First Time on Ice and Cookie Making

A while back Brett took Shay skating while we had a cold snap for a couple of days.  She loved it and told him- "I am so glad I did this.".  We hope to get her out again soon, but so far not so much luck with the ice.  While Shay was skating Alyssa and I made some kinda healthy cookies (applesauce, oatmeal and mini dark choc chips).  Favorite part of course- licking the spoon!

Girls Weekend in San Diego

I am lucky to continue friendships with many of my high school friends.  This past weekend, Andrea and I flew out to San Diego to meet up with Liz, Tim and their new baby Asher.  We had a fun, relaxing weekend that included lots of great talks, good food, a couple of hikes, shopping and sight seeing.  Thanks Andrea and Liz for another fun vacation-- I can't wait for next year!

Trying Out Wheat Grass- We will leave that up to Native Californians

Ready to walk on the beach- with our coffee

Lindsay joined us for the day on Saturday

Sea Lions took over the "Children's" Beach

Gorgeous Views from our hike in Torrey Pines

Andrea and Asher (3 months)

Champions!

After 6-7 years of playing volleyball, our team won the championship last night!  In the last couple of years we have had several regulars, usually made up of Rodd, Josh, Brett, Heidi, Andrea and Rachel, who play year round.  It is great to get out every Wednesday night, work out a bit and hang out with friends all at the same time!  And thanks to Amma- who makes all this possible- watching Shay and Alyssa each time.  Shay gets excited when she sees my "volleyball" shirt- it means fun times at Amma's!

Rachel, Andrea, Heidi, Josh (MVP last night), Brett and Rodd

Weekend in the cities

We headed up to the cities to visit Ang, Evan, Owen and Anders.  First we met up at the children's museum, which was a nut house, but all the kids definitely enjoyed themselves.  Then Shay and Owen skied the Twin Cities Mini Loppet, while the moms stayed home to watch after the little ones!  Saturday was topped off with going out to Broadway Pizza and blizzards from DQ- a busy and very fun day!  Congratulations to the Pengelly family for welcoming their newest addition- Lucas Evan who was born on Tuesday February 7th!

Shay's favorite part of the Children's Museum: Getting to paint your face

Getting ready for the big race

Excited for the race to start- 

snow had to be made since we are having such a crazy non winter!

After the race- medals, cookies and hot chocolate!

Evan being interviewed by the paper

Skipping nap may not have been the best idea

 Attempting to have 8 people (4 under the age of 3) 

sit down and eat a meal the restaurant

Superbowl Party

We headed over the Erickson house to "watch" the Superbowl.  I think Brett and Gregg got to see at least half of the game.  Shay and Alyssa pretty much only watched and danced with the halftime show.  Everyone else had glimpses now and then.  However, we did eat great apps, pizza's and a football themed dessert, the cousins did really well playing together and the adults got a few conversations in.  And according to Shay- Olive and Millie's house is more fun to visit than the Children's Museum, which is a tall order to fill!  Thanks for the fun time Erickson clan!

Gus - 3 months

Alyssa with her fav toys- baby and stroller

Alyssa loves spending any and all time she can with Gus

Dress Up- Snow White, Belle and Aurora

An Evening Out with the Grandparents

Shay was able to spend a night away with Papa Mark, Grandma Stacy and Taylor.  They ate a picnic dinner in the car on the way to the big event.  The girls (and Grandparents) loved the play- Harold and the Purple Crayon- put on by the children's theater.  Shay has talked about it quite a lot since and remembers some of the scenes.  They were able to check out their seats before the play, order their big purple crayon cookie for intermission, and hang out for a while before the show started.  Once the play started, Taylor sat on Grandpa's lap for a better view (and so the seats didn't fold up on her), and Shay did the same, but on Grandma's lap.  After the play everyone headed back to the grandma and grandpa's for a slumber party- I think the girls had fun staying up late!  Thanks Grandma Stacy and Papa Mark for a fun night out!

Waiting for the play to start

Getting Harold's signature