I have missed this blog. I have missed the entire blogging world these past ten weeks. I have spent the last ten weeks getting to know a great first grade class at Pillsbury Elementary. My time with them is now over, and it is time to get back to everything that I have put on hold. Including the blog.
I cannot even dream of catching up...we have been so busy. So I decided to choose ten things that have happened to our family over the last ten weeks (not in exact order).
End of last year, Ry entered the world of teenagers. Last month, he had some friends over to celebrate...a Minecraft LAN party. Complete with Minecraft cake by grandma Ginger. I will find pictures. Funny how Ry keeps aging and I haven't changed a bit.
My grandmother Hamer passed away at the age of 93 1/2. I had the privileged of taking Gail to say good-bye. It was a touching morning. There was a wonderful ceremony to honor her life. Many different family members came into town. It was great to be all together during this time.
Emily and I got to go see The Lion King. Such a great show. Next time it is in town, I am bringing the boys too. I highly recommend this show!
Andrew participated in his first Pinewood Derby. He didn't win, but he had a great time, and learned a bunch. Next year may be his year!
Emily danced at the Timberwolves game. The Target Stadium was packed. Attendance broke records. Unfortunately, the wolves lost in the last minute of the game. But, boy was that 1/2 time show incredible! In the last ten weeks, she also had her Mall of America show too. Again, a great performance. I love watching her dance!
Emily got to be in the school play, The High Schoolers Guide to the Galaxy. She played Beth. It is a super cute play. She had a great time participating in the show and making new friends. A star was born!
Totoro got out a few times. He is super fast and very hard to catch. Each time he escapes, a small miracle happens and we get him back. Also, catching him usually becomes a neighborhood event. Today, I stopped him from eating a box of light bulbs. I really think he has a death wish.
Andrew was baptized. We had the baptism and then went out for Chinese buffet..a family tradition.
Andrew learned to ride a bike. There is no stopping him now. He is constantly looking for someone to ride with around the neighborhood. We even took our first bike trip to the zoo. We finally have an entire family of bikers.
I finished my student teaching experiences. I am happy to say that I was on time EVERY morning...which means that I was out of the house by 6 am. I really loved the experience, but I am happy to have me days back.
After lunch, we were feeling the need for either a nap or a good walk. The walk won, and we decided to go to the zoo.
It is so close and convenient..and there are cute little penguins.
These penguins are wobbly, playful and so gosh darn cute.
Yes, we saw all the different animals, even got to touch a few sharks and stingrays. Did you know that stingrays are surprisingly silky and friendly?
Thank you Lauren for the fun visit. We already miss you.
She came to visit for an extended weekend of fun! After seeing Hunger Games and having a delicious Indian lunch buffet with the entire Minnesota family
Our first stop was Skyzone in Oakdale. This is the trampoline mecca. It is great fun and a great workout. Is it bad to admit that after pretty much 10 minutes, I was ready for a break? 
Breaks are for wimps.
"We" jumped into foam pits.
We jumped high
"We" jumped off the walls. I still can't figure that out (although everyone else seems to have no problem with it).
"We" looked cute and fun as we posed for pictures.
Definitely, WE all had an incredible time.
Walking around an amusement park is a great way to bond with cousins.
Defying death is a great way to bond with cousins.
Anticipating the scariest hill in the park is a great way to bond with cousins...and aunts.
Eating together at the food court is a great way to bond with cousins...from both sides of the family.
Waiting in lines together is a great way to bond with cousins....
Riding the Blues Clues ride is a great way to enjoy our MN cousins.
Skipping the rides, but winning a big prize is a great way to impress us all!
End of last year, Ry entered the world of teenagers. Last month, he had some friends over to celebrate...a Minecraft LAN party. Complete with Minecraft cake by grandma Ginger. I will find pictures. Funny how Ry keeps aging and I haven't changed a bit.
My grandmother Hamer passed away at the age of 93 1/2. I had the privileged of taking Gail to say good-bye. It was a touching morning. There was a wonderful ceremony to honor her life. Many different family members came into town. It was great to be all together during this time.
Emily and I got to go see The Lion King. Such a great show. Next time it is in town, I am bringing the boys too. I highly recommend this show!
Andrew participated in his first Pinewood Derby. He didn't win, but he had a great time, and learned a bunch. Next year may be his year!
Emily danced at the Timberwolves game. The Target Stadium was packed. Attendance broke records. Unfortunately, the wolves lost in the last minute of the game. But, boy was that 1/2 time show incredible! In the last ten weeks, she also had her Mall of America show too. Again, a great performance. I love watching her dance!
Emily got to be in the school play, The High Schoolers Guide to the Galaxy. She played Beth. It is a super cute play. She had a great time participating in the show and making new friends. A star was born!
Totoro got out a few times. He is super fast and very hard to catch. Each time he escapes, a small miracle happens and we get him back. Also, catching him usually becomes a neighborhood event. Today, I stopped him from eating a box of light bulbs. I really think he has a death wish.
Andrew was baptized. We had the baptism and then went out for Chinese buffet..a family tradition.
Andrew learned to ride a bike. There is no stopping him now. He is constantly looking for someone to ride with around the neighborhood. We even took our first bike trip to the zoo. We finally have an entire family of bikers.