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

Wilderness Resort

The entire Sturm family headed up north for a long weekend at the Wilderness Resort in Nisswa, MN.  We were able to snowshoe, swim, hot tub, go to the waterpark, eat delicious food, color, play pool, hang out, relax, read and enjoy each other's company.  We were also able to celebrate Taylor's 5th birthday along with Grandma Stacy's and Jake's birthday.  What a fun-filled weekend!

Happy Holidays!

Reflecting back, 2012 has been a good year.  Both girls have grown so much while entertaining and challenging their parents along the way.  We have family close by (either next door or a hour a way) and are able to spend a lot of time with them.  Going out with friends, whether it be volleyball, to a restaurant or just hanging out is something we get to do weekly.  Thanks to all who have enriched our lives, and we look forward to 2013!  Happy holidays!  Below are some pictures from our holiday card and a couple pics that didn't make the cut- thanks again Bliss Photography http://www.blissphotographymn.com/

Catching Up Again.. Duluth and the Cities

We were able to take off a bit early on Friday and actually get up to Duluth before the kids bedtime!  Friday night the kids had a great time hanging out and got to bed a bit late.  Elicia and Rachel were able to relax and visit, while Brett watched Shawn ref a highschool hockey game.



Saturday morning we all headed to Home Depot for their kid craft time.  Each of the kids made their own holiday frame- with mom and dad's help.  Saturday afternoon the kids played and got excited for Bentleyville.  Unfortunately, Shay started not feeling so well (she told us her legs and head hurt), but wanted to go.  At Bentleyville she really started feeling sick, so she and Brett headed back early.  But, we were all able to see Santa, Ms. Claus, and get cookies and hot chocolate!  We were so bummed for Shay, because I think she was the person most excited to see it.  Its a good reason to make sure we come back next year!




Shay not looking too well


Good looking, healthy Burns family


Only family shot we got since Shay was a bit sick

Next year-- we are aiming for a whole group shot!


Last weekend we headed up to cities to celebrate Angie and Pete's birthdays.  The girls stayed with grandma and grandpa while mom and dad joined Amie, Pete, Angie and Evan for a fun night together.  We were able to have lots of snacks (thanks Amie) along with some good drinks.  We ended the night at the Lookout Bar where Brett and Angie were able to dance.
Sunday was a crazy weather day- but it didn't stop Shay and Rachel from heading to the ballet with Kristina and Faith.  The girls did a great job during the show, ate well at Baker's Square afterwards and endured our almost 3 hour trip home (because of the snow storm)!


Shay and Mom all ready for the ballet