Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Christmas 2013


The funny thing about adventures is that we don't always recognized them as such when they're happening. Our family's 2013 adventures were sometimes like that. We shared a family trip to Utah, a front row seat at a raging forest fire in Cache Valley, a weekend camping and soaking at Johnson's Shut-ins, road trips to Dubuque (IA), Rochester (MN), and the Upper Pennisula (MI) to visit friends, and a family 5K/Fun Run (Little Man didn't run, AT won 1st in his age group and Beemer came in 4th in the Fun Run).

First things first: AT's chin is still luxuriantly fuzzy. One of Grizzly Dan's adventures this year was a Jeep Rescue Mission to Utah in order to get a vehicle back to St. Louis after his Geo died a fiery (okay, just smokey) death on the freeway. Taking full advantage of gear-head friends and family members, he was able to get the Jeep road worthy and return. He didn't realize how much he missed working on it. He also took all three kids camping several times (giving Pulcheria the night off). This summer he decided Beemer was having all of the fun with martial arts, so he joined her class and has progressed to second-degree yellow belt. Occasionally he thinks about working on his dissertation.

Pulcheria's big adventure this fall was surgery in October. She's excited to have it over and anxiously looks to being cleared to run again. She has really enjoyed book club – the socializing and snacking are highlights of her month (she also likes the books). In March, she drove to Utah with a friend and their combined five kids – a true adventure in every sense of the word and they made great memories.  Her most recent exploit began in October as she now serves as Relief Society President.

Beemer is nine and in third grade. She is a fantastic swimmer and would spend all her free time in a pool, if allowed. She has advanced in Youn Wha Tae Kwon Do, earned her green belt and took 2nd place in a tournament in April. Her favorite non-aquatic activity is reading, but she also loves to spend time with friends. She wowed us in her roll as Great White in her school play in March, and again as a Narrator in the third grade production of The Holly Jolly Pirates of PiƱataville. Beemer's newest adventure is learning to sew. So far she has created a new blanket and an adorable stuffed owl.

Firecracker is rearing to be six (February). She started kindergarten this year, and while she misses her friends from preschool, is loving all of the adventures kindergarten brings. Her first order of business was to use her magic powers to turn her “arch-enemies” (her words) into friends. She loves riding the bus with Beemer and recess with her friends. Her major accomplishment this year was going off the diving board all by herself, followed closely by learning to read. Firecracker started gymnastics this year and surprised everyone with how fast she progressed – so much so that her teacher tapped her to try out for the tiny team this spring.

Little Man is two and is obsessed with trains. Ask him any question and he will probably answer “Blue choo-choo.” He also loves anything to do with cars, blocks, and dinosaurs. His favorite thing to do is to go for walks and he is insulted anytime anyone goes without him. Because he was trained by his dad and sisters, all birds hoot like owls, except for hawks and falcons. They growl. He insists on getting your attention when he sees something exciting and will either turn your face or pull on your pants until you acknowledge him. Everything is an adventure when you are two!

We send you our love and best wishes in all of your adventures in the upcoming year!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Mater!

Currently, our Little Man is completely obsessed with all things Cars.  He especially loves Mater.  So, we took him to meet him at an Auto Body Shop.
 He was so excited.  He couldn't stop pointing!

 He loved Mater's teeth!
 We could only get one picture of him turned toward the camera and away from Mater.  
He loved his special visit and frequently requests to go back!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Daddy-Daughter Date

Beemer took AT on a date tonight with the other girls her age at church.  They danced, ate snacks, and she even sang "Firework" for him.  She loved it!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Catchin' Fireflies

One of the joys of living where we do are the fireflies in the summer.  The girls love to catch them, watch them glow, and then release them.




Friday, June 21, 2013

"Singing and Dancing in the Rain"





Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Father's Day



Happy Father's Day to the best Dad we know!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Camp Life #3

One of our favorite days at camp was a side trip to Lake Superior.  It was a cooler day, but it was gorgeous!






All in all, a wonderful trip!  
We are already looking forward to next year.

Camp Life #2

Camping also provided plenty of water fun.  We did try swimming one day - it was pretty cold!  
But the fishing was, well...it was a good place to learn to hold a rod, even if the fish were scarce.

 And Little Man discovered a LOVE of kayaking!


He was constantly bringing us his life jacket and requesting rides!

Camp Life #1

Last week, we got to go camping.  
We had such a great time.
The lack of technology provided for lots of other fun!
 Everyone got their own carved walking stick, and carried them around the entire time we were there.  When we left, we even found a special spot to "store" them.



 We were all so happy to get outside!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Alone Time

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day

 Mother's Day is one of my favorite holidays.  Mostly, because Firecracker's school does a program just for me and her.  I loved it when Beemer was there and I loved it again!  
 AT and my Little Man did something less traditional this year.  They got matching mo-hawks for Mother's Day.  


Seriously, totally adorable!

Monday, April 29, 2013

A Day at the Park

I was lucky enough today to get to spend the morning with this sweet girl on a field trip to Laumeier Sculpture Park.  She loved posing by all the sculptures.  
Here are a few of our favorites.




Friday, April 19, 2013

Beemer's Newest Adventure

Last fall Beemer decided she wanted to take Tae Kwon Do.
She is doing well and loves the friends she has made.
 Beemer and her instructor.
 Her best friend (they met in class, but also go to school together).


 Receiving her yellow belt after her first test!

Most recently, she competed in a tournament and got 2nd place in her age group.
Way to go Beemer!