Conference Day

Today was parent/teacher conference day for Bennett! We love the Discovery Preschool program that he attends as well as his fabulous, loving teachers who really fill his day with so many exciting, creative projects and new ways to learn. I love pick-up time when I hear about all the fun activities that happened throughout his day. We were told today that Bennett is very self-directed, creative, outgoing, and shows a genuine interest and happiness being around others and in doing any activity put before him. He loves story and group time and apparently is one of a few children who often predicts the next pages of the story or has an imaginative response when prompted to think about what happens next as the teacher reads aloud.

Bennett has a very fun summer planned at school! Next week, they transition to Summer Camp, which goes through August, during which time they have lots of special activities/guests planned, such as Playmakers Puppets, KidCreate studio, childrens’ bands, an animal petting zoo, face painting day, special storytellers, outdoor picnics…there is something planned for every day so he is sure to love it! They are also offering a Summer Sports Camp option, new to Bennett’s age group this year, which we know he will love! He will have classes twice a week where he learns all about the basics and fun of t-ball, basketball, and soccer! We have a part-time, 3-days-per-week school schedule planned throughout the summer, so it looks like we surely have a mix of summer fun ahead both at school and at home!  

 Bennett ADORES his favorite teacher, Ms. Katie (below), and often talks about what he wants to tell her or what she is doing when we are not at school. Ms. Katie had Bennett draw a self-portrait in front of the mirror last week and gave me his final creation at conferences today. We are so thankful to have found a great place of learning and fun for the kids and the best part is we know they love it too!  

Tuesday Walk

Go Twins!

This baseball-lovin' family headed out to catch a Twins game today. The weather was perfect and the kiddos loved it. Little Bryn sat and clapped while smiling at the people around us (before falling into a deep sleep in Daddy's arms), and Bennett loved watching the players run, and asked - "Mama, can I catch a ball too?"-  which prompted an evening of catch at home as well as one little boy who carried his baseball glove everywhere he went. It was a great way to spend our afternoon off together!

Two Buds in the Park

We got out to one of our favorite park trails early this morning and it was fun to watch my boys stroll through nature together while I followed behind with one very content, sleeping little girl.

We Love the Lake!

 These kids love the beach so a trip to the lake is a must for Memorial weekend!! They especially liked playing in the sand today as the water was pretty chilly! You could often find Bryn clapping and laughing at her daddy and brother while lounging on our beach towels or trying to eat a fistful of sand!  What family fun we always have and I love watching the kids enjoy it so much!

Hanging at Nana's

Some of our weekend plans were put on hold as we had a minor issue with our basement 'remodel' and made a very impromptu trip down to Nana and Jay's house for part of the weekend.  My mom was thrilled with our decision and although it was not part of our initial plan, we of course had a blast with the family as always! It's great to relax at Nana's with an endless supply of food! Thanks for having us, for all the cuddles, and for the yummy feasts!

Bryn's Pull-Ups

Bryn discovered how to pull herself up on her own this morning, and once she realized she could do it, well, she could not stop! She used the couch, her crib, this toy, my leg, and her favorite piece - her brother's train table - to get herself even closer to the action today.  Now she just likes to stand while playing with everything. Wow - she waves, has six teeth with two more about to poke through, eats all kinds of food, and now has some new up and down moves! I wonder what will be next? It all goes by too quickly!!

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Funny Glasses

Bennett has been wearing his "funny glasses" around all week.  They are funny because he tells me so: "Mama, these are my glasses.  I'm super funny, I'm very funny mama!"

Little Fingers Painting

Medicine Lake

 My work schedule is a bit flip-flopped this week, so I was lucky to have a nice Monday off with the kids.  We headed to Medicine Lake for some beach and playground time then had a picnic lunch in the shade to cool off.  What a nice way to start the week!

Sunday Morning Pool Time!

Such Siblings

Here are two clean little ones after a bath, winding down together before bed after a great Saturday.  I posted these pictures because I just think the little B's look like such siblings here....

Bookworm Bryn

Baker Park Reserve

Happy Friday!

 The kids and I had a great day! After our early morning walk, we headed to Lake Calhoun for a little time in the sand, then could not resist an ice cream treat after lunch. Bennett even let little sister try some of his cone!  Daddy made it home in time for all of us to catch and thoroughly enjoy a happy hour too! Happy Friday!!!

Lilacs!

Our lilacs are in full bloom and they look and smell beautiful! The boys gathered a bunch for me so we have fresh bouquets all around the house!

Lunch Budidies

Now that the weather is nice, we've been eating outside or packing it up and heading to the park for picnic lunches (both of which I much prefer to cleaning up the kitchen one more time!).  These two tend to have fun at mealtime - laughing, more laughing, and making messes of course.  Bennett is amused with Bryn here as she finishes all of her banana and searches for whatever is next. 

Little Painter

8 Months Old!

Our baby girl is 8 months old! 

I know I am one sappy mama, but I can't help but gush about our little girl.  Oh, she is everything and more to us - she continues to be so mellow, happy, curious, and quite carefree and easygoing, with such a peaceful, loving side to her.  She adores her big brother, is enamored by her daddy, and loves being held by her mama.  She still has that hearty appetite and prefers to be able to grab food so she can feed herself.  Today she loved trying watermelon for the first time, and when she insisted on tasting a pickle, it turns out  she loved that too.  She is so precious to us and we are still in amazement at how lucky we are to have her as our daughter and as a little sister to Bennett.  We love and adore you Brynnie Rooney!!