Griffin's 2nd Birthday Party

The helpers. Rita and Katie.

Tonight we celebrated Griffin's 2nd birthday. He doesn't turn 2 until May 28th, but it worked out best to have the party now.

Our big boy. We love you so!

The "Ruby".

Classic, confused, "what?" look she gives. She has the cutest haircut now, so we call her our little Dutch girl.

Grandpa Ralph and Ben catching up on the couch.

Grandma Gerry

Noah was being too quiet on the porch so I peeked in to see what he was up to. This. He successfully emptied the entire toy bin in a matter of 3 minutes. Funny guy.

Ruby was LOVING the Arnold Palmers we were drinking with supper tonight. Grandma Avonne was nice enough to share with her. No, there was no booze in it.

May be one of the last family pictures we have as a family of 3. It really does make me a little sad in a way, but also really excited to have another baby join our family. We are just starting another chapter in our lives. Griff is going to be an awesome big brother.

Our Ruby Rae just makes herself at home while opening present. She plopped right down on Griff's lap!

Ben and I got Griffin a Ukulele and recordable microphone.

Soaking up the spotlight. He thought this was pretty awesome.

Checking out the Harley Davidson "motorcycle" Grandma Val and Grandpa Steve got him.

Getting close! 3 weeks (or less?) to go!

Brownies

Griff and his coursin Katie Bakken at Easter. She's the youngest of the clan... but she had 5 older brothers looking out for her!

Griffin and I made brownies last week. Sampling the product.



Yummy!






"Cheese!"

Nesting? Thanks Ben.

Spring

Ben's parents Don and Avonne on Don's 77th brithday at the end of March.

We had the Estate Sale at their home April 30/May 1, which was a BIG success. Then this past Friday/Saturday, we had a garage sale to try and sell a few more things. It wasn't quite as successful as the estate sale, but everything was donated to the Goodwill after this sale. Their garage looks AWESOME, and they can park both cars in it!

"Cheese!" Griff LOVES riding his bike. He can't reach the peddles, but that doesn't stop him from going!

A trip to Groth Impliment in Wanamingo to sit on the lawn mowers. Always a hit.

Driving tractor.

This was taken on Ben's 29th brithday, April 20th. We went to the Covered Bridge for supper. It was fun and the food was good!

Estate Sale!!

Ben's parents are downsizing within the year and are having an estate sale at their home.

Where: 100 West Minnesota St. Cannon Falls, MN

When: Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st 9am-3pm.

They remodeled their old church into their 6,000 sq. ft. home 10 years ago. It is beautiful, but there is too much stuff! Just wanted to share it with you all. She has great decorating taste, an antiquer's dream! MANY pieces of furniture, linens, tons of home decor, housewares, tools, antiques, dishes, sports memorabilia etc.

Here is a link to their website: e-statesales.com. Check it out!

For Sale

Ben is selling his 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. It's a 4 cylinder, 2.4 Liter, 5 speed manual transmission. Has 111,000 miles and gets great gas mileage. We are asking $4,995 or best offer. It has new snow tires, new rotors and drives great in the winter. There is a small ding by the tail light, otherwise clean! It is parked at Mom and Dad's if anyone wants to look at it. Tell your friends!

Bed and Birthday

Griff's new big-boy bed, equipped with brand new car sheets and toddler rail.

SO EXCITED!!!

Happy 1st Birthday to our favorite little girl- Ruby Rae! Went to Katie and Jeff's house on Saturday to celebrate Ruby turning one.

Griff at the birthday party.

Being super cute in the stairway, talking to his daddy.

Transition

Griffin has officially become a big boy. He is out of the crib and into a big-boy bed!

Over the last week of illness, Griff hasn't slept in his own bed- which Ben and I are understanding of. However, now that the fever is gone and he is back to good health, we don't feel the need for him to be sleeping in our bed at night.

But he still did.

So we thought he might be phasing out of his crib since it was a dramatic event every night when we try to put him to sleep. So last night, Ben, his parents and I set up a twin bed, dressed with NEW car/truck sheets, pillowcase and bedskirt. Griff was seemingly very excited about this big change happening in his bedroom! After a few books and cuddle sessions to get him to sleep, it was a success! Our little man slept (nearly) all night in his new bed. He looked so cute and little sleeping in that big bed all by himself. Ben and I were so proud of him. Our hope is tonight is just as successful. Pictures to come soon!

Influenza

The face of a boy with a 103.5 degree fever and refusing to take off his snowman pajamas.

Yup, the three of us were home this week with influenza. Cough, runny nose, fever, body aches, chills and sweating. We had it all. But, on the positive side, I got to cuddle with Griff more than ever! We spent some quality time with Mouse, Curious George and Buddy- his three bedtime friends.

But after some time off from work, prescription medication and cuddling- we are on the mend.

26 Weeks

Gettin' there...

Feeling good still, I just dread taking my socks on and off. And picking anything up off the ground. I don't remember feeling this uncomfortable this early with my first pregnancy. But it will soon be over and I'll have a wonderful prize.

New thing- "picture Mama!" He's figured out that he gets to see himself after we take a picture.

Again?!?! How can I resist with a face like that?

Ben thinks it's just great to "tuck" Griff in anywhere, like the kitchen floor for example. Griff doesn't mind. As long as he has a soft blanket and something the drink- he's OK with it.

Just Stuff

Ben had tickets to a Wild hockey game through work, and I was lucky enough to go with! We had a fun night, just the two of us. However, by the third period, I was yawning.

Griff's buddy Simon Grove. They are going to get in a lot of trouble one day.

We went to Louie and Sally's house for supper last week and the boys played and played after supper. SOOOO fun to play with someone else's toys, including an awesome bulldozer!


"Hi Mama!" In the tub with his "guys, " Hulk, Mean Gene and The Shiek. Ben's wrestler guys from his childhood.

Lindell Winter gathering

Cheese!

Eating a yumy treat- a cupcake!

Sisters.

What a great idea "fishing" was! It was a HUGE hit with the kids.

Daddy and Griff fishing.

I'm not a good recorder of events, and I feel a little selfish. I only took pictures of my kid and sisters. That's it.

Growing...

What a beautiful day outside! Griff and I dressed up to go and play outside for an hour today before Ben came home. He had a blast! We have tried many other times to "play" in the snow, but it has always been too cold or windy for him to enjoy it. What a guy.

CHEESE!

22 weeks and feeling good! I still have some days when I'm really tired and sluggish, but other days I have endless energy! I like those days.

It was time for pajamas with a little "naked boy" time first! But Griff felt compelled to take off his diaper first.

Showing Katherine Stay our Christmas pictures, while taking off his diaper. She didn't mind.