Soren's Rockin' Birthday Party

Since music and the color purple are two of Soren's favorite things, we went with that theme for the celebration of his 6th birthday. A purple guitar cake was ordered, a one man band (Steve from Snapdragon Seeds Music) came to perform, and 19 kids had the run of the Longfellow Park Recreation Center for an afternoon of rockin' activity.

Steve from Snapdragon Seeds Music

The art table where kids made their own shakers.

The blow-up guitars where a big hit.

One hot and sweaty 6 year old!

Singing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy.

Mr. 6 Year Old!!!!

Our Dear Soren, 

This has been the year that you have truly come into your own being. A child who loves adventure, who takes risks and who lives passionately. You are confident and secure in who you are and live large in your favorite color; purple. Your head is full of ideas and insights and it is a joy and honor to explore your world with you. We cherish you. Happy Birthday! Love Mama and Papa

Snowshoeing

Last Saturday we broke in our new snowshoes at Fort Snelling State Park. Fresh snow had just fallen and there was a hush in the air as we hiked through the paths. We came across nine deer on our hike, capping off a perfect Minnesota winter adventure.

Christmas 2012

Christmas Eve morning, let the gift opening begin!

Sevi operating his new tool bench.

Soren rocking out with his new microphone and stand.

Hanging out with Senator Klobuchar at her annual Christmas Eve morning muffin and grog party.

Annual Christmas Eve reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Uncle Alex, Soren, Gramma Anne, Sevi and Uncle Chris

Letters to Sokka (our Elf on the Shelf), cookies and Santa Letter from Soren.

Gift Opening at the Lewandowski Family Gathering.

The Lewandowski cousins!

Pajama boys after a long Christmas Day.

The day after Christmas was spent staying in our pajamas and wrapped up in new gift blankets.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas....

The boys visiting Santa at Mother Earth Gardens. This year Soren asked for a microphone with a stand. Santa was quick to reply that he could just make his own megaphone with a piece of cardboard. To bad Santa's quick wit was lost on Soren. Sevi, not knowing what to make of any of this Santa stuff, asked for a table.

Sevi decorating the tree. This look of his truly captures his devilish nature that day. I spent most of the day steering him away from the breakables and preventing him from knocking over the tree.

Soren loved every part of the decorating this year. Since we didn't have a tree in England last year, this year was the year it really left an impression on him.

Soren chatting with Mrs Claus at the Macy's Santa breakfast.

Gramma Anne with Soren and the reindeer balloon at the Santa breakfast.

The annual gingerbread event with Gramma Anne (aka Gramma Cookie).

Gingerbread rolling and decorating.

Gingerbread eating!

The problem with an iPhone household

The other morning the two boys woke extra early, so Randy and I sleepily asked them to go and play by themselves until we fully woke up. It was far to quiet for their usual banter, so I went to check on them. I finally found them in the dark, nestled among shoes and bags on the landing to the basement. Each one had grabbed Randy's and my iPhone and were happily involved with their own activities, so much so that they didn't even notice when I took the second picture with the flash. 

Snow

Minneapolis had it's first snow about two weeks ago. It was the perfect, beautiful yet fluffy snow to get out and create a snowman, eat fresh (clean!) snow and even get onto a set of ski's.

Sevi using the snow markers on the snowman.

Soren enjoying the snowfall with his snowflake face paint.

Sevi eating what was supposed to be the snowman's head.

Sevi and his first time on XC Ski's - what great form he has!

Our proud Kindergartner operating as the class leader and crossing guard, you could't have a happier child. This pretty much sums up how much Soren loves his school. We certainly had a tough beginning, but Soren is sailing high. We had a glowing conference with his teacher last week, confirming for us that Soren is in the perfect Kindergarten community. We have noticed how much the responsive classroom philosophy has played such a positive role in Soren's daily life, and we are thankful for his teacher Mr. Jeremy and the New City Community.

Kindergarten Picture Day Treasures

Here we all are in our Kindergarten years!

Andrea: 1975, Soren: 2012, Randy: 1966

Happy 3 years Sevi!

Mr 3 Year Old

Mr Eat, Mr Serious, Mr Independent, Mr Personality - so many hats you have worn this past year while moving through your life as a two year old. You are a beautiful child with a kind soul that puts a smile on everyone's face. Oh how deeply you are loved by us all. Happy Birthday our dear Sevi!

Happy Birthday Song to Sevi from Soren

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Playgroup Birthdays

At Sevi's playgroup this morning our wonderful hostess Nicole put on a birthday celebration to honor her daughter Vivian turning 2 and Sevi turning 3. Sevi wasn't so sure about what to do with his candle's, so Vivian lent him a helping hand and a powerful breath. Thanks Stephanie for sharing these great pictures.

Dad & Kids Annual Camp Out 2012

The Greatest Camping Dad's are now on year 4 for their annual camping trip. They were back at Baker Park again this past September (I know, I am behind on this post).  Sevi finally made the cut and joined the big kids, with ages ranging from 12-2.  Again they had amazing weather and thanks to Paul Owen for continuing to document the weekend activities.