Big Girl Bed

 Mia's big girl bed has arrived!

 I thought I could put it together myself, but I couldn't.

 These recruits were not much help either, so I called my neighbor over.

 Between the two of us, we got the job done.  No wine needed, either!

She LOVES it!

(Thanks Sarah)

Stir, Paint, Dig, Shoot, Repeat.

I have not been a very good blogger lately.  The excuse is nothing but good.  We have a new computer.    Apparently 7 years is old for a computer.  You might think a new computer would help me keep up with my blog, but there are two little problems.  First, is merely technical difficulties most likely caused by user error.  And second, it has been a gorgeous spring!  We have been filling our days with lots of normal.  I love the normalcy we've created.  Our normal goes a little something like this: 

Stir, Paint, Dig, Shoot, Repeat.

Stirring can include anything from cereal to cookies.  I am embracing and enjoying each simple moment I have left with Evan before he trudges off to Kindergarten next fall.  I have seen him turn a corner this spring.  He has matured.  He has become a helper, a risk taker, a seeker, an imaginer.  The last off his baby fat has dripped off his adorable cheeks.  His legs have gotten boney and lean.  He expressions have developed wit.  His sweetness has returned.  His curiosity is exhilarating.  And, brace yourselves here, he has actually tried a few new foods.

Painting and art projects have been another one of our more frequent activities.  Evan prefers cutting and taping to painting, but I have actually received a few art projects home from preschool.  This is quite a novelty for me.  When we went to the Children's Museum with our Yeagerfriends, Evan had so much fun in the art room that he wanted to leave the next exhibit to go back and do more!  Mia did not love the face painting, but she has been having a lot of fun with water paint and sidewalk chalk.

Can you dig it?  Yes we CAN!  

Jim is not really an avid mower.  He claims he likes to mow because it's good exercise.  Yet our lawn only gets mowed about 5 times a year.  Good thing he has a high metabolism.  One thing he is really good at, however, is spreading wood chips.  Too cut down on the amount of mowing/exercise he gets in a year, he has decided to spread wood chips across most of our yard.  He calls it prairie or forest restoration.  I am worried the neighbors call it "bad landscaping."  I'm teasing (mostly.)  Actually, we both really enjoy digging in the dirt and the kids occasionally join us.

The last part of our "normal" routine is playing ball.  Right now, the flavor of the month is basketball.  Everyday after school, Owen goes out and shoots hoops.  Evan has started to join him.  They both have made huge improvements.  We're about to get new neighbors across the street.  Hope the dribbling doesn't drive them crazy!

And that pretty much sums up the past month.  It's been a wonderfully mellow spring with amazing weather.  I think we have finally settled into our new home.

GO TIMBERWOLVES!

 The kids and I got Jim Timberwolves tickets for his birthday.  It was a first for Owen and Evan.  The Timberwolves played the Denver Nuggets.

 Here's a pretty good idea of where we sat.  We had a pretty good view... of the Timberwolves getting their rear-ends handed to them on a plate.

 We indulged in some pass times to keep things from getting too depressing: popcorn, lemonade, nachos.  Evan actually decided to switch teams.  He is a true Minnesotan.

 We were really hoping for a photo op with Crunch.  Too bad it happened while Jim and Evan were visiting the restrooms.  Owen was pretty stoked about his 3 second hug/thumbs-up from Crunch, although you might not be able to tell from this photo.  If he wants to go pro, we're going to have to work on his reaction time.  LOL

 

Some people left a few minutes before the end of the game.  A group of women behind us gave Owen and Evan their rally towels and their inflatable clappers!  Despite the loss, we had a GREAT time.

Panda Bear and Panda Butt

 Ya-ya & Bumpa went to San Diego to see my Uncle Larry.  It was my dad's first time on a plane, so it was kind of a big deal.  My mom has been on a plane before.  They swung over to our house before they headed back to the Northwoods to deliver some souvenirs.  While they were here, Bumpa & Owen schooled Jim & Evan at basketball game in the dark.

 Mia went outside to distract the players a bit.  As she walked up to Bumpa, he said, "Hey Mia.  What's that on your shirt?"  She replied, "A panda bear," very knowingly...

Then she strolled past and added over her shoulder, "and a panda butt."

She has requested to wear this shirt every day since she received it.

Playing Hoops

 Owen plays basketball every day after school for at least 2 or more hours.  He is getting quite good, quite fast.  I tried to block him the other day and he just pushed me to the hoop, shot and scored.  That's not saying much, since I've never even played the game, but his Auntie Gina is quite an accomplished player.

 So it is saying something when he made this shot over her defenses.

 Jim and Evan decided to join in the fun.  Evan hasn't practiced much yet, but his form is already improving.

 Mia and I were in charge of Sasha during the game.  Mia knows her line well, "NO NO, Sasha!"

 Hmm.  It seems Evan is making fast improvements afterall.

 How in the world did he do that?

(Note: this is how Jim looks about 90% of the time.)

Getting some Auntie love is always fun!

Easter in Osseo

 My aunt Peggy invited us to Easter at her place. 

The kids were really excited because Peggy puts on the best Easter Egg hunts!  Each kid grabbed a basket and ran off to the back.

 By the time Mia made it around to the back of the house, Gus was on his third basket...

  and Graham was on his second.  

 They were fast, but Owen, Greta & Brenna were good at finding the well hidden eggs.  

 Evan eventually filled his basket, but it took some time.

 Bennett and Mia, with the help of Tracy & I, found more than enough to feel successful.

 Mia is still in the immediate gratification stage.  Full eggs never actually made it into her basket.

 Inside, the kids all sat in a circle and checked out the goods.

 Soon, the eggs and candy lost their glamour to the DS.

 While the boys were distracted by video games, Mia dug into their stash.

 Later, Jim took all of the kids for a ride in the new golf cart.  It's hard to see, but Mia IS actually in there.  She's under Evan.

They drove over to the playground and had a blast on the teeter totters

and the merry-go-round.

Thanks Peggy & Dave!

HAPPY EASTER!

The Hunt Is On!

 Evan likes to sleep in.  In fact, he'd rather sleep in than get up for even the most delicious and fun occasions including loaded Christmas stockings, chocolate eggs, hidden baskets.  None of it compares to sleeping in as far as Evan is concerned.

 As you can see, the other two do not have this problem.

 Still not totally awake.  Look behind you Evan!

 Stunned is also a common emotion on Easter morning with the Letts clan.

 "I think this one's mine."  Nope.  Try again Owen.

There we go.

 Assessing the candy.

The boys were actually more excited about the non-food items than the candy this year.

 Mia, however, was all about the candy.

and, my little sweetheart, likes to share.

HAPPY EASTER

From Mario, the Bucks newest & youngest player*, and The Letts Family.

*They are trying to be in character.