Como Zoo Boo!

This past Sunday we went to Como Zoo for the 'Zoo Boo.' This was my first year, but the kids'/Josiah's second year-
and they were thrilled! Ethan went as a pirate (I know, no surprise there!) and Naomi was supposed to be a fairy
princess. But in her '2 year old' rebellion- she refused the costume and just went as herself. I carried the wings and magic
wand around in hopes that she'd change her mind, but she didn't. Oh well!
Ethan's favorite part of Zoo Boo was: Star Wars characters!!
Naomi's favorite part: candy!

We had a wonderful time taking pictures and following the trail... a lovely fall evening with the fam.

Sunshine & Summertime

A few pictures from the backyard... lots of warm sunshine so far this summer- and we're loving it. The kids have 2 favorite things: corn on the cob and water/sprinklers. They just can't get enough! Ethan hooked up a sprinkler the other night and proceeded to remove his clothing (thankfully he left his undies on!) and his sister quickly followed his example. SO, there they were- undies and cloth diaper-clad, running through the sprinkler, laughing, squealing and happy. It made me smile- I must admit... so cute!
And the corn... they're addicted. They make corn into a meal- 2 cobs a piece! I know- that's a lot of corn for little people, right?! But, they love it.
Happy Summer!

Naomi's new bed

Naomi recently climbed out of her crib, so we moved her into her big girl bed. The twin bed has lots of room and she was used to sleeping in the corner of her crib, so it's been an adjustment for her. I thought she was doing pretty well until a couple nights ago. My evening ritual is to check on both the kids before I go to bed. I make sure their covers are on, kiss their cheeks and thank God for them. Plus, I just love to look at their sweet, peaceful faces as they sleep. Well, I checked on Naomi and she wasn't in her bed. Hmm... looked on the floor, no. Looked up and she was sleeping in a ball on the glider! Hilarious. I gently moved her to bed- after snapping a pic of course! Then, the next night, starting the ritual again, open N's door. No Naomi in bed. Check the glider. Nope. Oh my! I found her sleeping on the changing pad which is on top of her dresser. She had climbed up on the glider and then onto the dresser. My little stinker! Poor girl just wants a tiny space to sleep in! Off to make sure she's napping in the bed still! ha ha... ;)

A little sibling love

For the most part the kids get along. I have fairly low expectations from my 2 & 4 year old, simply because, well, they're 2 & 4. We gently encourage sharing, apologizing, taking turns. Sometimes it works, other times there's screaming, hitting and crying. But, somedays, there's just love. Hugs, kisses, giggles & laughter. Music to my ears. My sweeties- a blessing- everyday!

Easter Egg Hunt

It's Good Friday- we went to Andrew's Park in Champlin for an Easter Egg Hunt. There were TONS of people/kids! And we scored 6 eggs total! WHOA!!! It was completely insane, but the
kids loved it and enjoyed their 3 pieces of candy on the grass at the park. My two sweet chicks- Happy Easter!

Happy 2nd Birthday Naomi & Happy Bday Grandpapa!!

Last night we had Naomi/Grandpapa's Birthday party! SOOOO much fun- and it was 80 degrees outside (April 1st)... wow! We all went out to El Toro for some yummy Mexican food, then back to our house for presents and 2 (yes, 2) amazing cakes from Truffles & Tortes. I have to admit, I feel a twinge of guilt for not making a homemade cake, but these cakes are so divine- I just decided that cake-making is not my 'thing.'
Naomi got a Bitty Baby, shopping cart, wood blocks, new summer tank tops, a misty sprinkler, books and more! So many lovely gifts- she was delighted! I think it was almost too much to take in for her! But, she's playing with everything this morning and having a blast. We're so blessed to have such a sweet baby girl! We love you Naomi Jean!

No snow in March?!

Well, I'm not complaining one bit. It's a record and I'm happy about it-- no snow in March!
The kids have been thrilled to spend morning, afternoon, and night outside in the yard. Baseball, basketball, soccer, tag (E's personal fave), sliding, playing w/chalk, and on and on... so many fun
things to do! And I was starting to get a little stir-crazy inside, so I am thankful for the warm weather! Hello Spring- we're so happy you're here!!

Fun in the Sun!

I am just LOVING this weather!
It's perfect... high 30's, sunny, melting snow, large puddles. What else could a kid (or parent) ask for? Ethan was more than happy to join me and Naomi on a walk today. We put on boots (Naomi has inherited Ethan's old rainboots!) and set out. Puddles, snow-packed hills for Ethan to climb. Bridges to cross, snow to eat... it was exactly what we needed. A little 'fun in the sun!' Seriously... I've been feeling the Spring-fever, so I was thankful for an hour outside. We came home with soggy, dripping wet boots (oh well!), soaked mittens (already washed and dried by the way!), wet knees & bums, and rosey cheeks. But, we were happy! We'd laughed, run, slipped, and enjoyed being together. These are the moments that I cherish with my loves. Thank you God for sunny days and snow!

Our New Obsession!

The new obsession in the Smith household is homemade yogurt pops! We have those old-school Tupperware popsicle molds but they updated them with cool, Mickey Mouse ear 'sticks.' So I used them last summer then put them away. But, snack time has been a little boring around here, so I broke out the molds and we started mixing. Yogurt, juice, milk, creme fraiche, whipping cream, frozen berries, chocolate, cocoa powder, honey, bananas to name just a few of our yummy organic ingredients!! Blend in the magic bullet and it's pure yumminess on a stick! Seriously- the kids are CRAZY for these- a batch makes 6 popsicles and they each want 3/day! Naomi stands in front of the freezer jumping up & down begging for another! I've created monsters!! But, they are a healthy snack, so I can't complain too much!! Here are my happy campers showing off their blueberry mouths!

No-Nap Naomi

Like any other day, Naomi went down for her nap and was chatting away. She tends to do this so I didn't really think anything of it. But, after an HOUR of chatting, I decided I better check on her. Dirty diaper? No. Ok, so I gave her back all of her nap essentials (lovey, pacifier, blankie) that she had chucked out of the crib and said, "Time for naptime. Go to sleep" and left to exercise. Well, she never fell asleep, so I gave in and went to get her.
WOW. I opened the door to a pant-less and diaper-less babe! Smiling from ear to ear and yelling, "I pee!" I instantly checked the crib sheet. Dry. Hmm... I guess she was just telling me she was wet. Ok. But, she's never done that before- she managed to remove her cloth diaper, wool longies. and toss the crib items back out. She was happy as a lark tho, so I had to video tape it for future reference! My little Nomi...

Happy 4th Birthday Ethan!

Wow. My son is 4! I can't believe it! Seems like yesterday he was just a baby-- let's see, at this point 4 years ago... I was still on Pitocin and slowly but surely making progess. He wasn't born until a little after 9 pm. Ethan Graeme- we are so blessed to have you! You are growing up into such a big boy- doing so well at preschool. Learning to drum, play guitar. You love to play with your trains (the Thomas ones are your new favorites- and thanks to Grammy/Papa Smith for supplying the new trains!) on the traintable. You're learning to write your name and you've almost got it- that 'a' is a little tricky!

Today Ethan is still recovery from his cough so he stayed home from preschool. I made his favorite- chocolate chip pancakes, then homemade cheese pizza, and I bought a piece of chocolate cake so we could still sing Happy Birthday in style until the party on Saturday!

Grammy/Papa Smith gave Ethan's gifts to Josiah when he stopped by with the band last week- so we opened those today- such fun things!! Drum shirts, a Drum DVD, a new Thomas train, books, activity books, a drum ornament, and more!

We love your pirate wink, your silly smile, your laughter when we tickle your toes/belly, your jokes, your sensitive heart, your love for reading the Bible and praying, your love for your sister and I could go on....

Happy Birthday Mr. E! We love you!

Children's Museum Fun!

Last Wednesday we got to host my friend, Krista, and her 2 kids- Ayden & Elsie. We went to the museum for a day of fun with the new Dinosaur exhibit. Naomi was quite intrigued by the large dinosaurs, flapping her arms and saying, "hi! hi!" I actually thought she'd be scared- guess I was wrong! They also enjoyed digging for fossils. Of course, how could we escape the music room... songs and a monitor where the kids can see themselves- it doesn't get any better for our kids! I think they would have stayed there all day! It was a great day of discovery, imagination, and fun! Check out Ethan's face coloring... quite unique (thanks to Krista for helping!)

A Smith Family Christmas!

We went to Iowa this past weekend to celebrate with Josiah's family! It was lots of fun... presents, food, Vallarie's Christmas concert at church, photos, and lots of playing!

The cousins played so well- we're looking forward to lots of fun years ahead!

Thanks to my in-laws for hosting us- it's always a great time- wish we didn't live

6 hrs apart! But I am thankful for portable DVD players for car trips... you saved my sanity!

Merry Christmas!

Fish Faces!

Who doesn't love a cute fish face? Just had to share!!

Pumpkin Carving

We had a play date with Grammy & Grandpapa today! We played at the MG Maze, had lunch at Biaggi's (yum!) and carved pumpkins while Naomi napped. Sorry Nomi- we still have 2 pumpkins that need carving tho!
This is our tradition with G&G- so much fun- and this year was the best so far. Ethan was very excited to carve and used his carving tool very carefully. We made a good team! Grammy helped Ethan scoop out all of the pumpkin seeds/guts and Grandpapa carved his pumpkin all by himself- with Ethan's approval of course.
Such a fun day inside- despite the dreary rain outside. We love you G&G!

Pine Tree... a family tradition

A perfect breeze, warm sun, and apples. What could be better?! We love Pine Tree Apple Orchard and spent the day having fun after a yummy brunch at Keys Cafe in White Bear Lake. Yummmmm....
First, a little posing in the face cut-outs (always fun!), then we took a walk up to the orchards. We made E pose for us (cheesy smile pic) and then saw the tall corn. That was Ethan's favorite part- he is addicted to corn! Pumpkin-picking was next on the list- and the patch just opened today so we had the whole patch to pick from (usually we go later in the season when the pickings are slim!) and E & J picked some top-notch pumpkins. Back down the trail for the real fun- eating and buying apples! J LOVES the yummy apple treats they sell- so he made his way to the food. I bought some Honeycrisp apples and apple donuts... oh, and a caramel apple for me!
A folk duo entertained the crowd outside- so we joined in! Great music, a little dancing, and then, some tired kids. Back home with everyone asleep in the car. It was a wonderful day for our yearly visit to Pine Tree. See you next year!!

Fun with Dad

I asked J to return a CD to the library last weekend when I was working... so off he went with the kids. As he was getting closer to the library he saw the Champlin City Center was alive with activity! The firetrucks were out, police cars, jumping things for the kids, food- what more could a dad ask for when he's single-parenting?!
The kids became jr. fireman and policeman (very cool!), they jumped and jumped their hearts out, E got an ice cream cone painted on his face (boy, did he love that) and they went on a tour on the tractor.
The very boring errand that mom asked them to do turned out to be a great day of fun- plus a long nap time- which makes for a happy dad!

The Smith Family Band

Well, more accurately, the kids/dad family band. Ethan told me I was in charge of macaroni-making long ago, so that's my role in the band... I guess. Such a sweet family moment to watch my very talented husband jam with Ethan and Naomi. They were in music-heaven! Maybe someday they can actually play as a family! I'm a very proud mama of my rock-star fam.

Vintage Toy Fun

There's nothing better than Vintage Fisher Price toys... in my opinion. Luckily, Stacey and Dana- the Master shoppers with Happy Day Vintage find all sorts of great stuff for me to buy!

This time around- the xylophone and record player.

The kids were delighted! Naomi loves the xylophone and Ethan adores the record player- trying out the different records and bopping his head to the beat!
A great morning to play with some great toys!

Boating fun

We spent the day with Grandpapa and Grammy on the Lake. The weather was beautiful and the lake was calm and beautiful! The kids played in the sprinkler, threw the ball to Murphy, and then we went for a boat ride. Ethan was our captain (with some help from Grandpapa) and Naomi enjoyed consuming an entire ice cream cone by herself! Everyone was happy... then Grandpapa grilled a yummy dinner for us- what a great day! We love you!!!