Little Man on the Prairie

If you check back to our book list here, you will see that Ethan has been very interested in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. We started the first one "Little House in the Big Woods" during the flood. It was in a rescue box of books from the Lien household and was Sara's book. I had never read any of these books, although I did get "The Long Winter" from my second grade teacher, Mrs. Larson. I didn't make it past Chapter 2; the book was still dog-earred from 24 years ago.

I didn't expect Ethan to enjoy the first book at all. Proof that you should always give things a try! He loved it and we went on to my book from elementary school. That is the 6th book. Proof that you should always read series books in order! Mary was blind, there was another baby! When, how, why?!

So, after that one, we went back in order and Ethan has loved each book and has now started from the beginning reading them with Chris. We have 3 books left to go. We are also planning a trip this weekend to De Smet, SD to see the Ingalls homestead, some of their homes. I love his fascination with this and will do anything to nurture whatever he's into. -RL

Happy Brother's Day!

Did you all have a nice Brother's Day? Oh, you let it pass by without celebration? I guess it hasn't caught on....yet.

Backstory: In May, Ethan and I were walking through the grocery store and I was pointing out all the ice cream treats he could buy me for Mother's Day. Then he asked what Chris would want for Father's Day. Then he thought a minute and said, "Mom, when's Brother's Day?" I said there was no such day like that and he decided that there should be and it should be July 1. (Yes, I realize this conflicts with Canada Day, but he's 5, what could I do?)

So, today we had the first annual Brother's Day. The bros dressed alike and played all day, had pizza and popsicles. It was very sweet and I hope it can become a yearly tradition for them. -RL

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Look at my littlest son's beautiful, lengthy hair. Isn't it gorgeous? Well, today it was buzzed off. After a few weeks of saying "No way", I finally caved and let Chris take Elliot to get his hair cut. It is not his first cut, but I really loved his long hair and how crazy it was all the time. So, here is my son now. He's still adorable and much less sweaty. -RL

Summer Fun in Brainerd! Part 2: Schmeck's House

We set up a baby pool, a big kid pool, and a slip n' slide at Grammy & Boppa Dale's. It was very hot and a perfect day for some water fun.



I love these guys. They are so nice to each other and really have fun together. They would rather be together than apart and they don't seem to tire of one another. It's such a cool thing to see them become so close. -RL

Summer Fun Kicks Off In Brainerd! Part 1: The Roger's House

We just got back from trip to Brainerd/Baxter to see friends Cynthia and Mike and her parents, Susan and Al. And of course, Grammy and Boppa Dale, and uncles Derek & Brian and aunts Kendra & Melissa. It was a great time, the weather was beautiful and we hit the lake quite a bit.

Elliot does this big frog hop thing that is too funny. Here he is mid-hop.

Cynthia and Elliot on her parent's dock on Perch Lake.

Cynthia and Elliot dipping their toes in the hot tub. Elliot dove into the hot tub and Cynthia was his Baywatch-esque lifeguard.

Ethan looking cute.

The boys on the paddle boat.

Ethan's Soccer Camp

Ethan has been doing Great Britain's Challenger Soccer Camp this week. He's never played soccer before, but seems to like it a lot. He also likes his British coaches and has a lot of fun with them. -RL

Elliot Stellan turns 2!!

My littlest E turned 2 on May 23rd. We had a small party for the small guy. We had both grandparents and Auntie Sara and friend Julie in attendance. Ethan got to play baseball with both Boppa's so he was very happy and could have played all day.

Baseball with the Boppas.

Bobbie reading with Elliot.

Auntie Sara and Elliot playing with dandelions. Hippies.

Grammy and Elliot. Ethan made sure everyone had a party hat and kept them on.

Boppa Dale and Elliot having an important conversation.

Standard messy cake picture. Priceless.