Stay-Cation

Last weekend, we had a free hotel stay to use, so we spent the night at a hotel near the Mall of America.  Sadly, I only took my camera out once.  But maybe it'll be just enough to help us remember this stay.  

The kids loved swimming in the warm pool, Shawn enjoyed the hot tub (especially after helping my dad move), we ate at Tucci, did a Nickelodeon Universe ride and just enjoyed some family time.  Shawn and I enjoyed a movie by the fireplace in our two-bedroom, full kitchen suite :) And the kids slept till just past 7 :)

Here's the one pic of Logi I took - he's so curious at this age and was looking out the window while also playing peek-a-boo.

Berry [Messy] Muffins

Logan was boycotting morning nap today, so I thought we'd try baking all together (usually Ry & I save this kind of stuff for when Logi's sleeping).  Other than putting the quality of the muffins at risk, it actually went well :)

Such good helpers :)

99% of the oil actually did go in the bowl :)

Perfect job for Logan :) 

Eat at your own risk ;)

Ryder's Fort

Ryder has been sleeping like this for weeks now :)  He loves sleeping in his little "fort" and reading books by the light of his lantern :)

Snapshot of our Family Life

A couple weekends ago, I set out to take a family photo...of all four of us.  With my tripod, remote and experience photographing a bunch of other families, I thought it wouldn't be that hard.

Boy was I wrong!!  It was pretty much impossible to be the photographer and photographed with little kids.  But, while I set out to capture the "perfect family photo", I thought it was interesting that the one picture that was closest to being frame-able is actually a very accurate snapshot of our current family life.  And when photographing other families, isn't that really what I'm after?

So here's our "picture of life" at this moment:

Ryder is usually off doing his own thing, and thinks he's pretty cool stuff.  Logan is our wild one and while Shawn is comfortable taking an eye off him, I try to keep a hand or eye on him at all times...trying, but never succeeding, to keep him out of trouble.  And through the chaos of toddlers, tantrums and little egos, Shawn and I still find time for each other - for a kiss, movies after bedtime, and longer chats during car rides when the kids fall asleep.  

While it's not what I was going for, I like that it will help me remember life as we currently know it.

A few others (probably spoiling my Christmas card):

Curious little Logan - 18 months

Silly Ryder (4 yrs) - always laughing and trying to make others laugh

So in love with each of these boys :)

One of very few shots we have of the boys and I - thanks, Shawn :)

All in all, it was worth getting out of Maple Grove for a little walk in Minneapolis and some pics of the kids that I love.  At some point though, I'd still love a cheesy family photo where we're all looking at the camera :)

Beautiful Friday

Soaking up the sunshine and 55 degree day :) 

My kids were way overdressed - other kids were not wearing jackets, wearing dresses and one was in shorts! 

The warm temp made us pretty excited when we ran into a field of [man-made] snow by the chalet :)

We finished the day with a backyard bonfire and a round of "Chubby Bunnies" for Ryder :)

Sweet Dreams

Ryder,

Sometimes you seem so grown up to me....

And sometimes, you seem so small...

Sweet dreams little buddy.

Fort Collins

The weekend before Halloween, Logan and I flew out to visit my friend, Michelle, in Fort Collins!  I haven't seen her in so long - this trip was way overdue!  It was so fun to finally meet her little boy Jameson :)

 

Logan and flew down Friday evening and stayed until Monday afternoon.  The flight down went great - mostly due to the teenage girl sitting next to us that Logan fell in love with - ha!  I think she reminded him of Mikayla.  From the moment we sat down, he was all smiles, flirting with her.

 

Saturday morning, we happened to stop in at the right time and were able to tour New Belgium Brewing (mmmm....) Both kids did awesome the entire 90 minute tour!

The beer was awesome, too :)

Garnier family (Jameson is always smiling!)

Ranger baby (Jameson)

Shell and I

Logan was a trooper of a traveler considering he came down with a rough cold basically upon landing in CO.  A temp, nasty cough, weezy breathing and fluid in his lungs.  A trip to the Fort Collins urgent care Monday had him feeling great by Tuesday.

 

Regardless, he was all smiles on our big hike on Sunday!

 

We hiked in the Poudre Canyon on a gorgeous fall day

 

So great to see you Michelle!  We can't wait to come and visit again (next time with the whole family!)

We Built This City

Today's art project:

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween from Thing 1 (4 yrs) and Thing 2 (18 mos):