On the Bright side

We are coming upon some changes here in MN.  Spring is in full-swing, preschool is done.  The foursome will be spending lots of time together this summer before the BIG girls head off to kindergarten.  The long winter has given away to some nature lovers that truly appreciate a warm day outside.  No big trips have we planned because honestly who would want to leave Minnesota in the summer... not me.

School Fieldtrip

Trying to keep up with the big kids

Kite "therapy"

Future Ultimate Player (on the shore of the Mississippi)

Making friends with Tab

Want to play ball?

My nature lover

The little explorer

Raised Garden

All too often, I spend time worrying about how Claudia is going to do (fill-in-the-blank) when she is older.  Being an Occupational Therapist it is in my nature to help people to be more independent, and Claudia is no exception.  I want her to be able to live on her own, pursue the career she chooses, and ultimately to be happy.  The same as I hope for Eloise, Vincent, and Julianne.  The difference, of course, for Claudia being that she has physical obstacles.  There are the sidewalks without cut-outs, houses with steps, playgrounds without ramps, did I mention steps!  So her father and I decided that we would attempt to share a hobby of ours with her.  We created a raised garden.  And when I say we, I mean: Matt, myself, G. & G. Rank, G. & G. Davidson, Claudia, Eloise, our neighbor Paul, and a few others helped along the way.  

FREEDOM

The girls did a fabulous tap dance on Sunday!  Great job ladies!

Mom

Happy Mother's Day to two fabulous women!  We love you!

Cake

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Sweet Julianne.  You certainly light up a room with your precious smile and cute giggle.  Even though you are fourth in line you are never far behind. 

You are silly and playful.

And thank goodness your first tooth has finally arrived.

We wish you many more happy years to come. Love you.

Vincent John, my man, who loves to eat.

Thank goodness you cannot escape your crib yet.

I'm glad you don't mind your sisters' purple and pink.  

Thanks for all the smiles and wrap around cuddles.  Have a happy happy birthday filled with a few boy toys.  Love you!

Banu

Banu, Banu, friend from afar. It was wonderful to see you and introduce you to the family. During the school year 96-97 Banu and I spent the evenings chatting via walkie-talkie and became quite close. Even though it's been years, you can see that we both still care.