True Confessions

If I am to be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to the summer, especially with a frustrated and angry 3 year old. The picture does not lie to how quickly Soren could run through emotions. The summer was going to be filled with long hot days, just me and the boys. I was eager to sign Soren up for preschool camps to get us through it all. With a busy summer of art camp, science camp, swim classes, camping and week long trips to the cottage, Soren has blossomed. He loved all of it, adapted to each new environment like a champ, easily making friends and coming home with great new concepts and adventures. Now with summer ending, I am sad to see it go. It is like a magic switch went off once he hit 3 and a 1/2 years of age. He is full of great ideas, can make up wonderful rescue make believe involving police, firefighters and ambulances, and makes Sevi and I laugh and smile throughout the day. There is even no more hitting in the house. The icing on the cake is his daily commentary of "you are the best mom in the whole wide world". Now I know fully well that I am not, but for now in the eyes of a 3 year old, I'll take the compliment and sign off to a fantastic summer.

Traveling Sleep Bliss

Happy 9 Months Sevi!

Double the Pleasure

The original Three Musketeer's from our babysitting co-op have all added a sibling within the last nine months. So far that hasn't changed much in regards to the freedom and free-love they have with each other as shown in the recent play date with the clothing optional lunch. Below are the new additions to the Co-op: Ruby June, Harriet and Sevi sandwiched between Kai, Helen and Soren. We look forward to season #3 of the co-op!

Homeward Bound

Sevi and I are back in Minnesota now. Thanks Wendy for letting us help you and for the fantastic visit. I also need to extend my thanks to Randy and the two Grandma's for taking care of Soren during the week I was gone. Sending gratitude and healthy wishes to all.

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Sevi and I have been in Arizona for the last week helping out my dear friend of 35 years with her round of chemo. Sevi has been in top form loading up Wendy with lots of smiles, hugs and laughter, providing her with the additional smile therapy that can only help. While Wendy and Sevi are on the same nap/hanging on the couch and exersaucer schedule, I keep on top of the feeding, food prep and clean-up schedule. While Wendy was hooked up to the chemo Sevi and I adventured out in the 108 degree heat to the Desert Botanical Garden along with some stroller walks to the nearby Red Box and Sonic for my sweet tea. As unfortunate as the circumstances are to bring us here, we have been having a great time just hanging out like the old days back when we were college roomates at the U of MN. I have enjoyed catching up on movies and spending some quality 1:1 time with child #2, a rare treat. We head home tomorrow and will miss our time with Wendy and dodging in and out of the hot desert sun.

Mill City Market

Randy's daughter Liz came over last Saturday to spend some time with the boys before she starts looking after them this Fall when I am back teaching. After the rain let up we headed downtown to the Mill City Farmers Market for some local fare. Soren is sporting his new hat from local artist Sassy, my little sassy hipster if I do say so myself. He is chowing down on a aebleskiver pastry that originates from Denmark. The boys have taking a huge liking to Liz and we all look forward to spending more time with her this Fall.

The Perfect Camping Weekend

This year marks the third year of camping with Soren and the introduction of our summer family tradition to Sevi. We took a long weekend to drive a short distance to Baker Park, part of the MN Three Rivers Park Systems. It was the perfect location to fit everyone's needs. A great sandy beach and playground for active kids, paved biking trails and excellent bathroom facilities. Yes, we have gotten soft in our camping with age and children! We were also joined by our dear friends Molly and Joe with Soren's best buddy Kai with his new baby sister Ruby June. The babies and older brothers all did a fantastic job and as you can see by the numerous pics everyone had a brilliant time.

The Joy of Blueberry Pie

Though we didn't actually plant the blueberry bushes, we did complete a pie from start to finish much to Soren's delight. Thanks Nana Pie for keeping up the summer pie making tradition.