The Eli "ism": Last night we were dancing in the kitchen to some pretty groovy tunes and Eli was showing us his funkiest moves. I asked him where he got all of his moves from. He stopped, looked at me very seriously and replied, "from Target!" and then went right on dancing.
The Sadie "ism": We were in the car. Eli started the conversation, "Some cars are old, some buildings are old, some roads are old." Sadie added, "and dad's old..."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Wedding
I know that this blog is supposed to be about the kids, but it isn't very often that Dennis and I are in the same picture, let alone a picture when we're all dressed up and looking pretty good! How lucky for us to go to one of Dennis' very good friend's wedding this weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul without the kids! Yes, for the first time since we've had the kids, Dennis and I got to spend a WHOLE WEEKEND alone while Grandma watched the kids. OK, so we weren't really alone, we were hanging out with all of Dennis' college friends and we had an awesome time. In fact, I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun (or the last time that I stayed up past 2:30 in the morning partying). We ate good food (Nye's polka bar, which is completely still in it's perfectly retro form which was perfect for my current obsession with Mad Men and they had really awesome liver pate which rivals Whitey's, and breakfast at Keys with Dennis' sister and brother-in-law), I did some shopping in Uptown while Dennis watched the Vikings game with the guys, caught up with great friends, and partied like it was 1999!The bride and the groom went all out. On Saturday night, they rented out the bar at The Turf Club and had 2(!) bands one of which was an ELO cover band, and was such a blast (Dennis even danced, and for those of you who know Dennis know that that rarely happens). The wedding was on Sunday at Nicollet Pavillion and was whimsical (you should of heard the string quartet playing Sweet Child of Mine), the bride was dressed beautifully as a 1940s starlet and, of course, Chuck made everyone laugh. They even had a photo booth for pictures (you can see ours here).
I guess this my really long way of saying that I really love my kids, but it's really great to get away from them every once in awhile. I promise that we won't be doing this every month, but hopefully our next getaway won't be four years away!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Welcome Home Jewel!
Jewel made it home on Friday, September 11. There has been no lack of love for this kitten. She has been pretty much held non-stop for the past few days and we all adore her to pieces. She has been the source of many arguments: "It's my turn to hold her." "NO! It's my turn."We plan on Jewel being an indoor cat, because we live on a very busy street. But, we had to take her outside for a photo op!
When Dennis first met Jewel at the Humane Society he called her "the laziest cat ever" because she was super mellow. Well, she's livened up a bit, but she still lets the kids do pretty much whatever they want to her without even a meow. She just loves all of the attention.
When Dennis first met Jewel at the Humane Society he called her "the laziest cat ever" because she was super mellow. Well, she's livened up a bit, but she still lets the kids do pretty much whatever they want to her without even a meow. She just loves all of the attention.Friday, September 04, 2009
The Mighty Mississippi
When we lived in Ohio, people would ask me where we planned to live after Dennis finished school and my reply was usually "west of the Mississippi" not thinking that we'd end up living NORTH of the Mississippi. Itasca State Park is known as being the "headwaters of the Mississippi River". And here it is folks in all of its glory. The headwaters is shallow enough so you can say that you "walked across the Mississippi River."
Here is Sadie walking across the Mississippi.
Crossing the river on the rocks:
Crossing the river on a log (it doesn't look like it, but about 1 second after this picture was taken, Eli was trying to push his sister in. Sadie screamed like only Sadie can scream. They make their mother so proud!)
This is the tallest white pine in the United States...Ohhh, Ahhhh....
If you come visit, I promise that we'll go. You can even get a ribbon that says "I walked across the Mississippi." Seriously. I know you want one!
Here is Sadie walking across the Mississippi.
Crossing the river on the rocks:Crossing the river on a log (it doesn't look like it, but about 1 second after this picture was taken, Eli was trying to push his sister in. Sadie screamed like only Sadie can scream. They make their mother so proud!)This is the tallest white pine in the United States...Ohhh, Ahhhh....If you come visit, I promise that we'll go. You can even get a ribbon that says "I walked across the Mississippi." Seriously. I know you want one!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The Fire Ring
The latest addition to our backyard is a fire ring that Dennis and kids built. We've been enjoying it quite often considering how cool it is in the evening in Minnesota.
The kids like to roast marshmellows, but they do not like to eat roasted marshmellows. They like their marshmellows straight from the bag!
Mmmm.... SMORES!!
Enjoying the fruits of his labor:
The kids like to roast marshmellows, but they do not like to eat roasted marshmellows. They like their marshmellows straight from the bag!
Mmmm.... SMORES!!Enjoying the fruits of his labor:
Friday, August 28, 2009
A New Family Member
We'd like you to meet Jewel, our newest family member. Jewel is an 8 week old 1/2 Siamese, 1/2 domestic short hair kitten. She is still living at the Bemidji Humane Society until she is fixed (their rule) which isn't until Sept. 10. We can bring her home on Sept. 11. 
We have been going to visit her everyday. Playing with kittens is a great way to spend an hour. Eli and Sadie have really taken to her. They talk about her all day and can't wait until she comes home.
Luckily, Jewel is super laid-back and can tolerate the kids and their silly games. Sadie carries her around like a baby, tries to force feed her, and comes her fur constantly. Eli tries to get her to chase a jingling ball but she usually just runs and slides across the floor. She is so adorable, and cuddly. We love her already!
We have been going to visit her everyday. Playing with kittens is a great way to spend an hour. Eli and Sadie have really taken to her. They talk about her all day and can't wait until she comes home.
Luckily, Jewel is super laid-back and can tolerate the kids and their silly games. Sadie carries her around like a baby, tries to force feed her, and comes her fur constantly. Eli tries to get her to chase a jingling ball but she usually just runs and slides across the floor. She is so adorable, and cuddly. We love her already!Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Down On the Farm
I'm not sure how many kids you can legally have on a tractor, but 6 fit ok along with an adult so we'll go with 7. While visiting Grandma and Grandpa S. they got the tractor running and rides were in order!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Little Peer Pressure Never Hurt
Eli's best buddy in Columbus, Luke, learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels last weekend. We showed the video to Eli and he said that he too wanted to ride his bike without training wheels. So, we removed them and about 5 minutes later he was riding. He still needs some work on starting himself, steering while keeping his balance and stopping, but he is staying upright as long as he's going straight. I think the other things will come pretty quickly. Nothing like a little peer pressure to motivate a four year old.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Eli's 4th Birthday
On Sunday, August 16 we celebrated Eli's 4th birthday. He had a dinosaur themed party and invited the few friends he has here in Bemidji. This is the smallest party Eli has ever had, but it is the first time that family has been able to attend a birthday event so he was tickled even if it wasn't huge.
The kids decorated little pails with stickers then went on a dinosaur dig out in the sandbox.
They got distracted by all of the frogs that we have in the backyard and had a frog race too.
The birthday boy opening presents. He was very pleased with his haul. He got a soccer ball and net, a wheelbarrow, a remote controlled car, tons of new matchbox cars and a beta fish that he has named "Dorfy".
Grandma Z. made Eli a "meat-eater cake:
Making a wish:
The kids decorated little pails with stickers then went on a dinosaur dig out in the sandbox.They got distracted by all of the frogs that we have in the backyard and had a frog race too.The birthday boy opening presents. He was very pleased with his haul. He got a soccer ball and net, a wheelbarrow, a remote controlled car, tons of new matchbox cars and a beta fish that he has named "Dorfy".Grandma Z. made Eli a "meat-eater cake:Making a wish: His actual birthday was a much much quieter day. We just went out for icecream at Coldstone. Eli got mint with M&Ms and marshmellows. I can't believe he's four. Time does go by so fast!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Lake Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park is only a hop, skip and a jump for us. The kids enjoy playing in the woods, going for bike rides and playing in the sand. They're really not lake swimmers yet and really I don't blame them. It's been way too cold in the northland this summer to swim and the water is icy! Maybe it'll be warmer next year! 
COUSINS!!!
In our first weeks here we went to the annual Sperle family reunion in Park Rapids, MN at Uncle Greg's and Auntie Michele's house. The kids had a blast with their cousins. Eli and Sadie went tubing behind the boat. Eli thought fishing was more his speed but you couldn't wipe the smile from Sadie's face. (I was too nervous to look.) Here is a silly picture of Eli and Sadie with their cousins. Why do they all have beards? Ask Emily and Ashley. 
Saying Good-bye
Wow! Sorry I'm so hopelessly behind in posting pictures. I'll play a little catch-up today. Oh, and it is Eli's birthday today, but I didn't take any pictures of his party, a good friend did. So, as soon as I get them from her, I'll post them here.
These pictures were taken in Columbus before we left for Minnesota. Here's Eli and his good buddy, Luke making things out of pipe cleaners at our last TOPS (tour of parks) playgroup.
This picture was taken in the last minutes before we left Buckeye Village for the last time. I was a mess and had a hard time saying good-bye. Eli still talks about Sofia and Sataya daily. He still claims that he "likes our old house better because I had a lot more friends." So true. Very very good friends at that.
Moving is fun when you get to put your carseat in a u-haul!
These pictures were taken in Columbus before we left for Minnesota. Here's Eli and his good buddy, Luke making things out of pipe cleaners at our last TOPS (tour of parks) playgroup.
This picture was taken in the last minutes before we left Buckeye Village for the last time. I was a mess and had a hard time saying good-bye. Eli still talks about Sofia and Sataya daily. He still claims that he "likes our old house better because I had a lot more friends." So true. Very very good friends at that.
Moving is fun when you get to put your carseat in a u-haul!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Priorities
We have a ton to do around the house, but that didn't stop us from having a little zip-line fun in the backyard. I really can't explain why Sadie is wearing her bike helmet and her pajamas except that she's two and she has a mind of her own!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Making Friends
Well, it's official, we're Minnesotan. We closed on our house on Friday, July 10. All of our things arrived on the 16th and most of the boxes are unpacked. We are getting settled and are trying to get used to the crazy-ever-changing weather and having a bigger house, and are trying not to miss our friends in Columbus too much. I have tons of pictures I'd like to share, but until I can find my camera cord you'll have to wait.
Thankfully, I have a good friend who just happens to have two little girls (and is also an awesome photographer). They're the kids' new best friends. You'll probably be seeing a lot of them. So without further ado, meet Nile and Zoe:
Superhero Sadie:
Superhero Eli:
Thankfully, I have a good friend who just happens to have two little girls (and is also an awesome photographer). They're the kids' new best friends. You'll probably be seeing a lot of them. So without further ado, meet Nile and Zoe:
Superhero Sadie:Superhero Eli:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Lazy Summer Days
We are impatiently waiting to hear when we are officially moving to Minnesota. Last we heard it was July 6, but we haven't heard anything since. Dennis has been busy studying for his boards and the rest of us have been enjoying the lazy days of summer.
Hanging with the neighbors (have I mentioned how much we're going to miss our neighbors?):
Looking at nests with Sofia and Dario: 
Getting a "summer" haircut:
Going to free summer concerts:
Walking the labyrinth at the arboretum:
Going fishing. Sadie got a new Princess fishing rod for Father's Day (and dad for a new rod and reel too for all that fishing he's going to do in Northern Minnesota):
Hanging with the neighbors (have I mentioned how much we're going to miss our neighbors?):
Looking at nests with Sofia and Dario: Getting a "summer" haircut:Going to free summer concerts:Walking the labyrinth at the arboretum:Going fishing. Sadie got a new Princess fishing rod for Father's Day (and dad for a new rod and reel too for all that fishing he's going to do in Northern Minnesota):
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Pharmacist
It only took 4 very fast years but here he is, Pharmacist Extraordinaire. Dennis was told he was winning a "major award." We were hoping for a leg lamp, but instead he got a plaque acknowledging that he graduated first in his class. I guess ya'll know who to call for all of your pharmacy needs. Yea for nerds!!
Yesterday was Dennis' Pharmacy hooding ceremony.
Receiving his hood:
A family photo following the ceremony:
Receiving his hood:
A family photo following the ceremony:Thursday, June 11, 2009
Summer Vacation 2009: The NE Trek
We left on Sunday, May 31 for our vacation of the Northeast states. We were gone 11 days and overall had an amazing trip. The kids are at a great age for traveling. They can sleep almost anywhere, can usually go without a nap, and are excited about everything. These are most of the pictures I took, you see, I forgot to bring the battery charger and my battery light started to blink on the first day. So, I only took a few pictures at each place.
We started our trip in Lewisburg, PA visiting our great friends the Rosenbergs. We love to visit the Rosenbergs. Our kids are the same ages, the food is wonderful and the company the best ever. I hope they come and visit us when we're in MN!
Somehow, Dennis convinced me to go to NYC and I'm so glad we went. Dennis drove right into town and found us an awesome parking place. We had a busy day in Times Square:
At Rockefeller Center:
Playing the piano at FAO Schwartz:
Eating a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity's:
Playing at Central Park with Chuck (while Sadie napped):
Riding in a taxi:
At the Empire State Building:
And riding the ferry to the Statue of Liberty:
Then, we headed out of town and stayed in Bennington, Vermont:
The following day we drove to Hampton, NH and the kids got to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time: 
The weather was cold and the water was colder, but the kids had fun anyways. I got to eat my first Lobster Roll and I found my first sea glass:
Then we headed back through northern New Hampshire and into Vermont. We toured the Ben and Jerry's factory:
And camped several nights along the way, including a night on an island on Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT:
In Burlington, we also toured Shelburne farm which was built by the Vanderbilt's:
Sadie collected eggs and managed to pull one right from under a chicken. She was tickled pink:
We rode the ferry, car and all across Lake Champlain and went through the Adirondacks in upstate NY. We stopped at this not-very child proofed gorge with beautiful views of waterfalls. I was beautiful, but I was a wreck. There's something about kids overlooking a plunging waterfall with nothing keeping them back but chicken wire and plastic ties that puts a mom on edge:
We took in a beautiful hike:
Then we drove to Buffalo to see aunt Pat. She just moved into a new apartment and I'm sure her neighbors were excited to have two young screaming kids in their midst. On the last day of our trip, we visited Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist and got very very wet:
And spent the rest of the day at Niagara Falls State Park enjoying the falls:
We started our trip in Lewisburg, PA visiting our great friends the Rosenbergs. We love to visit the Rosenbergs. Our kids are the same ages, the food is wonderful and the company the best ever. I hope they come and visit us when we're in MN!
Somehow, Dennis convinced me to go to NYC and I'm so glad we went. Dennis drove right into town and found us an awesome parking place. We had a busy day in Times Square:
At Rockefeller Center:Playing the piano at FAO Schwartz:Eating a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity's:Playing at Central Park with Chuck (while Sadie napped):Riding in a taxi:At the Empire State Building:And riding the ferry to the Statue of Liberty:Then, we headed out of town and stayed in Bennington, Vermont:The following day we drove to Hampton, NH and the kids got to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time: The weather was cold and the water was colder, but the kids had fun anyways. I got to eat my first Lobster Roll and I found my first sea glass:Then we headed back through northern New Hampshire and into Vermont. We toured the Ben and Jerry's factory:And camped several nights along the way, including a night on an island on Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT:In Burlington, we also toured Shelburne farm which was built by the Vanderbilt's:
Sadie collected eggs and managed to pull one right from under a chicken. She was tickled pink:We rode the ferry, car and all across Lake Champlain and went through the Adirondacks in upstate NY. We stopped at this not-very child proofed gorge with beautiful views of waterfalls. I was beautiful, but I was a wreck. There's something about kids overlooking a plunging waterfall with nothing keeping them back but chicken wire and plastic ties that puts a mom on edge:We took in a beautiful hike:Then we drove to Buffalo to see aunt Pat. She just moved into a new apartment and I'm sure her neighbors were excited to have two young screaming kids in their midst. On the last day of our trip, we visited Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist and got very very wet:And spent the rest of the day at Niagara Falls State Park enjoying the falls:
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