Children's Museum

Mav, Brody & Mara had fun in the water area.

The little aprons were so cute.

The two little ones had a lot of fun splashing. They were soaking wet by the end.

He loved the bubbles!

They got to race boats down the water.

They all stopped at the car and the little two got to drive.

Maverick painting his own face in case you couldn't tell.

Fossil dig.

It wouldn't be complete without sitting on the dinosaur.

Who knew that the Children's Museum was loaded with tons of fun stuff perfect for their age? I wish I would've known earlier and that it wasn't in St. Paul, the exact place I do not want to travel to on weekends. I will say that it's clear at their age that having a 1:1 adult:child ratio is essential. It was way too much without that, but still worth it.

Cousin Love

Claire & Max came for Friday pizza/movie night.

Mara stopped by and enjoyed some animal crackers and a quick snuggle with Mav.

I'm not sure what was so appealing about the Lego bin, but Mara spent a lot of time in it!

Family Traditions

My little helper isn't afraid to get his hands dirty while making krub (blood dumplings).

Since he didn't care for adding the raw side pork that helps hold the dumpling shape, he got the salt and pepper job, adding just the "right" amount to each dumpling.

This is the mixing process: equal parts grated potatoes and blood, then lots and lots of flour. Note Mav in the background being held.

Mav & Omi - That boy can find a lap to sit in anywhere.

And Papa is always willing to hold Mav. Brody was this age when he first helped make krub. Mav was more interested in playing or hanging out on laps and trying to get homemade cookies.

We went to my Grandma and Grandpa Docken's a week ago to help make krub, a family tradition. It's worth all of the prep and waiting, because the end result of krub and side pork is delicious. I think I'm getting closer and closer to having the process memorized.

My Birthday

The boys wait patiently for cake.

Candle time.

Multi-colored cake and bright blue frosting, yum!

I could tell you a great story about that cake the next day, but I'll spare you. Blue frosting in kids should come with a warning though.

My friend, Kelly has a birthday the same week as I do. She's watched the boys for us a lot and they love playing with her! Even Mav can say "Kelly".

Around Home

Both boys now love movies. When we need sweet sweet silence, the iPad to the rescue.

Mara came over for a visit, she brings out the sweetness in others. Mostly she just makes others look like trouble makers because she's so good.

Mav often gets into playing with the playhouse all by himself. I love moments when I realize he's been quiet for awhile because he's playing instead of getting into trouble.

I can't wait to move on to warm days with the windows open. I look forward to getting into the car without bundling up and going outside with a light jacket on. In the meantime, here are a few pictures around the house.

Snow Much Fun

Brody is his snow tunnel in the front yard.

Daddy & Mav in the backyard.

They discovered deep snow once they started digging.

Deep enough for Brody and Mav to sit in:)

Last skiing adventure of the season. We went to Buck for the morning.

An adventure at Afton Alps.

Toddler in snow bibs...so cute!

Playing in the melting snow puddles.

He was riding his bike then he wanted to create a path for the water to flow. Normally he doesn't walk around wearing a helmet.

Teamwork!

Catching up with winter photos during February and March. It's not always easy to go outside, but both boys really have fun in the snow!

Brody's 4th Birthday Party

Brody in his Curious George birthday shirt.

Blowing out the candles on his super cute Curious George birthday cake (made by Mary Dee).

All of the kids love opening presents. They all had fun breaking in Brody's new fire station/police station/house play set!

There were nine little monkeys at the party.

They no longer all fit on the couch together.

Before bed, Brody set up his play set all nice and neat. I love the detail. The three people are all sitting together on the couch lounging, the puppies are in the garage with their bed and food dish, and the vehicles are parked.