Almost a Complete Strike Out

We had been planning for a few weeks to have a fun day/night visit with the Pengelly family up in the cities.  We were supposed to spend the morning at the train station, eat lunch back at their house, have the little ones take naps while the bigger kids headed to the pool.  After the kids went to bed, the adults were planning to have a few drinks, relax and maybe even play a few card games with Amie and Pete- a couple other college friends.  None of this happened.  Our actual timeline of activities below

Saturday
8:30/9:00- Carroll's still getting ready/packed.  Shay still sleeping.  This is the time we were supposed to leave.
9:30- we actually leave the house
10:30- Talk with Angie, find out Evan is not able to make it to the train thing, he is still at work.
10:40- Get a call from Angie that Anders has thrown up- all over himself, the carseat, etc.  She is turning around with the boys to head back home.  Thinks Anders ate something because he is acting fine otherwise.
11:00- We decide to skip the whole train thing and head to MOA to hit up the rides and Underwater World.  The girls love it.
1:00- Finally stop for lunch.  A bit late, but totally worth it.
3:00- Get to Pengelly house (3 hours later than planned).  Evan's work is messed up, he is still there.  Decided to skip the pool plans.
4:00- Evan gets home and we all head to the park
4:02- Kids fight about which toy to ride/share to the park.
4:10- Rachel completely wipes out on the wiggly bridge.   Hits her back hard, takes her breath away.  Still sore today.
5:00- Head back in the dark, didn't estimate time well.
6:00- Call Amie and Pete, ask them to come later because we still haven't eaten dinner.
7:00- Amie, Pete and Eli show up.  Have a fun time for a couple of hours.
9:00- Amie, Pete and Eli head home because their home has an unexpected showing and they have a lot do to prepare.  No adult visiting with them.
9:30- All the kids are in bed.
9:40- Drink in hand, adults are discussing to start cards or Mexican train.
9:45- Hear Lyssa "mommy, mommy, mommy".  Go down and pick her up.  About 5 seconds later she throws up- a lot.
9:50-11:00- Keep Lyssa close by, make several trips to the bathroom.  We can't imagine she has anything left.
11:00- Brett goes to put Lyssa to bed.  Never makes it back upstairs for games or drinks.
11:15- Evan falls asleep on the couch.
Sunday
12:00- Angie and Rachel call it a night
12:05- Lucas wakes up (unexpectedly), not ready to go back to sleep.
12:30 to 4:00- Lyssa is sick several more times.
5:30- Wake up to Evan yelling.  Trying to get Lucas a bottle in the dark, hits his toe hard.  Thought it might be broken.  After a elevating and ice for a few hours, things seem to be fine.
7:00- Lyssa is feeling great, and wants everybody to "wake up".  She has tons of energy.
8:30- We head home wondering "what the heck just happened". 

 Shay loving her first time on the carousel

Lyssa was a bit nervous at first, but then really enjoyed herself

Lyssa favorite part- touching the starfish

Notice- no diaper bag, just an overstuffed purse.  Milestone.

Crazy amounts of jellyfish

Girls seeing a shark swim above them

We didn't tell them to do this- I swear :)

Hello Cold!

After enjoying a almost 70 degree day on Saturday, bundling up was a necessity on this cold morning.  The girls are home with Brett today since daycare is closed due to illness.  They are pretty excited for a "stay at home" day with dad.

Enjoying a warm fall day

Ready to brave the cold!

Happy Halloween

Cousin Taylor, Papa Mark and Grandma Stacy came down last week to go with us to the Haunted Hallways at the Kahler Hotel, put on by the Rochester School District.  It was very busy, and the girls were able to do some crafts and trick or treat for candy in the "hallway of fun".  Rapunzel (Tangled), the giraffe and the nice witch had a pretty good time!

So hot (especially Lyssa) after Haunted Hallways

Pre Trick or Treat Dinner at Amma's

What dinner really looks like

It was PJ day at Caryline's, and Lyssa wanted to keep them on

Our giraffe ready to go- she made it to about 10 houses, which is more than her 1 last year!

Nice witch

Scary Witch

The Incredible Family

Gus got to eat too!

I'm a Big Girl Now

Lyssa has really grown a lot these last couple of months.  She gave up her nuk, is fully potty trained (day and night- yeah) and loves to talk-- even to herself.  Potty training went relatively smoothly.  She was supposed to be trained before starting daycare this fall (since it is a preschool program) and she made it by 1 week!  We incorporated the same method as with Shay- just did it.  One day, no diaper and after a few days with just 2 accidents- and not going anywhere :), she started wearing underwear.   Unlike Shay, Lyssa wasn't too excited about it and didn't really seem to care that she doesn't have to wear diapers anymore.  She does love, however, the M&M treat after using the "potty".  She could have cared less about a sticker chart, but the chocolate candy worked wonders!

Shay Helping Out

Goodbye (Great) Grandma Louise

Brett's grandma, Jean's mom, died peacefully on September 8, she had battled dementia for years.   She was a remarkable woman with a strong personality, who stood up for what she believed and helped so many people throughout her life.  Louise will be missed.  Her family and friends came together the last weekend in September to celebrate her life.

Wonderfully written Obit

Hanging out at the Erickson's the night before

At Great Grandma's Celebration of Life

Gathering at Jean's house after

Louise's Great Grandchildren

It was great to see Julie (and Seth) for a couple of days.

Olive wasn't a fan of them heading back to Seattle.

Enjoying the Changing Season

One of the reasons I enjoy living in MN (besides being close to family) is the changing seasons.  It seems just about the time we have enjoyed (hopefully fully) of what one season has to offer, the temperature begins to change.  Winter can be long, but the spring, summer and fall in MN can't be beat!  Both girls have been pretty interested seeing the leaves change color, and we have had more conversations about evergreens, what we can/can't wear once it starts to get cold, as well as the holidays that happen.  Above are some pics taken on their nature walk with Ms. Caryline and friends.

Happy 33rd Birthday Brett!

In honor of Brett's birthday I asked Shay some question about her dad, her answers are in bold.  Happy Birthday to a great husband and dad!

My dad is 22 years old

My dad is really strong, he could lift a box

My dad’s favorite color is green, since he wears it a lot

My dad’s favorite food is spaghetti

My dad always says “crazy things”

My dad’s job is to coach kids

My dad is the best at cheering me when I race

My dad laughs when I tickle him

My dad and I like to play together, go to the park together and put up the Christmas tree

My dad really loves to not eat dessert

I LOVE my dad because he is my daddy