Happy 3rd Birthday!

We had such a fun time at Bennett's Little Einsteins third birthday party. The kids have family parties until they are 4, when they get to invite 4 friends. I can't believe this was B's last family party! He has such a fun time at parties, and opening presents. He's still at the age where he is excited to play with everyone, and so genuine and grateful for gifts, that it was just a joyful time at his party. The top picture shows B blowing out his candle on his Einsteins red rocket cake, with a witch, a (Hawaiian) princess, and a police officer/ballerina as onlookers. Bennett and cousin Maren were having a great time playing air hockey (Christmas present from Grandpa and Grandma F). Here's Bennett's typical fake smile with the hit of the party- a Little Einsteins musical book from G and G J. I love this picture of Bennett with his new hockey gloves and stick. Notice the burgundy patent leather boots borrowed from Annalise's couture- standard issue for rough and tough hockey players, right?

Dells 2009- Wilderness Resort

Our Gang at the Waterdome (and condo)

I'm sure Jack and Henry will have more fun next year, when they'll be almost 3! But of course, Colin will be the difficult 14 month old then.

Jammie breakfast

This is the best we could do for a picture of all the kids. Mark and Chad got the little ones to stand behind the chairs, and then quickly moved out of the shot. Colin is slumped in the chair in Annalise's lap, if you look closely. I'll have to repost last year's photo- it was quite hilarious with many of the kids crying, and Annalise looking miserable with her ear infection.

Colin is 3 months old!

Bennett

Annalise

Lazy Weekend

Mike is home (from Austin, TX in case you didn't even know he was gone)!!! I did a much better job being a single mom of 3 for 3 days than I thought I would. The secret of my success is organization and preparation- getting as much done the night before as possible. The breakfast bowls were set out on the counter, the kids got instant oatmeal for breakfast all three mornings, outfits were put out the night before, the dog was fed at night instead of in the morning. But much more than the huge amount of help he provides with childcare, I missed his company in general, and am glad to say that he's done with business travel for the foreseeable future.

The kids had a nice Valentine's day. Bennett enjoyed receiving valentines at Teacher Lisa's class on Wednesday (I'm the bad mom since they totally slipped my mind), and Annalise had fun at her casa's valentines party on Friday. Mom and Dad came over on Friday night and we celebrated Mom's birthday with cupcakes. We had a Valentine's dinner at our house on Saturday, complete with sparkling grape cider and fancy desserts that Annalise helped pick out from Byerly's.

On Sunday, we joined the masses of crazy people who flock to Mall of America. We went to the mall because I had something to return to Macy's, then we had lunch at the counter at Johnny Rockets. Annalise isn't tall enough yet to ride on Blue's Skidoo ride unaccompanied, so she waited in the line while Mike and Bennett rode (yes, Bennett rode this time- my little boy is growing up!), then the ride worker lifted Bennett over the fence to me, and Mike went on the ride again with Annalise. Lucky Mike! I was proud of Annalise for waiting in the line all by herself. So many things she does lately make me feel like she's not a little girl anymore.

Bennett's birthday party invitations hit the mailbox tomorrow- for some reason I've had them made, but not mailed for quite some time. His party will still be just a family party, so I guess it's not as crucial for a long lead time on invitations. He is very excited for his Little Einsteins birthday party- too bad none of the grandparents attending have any idea who the Little Einsteins are!

I was just going to write about our Dells trip and post the promised photos from the trip, but I hear Colin calling for more supper, so off I go to save Mike from sideways baby bouncing. Have a great week all!

Right On!

Does Annalise know her daddy, or what? We were talking about Mike on our ride home from school today, since he is in Austin, TX through tomorrow night.

Annalise said, "I have a surprise! Let's go to the store, and buy 1000 beers!"

Bake me (and me) a cake

I took some time yesterday to capture one of the little things I enjoy so much about being home with my babies. I was using my new tripod, but unfortunately didn't center Colin very well; at least you can hear Bennett's addition to the song. Colin is three months old today! He is a very sweet, social, calm and laid back baby, and HUGE! I think he is going to be a big guy, just like his Grandpa Dave.

Bennett continues to be an entertainer! He loves to make us laugh, and he performs songs (the Little Einsteins theme song currently: We're going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship...) while running around the dining room table. Annalise enjoyed making a paper lantern for Chinese new year, and really had a good time jumping the waves at Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells. Pictures of our trip to follow. Annalise is really excited to start ice skating lessons on Saturday morning.