Brainerd Retreat

Over the holiday weekend our family joined the Pengelly's for a 3 day weekend at Breezy Point Resort.  Although our original plan of lots of time spent cross country skiing and ice skating didn't turn out, we had a blast!  Everyday the kids went swimming, got to eat breakfast at the restaurant and played in our condo/house.  We ventured out to the frozen lake one day as well.  Anders and Alyssa stayed warm, while Owen and Shay pretty much had fun at all the activities.

 Took only an hour to get ready to go outside

 Waiting for ice skates

 Swimming on Ice

 Very Cool Restaurant Bear

 Cars Mac and Cheese- A big highlight of the weekend

 Swimming was the theme of the weekend- on ice, in our condo, at the pool

 Helping Clean Up

 Playing Tag

Decorating and Eating Brownies

Papa Mark Turns 60

This past weekend my dad celebrated his 60th birthday!  We were able to have a laid back celebration with family and friends.  I am so glad my dad is my dad-- what a guy!

 Papa Mark with Great Grandma Betty, and sibs Paul and Marylou

 Jesse and Ambre made it down after a bit of a car mishap

 Papa Mark, Grandma Stacy with friends Debbie and Dave

 What a pair!

 Big Hug for Marylou

a "Thank you" for the Shrek toys!

 3 Generations

 Preparing Papa Mark's Cupcakes

Crazy Bad Hair Day

Neither of our girls are known for having perfect hair.  Just recently, we figured out a hairstlye for Shay that would last most of the day- it consists of 2 half ponytails and bangs.  Its considered a success because most evenings she still has both binders in !  Alyssa is taking after her sister.  Often times her hair is sticking straight out or just plain messy.  We did figure out a "why" behind her madness.  After drooling, putting her hands in her mouth or food, Alyssa will often grab at her hair-- ending up with it sticking up with force straight out from her head and, unfortunately staying in that position for quite some time.  Luckily for Alyssa though, as soon as her hair is long enough- we have 2 half ponies coming!

Happy (Belated) Valentines Day!

Shay and Alyssa celebrated Valentines Day several ways.  Sunday they both received cards and presents from Papa Mark, Grandma Stacy and Great-Grandma Parke.  Shay put all three sheets of possible stickers in her new book.  Yesterday at Tracie's they enjoyed wearing red, eating heart pizza and exchanging valentine's cards.  Last night Amma stopped by with balloons and Papa Bill and Grandma Ginger had cards and cupcakes-- what a good deal!  For parents who don't do a good job celebrating most holidays, they sure had a fun time with Valentines Day!

Not a 100% Safe

Brett had Alyssa help him install a board in her crib.  Since she continues to get limbs caught in between the rails and wakes up crying in pain from a stuck arm or leg, Brett came up with the board idea.  Because she is under a year, bumpers are discouraged, so the hard board it is.  She seemed to like the drilling part however.

Shay enjoys almost any game you play with her.  Lately she has really liked "hide and seek".  Although if you ask her where she is, Shay will tell you exactly where she is hiding.  She has come up with some unique spots lately.

6:15 PM

This past weekend was super busy for our family.  We had a couple of play dates with friends, staying up a bit later when Uncle Jesse and Ambre came to visit, and then family Christmas on Sunday.  Shay did not have a nap on Sunday and ended up falling asleep during dinner (6:15)!  She leaned over on Brett's leg and was out within seconds.  Alyssa went to sleep not much after for the night.  Brett and I had unexpected night to ourselves.  We hardly knew what to do!