Spring Break and Easter (2 posts in a month!)

 Spring Break in Minneapolis!! Last year we did not get to do this....but this year we could!

We brought the bikes and rode around Lakes Calhoun, Harriet, Nokomis and around Minnehaha Falls. It was beautiful weather!

And of course a trip to MOA and Ikea. Surprisingly the boys found that the Lego area was not as exciting as it use to be....they were more interested in the Nike and Under Armor Stores.

We went to the Holy Land Deli and found America's version of the KinderEgg. Since Americans are not that smart...and officials think that we might eat the toy....it is illegal to smuggle them into the US. BUT now they can put chocolate on one side, seel it, then put the toy in the other, and seel it, then it can be legal.

 The trip seemed to be about the food. Jamison requested sushi...so MaryAnn took us to a place and reserved the tatami room- where you can sit on the floor and eat from a very short table. Fun experience...but boys had stinky feet. They should never take their shoes off when they eat.

Peter wanted a diner experience. So we went to Pannekoeken Huis. Peter was the smart one and ordered 1/2 a waffle. Jamison went for the full pannekoeken...and at the whole thing. The waitress was impressed.

We then spent an hour bouncing and a room full of trampolines....and surprisingly nothing came up.

They were having so much fun...and moving so fast....all my pictures were blurry.

 Back at the mall, Jamison found a model just like him....but with no head

 Ride at Minnehaha Falls....yes, that is still snow. And Calhoun still had ice....but not for long! woohoo! spring might be here.

 We also walked around the Heritage Trail, taking in the sights. We learned all about hydroelectric power and milling. Things we never stopped to learn when were were there.

mmmmma-treat for me!

and on the way back we stopped at the Norske Nook. I told you it was all about the food....and now, the pie. 64 kinds of pie. How does one choose?

Peter went for the Orange Dreamcicle...not my first choice, but he sure liked it.

The boys wanted an egg hunt. But now that they know the ways of the hunt....they were more concerned about the money and candy. So we came up with a new way for them to work for the money and candy. Carnival style....they had to bust the eggs open with a soccer ball. There were two real eggs, one hard boiled, and one raw. There was an extra $ prize if you hit them...and got egg on your soccer ball.

 The kicking line was set back....it was taking longer than what I thought it would take. So we moved the line up.

and then added goalie throws...their coaches would be proud.

 Next time, less tape....less dramatic than i thought.
Nice break,...now back to reality.

From Wilderness to John Muir

February brings a weekend with the ladies at the Wilderness. And yes, the obligatory picture in the bathtub.

Jamison tried not smile, but the giggles overtook him and then the craziness started.

Jamison and Lucy combo cuddled up on the couch,  the Lily and Peter combo were all over!

The boys had the day off of school, and what did they choose to do with it?? They came to the school that I was student teaching at to read to the kids. It was "read your heart out day" so they brought some of their favorite books and did a great job as helpers in the class.

The kids in the class thought Jamison and Peter were super cool...and there were some soccer buddies at the school that spotted them and thought it was a fun surprise to see them!

Their mean mother made them take the fourth grade math and spelling test. The boys were excited to take the fraction test, but were not too keen on the spelling. Let's just say spelling is not their strongest subject....at least for one of my boys that I will remain nameless.

I then asked them to grade papers...they thought that was fun!. Thanks boys for spending the day with me at school!

Jamison's soccer team has a number of "little brothers." During half-time the little brothers come out and take shots. Once they learned that Peter was technically a "little brother" they all really wanted him to come and join....and so he did. They have fun! Peter even lets them score on him...sometimes. 

Futsal Tournament....starting with White vs Silver. Brothers take sides...parents sit in the middle.

AND this weekend....starts the outdoor season with a tournament. A bit chilly...time to take out the layers!

Peter's team was short players and invited Jamison to play with them. He brought his "Panda A Game" and worked hard and played well!

The ever-so-strong Tomas/Peter combo planning their next attack!.....watch out!

Between game tailgating. No food or drinks were allowed inside...so we came back out to the car to eat and warm up. It was a cold one! 

End of first day...56ers won 2, lost 0. They were leading their bracket.

I think Peter was doing a header....he likes to do that. I dont like him doing that.....but he is good at it. Only lost his hat once!

Congratulations 56ers for winning their bracket! They deserve it! and some Culvers IceCream!

Then the craziness happened. They all wanted to touch the trophy.

As cold as we all were....they still wanted icecream. Now that was dedication! Great Job Boys!

Monthly Update!

 I have come to terms with the fact that if I can update this once a month I am doing real well!

Christmas money and a trip to Ikea....new bookshelves for the upupstairs! Looks good!

Christmas gift from KT, Jamison is perplexed with what it could be...it cost an arm and a leg to ship....

 Soccer goals! Boys are very excited...but like the fishing poles last year...they are going to need to wait a bit before they can use them.

More Futsal....always fun!

 and a crazy snow storm...i think those dots were the boys and a buddy sledding. After two runs they decided to make a shelter on the top to protect themselves from the wind

Happy Valentines!

 The boys learned that the round ones are coconut, not their favorite. But the square ones are caramels!!

Holiday 2014

Happy Holidays!

We had a nice long break, that started off with a trip to Culvers and the discovery of a new troll in town. They are popping up all over! This one has custard.

Jamison's exciting news....he needs glasses. We were at the store where he tried these on (as a joke). As you can tell, they were not on his favorite list.

Christmas eve we made cut-out sugar cookies. Jamison always likes to help in the kitchen.

 Then the crazy decorating....that is where Peter comes in...or at least with the eating.

Gma Jill and Gpa Don came down Christmas Eve and opened presents from the family. Pat and his brother have an interesting relationship...this year Patrick got a machete.

Actually, there was a theme....knives for all the boys. Thank you AL cousins

 Boys got tablets and e-readers. This is how they spent a lot of their break.

 It is kind of sad when the snowmen have no snow. Frosty and his friend Packer Dude are hoping for snow for the holidays...or at least the Packer game.

I took this photo for my boys...who claim football is not real football.....The guy was bringing the two worlds together...or trying to stay warm. The two sports can co-exist.

 Then in the boys horror I made them pose for these photos. Some day they will come to their senses and like the Packers. Some day.

 The top half of the Lombardi Trophy. It is so awesome and big it could not fit in one picture.

And yes, the Lambeau Leap.

So what do Jamison's new glasses really look like?.....not bad! We will see how long he can go without breaking them.

A post can not go with out some soccer/futsal pictures. Here they were playing a charity even for a coach with ALS. They were playing a 13/14 year old team...and were beat, but had fun nonetheless. Peter was moving so fast he was blurry!

 Love how they protect themselves.

And finally, our Iron Chef competition. This year our secret ingredient was homemade pasta. I joined the competition....and the winner....a three way tie! Very tasty!
Happy New Year!