Frog and Toad and The List

One of Soren's favorite story in his Frog and Toad collection is called A List. It is about how Toad makes a list about the things he will do that day, then crosses each thing off as the day progresses. We have been making our own daily lists this week. The other morning he woke up and went right to work creating his own list. We had no idea he could even write any letters, let alone in such great line formation. The next day he mastered S's and N's. Thanks Frog and Toad for inspiring this fun and exciting new milestone

Frog and Toad and The Things They Say #3

The Scene: Andrea just finished reading Soren one of his new favorite books about Frog and Toad. (Thanks Grayer for that great birthday gift!)
Andrea: "If you were Frog......"
Soren: "No mama, I want to be Toad"
Andrea: "OK then, If you were Toad, then who would you pick to be your Frog?" (I was curious to who he thought of as his best buddy these days)
Soren: "You mama, your my best Frog"
Andrea: Then my heart melts......

Presenting......Mr. Walker

It has been about a week now that Sevi has been walking. He has this same awesome smile and sense of pride with every step he takes. He still has the Frankenstein arms to help with balance, but that just makes it all so adorable. Randy is the most excited, as he won the bet we had, almost to the day, for when he thought he would walk. For the record though, I won the bet, to the day, for when Soren walked. Both boys were the same time month wise for when they walked, so no competition there, just between Randy and I!

The Fireman Party

It is going to be tough trying to top the party that Soren had to celebrate his 4th birthday. We reserved a two hour time slot at the local Fireman's Hall and Museum in Minneapolis, a small little gem for anyone who is obsessed with firefighters. The kids all had a blast, though I think that Soren spent most of the time stunned that this was all actually happening for him. Following is a visual tour of the party.


The front of the party invitation


Members of the Minneapolis Fire Department come to wish Soren a personal Happy Birthday


The Big Rig that the kids got to hang out in


Only the party boy got to sit in the driver seat and even turn on the lights


Listening to a firefighter history lesson as part of the museum tour.

Kids climbing on a vintage firetruck


Handmade thank you tags that went on the goody bags


Thanks to Etsy, I was able to find crayons for the goody bags that had a fireman theme


Soren loved the firetruck cake


Saying goodbye with his new fireman friend

How a 4 Year Old Celebrates a January Birthday in Minnesota

First he starts off the day early, eager to open his present - the Mighty Knight outfit. Then he heads off to preschool with both is mama and papa (who took off the day from work). At preschool we all go for a hike, climbing a snow boulder hill, sing songs, eat snack (Soren's treat of his favorite; warm ginger snaps with applesauce), and listen to books on CD. For lunch we meet the Gramma'a and Grandpa Henry at the Longfellow Grill. Then we end the day at the Mall of America to take advantage of the free rides at Nickelodean Universe, where he runs into his music class pal Maggie, who has the same birthday and was celebrating with the free rides also. Whew, it was a busy but grand day!

Mr. 4 Year Old

Happy Birthday Dear Soren!
This has been a year of many hats for you. You have blossomed into your role of Big Brother. It was tough at first, having to share mama and papa, but now you and Sevi laugh and play like old buddies and we are all a solid team. You have grown so mature this year. You use your words, clearly declaring when you are angry as opposed to the physical outbursts that were common in the beginning of the year. More then anything though you are full of love, always hugging and giving kisses and trying to sneak into mama and papa bed just to snuggle. Your perfect smile melts our hearts.

Your favorite thing of all is dramatic play and now have a nice collection of costumes and hats. For your birthday today you picked out a knight costume to add to your collection of policeman, fireman, construction, marching band, car racer, and african play clothing. You are a big boy now, going to preschool at a place you love, Dodge Nature Preschool. We love how excited and happy you are with your new friends and all the fun things that you explore outdoors at school. You also love the dramatic play area that gets changed monthly, it really is a perfect fit for you. You also love family days (weekends) where we keep busy with music classes, biking, playground explorations, sledding and tunnel digging, and eating out.

We thank you dear one, for your love, your laughter, your great ideas, your flexibility and sense of adventure, and your passion for family teamwork. You are our Best Soren, and we love you dearly.

Hugs and Kisses - Mama and Papa