Tree loss

Orange Streak Roller Coaster

Sevi's favorite ride at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is the Orange Streak. I also really enjoy it, but especially at this time in Sevi's height when he is still in the height range that require's a chaperone to ride for free with him. I first learned of this chaperone trick with Soren, who also loves roller coasters like his mama. I figure I have maybe one more year to "ride the rails" for free before Sevi grows up, and 

I suppose I should too.

Swim Lessons @ Foss Swim School

Soren 

Sevi

Easter 2014

After last years Easter Hunt melt down I wasn't sure I was up for another re-cap of 2013. I was able to use the debacle story from 2013 and the threat of even IF the Easter Bunny would stop by in my favor to ensure good behavior. (If Santa only knew the competition he has for upholding good behavior!) Soren even decided to write an apology note to the Easter Bunny in hopes he would stop at our house. With half the gusto I would have normally put into a hunt, I dug out the crumpled up clues from 2012 with the hopes that the clues had long been forgotten and created the hunt. It was a much more pleasant affair this year. Soren enjoyed reading the clues and our only struggle was holding Soren back to ensure Sevi could find a clue or two. This year the bunny delivered monogrammed bags with a few treats. We then spent the rest of the day at Aunt Lori's home for the annual Lewandowski party and hunt.

Easter Bunny Visit

Soren's note to the Easter Bunny. 

Clue #1.

Sevi finding a clue.

Finding the Easter Bags.

Playmobile, garden gnomes and jelly beans. Hippity and Hoppity are the boys' stuffed bunnies that sit on the table to say "Hi" to the Easter Bunny and receive the first egg clue.

Sevi gathering his eggs at Aunt Lori's.

Adding to his collection. 

The egg bounty.

Minneapolis Recycle Run

Two of Soren's favorite things are to run fast and be competitive. All school year long we would get updates on who was the fastest in his class, (according to Soren, it was usually him). So we signed him up for a 1 mile race at Lake Harriet. I don't think he anticipated how much he would have to work, especially trying to keep up with 12 year olds. Needless to say he did not come in first and said he felt sick at the end. Sevi on the other hand bopped along as content as could be getting to run next to his papa.

And he is off! (Soren in the green striped hat.)

Randy and Sevi heading to the finish.

At the finish line.

Inner City Tennis

We discovered this wonderful tennis program called Inner City Tennis that offers free tennis clinics every Saturday for an hour and a half from January-April. For the 5 and under you rotate through a variety of obstacle courses. The 6-12 year old's practice tennis skills and games on half courts. It is a true treasure of a find, all run by volunteers that are a joy to be around. The boys really loved it and I look forward to many years of this winter haven of an activity.

Sevi running the obstacle course.

Sevi and his friend Griffin with their Team #1 sign.

Soren hitting balls.

Spring Break - Iowa

The boys and I spent a quick weekend away in Cedar Falls, Iowa during spring break to visit Laura, John and Lila. They are in the process of moving to California, so we were happy to catch them while they were still only one state away. The kids had a great time together on hikes and visiting a local dairy farm.

Sevi, Lila and Soren on a hike at a local nature reserve.

Soren and Lila sleeping together

On the wagon at Hansen's Dairy Farm

Soren with a live Kangaroo at the Hansen Farm

Soren with the goats

Soren and Sevi with the Heifers

Hanging with Big Sis Liz

Maple Tree Sap Collecting

This Spring we have been to three nature centers during their maple tree taping season. We were so inspired that we bought our own kit to tap our backyard silver maple. Our huge tree has only produced about 2 cups so far. Today though at Westwood Hills Nature Center the boys were able to collect the sap from their abundantly producing trees. Unfortunately we can't add it to our meager 2 cups but now they understand the process better. 

Sevi carrying the collection bucket at Westwood Hills Nature Center in Saint Louis Park.

Tasting the overflowing sap.

Sevi collecting the sap.

Checking our tapped Maple