cozy crew.

The other happy, not as cozy crew!

Oh, ahh! Carl was pointing really well by the 4th and kept pointing at each new explosion. When we first sat down, I thought he might keep sleeping, but he heard activity and wanted to be involved. Sounds like Carl!

In the Dog Dish

June 29: Why not? Carl decided he loves to get into Eko's food and water dishes. 

And not just in to them (like I'm going to get wet and grab a bunch of food!) but physically into and on top of the dish (it's a lot faster to make a mess that way mom!). 

Courtesy of Gammie and Gampie

June 30th Weekend: Brianna loves to hang out with Gammie and Gampie. She also loves playing with her cousin Casen. And, she loves being at my parents weekend getaway, the trailer. So when those three things combined the last weekend in June, she was one happy little girl! I can't speak to all the fun times they had, but I can say that she frequently asks to go to Gammie and Gampie's trailer!

Enjoy some photos my parents took!

She knows how to relax and kick her feet up!

You Mean I can Paint on my Face!?!

June 24: A Fun-Filled Birthday Party for Cousins

Brianna was excited to go celebrate her cousin's birthdays and was really excited to bring them their gift! But as part of the party, she realized she could color on her face! Can you say triple the excitement.  She sat so still, while the art was drawn on her face. I'm not sure how it went down, but after a while, we saw Brianna sitting again at the face-painting table and a little girl (older than B) was painting B's face... her arms... her legs... it was very cute! They were having a lot of fun.

She was not very happy with me when we had to take it all off before bedtime.

Commissioner and the Parade

June 21: Parade fun

Michelle and I ventured out for our second year in a row to our community parade! This year we had more kids and, I'd say, more fun. I loaded down our burley with chairs and blankets, and headed over to Auntie Micks house to have dinner. A family member of theirs dropped off their two kids, bringing the total to five kids. Once we finished dinner, we headed off to find a place to sit. We all got settled and thankfully it wasn't long before the first police car drove by, signaling the start of the parade. It's amazing to me that so many floats drive by and throw out candy. Why do we need so much candy? It's helpful to keep kiddos entertained, going and gathering whatever they can find, but who wants to give kids that much sugar that close to bedtime. I know, I know... you don't do it all the time, but still. I was thankful to the eye place for handing out fresh carrots. What a welcome treat!

Thanks Mick for the fun and company.

Oh, and Commissioner Bonkoski was on hand for his part in the parade. 

They handed out chip clips, very useful.

Loving Nature at the Arboretum

June 18: A Visit to the Arboretum

We love our visits to the arboretum. Every time we go, there is always something and somewhere new to explore. Carl was not yet walking but he still loved crawling around when I let him on his own. They had a "Green Play Yard," built just for kids. They were able to explore new plants, water, trees, small buildings, and so much more.  We barely had any time left before we had to leave for anything else! In fact, we had a hard time getting away from this kids-sized walking bridge. Let's just say Carl could have stayed there longer!

His "OOOOOO" moment. Notice the tippy toes. 

As we headed back to the car for a picnic lunch, we stopped to examine many of the fountains. This one was particularly perfect for just viewing the water trickle down. 

"Cunbredda"

June 16, 2012: It was a rainy morning, so while Carl napped, Brianna and I went on a short walk in the rain. We tried singing in the rain, but someone was more enthralled with the umbrella, or "cunbredda" as she calls it. Isn't she so cute! She loves holding it all by herself, so much so that we had to turn around on our walk so I could get a second umbrella for myself. Gotta love our walks together!

2 Months!

Wow. We have neglected our blog for 2 months to the day. 2 months!! It seems unbelievable, but with how blessed we've been with tons of activity in our lives lately, blogging is the first thing to be put on hold or in some cases forgotten. (by "blessed" I mean CRAZY busy - but blessed seems to fit nicely in its place!)

It's a shame it does get tucked away on the back burner (kitchen pun intended - more to come), because for those that check in once in a while, it's a great way to stay connected. Well, it's not the first time I've said it, and won't be the last - Sorry for the delay in glimpses of what's going on in our lives.

In order to catch up, I'll start by just adding pictures and small stories if I've got the time. They do say, "A picture is worth a thousand words!"

Enjoy snippets of our last 2 months!

June 15: Story time with Daddy! I found the Hungry Caterpillar at a garage sale for 25 cents. It's hard to beat a classic children's story for so little cost. Brianna starts "reading" it by saying, "one day - sun was out... a little egg and pop. Out comes a VERY hungry caterpillar!"

For Baby Joey!

On June 2, I catered my very first baby shower! It was to celebrate and shower with gifts my cousin’s wife, Mary, who gave birth to their first just 21 days later.

I had a lot of fun doing it, but it was intense – a lot of work, but a big reward. I was so humbled by the many great comments I received for the food.  To top it off, it was completely gluten-free! I think (or at least I hope) I maybe changed some people’s perspectives that gluten-free can actually taste good. Had it not been announced (which there were others besides myself that required such a menu), I doubt anyone would have thought twice.  It was that tasty!

Their new baby is named Joseph, Joey for short, so my Aunt thought it would be fun to use an Australian theme for the shower, after a kangaroo’s baby who is called a joey. I had been thinking about creating food name cards with outback-themed names but saved it till last for if I had time. After a full day of shopping, preparing, and baking (we’re talking 11:30 pm the night before!!), I was finally able to get to the cards. I am so glad there was time, because they really seemed to add just a little more detail that helped pull it all together. Plus, I also tried to go around my own house and gather up some baby blankets and toys to help decorate the party room. A huge thanks to my sister Michelle, for helping set up and set out and put the finishing touches on the food. 

Mary and Aaron, I am so happy for you guys and can’t wait for our play dates! 

The Menu:

Wallabee (egg) Bake

Walk-About Parfaits

Fruit on the Barbee

G'Day Pumpkin Muffins

Kindie Rice Krispies

Chokkie Macaroons

You're Invited...

To the 1^st Annual Rubber Duck Olympics. In honor of Carl's first birthday, I'm attempting something new and hopefully really fun (or funny, either one works). I've already met with my neighbors and got their permission, talked with my neighbor across the creek and they are so excited, and plans are starting to fall into place. Not too long now, I'm excited to see how it turns out. Essentially we will be tossing our Rubber Ducks into the creek in our backyard and watch them race down in a friendly and exciting competition! 

Prizes will be awarded for the 1^st place duck in each of these three categories: Ages 0-6, 7-17, and 18-99. Rubber Ducks* will be essential in order to compete, so don’t leave your duck at home!

*Rubber Ducks should be at least 3 inches in length.