Sometimes
Sometimes I find photos on my camera that I didn't take. Sometimes the pictures are of the floor, or the ceiling, someones toes or maybe their nose. But sometimes....sometimes I find photos like these....
these are sweet moments I'm glad someone captured for me.
Ice Skating
On Saturday, February 18, 2012 our church rented a local ice-skating rink for the evening. The previous Saturday we had pulled out all the kids' ice skates and they tried them out on the ice on the creek. So, come this Saturday the kids were really excited to go skating again - and at a wide open rink! Grandpa and Ms. Fay were also there and that was great especially for me (since Fay watched over Shelby) so I could skate as well. Shelby loved looking through the glass at all the skaters going by...
See that blue blurr...that would be Sydney (I'm pointing her out, since I didn't get any other photos of her that night).
Grandpa also took Shelby out on the ice....she wasn't so sure what to think of that...but I think she liked it! And look - there I am - helping Silas....or was he helping me?!?
Here is Shane....he's covered in ice...mostly because of all the intentional sliding he was doing. He had fun playing ball with some other boys...who knew you could play football on iceskates?
Daddy and Shaylee....she is our go-getter on ice-skates. Like father, like daughter!
And Silas....he was slipping and sliding all over the place at the beginning of the night.
But he finally got his feet under him and by the end of 2 hours - was doing GREAT!
(note to my friend Verena: Silas is wearing the skates I got from you (do you remember???) they must have been Stella's - although I'm not sure she ever wore them. Anyway I thought of you when I put them on him).
We had a fun evening - and hope to maybe go again in a few weeks :)
Happy Birthday Shane....are you really 11?
The Birthday Boy! 11 years....wow....my kids just keep growing and growing!
Shane's cake (themed after his Pinewood Derby car - see previous post)
For Shane's birthday he invited the boys in his class to go to a rec-center and play basketball and go swimming. Afterwards they all came to our place for cake and icecream. It worked out well since on Friday the kids only had a 1/2 day of school. Shane has a great group of boys in his class and we had a fun afternoon with them.
Happy Birthday Shane - we love you!
Cadet Pinewood Derby
The annual Cadet Pinewood Derby was held on Friday night - February 10, 2012. This being Shane's first year in cadets we weren't sure what to expect. Shane had fun designing his car and getting advice from dad. Jer found a few of his old cars (yes, he still had them in a box in the basement) from his Cadet days (way back when).
Shane transformed his block of wood into an F1 racer, designed after our favorite F1 RedBull racing team and driver Sebastian Vettel.
Here is Shane's car
At the derby....all the boys lining up their cars.
Some photos from the races
See that blurrr....those cars are fast!
As stated above, with this being Shane's first year in cadets, we weren't sure what to expect or how he would do. We really hoped that his car would at least win one race.....well he won more than just one...
And the winner is......
Shane Van Essen!!! We are so proud of you! Shane won First place for Lower Division (4th-5th graders) and also the craftsmanship trophy!
Shane's good friend Mason, took 3rd place and Sydney's good friend Madelyn took 2nd (the GEMS girls were invited to participate in the derby as well). After Madelyn's placing Sydney said that she wants to make a car next year....fortunately Shane and Sydney will be in different divisions next year and not have to race against eachother.
Red Wagon
When I go for a walk lately I pull Shelby along in the wagon. Thankfully it has big, tough, wheels that can handle gravel, rocks, off-roading, and on a day like today both snow and mud! Shane actually got this wagon as a baby gift from my parents...which means this wagon is almost 11 years old! This wagon has been here, there, and everywhere, and used for almost everything...I sure do love this wagon!
And an upclose of those wheels...just in case you were interested....in MUD.
This little girl was enjoying the ride!
And even though we have a lot of mud around here....there are still a few places to find snow.... and it is great for making snowballs!
And an upclose of those wheels...just in case you were interested....in MUD.
This little girl was enjoying the ride!
And even though we have a lot of mud around here....there are still a few places to find snow.... and it is great for making snowballs!
Puddles
So since it was such another lovely day out (is it really February??? And do I live in Minnesota???) I took that walk. The kids came outside too - and since we've been having all this warm weather what snow we had (which wasn't much) is now pretty much melted and left in its wake....puddles...but not just puddles of water...these are MUD PUDDLES!
And what better place to ride a bike than THROUGH a MUD PUDDLE...
And if when all the fun of riding a bike through the puddle is over....then why not walk into the puddle and splash around a bit!
And what better place to ride a bike than THROUGH a MUD PUDDLE...
And if when all the fun of riding a bike through the puddle is over....then why not walk into the puddle and splash around a bit!
Fortunately both kids had on their "match-hosen" from Germany, but only Sydney was wearing waterproof boots....needless to say Silas' feet were SOAKED!
Shelby, Shelby, Shelby
I just can't get enough of her cheesey smile....which is often followed by her contagious laugh!
She is an absolute doll and I just can't get enough of her. She lights up my life!
She is an absolute doll and I just can't get enough of her. She lights up my life!
Every night (and nap time too) she sleeps in her sleepsack. We got it as a baby gift and I (or should I say SHE) absolutely LOVES it. She cuddles right in, and most nights she even pulls her arms inside and suggles in warm and cozy. It is made of fleece and keeps her extra warm. She goes right to bed without a fuss. Lately she blows kisses and waves bye-bye when we put her to bed (or down for a nap). Did I mention how utterly SWEET she is!
Shelby, Shelby, Shelby....love, love, love you!
As for other things she is doing at 21 months....I was going to write a bunch down here...but I decided that since right now it is another gorgeous day (like 40 degrees in February - this is just crazy awesome weather) I really need to go for a nice walk....so I'll bundle up my sweet-pea and take her for a stroll and then maybe I'll come back and write more about what else she's up to (so I don't forget this stage). But for now I think I've done enough updating for today....till next time...hopefully it will be before March:)
Sweet, gooey, goodness!
Sunday morning tradition....sweet, gooey, carmel dripping, goodness! It's my labor of love to my family. Every Saturday afternoon (or evening) I mix up the dough in my breadmachine (so technically it is doing the mixing). When its ready, I do roll out the dough, slather it with butter, sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar, and roll up these....tuck them in the oven to rise overnight and come morning they are ready to bake.
And out come these - SCRUMPTIOUS and SWEET - carmel dripping rolls!!!!
And out come these - SCRUMPTIOUS and SWEET - carmel dripping rolls!!!!
I love my family....and they love me!
Basketball
Not sure how I can get my recent theme on "sweetness" into this post on Basketball....
Shane recently started playing basketball with the boys in his class. In January they had a few games and two tournaments where they played against other 5th grade teams in the area. It is good to see Shane participating in a sport with his classmates.
The 5th grade team.
Some photos during the game....
Shane recently started playing basketball with the boys in his class. In January they had a few games and two tournaments where they played against other 5th grade teams in the area. It is good to see Shane participating in a sport with his classmates.
The 5th grade team.
Some photos during the game....
And one of Shane shooting during warm-ups.
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