Camping 2012

We were excited to have Charlie join us this year for our annual camping trip. Both boys loved every moment (even though it was a lot of work for Mom and Dad and terribly hot). Peter and I both noticed how we would all go to bed in the tent and Sam would fall asleep right away, and Charlie would just look around the tent and smile his big, goofy grin. He would wake up in the morning, and that smile would be right back on his face. He was obviously a fan!

Enjoying smores!

4th of July

Wow...what a hot day! We did spend most of it outside though. At least the kids got some relief in the pool!

Notice we are breaking in the new deck!

Summer Fun

2012 Family Reunion

At the end of June we attended the D family reunion that is held about every five years. My Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Sven, came to the United States with his brother, Aslak. Our actual last name died out in Norway after these two brothers arrived, so that means that any other "D" is a relative of mine! It's fun to get together and have everyone bring a little piece of history and some amazing artifacts to share. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to visit our D family homestead in Norway back in 2001 during my study abroad experience. Here are my amazing grandparents, Kenny, age 90, and Helen, age 84. They hosted the 70 or so people at their home for the reunion.

 Marcus, the youngest "D" relative at just two weeks old.

All the kids got to participate in an egg hunt, which is normally an Easter "D" family tradition. But hey, who says you can't hunt for eggs in June! Each child has two large plastic eggs with their name on them. They are hidden on the many trails through the woods at Grandpa and Grandma's house:-)

 I just love how much Charlie and Josie love to hang out with each other.

Sam bought some raffle tickets and had his eye on this Norwegian hat. He was BEYOND thrilled when his number was called!

Ducky

Charlie asked me to take pictures of him with Ducky. He really loves Ducky.

Zoo Time

The boys had so much fun with Jackson and Henry at the dinosaur exhibit at the zoo. It was difficult to get a picture with all of them looking, but at least they all sat in one spot!

 Love this pic of the boys watching the fish:)

 Checking out butterflies

Last Day with Miss Lisa

As I finished up my third year of teaching, the boys had their last day of daycare with Miss Lisa. We love her, but having daycare 20-25 minutes away from home just isn't practical. Thanks Miss Lisa for all the love and care you have given our boys over the years. We will miss you!

Sam is FIVE years old!

On May 25th, Sam turned FIVE years old! He was so excited for his birthday and was counting down the days for weeks. He had a birthday wish list about 30 items long, but we surprised him with something not on his list...a bike! He was thrilled with his surprise and loves going fast so he can "feel the wind". Sam also shares a birthday with his Grandpa Gary, so, Peter planned a special surprise for Gary and Sam...a Twins game complete with fireworks! Neither Gary nor Sam had been to Target Field before, so it was a fun and memorable night for them both. Even with his late night, Sam still enjoyed his Spider-Man themed party the next day:)

Sweet Samuel, at age five you:

*have a definite sweet tooth.

*love playing Rescue Heroes, and your current favorite is Captain America.

*are so excited to go to kindergarten in the fall.

*are learning how to read and write.

*adore your little brother and frequently say that Charlie "is the baby you always wanted".

*like to refer to Charlie and Josie as "the kids".

*love to play baseball with Dad.

*are becoming a little more outgoing and even want to go outside to meet new people when you see them walking by our house.

*love to help Mom in the kitchen (usually because you want to taste test everything).

*no longer take (or need) naps.

*enjoy arts and crafts - your current crafts involve making Super Hero accessories.

*have become very good at cleaning up your toys...which Mommy and Daddy appreciate!

*love, love, love to ask a million questions each day. You are so curious about everything and often stump Mom, so we have to look up answers on the computer:)

*rarely ask to listen to kids' cds in the car...you now prefer the radio and sing along to many of the songs.

We love you little buddy, and we are enjoying watching you grow up and discover your own interests and talents! We are so proud of the great kid that you are!

Sam checking out his new playground at Kindergarten Visitation