Shay's 3rd and Alyssa's 1st Ski Race

Both girls were able to compete in the annual Loppet held downtown Minneapolis.   Shay was pretty excited, and liked skiing next to her friend Owen.  Lyssa was not a big fan of the race until the last 10-20 yards where she could see the finish- she was a big fan of the hot chocolate and cookies given to them for finishing the race though.  Some of the grandparents were able to cheer our little skiers on.  We are looking forward to next year, and hope to someday ski as a family in the night luminary ski/race.


How many adults does it take to get the kids ready?



Shay is ready to go!


 How Lyssa completed most of the race...


Owen and Evan



This was a common occurence for both 4 year olds


Shay's interview (broadcast so all spectators/racers could hear)


Lyssa still isn't sure about all of this racing stuff


No problem having fun with Grandma Stacy after the race


Loving the hot chocolate


Yeah- a decent pic of our family with everyone looking!


Showing off their medals with Grandpa and Grandma



The racers- Lyssa (2), Anders (2), Owen (4), Shay (4)

Olive's 6th Birthday

Cousin Olive was able to have 2 birthday parties this year- 1 for friends and 1 for family.  Shay was lucky enough to attend both!  Party number 1 was at the Rochester Athletic Club, where the kids were busy with activities and cake of course!  Party number 2 was back at the Erickson house were we were able to visit and relax.  Happy Birthday to the oldest Carroll kid!

Its Cold Out There!

These last few days have been so icy and cold!  Rachel got a call at work this week, saying there was a
"situation" in the church parking lot, where she parks her car everyday for work.  Apparently it was so icy that the cars from the top of the parking lot, slid down into the cars in the bottom of the parking lot (while no one was there).  Our camry was actually "stuck" to another car- the wheelwells/bumbers attached.  It was amazing, and somewhat funny, to go to the parking lot and look at the puzzle of cars. 
We have been staying indoors a lot this past week, but have been able to sneek out a bit.  The girls went sledding with their cousins a while ago, both girls have been out 'skating' and this weekend we are hoping they will particpate in the xc ski race in the cities.  At home, we have played lots of dress up, old maid and go fish along with reading many books and playing on the ipad.   Below are some random pics from the last couple of weeks.


Sledding with Cousins


Trying on Mom's Wedding Dress


Hanging out at Amma's (taken over the holidays)


Playing Outside as Ms. Caryline's


Painting Nails