Leading up to the Fourth

I'm behind... but enjoy looking at warm weather clothes and reminiscing about what once was!

We had a fun summer. It was busy but it was sure fun! As mentioned here, we were thankful to have Dave and Betsy in town this summer. One morning, Betsy and I thought it would be fun to go to a nature center and walk around a bit, you know, run off some energy. I invited my nephew Oliver to join us as he and Justin are close in age and thought it would add to the fun. We walked and talked, explored and discovered, ran and chased, and even had some lunch (with dessert!) when it was all done. What a wonderful day to spend the morning!

Just a couple days later was July 4th! A fun and exciting holiday! Our day started off with a roughly 13 mile bike ride from our house to my parents. Now that was a fun challenge! Once we arrived, everyone was already enjoying the ginormous inflatable that was gifted to us by someone from our church, so we quickly joined in. It was an awesome way to cool off and keep the kids entertained!

We watched fireworks that night from the park near their house. The kids enjoyed the show, but everyone was ready to be in bed after a fun filled day!

There was a Little Free Library on our way to the park and they happened to have a couple kids books. We gladly took a couple and returned them after the show. It was fun to lay out and read books before the fireworks. 

My sister was snapping photos before it got too dark and had all the kids lay in a row. My isn't as nice but it's fun to have a picture with the kids together (check out what she captured).

Carl was being Carl. He was running away and stealing Daddy's hat. Oh man, he keeps us on our toes!

My sister also brought sparklers for all the kids to enjoy. Carl definitely needed assistance, so my sister tried one with him. This was just a second before they both got burned... thankfully we had water bottles with ice in it and everyone recovered!

Here's the lineup... photo taken by Margaret.

Hoping for an All Star 2014

Back at the beginning of July, Brianna was able to go with Daddy to a Twins game. She was so excited to go - and they had a ton of fun! Although it wasn't the best season, we were still able to create lasting memories AND share our love of baseball in our little B. Here's to many more games together... and hopefully winning seasons too!

As I mentioned, she was so excited to go she packed her own backpack to bring with. Although I emptied most of it's contents out, because of how full and heavy it was getting, we left the essentials so she could still bring the backpack with. Even decided to sport a Mortenson shirt for daddy - She is so thoughtful! I had wondered if she would come home with a little kid jersey... maybe next year!

Goodbye Rice. Hello Oak!

If you haven't guessed, the silence lately is because we've had A LOT going on. Two words: We moved!

As of October 24th, we sold our house and purchased a new home. It's not brand new and definitely needs some work, but there is room for personality touches that will make it uniquely ours. We've already taken care of 97% of the boxes and a good chunk of the main living space painting is done. Now it's on to hanging pictures in the new space and sitting back to soak it all in and take... a deep breath. We're grateful for everyone's prayers. This was a journey for us to get here, but we're thankful we are now on this side of it. We'll share more but in the mean time, if you're curious, stop on by! We'd love to give you a tour!

A Rain Garden for All Seasons

Last Summer, we had our road repaved - Yeah for improvements! And as part of that project, the city asked if any houses in the neighborhood would be willing to install a rain garden. I was interested and called to find out more... which turned into us signing up to do one (unbeknownst to us)... which turned into a year long process - so it goes when working with the city. Sure we could have said no (since you might remember we were in the midst of a large kitchen remodel!), but it seemed to be a less expensive way to install a good looking garden in our front yard, since the city was providing the curb-cut, excavating, pavers, wood-chips, planting arrangements, and the means to helping us get reimbursed for up to half of our plants and work. Sounded pretty good... all we needed to add was patience!

Not knowing we would be selling our home in a year, we went ahead with our little project and had a big hole in the ground all winter. Finally this past June we connected with someone from the city to work up a plan of what to plant. We then bought the plants and finally were able to finish our garden.

~My fantastic helpers~

We've had compliments from the city and from many of our neighbors, who I'm sure were wondering what the hole was going to turn into. In fact many of the conversations started by them asking when the city was going to come back out and fill in this big hole they had dug! They were concerned with the eyesore, but not anymore!

It was a long, drawn-out... but fun process! It was interesting learning more about rain gardens and the plants that thrive in them. Plus, it fancied up the front lawn in a space we barely used anyway!

Golden Niner

Today marks NINE years of being married to my love!
EIGHT (*) job promotions which have helped mold and grow us, both as individuals and as a couple. It has also blessed us so that we were/are able to bless others.
SEVEN places we've moved into and lived for a time, from apartments to friends homes (what a gift those friends are) to our own houses.
SIX months of careful reflection on how God would use us in the coming years, prompting us to put our house up on the market in May, sell in August, and move in October...
FIVE years (so far) in Minneapolis where we began the "family" adventure and reignited our love for most everything outdoors.
FOUR years in Chicagoland, where we deepened our love of good tea, built strong relationships with good friends, and attended a church that keeps impacting our lives today.
A THREE-year old who is as sweet and helpful as can be; and who just started preschool! I can't believe how grown up she's getting.
A TWO-year old who never quits and who loves to give smiles; seriously he brightens my day everyday with one of his big grins! (I guess those painful months 4-9 when he literally cut every tooth one right after the other are now paying it forward)
ONE rescued black-lab whose gentle spirit we are grateful for daily and who has a love for all things soft and comfy.

ZERO days I would trade away. For as crazy or surprising as life can be, there is no one I would rather be standing next to, working together through life's curveballs. He can still surprise me, he dotes on his kids, he's a strong leader, he provides for our family, and best of all, he is who he is and that is just what I need!

I love you Jon! You are amazing and I am blessed to call you my husband!
Happy Anniversary!



*Original "Eight", but once discussed with Jon it was a little misleading since it was for as long as we've known each other not just in the nine years of marriage... EIGHT cars we've said goodbye to over the course of our years together; many adventures those cars took us on, building lasting memories.

Strawberry Festival

While Dave and Betsy were still in town this summer, we made a family plan to go out to the Strawberry Festival in Aspen. A little disappointed at the lack of Strawberries at the Strawberry Festival, we did our best to stay entertained. Instead of eating strawberries, we had GF corn dogs and GF mini donuts from a Gluten-Free food truck! Brianna and Carl were very excited to be able to partake in the fine dining at the Festival. I mean, who knew there was a gluten-free food truck - not me, but the donuts were awesome!

Anyway, besides food, they had music, vendors, and a little tractor you could pay for "train rides" around the festival. Carl was SUPER excited about riding on the train. Brianna almost went on the train but I think she was still a little emotional about being "lost". (side-note: she was following her cousin who was following the train right before we took our ride, but when the train doubled back, quicker than what she could keep up, she lost sight of her cousin and the train. I saw it all happening and lost sight of her and quickened my step to catch up. She came into view as I got closer but you could see her little face turn from happy, to sad, to scared and that's when we both started crying. Oh, how my heart dropped. She just couldn't keep up then didn't know where we were. Ugh.. I felt like a horrible parent at that moment... ugh).  

On to brighter things! Carl was so proud of his train ride. Despite what I thought he would do, he sat quite still the entire ride, with his hands on the steering wheel and not trying to get out of the buckle. Brianna and I followed a few yards behind the train just in case he needed to get out, but turns out, he didn't need me at all. He was so happy! Then you should have seen his face when the driver stuck his hand out and turned so close he could give high-fives. How I wish I had my camera rolling then!!

After we all grabbed enough food, we continued our adventure over to Como Zoo. We weren't sure we'd even find a spot to park and had decided just to meet everyone back at our place for dessert, but then we found one and parked. It was a ways a way, but it was a spot! We enjoyed seeing the animals and the Sparky show.

Did I mention dessert? Since we were all craving strawberries after the festival, we thought a Strawberry Shortcake was in order! 

 After all was said and done, two little ones really needed a bath. What a great day spent with family!

Complete Happenstance

The kids and I were eager to get out of the house one morning, so I packed up my bike and the burley and headed to my parents house. Not sure where our day would take us, I figured I'd be prepared with anything and everything I might have needed. 

I finally landed on a little bike ride down to the local wading pool for a refreshing dip and water play time. We had fun, but I could tell the kids were getting a little chilled as the sun declined to peak through the clouds long enough to warm up the water. Not wanting to leave quite so soon after arriving I noticed a commotion only a few yards away. The City's puppet wagon was setting up for a show and we thought we'd warm up and enjoy the entertainment! We didn't realized this was on the regular rotation but we're glad it worked out that way. The kids were enthralled with the show and sat so still soaking in the story. 

After the show was over, you could take turns going in the wagon and pretend to give your own show for a few minutes. We were the last ones in line but they were grateful to be able to go in the truck and see how many puppets they had. Carl just barely managed to peak his head over the side, I think one of the puppeteers gave him a boost!

Ahh, summer fun! We loaded back in the burley and made our way back to our car at my parents house. Arriving home just in time to get in a nap. Gotta love when things work out in your favor!

A Night Out

Our summer has flown by. We haven't made it to as many Twins games as we would have liked but we've been able to really enjoy the ones we've made it to. Mid-June (yes, I'm that far behind in my blog posts!), Jon and I were invited to attend a game with another couple. It was a beautiful evening and we had great time with our friends. We're so thankful to be able to get away for an evening and enjoy one of our favorite summer past-times - plus great company!

Story Time in the Shade

We loved sitting outside on the deck this summer. Frequently, Brianna would ask to go out and just sit in her chair, watch the world (creek, ducks, geese, squirrels, foxes, herons) go by; always, with her little brother only a few short steps behind. Many times she would bring a few books along to read, usually sharing at least one story with Carl. I love watching these two together and I cherish our time together!

Bike Rides and Trust Falls

We are just loving our summer together. We can ride our bikes around the neighborhood, play in the water, or if it's too hot, we jump around the house and even fluff the cushions. Brianna is starting a two-day Preschool this fall and we just received our first school calendar. Can't believe summer is almost over and a new phase of life is beginning. Here's to enjoying every bit of summer possible!

Chicago Family Visit - part 2

After exploring for a few hours, having a make-shift lunch, and running down some energy, we packed in the car and headed to our Chicago family's house. Our Chicago family is our good friends, and Carl's godparents, Tim and Lori! They are awesome friends who, when we weren't able to go home for some holidays, would invite us to their family functions and were always welcomed with open arms. We love them!

So as we made our way to their house, and only minutes after getting in the car, the kids fell fast asleep. We then opted to take the long way, reminiscing and even driving by our old townhome. Finally we arrived and had a wonderful afternoon and evening together, complete with delicious Chicago deep dish pizza. YUM! Since the last time we were at their house, they had put up this really fun tire swing. It was a huge hit with both Brianna and Carl!

Saturday we made our trip down into the Chicago! Always a must! We first stopped to check out LitFest, grabbed some lunch, then took a walk north on State Street. Our final destination was our favorite tea place the TeaGschwendner! So many memories of taking the L into the city, getting a freshly brewed cup of tea, and just walking around. Ahh, love it!

The kids patiently waiting for departure. Thanks Linnea for reading to them!

Brianna was a little tired after lunch since we were skipping naps so she rested on daddy!

After a cup of tea, we boarded the L for a faster trip back to our car. We had plans that evening to hang out with friends, so we didn't want to be late. Before leaving downtown though, we quickly stopped for a sweet snack of yummy Garrett's popcorn. We couldn't resist!

And in an effort to save on gas and all ride together, we pilled in our tahoe for the trip. I think we were all glad to be back in the car and headed home (and sitting in some traffic!). Can you tell Brianna and Carl were worn out from the morning's adventure!?

We had an absolutely gorgeous evening visiting with friends. The weather was perfect, the conversation was uplifting, and the gaggle of kids were all having fun together. We are so grateful for our Chicago family. Feeling so blessed that we got to see everyone and share that time together. Looking forward to our next trip, hopefully sooner rather than later!

STOP!!

One guess as to what I'm thinking about/trying to do at the same moment I'm set to take the this picture.
Note: I just realized that's a used kleenex Carl is looking at.

Chicago Family Visit - part 1

We love our visits to Chicago. We love visiting with our friends, traveling downtown to a few of our favorite spots, sniffing what's new at the Chicago Botanic Garden, worshipping with our dear friends at DeerGrove, and generally just being in the place we called home for 4.5 years.

All set to go!

We were blessed this time to extend the trip by an extra day. Since that was the case, we decided to head out after work on Thursday evening to get the driving out of the way and give us a full day on Friday for adventures. Everyone traveled really well and we made good time, arriving at our hotel by 11:30. Cozy sleeping arrangements were made quickly and sleepy children fell nicely back to sleep!

Side story: While I had just gotten Carl out of his carseat and holding him with one arm and arranging bags to carry to the room, Jon was working on getting Brianna out of her seat on the other side of the car. A younger couple, probably intoxicated, came walking up from my side of the car and first said how cute Carl was (again 11:30 pm) and asked if I needed help. I said "no, I'm ok, thanks" hoping they would continue on. Then they noticed Jon on the other side of the car but he didn't have Brianna out yet. They yelled at him to help me (he was, but they were oblivious) and made some unnecessary, loud comments. Did that just happen? Um, ok. Thanks for your obnoxious commentary.

Anyway! Once Jon got some work done and we were all showered and ready to go, we set out for one of our favorite spots in the Chicagoland area, the Chicago Botanic Garden. Every time you go you always see something new. Brianna this time loved seeing and searching for each fountain. Carl was thrilled also by the fountains and it became a fun game to see who could catch him before he got all wet!

Oh yeah! Someone found another rock!