Mini-getaway

The kids and I took a mini-getaway with my Mom last week (the BIG getaway is coming up later this week) We packed up my mom-mobile and headed north to Duluth for a few days of toddler focused fun and thankfully, the weather was perfect! I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I've been able to be outside in Duluth without a jacket. Yes, even in August it's cold up there! But, the sun was out and we enjoyed the summer heat. We slept at a hotel (a highlight for both kids!) and hit up nearly ever tourist attactraction in the city. By the time we got on the highway to begin our 3 hour drive home, the kids were soundly sleeping! We clearly had very tired kids after two days jam packed full of fun!

Now, about our BIG getaway....we've been counting down the months, and more recently the days, because we're heading south for a Disney Cruise! We'll be hanging out with Uncle Peter, Auntie Lynn, Miles, Grace, Grandma, and Grandpa as well as Mickey and the rest of the gang. Graham and Amelia are soooo excited and I'm confident they don't even understand what a cruise ship is or the amount of fun that is in store for them. Stay tuned for pictures of what I'm sure will be Graham and Amelia's version of heaven!

Lake Superior is COLD!

Hanging out in the rose garden

Hanging with Grandma

We took a harbor cruise and Mr. Confident walked right up to the captain to ask if he could drive the boat. Luckily, we had a very patient and friendly captain and sure enough, Graham steered the 'Vista Queen' and it's 200 passengers around the Duluth harbor!

Soccer Camp

Graham and Amelia attended soccer camp together last week. The word "camp" is probably misleading, since "camp" only lasted an hour each morning, but they both loved talking about how they went to "camp" all week long.

Both kids really enjoyed themselves, but I was surprised by how much Amelia LOVED it! Her personality in large groups is usually pretty shy and reserved, so I wondered how she would do. I kind of assumed that in both her ballet class and soccer camp, that she'd kind of hang back and follow the pack. How wrong I was! Amelia is truly a rule follower, and when a teacher or coach gives instructions, Amelia takes pride in doing it quickly and correctly. Can you say perfectionist?!?!?

Graham also really enjoyed himself but I really think his favorite part was hanging out with the "big boys"...aka coaches. Graham desperately wants to just hang out with the guys and the soccer coaches couldn't have been nicer to our chatty, always full of questions, Graham!

T-Ball

Graham's first t-ball season has come to an end. The grand finale tonight was a real game against another team. No scores were kept and each player was allowed to to cross home plate but I have to admit, the our 'Maroon Tigers' had a some trouble keeping up with the 'Orange Squid'. Watching a group of 4-6 year olds play an organized game was VERY entertaining. For every minute the kids spent focused on the game, they were totally distracted and playing in the sand for twice that amount of time. They goal was a fun season and I can say that Graham had a great time. Looks like we have another family milestone to cross off our list....the first season of an organized sport has come to an end....check!

At 4 years old, making it to 1st base is reason to celebrate!

With his t-ball certificate, the season is officially over. Great job, Graham!

Hot Fudge Sundae

Word on the street, is that today is 'National Hot Fudge Sundae' day. I never knew such a day existed, but thanks to facebook and my mother, we didn't miss out! After a quick dip in the pool, we all indulged in our ice cream treats. Is there anything better on summer evening than hot, sticky kids covered in chocolate and ice cream? Yes....a great evening was had by all!

The Playground

It's been hot (insanely hot) and humid (think foggy sunglasses the minute you step out of the house) the past week, but that doesn't stop these two from having fun at the playground!

Time for tennis!

Another little rite of passage was reached by Graham this morning...his very first tennis lesson! There is nothing cuter than a group of toddlers swatting at tennis balls and (most of the time) missing with pride. I love the enthusiasm of this age. Everything is done with such enthusiasm and gusto!

4th of July (a bit belated)

We spent nearly an entire week up at the lake for the 4th of July. It was heaven. The kids ate hot dogs, ice cream, Popsicles, more hot dogs, more ice cream, and more Popsicles. They went fishing, swam in the pool, swam in the lake, went for boat rides, and then did it all over again the next day. I think my kids would live at the lake house if the opportunity presented itself!

While up at the lake, I learned two things. First, Graham and Amelia are afraid, no SERIOUSLY AFRAID, of sunscreen that comes from an aerosol can. We switched to the lotion variety and life was good again.

And second, I learned that out of the blue, I still get choked up at the knowledge, that I am the Mommy of these two little miracles. As our boat took part in the boat parade around the lake, and I watched Graham and Amelia all decked out in red, white, and blue, proudly waving American flags, I was hit with an enormous amount of gratitude. Gratitude that the stars aligned exactly they way they were supposed to, on opposite sides of the world, at exactly the right time, which allowed our little American family to take shape. Life is exactly as it should be and for that, I am so grateful.

Happy 4th of July!

Lovin' life!

Also lovin' life!

First Kayak ride with Mommy!

Because Graham got a kayak ride, Amelia wanted one too. I repeated over, and over, and over, to her, that if she tried to stand up in the kayak it would tip over and we'd go into the weeds (I HATE weeds in the lake and I'm pretty sure Amelia wouldn't enjoy the experience either), and I was finally convinced she understood that her job was to sit still and enjoy. And enjoy the ride we did!