First Day of School

On July 26, 2010  the boys started thier school year.

Bryce is now a second grader.

From 2010-07-26 First Day of the School Year

Micah is a Kindergartner.

From 2010-07-26 First Day of the School Year

Matthew is a Pre-schooler.

From 2010-07-26 First Day of the School Year

Our first day of school was all done outside. The boys thought it was great to be able to work at their own train table. The highlight of the day was Art. (Guess I need to make sure to do art more often.)  Matthew was so excited to use glue. The boys really enjoyed making picures out of construction paper and then having thier pictures taken. I loved how they were willing to work hard even with the distratiions of being outside.

The Kids of Carssonne

After working hard leveling the first layer of rock for the patio, PopPop and the boys played Kids of Carssonne. This game is wonderful - Matthew can play with little help - while Micah and Bryce learn to use logic and stratiegy.

Micah Playing his first tile.


Bryce's hard decision of where to play his first tile.


Matthew playing a guy on a closed road.


The board in the middle of the game.


A game that both adults and little kids can enjoy.

Kiwanis Scout Camp

Last weekend Bryce and Derek were able to go to Cub Scout camp at Kiwanis. I am really not sure who was more excited, but they were both ready to leave on Friday and both had a great weekend. Bryce chose to go swimming as many times as he could - 4 times in all. Derek now thinks that "Diving is a sport Bryce could be good at," and as soon as Bryce can swim the length of the pool he will be able to take diving lessons.

During the weekend, the boys were able to do many very cool things. They played game with their Den for the weekend.



Learned how to shoot BB guns.




Worked with hand tools to make a little bookshelf.




Completed an obstacle course, ending with a zip line.



And the thing Micah wants to do most, learned to shoot a Bow and Arrow.

Family Time

No Pictures.


No Big Stories.


Just some documentation of our family has spent the last few nights.


After Derek came home from work on Monday, we changed in to our swim suits and head for the Hastings YMCA. Nothing like a little swim practice and play time in the water. The boys love to chase balls and just make up games of their own. Once we were tired out, we headed home to make a simple dinner of brats, broccoli, watermelon and chips.  Then the fun began:)  We pulled out the game Kids of Carcassonne.  Fun game for the whole family. Matthew loved watching to see how could play thier guys. His excitement at being able to play was fun to watch. Bryce's brain was moving so fast as he tried to learn how to use all the strategy he could to keep Micah from winning. Micah well he figured out the game and lots of fun. Finding a game that all three boys can play AND that mom and dad are not bored with. Wow it was a wonderful find. Now if they would make an extension pack so we could all play it would be even better. Although, this mom was quite happy watching her three boys learn the game at the level they are at and all enjoy themselves and the time we were spending together as a family.


Family time. How does it look in your house? Why do you think it is such a vital part of our kids lives?

A Glimpse of the Future

It has been an interesting week. Bryce is going to VBS at St. Luke's this week. VBS runs from 9-2 every day. Yesterday, Micah also went to Time with Tina which started at 2. Needless to say I feel like I have been the "Mom Taxi" this week. I know the amount of running I have been doing is not any where close to what other moms do but it is new to our family. I am not looking forward to the days where the boys are doing different things. I like having them all together. I like being together as a family. I think the boys enjoy being together too. It has been a very different week having Bryce missing from our daily activities. This is both a good thing and a wierd thing. Micah and Matthew have found new and different ways to play together. They have been learning that Bryce is not needed to orchestra thier play. Yet, it is weird when one is missing. Overall, it has been a great week and a great experience for Bryce. I am excited for Matthew and Micah to be able to go to VBS for 3 days next week. Then it will be just Bryce and I.

Narnian Fun

Derek read The Chronicles of Narnia to Bryce and Micah discovered our Narnia Wii game. Since then that is what the boys play. Derek decided to get the boys some bow and arrows. Oh, what joy they had as they opened them.





Learning to shoot was fun to watch.











The the war began. Good thing the arrows are nerf.

Maplewood Nature Center - Take 3

This spring, my friend Beth, introduced me to Maplewood nature center. The boys have loved going. We have gone 3 times now each about 6 weeks apart. Watching the trail change as we go thru the seasons has been lots of fun and filled with learning too. Today, the boys worked on their Hardwood Nature Badges - this is a program through the Minnesota State Parks. Each boy had to pick a plant they liked, discribe it, identify it, and draw it. (We really should look the plants up soon:) Here are some highlights of the day.


The Plant Micah picked.



The Plant Bryce picked.



Matthew working hard in his coloring book.



All the boys sharing the crayons as they colored thier pictures. Every now and then, they remind me that they can get along with each other and share:)



And of course the snail we found.

We have looked at the snails on all 3 trips and I think it is the highlight for the boys.