Friday, December 13, 2013

Camera Shy

I have never liked my picture taken and I have proof!  Looking back at old photos, I'm pretty sure I am bawling or trying to hide from the camera in at least 90% of those shots. But, in the last few years, I have been better about candid shots of me, the boys, and Scott.  
I want my boys to have reminders of the crazy things we did together, the things that made us laugh and cry.  I want them to remember me as part of their experiences, not just the person capturing it.  I want them to remember how much I enjoy times like this ... 


Monday, December 9, 2013

The Best Part of Winter...

Is watching these guys enjoying every minute of it, and every single flake!

Four boys ranging from 2 to 12, wrestling in, sledding, eating, and throwing snow, and most importantly ... Spending time together (and liking it)!






Even working together to help their old mama!



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Sunday Smiles!

Love a day filled with smiles from all of my boys!




Wednesday, December 4, 2013

In my opinion...

This is what a good day with a 2 year old looks like...

A little relaxing and (this is key) staying put while mama showers!

Enjoying the snow while mama shovels (within camera shot)!


A trip to the store & I love that he is helping to steer!


A little help decorating!


Finally, a little downtime before big brothers get home!  Mmmm, a little cool whip with a side of hot chocolate (mama got the hot chocolate :))


And that, in my opinion, is a very successful and memorable day with a two year old!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Welcome Christmas!



I love the Christmas Season:  the colors, sounds, smells... Everything!  Well, I take that back, there are some things that irritate me: the hustle and bustle, the stress of gifts for the kids... But outside of these few items, Christmas really is magical.  This year Scott and I are really focusing on teaching the boys that Christmas is about more than gifts so we were really excited to start the season with the boys and starting a few new traditions.

Saturday was Small Business Saturday and we are pretty lucky to be surrounded by some cute, downtown areas to peruse and enjoy.  Since the weather cooperated, we spent Saturday morning in St. Peter, checking out holiday displays and various antique shops.  So fun to see the shops "decked out" and hearing the Christmas music.  We even ran into Santa who seemed to be doing the same thing!

After some sunshine and fresh air, we headed home  for lunch and naps so we could rest up for evening festivities!

We closed the night at the Kiwanis Light Display!  This was our first time there, but not our last!!! This will definitely be a Holiday tradition in years to come!  Beautifully done and all volunteers were so nice.

All bundled up and ready to go!

Entering the park for the driving tour...



The driving tunnel...


Visits with Santa...




A great family outing!









Monday, September 9, 2013

Summer 2013 Recap!!!


Ok... So here it goes!  Summer is over and school has begun and I am behind...    The summer flew by, as it always does!  The boys and I spent the whole break here in MN with no major vacations, but we managed to pack the days full of activity.  Overall, days filled with....

Tee Ball.  Kellen was into it but Hunter was much more interested in the huge sandbox!


Lots of swimming!  The three youngest were excited to finally use "the big pool" with Eli! 

Parades and Fairs...

Lunch dates with daddio...



 
LOTS of library fun...




Relaxation...



And best of all, BROTHER TIME!!!!





A good summer!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Pool Rats!


This is my second summer as a stay at home mom and I am so excited that this summer my boys are following in my childhood footsteps ... They are Pool Rats!

We have been in the pool at least a few days of every week this summer and the boys can't get enough!

Eli loves the water and spends a lot of time going off the board in the big pool (thus I have no pictures)!  When not with us, he spends a great deal of time in his Grandma and Grandpa Braun's pool.

Hunter, Kellen, and Noah have been using the little pool and act like they have fins!  All of them are a little too fearless for this mama's liking, but I am so glad they enjoy the water!

I love these little fishies!




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

They say...



"Cousins are our first friends." 

When I watch these guys, I would say that is true!