So these three things have pretty much summed up our July in the Ahlbaum household! Easton started his actual soccer games this month. So on Monday and Wednesday evenings you'll find us on the field enjoying the fun and laughter that comes with an organized sport for 4 & 5 year olds! They all wear their offical team uniforms, chase after the ball (or stand and watch, depending on the child!), and enjoy the much deserved snack at the end of an hour long game! Easton's team is "The Dragons". We have one more week and then the big soccer jamboree in which he will play two games on Saturday morning. Watch for the fun report from his later on in August!
Easton attended his first week of VBS (vacation bible school) this year. It was a Beach Bash theme and he really enjoyed it. He came home with a craft everyday which he was proud to show and tell us all about. He learned new songs which he sings to himself as he falls asleep. And I would like to think he learned a little more about Jesus and God and what that all means to a 4 year old.
Chris and I have created 2 little fish in our family. Both Easton and Griffin enjoy being in the water and all thngs related. Our very kind and generous neighbors have a pool that they allow us to use when ever we'd like and we have taken them up on that full force this summer! We have been spending at least a 1/2 hour in the pool each day swimming, practicing floating, and diving to the bottom. Easton has taught himself to do a back flip while in the water!!!
It has been fun, busy, and H-O-T HOT! We are looking forward to August and the adventures we will have then!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Grown - Up Girl Time
Some days I wonder what I did with my life before my busy boys. Oh ya...I did the things I loved and enjoyed. Chris took Easton and Griffin camping for 3 nights and 2 1/2 days and I reverted to Tanya. Not mom. Not wife. Not house keeper. Just Tanya, the grown up girl.
The first night, my mom ventured down to the big city (or at least the suburbs!) and we had a nice meal at Sammy Perella's. It was so yummy. It has been so hot and of course summer time so there has been little eating of pasta, so this was a treat. After our wonderful entrees we even shared a dessert of terimsiu (I know that is spelled wrong, but you all know what I mean! LOL). Oh, it was so heavenly! Then we hit up the movie theater for a little Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts time in "Larry Crowne". Two thumbs up for that one. The night was finished with a wonderful walk around my neighborhood.
Day one brought a new adventure of walking around the shops in down town Anoka. Many of you may laugh, but I have never done this despite the fact that I have lived in the area for over 10 years now! It was fun and some good deals were even to be had! After a morning of browsing we had a deli lunch outside, and then hit up Truffles and Torts, a dessert cafe. Oh yummy! Then it was decided we had a little more shopping left in us (my mom is a big shopper) and so we went to Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. As the afternoon winded down, my Mom decided she should head home. I on the other hand had the rest of the day....So I was off to get a pedicure at Style Nails (wonderful). That prompted a quick stop at the liquor store for some grown up slushy drinks! While that got cold in the freezer I mowed the lawn...weird I know, but I enjoy it! A nightly walk around the neighborhood capped off my night.
Day two brought a lot of possibilities. It started off with a massage gift certificate I had for Kalla Lily Spa. My first time having a professional massage, by a male massage therapist none the less. I was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was refreshing. A quick trip to Menards for some home improvement supplies (kitchen paint, new solar lights, and a garden hose). Then it was off to Minneapolis. I was headed to the Swedish American Institute, but upon arrival realized it was closed for renovations until summer of 2012!!! So, instead I headed to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center. It was so nice to walk around and take it all in. I hadn't been there in years. I had all the time in the world and wasn't rushed or feeling guilty for being away from home another day. After a couple hours at the museum it was still beautiful outside, so I headed off to the Uptown area. I stopped into Ben and Jerry's for an ice cream treat and walked around Lake Calhoon enjoying both the treat and the sun shine. The path ways were packed with bikers, walkers, runners, and rollerbladers! It was truly inspiring to see so many people, all walks of life, ages, and abilities out and about. As if that we not enough walking for one day I finished off my evening with a neighborhood walk once again.
My final Grown-up day could not have started off any more lovely. I met a dear friend for breakfast and conversation that lasted 2 1/2 hours! It was delightful! After so much sitting though, I was anxious to get moving so I headed to Elm Creek Park Reserve for a mid day run! It was hot and humid, but worth it! Then a surprise phone call from my wonderful sister in law led me to lunch with her. After chatting more it was time to head home to see my boys!
It was so refreshing to do things I enjoy and not have to worry about other little (and big) people, but the smiles and hugs I received upon their arrival home was so much more! I was meant to be a mother and a wife and I wouldn't trade it for the world....even a world full of art, walks, shopping, and delicious foods!
The first night, my mom ventured down to the big city (or at least the suburbs!) and we had a nice meal at Sammy Perella's. It was so yummy. It has been so hot and of course summer time so there has been little eating of pasta, so this was a treat. After our wonderful entrees we even shared a dessert of terimsiu (I know that is spelled wrong, but you all know what I mean! LOL). Oh, it was so heavenly! Then we hit up the movie theater for a little Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts time in "Larry Crowne". Two thumbs up for that one. The night was finished with a wonderful walk around my neighborhood.
Day one brought a new adventure of walking around the shops in down town Anoka. Many of you may laugh, but I have never done this despite the fact that I have lived in the area for over 10 years now! It was fun and some good deals were even to be had! After a morning of browsing we had a deli lunch outside, and then hit up Truffles and Torts, a dessert cafe. Oh yummy! Then it was decided we had a little more shopping left in us (my mom is a big shopper) and so we went to Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. As the afternoon winded down, my Mom decided she should head home. I on the other hand had the rest of the day....So I was off to get a pedicure at Style Nails (wonderful). That prompted a quick stop at the liquor store for some grown up slushy drinks! While that got cold in the freezer I mowed the lawn...weird I know, but I enjoy it! A nightly walk around the neighborhood capped off my night.
Day two brought a lot of possibilities. It started off with a massage gift certificate I had for Kalla Lily Spa. My first time having a professional massage, by a male massage therapist none the less. I was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was refreshing. A quick trip to Menards for some home improvement supplies (kitchen paint, new solar lights, and a garden hose). Then it was off to Minneapolis. I was headed to the Swedish American Institute, but upon arrival realized it was closed for renovations until summer of 2012!!! So, instead I headed to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center. It was so nice to walk around and take it all in. I hadn't been there in years. I had all the time in the world and wasn't rushed or feeling guilty for being away from home another day. After a couple hours at the museum it was still beautiful outside, so I headed off to the Uptown area. I stopped into Ben and Jerry's for an ice cream treat and walked around Lake Calhoon enjoying both the treat and the sun shine. The path ways were packed with bikers, walkers, runners, and rollerbladers! It was truly inspiring to see so many people, all walks of life, ages, and abilities out and about. As if that we not enough walking for one day I finished off my evening with a neighborhood walk once again.
My final Grown-up day could not have started off any more lovely. I met a dear friend for breakfast and conversation that lasted 2 1/2 hours! It was delightful! After so much sitting though, I was anxious to get moving so I headed to Elm Creek Park Reserve for a mid day run! It was hot and humid, but worth it! Then a surprise phone call from my wonderful sister in law led me to lunch with her. After chatting more it was time to head home to see my boys!
It was so refreshing to do things I enjoy and not have to worry about other little (and big) people, but the smiles and hugs I received upon their arrival home was so much more! I was meant to be a mother and a wife and I wouldn't trade it for the world....even a world full of art, walks, shopping, and delicious foods!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
June Adventures!
Where is the sun and summer weather hiding? I am not sure , but the boys and I have been having some fun adventures this month...despite this weather!
- We had a really fun play date at a friends house from MOPS.
- Breakfast at Jack's Bakery because doughnuts are always a fun way to start the day!
- Weekend in Duluth with family.
- Ice cream treats with Grandma!
- Picnic at the park down the road from us.
- A fun play date at The Eagle's Nest indoor play park and open gym.
- A family reunion picnic in the rain at Aunt Ny's :o)
- Play time at the Gym.
- The Father Hennepin Festival Parade in our home town.
- Art in the Park
- Bouncing fun in the inflatables at St. Stephan's Summerfest in Anoka.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Duluth weekend 2011
So, the boys and I had our annual Duluth weekend getaway. This year my brother, his significant other, my niece, nephew, and mom all went together. It is so beautiful up there, we love it! We spent a lot of time down at Canal Park chasing and feeding sea gulls, watching ships come in and go out, touring the museum, eating ice cream and taking in all the sights the area has to offer! We went on a bicycle built for 8! Road in a carriage pulled by a horse named Harry Potter! Toured the ship William A. Irivn, the Split Rock Light House, and the shops on Canal Park Drive. We went swimming at the hotel, The Suites at Water Front Plaza (right in Canal Park) were amazing! We laughed, cried, and enjoyed being a family and all that entails! What a wonderful way to kick off our summer!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Bitter Sweet Endings and New Beginnings
This week (and last) is a season of bitter sweet endings and promises of new beginnings for our family. We began with Easton's last day of preschool last week. How did my little boy already complete his first year in preschool? Time goes by so quickly! He and his class had a wonderful little concert of songs they sang through out the school year, a little ceremony where they each received a graduation certificate, and then a family social with cookies and lemonade. It was so adorable to see him singing so proudly up on stage, and I have to take a minute and brag that my child is a serious music junkie! He can sing, dance, and play instruments with the best of 'em!
Our next bitter sweet moment came today when we attended our last MOPS session for the school year. Yes, we will start up again in the fall, but it will not be exactly the same as this year. There will be new table mates, leaders, classrooms for the boys, and topics to discuss. We are hoping for an even better experience next year, but it will be hard to top this first year. I enjoyed this experience immensely and look forward to many more years of this special time in my life as well as my boys'.
We have one more bitter sweet moment to come at the end of this week. Easton's best buddy "E" and his little sister "A" are moving on from care at our home. They will be going to a new program after being a part of our lives since "E" was 12 weeks old and Easton was 10 months. They have spent such a big part of their childhood together it will be an adjustment for Easton for sure. While we will all be sad about their leaving, we wish them well and hope they enjoy their new adventure.
All of these bitter sweet endings bring promises of new beginnings as well. Easton is on summer vacation for the first time. We are both on summer vacation from MOPS. Having "E" and "A" no longer in my care means one more day off from our work week. I am looking forward to a summer filled with play dates with all of our new friends, exploring our metro area and all the fun activities it provides us with, and having quality time with both Easton and Griffin. If Ive learned one thing from this school year it is that time goes by so quickly, before we know it the boys will be grown up and out of the house leading their own lives. I want to cherish all the time I have with them while I can!
So keep checking back often as I fill you in on all of our summer adventures!
Our next bitter sweet moment came today when we attended our last MOPS session for the school year. Yes, we will start up again in the fall, but it will not be exactly the same as this year. There will be new table mates, leaders, classrooms for the boys, and topics to discuss. We are hoping for an even better experience next year, but it will be hard to top this first year. I enjoyed this experience immensely and look forward to many more years of this special time in my life as well as my boys'.
We have one more bitter sweet moment to come at the end of this week. Easton's best buddy "E" and his little sister "A" are moving on from care at our home. They will be going to a new program after being a part of our lives since "E" was 12 weeks old and Easton was 10 months. They have spent such a big part of their childhood together it will be an adjustment for Easton for sure. While we will all be sad about their leaving, we wish them well and hope they enjoy their new adventure.
All of these bitter sweet endings bring promises of new beginnings as well. Easton is on summer vacation for the first time. We are both on summer vacation from MOPS. Having "E" and "A" no longer in my care means one more day off from our work week. I am looking forward to a summer filled with play dates with all of our new friends, exploring our metro area and all the fun activities it provides us with, and having quality time with both Easton and Griffin. If Ive learned one thing from this school year it is that time goes by so quickly, before we know it the boys will be grown up and out of the house leading their own lives. I want to cherish all the time I have with them while I can!
So keep checking back often as I fill you in on all of our summer adventures!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I DID IT!!!
I officially completed my first 5K! I ran/walked the Get In Gear 5K in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 30th. I am so excited to be able to check something off my bucket list. I have wanted to do a 5K for the last couple years, but never had the guts to follow through. Well, this year in MOPS a group formed for people who would like to participate in running, 5K's, and so on. I took the plunge and signed up. I believe there were 12 of us who participated in the GIG event, but many more who joined the group. It is so nice to have fellow moms encourage and inspire me to accomplish my goal. Now since I did not run the entire thing, I am planning to do a couple more to truly accomplish my goal. BUT, for now I feel exhilarated to have finished my first "race" and had fun while doing it! Stay tuned to see when my next opportunity will arise!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Big ONE!
So yesterday was my little guy's birthday! That's right Griffin is now one and suddenly I feel old! I am now the mother of a one year old and a four year old. How did this happen? Who said my boys could grow up so quickly? I guess it is inevitable, isn't it. We moms always think our babies get too big too soon, don't we? Just a natural part of the life cycle I guess.
Anyway...it was a wonderful (albeit freezing cold) day. We woke up and had breakfast as a family, but not before signing Happy Birthday a few times to the birthday boy! while Griff took his morning nap (yep, he still does this!) Easton and I went to the store so that Easton could pick out a special birthday gift for his brother. We had lunch, more rest, and then Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Kellie joined us for a little family celebration. Griffin opened his gifts, we had cupcakes and ice cream, and THEN went out for pizza! Yep, we ate dessert first :o) It was a great way to mark the special day.
Griffin has truly been a light in our life this last year and I couldn't imagine our lives with out him. He is sweet and cuddly, smiley and mischievous, and is always keeping me on my toes! I can not wait to see what the next year brings for him. Love you Griffin!
Anyway...it was a wonderful (albeit freezing cold) day. We woke up and had breakfast as a family, but not before signing Happy Birthday a few times to the birthday boy! while Griff took his morning nap (yep, he still does this!) Easton and I went to the store so that Easton could pick out a special birthday gift for his brother. We had lunch, more rest, and then Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Kellie joined us for a little family celebration. Griffin opened his gifts, we had cupcakes and ice cream, and THEN went out for pizza! Yep, we ate dessert first :o) It was a great way to mark the special day.
Griffin has truly been a light in our life this last year and I couldn't imagine our lives with out him. He is sweet and cuddly, smiley and mischievous, and is always keeping me on my toes! I can not wait to see what the next year brings for him. Love you Griffin!
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