March 31, 2024

March extras


The boys were given a whole bunch of Pokemon cards.
Grace at a farm themed birthday party.
our first flowers of the year
teaching a 3 year old to do a cartwheel
charging into April

March 29, 2024

Happy Birthday Leo


Grace and I were the only ones at home when Leo woke up.  He asked me to make cherry pastry, a family favorite recipe, for breakfast.  We put candles in his pastry and sang to him.  He was only allowed to open Grace's present before school.
Grace wore her cupcake earrings for Leo's birthday.
I joined Leo for lunch with Taco Bell as requested.
I asked Leo if he wanted to bring any treats to school for his birthday.  He brought a box of 72 fruit roll ups.  He was the most popular kid in 5th grade!
He was able to open more presents after he got home from school.  Harrison gave Leo his old bow with arrows.  Leo was thrilled.
He wanted a cookie cake with balloons.
He wanted to go to Red Robin for dinner.
Cookie cake, cards, gifts, calls and another song to round out the evening.  He had a great birthday and has a few presents yet to collect on.
Leo was born on a Wednesday with Easter the next Sunday.  This year, Leo's birthday was on a Wednesday and Easter is the Sunday after.  It brings back all the feels.
You've come a long way baby!

March 28, 2024

Leo's birthday interview


How old are you? eleven
What is your favorite color? white
What is your favorite toy? soccer trading cards
What is your favorite food? cherry pastry
What is your favorite snack? war heads and Oreos
What do you like to drink? milk, water, root beer
What is your favorite TV show? Premier League Soccer and NBA
What is your favorite movie? Fox and the Hound
What is your favorite book? The One And Only Ivan
What's your best school subject? math
Who are your best friends? Adam, Alex, Lizzie, Kyle, Kaden, Allison, Harrison, Grace, Dad, Mom
What do you like to do outside? soccer, basketball, trampoline, go to the beach
What is your favorite song? Haaland Song
What makes you happy? being outside and the love of family
What makes you sad? not being able to play outside because of weather
What do you like to do with Mom? basketball
What do you like to do with Dad? soccer
What do you like to do with Harrison? annoy him
What do you like to do with Grace? shenanigans
What do you want to be when you grow up? a professional soccer player

He asked our custom shirt lady to make him a Haaland jersey shirt for his birthday. He wore it all day.
11 years of Leo awesomeness

Grace's award


Back in November I received an email from the art teacher at school.  She said that Grace's artwork had been selected for a school division contest and asked that I sign a permission slip allowing her picture to be submitted.  Fast forward to March 1st and I get an email inviting us to an event recognizing Grace's outstanding entry in the Reflections contest.  We weren't even sure what the contest was or what Grace did until we got there.  Grace received second place in a category that included all Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and Second grade students in 24 elementary schools.
The theme was I am hopeful because...  Grace couldn't remember exactly what she drew or why she was hopeful because she did it so long ago.  What an accomplishment to get awarded for something you can't remember doing. 😊
The principal and PTA president came to support her.
that's the school superintendent
Grace was so happy to get a medal!  We are so proud of her!

March 19, 2024

St. Patrick's Day


Leo & Grace had fun celebrating St. Patrick's Day at school and the amusement park (Harrison was at a campout).
But when it was actually St. Patrick's Day, Grace was the only one who wanted to participate.  She really loves knowing that she's Irish, and she likes to pose!
Regardless of the level of enthusiasm, we were all ready to celebrate when Jeff came home from Germany on March 17!  He was there for a two week military exercise.  However, due to a German airport workers strike, it was unsure when he would make it home.  Luckily, he was only one day late.  We really did have the luck of the Irish to get him back!
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀