Father's Day: "My Dad Is"

Don't kids say the funniest things? I always think it's hilarious to hear what is going on inside of my little guys' heads. The things Brenden can come up with particularly amazes me. For example, he insists that he goes on flying dinosaur hunts with his Sunday School teacher. 

For Father's Day, I thought it would be fun to capture what the boys think of their dad at this point in their lives. I saw a similar printable on Pinterest and I thought I would make my own and share it with you! I intentionally left it sparse so the boys can decorate with their imaginations. 

I can't wait to see what my guys come up with! If you do something similar for Father's Day, please share!

Why I am Boycotting Winter.

Typically, us Minnesotans consider ourselves a hearty breed with thick skin and even thicker blood. However, this winter has been different. The winter of 2014 will be remembered as being B.R.U.T.A.L. and I have had enough! The outrageous lows that we've had this year caused us to surpass the record number of days that schools have been cancelled. (And, it takes a lot to cancel school in this state.) Personally, my cabin fever has been atrocious this year and I just can't wait to go for a nice long run on streets that are clear and ice free! But, since we can't seem to escape this deep freeze, I decided that my family will be done with winter, weather permitting or not. So, last night, we went swimming (indoors of course) and then enjoyed some ice cream. Tonight, we will have tropical smoothies after dinner while wearing Hawaiian leis. (I am now regretting getting rid of all my luau decorations last year. At least I kept a few momentos!) I think we'll try a little indoor camping this weekend and maybe ride some amusement park rides next week. Any other suggestions for enjoying "summer" while there is still snow on the ground?

Seriously, why don't we all live in Hawaii?

UPDATE 3/10/2014: So far during this "early spring", my family has gone on an indoor picnic, visited an underwater aquarium, camped in our living room, took up badminton, played at an indoor park, and had a Hawaiian luau. Unfortunately, some of our plans were slightly derailed by illness, but we have all recovered just in time for the weather to warm up! (Also, in one last winter hurrah, I took the big boys ice skating before the outdoor lake closed for the season - the ice was just awful, which is a strong indication of the thaw that we so desperately need!)

Oh Baby!

Oh Joy, a Baby Boy!

Introducing our newest arrival: Evan! 

 His brothers love him!

 First family picture

  Just a sweetie!

 

 Big blue eyes!

 

Smiles for Mommy!

 

Fun with Finger Paints

The boys had gotten some finger paints for presents. When some extra large paper was available at work, I thought we could have a fun project! Well, it started out nice, but as the pictures show, the night evolved into quite the mess.

 At first, the pictures looked so nice and colorful!

 Then, the boys started getting some paint on their tummies. Isn't that funny?

 And then, it got on Mommy.... Not so funny.

Clayton is intentionally putting paint on Brenden.

And himself!

 Look at those messy hands!

The tub also needed a good rinse when they were all done!

I think finger painting is now an outdoor only activity.

Fall Fun with Leaves!

Silly boys love to play  in the leaves!

 Swinging at the park before the weather gets too cool!

It's raining leaves!

Brenden's All Star Sports Birthday Party

For Brenden's first birthday, we celebrated with an All-Star Sports theme. 

To make the party affordable, we used the Dollar Tree's sports theme decorations and balloons. They also have star shaped balloons that I try to work into every party that we have. Can't beat the price of $1.00! 

Here are a few of the highlights:

After making this cake, I learned to start writing in the middle of each word 

and work out from both ends to avoid writing over the design. :( 

We used the big baseball as Brenden's smash cake, so those messed up letters didn't last long! 

 

Since Brenden's birthday falls on Cinqo de Mayo, we served tacos. 

Making a batch of taco meat in the crock pot is an easy way to serve a crowd. 

Plus, people can add their own topping according to their preference. 

Note the football plates that I got on deep clearance after the Super Bowl. I like to plan ahead :)

 

 The Birthday Boy with his new basketball!

 

Brenden's First Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday Brenden!!

We had his favorite meal, strawberries.

Then, it was time for cake! Brenden couldn't figure out how to eat it with his hands, so he just used his face!

Clayton thought this was really, funny, so he used his face, too! Silly boys :)