Pinewood Derby: The Making of...

This is Ryan's first year participating in the cub scout pinewood derby. We got our kit and sat around with it for a few weeks, then we found out we had 6 days until the big event. We decided it was time to call in reinforcements and get started. Grandpa Bill got to help Ryan through this BIG process. There was the design, the cutting, the sanding, the painting, the decals, the wheels, the clear finish, and the fixing and then the finished product. It was a bunch of work and a bunch of time. Ryan LOVED doing this project. He learned so much about tools and painting and decals. He loved working with Grandpa Bill. Ryan is very proud of his car. Now tonight is the race. Keep your fingers crossed! Don't worry, for all you out-of-towners, I will put up a short video of the race. You won't miss it. : )

What is it about a sleeping child...X3?

Why is it so great to see a sleeping child? I always feel a sigh relief when I know they are finally on their way to dreamland. It is also in that moment I realize all the responsible moms get ready for the next day...maybe some even clean up the house. Me? Lately I head straight for the couch and veg out. This shot was taken after a busy day and a fun evening at Grandma Ginger and Grandpa Bill's house. They were having a much loved overnight. I will let you guess who loves these overnights the best. You know what? Come to think of it I sleep in this same position too!

Alice meets the family

As you can see, Alice is being accepted into the Apple Valley household. Alice has managed to remain in her cage like a good little snake. She does get to come out and play though. Today was Andrew's first time holding her. I told him I just wanted to take a picture of him looking at the snake. He agreed and came down the stairs. Emily was having so much fun with her that he ran to the bathroom and washed his hands and tells us he wants to hold her now. He did it. I told him he is much braver than his mommy. FYI Ryan is not pictured today because he is sick on the couch...but he really likes Alice.

Now you guys can witness Andrew enjoying Alice. Also notice how clean my house is..very impressive! Isn't Andrew's laugh so cute? I have to say it is definately cute!

Alice joins our home

Yes..you all see correctly. This a picture of a new living thing at our home. This is also a picture of what happens when your husband goes on Craig's list on his own. This picture doesn't do it justice..it is close to two feet long. Emily is absolutely excited about Alice and constantly wants to get it out of its cage. Ryan thought it was great. Andrew looks at it through the cage and was excited to see it this morning and show me it was under the log thing in its home. We will be having daily random, "is Alice in her cage?" checks. Of course Erik likes it a bunch. Now that brings us to my reaction. For the record I have not been a big fan of snakes. That being said, I have a scared fascination with Alice. It reminds me of my pet lizard. I was in grade school and for some reason I came home from Southdale (the local mall) with this scary pet. I was terrified of it. When it was time to clean the cage I had to have someone else take it out of the cage and I was in the other room hoping it would not jump on me. I guess it was an adrenalin rush. Well, as time went on the lizard died. I actually waited a day or so to clean out the cage. I had my mom help dump the contents of the cage into a garbage bag. (which I will not do for my kids when it is time for Alice's Funeral) I kid you not it jumped out of the bag and in my memory landed on me. I don't know who was more scared, me or the thing getting thrown out. It lived for awhile after that too. So our dear Alice is now in my life and I am scared fascinated with it too. Fear not, I will be no where near its feeding times or cleaning of the cage time. I am also not to sure I will EVER open the cage on my own. But, I will stare at it, cringe at it and be happy for my kiddos (Erik included). Now it better not escape or I will be moving out of the house until it is found...not joking!!

Emily on Ice

Emily and Erik have started ice skating together. They both got skates for Christmas and have been several times together. This is a video of Emily's second time on her skates. She is doing a great job. It is fun that most of the parks here in MN have ice rinks and warming houses. She is already planning a July ice skating birthday party...indoors of course.

Snow is Falling All Around

We are still in the "we love snow" part of the winter. It is so fun to wake up on a Saturday morning and open the windows and find a snowy backyard. It just makes me want to grab a hot chocolate, cozy blanket, a good book and enjoy.