And Halloween......

She is in heaven......

What we've been up to.......

While Averie had H1N1 and was sick for nine days, she did lots of this........

so he did lots of this......

and she did lots of that......

and Stefan was preparing to head here.......

and while we were all blessed by his new opportunity, he is blessed with this view!

A Fall Party

Tate and I joined Averie and her classmates for a fall party. Sweet Averie was sure to ask her teacher if Tate could have a cookie, prizes, and join in on the games. He is a very lucky little brother. He is looking forward to heading to school with her next year. Scary to think I will be going to two seperate fall parties next year.

my pumpkins and a little carving

I was really proud of my boy, he got down and dirty with this pumpkin! He was a little disgusted though.

We believe in Equal Opportunity

This little lady has been asking to get on the ice since Tate started playing. So she is signed up and ready to go! She will only have one clinic while the other kids have been playing for over a month but she'll work hard and skate with the best of them. We are really excited for her!

She looks like a bruiser!! The pads are huge on her and the gloves are the smallest they have but still too big. When her pads come off she looks even smaller than she did before we put the on. So cute!

Our first hockey weekend

I am no sports reporter so pictures is all you are going to get. Tate played hockey Saturday and Sunday and had football right after hockey on Saturday. He didn't seem tired but fell asleep at 7:30 on the couch Sunday night. Aves was a trooper, she took in his sports and was a big fan all weekend. She negotated a treat since she was such a good sport. She thought if she cheered a lot and really loud that she would get two treats from dad but he didn't fall for it! We are looking forward to the rest of the season, has been fun to watch him.

Extra sweaty!

The Frozen Tundra!

Sports Reporter here. It was a beautiful day for football this morning with temperatures at a balmy 27 degrees and snow on the ground. While the conditions were less than perfect Tate had another stellar performance. He had two carries on the day, both of which he scored touchdowns. He also had four of his team's six flag pulls. Towards the end of the game, after his last flag pull, he pulled himself out of the game crying because he was so cold. Taking off his shoes would later reveal socks so cold and wet that a polar bear would have cried. Just goes to show that even success on the football field is no match for Mother Nature!

Tate is #4 in black. The video above is Tate running the other team out of bounds, almost getting his flag, preventing a TD!

The video below is one of Tate's two touchdowns on the day!

Gymnastics

Sports Reporter here. Averie is still trying to figure out what activities she wants to be in and gymnastics looks like a front runner. Another parent said Averie has a body for gymnastics.....not sure what that means but I'll take it to mean she has good potential! She's been doing really well, she's always willing to try whatever they want her to do. Of course we're very proud of her! They have a rope climb in the gym that probably goes 50 feet up, Averie made it the farthest up in her class going over halfway before they made her stop. I think she would have gone all the way to the top had they let her! The video below is her first stab at the balance beam, I think she looks like a natural!

For Grammy!!!

We are having way too much fun for any editing!

The kids are enjoying one another so very much!

After Tate pooped twice in about 2 minutes he asked me why he keeps going poop and why I kept being so weird about him wiping himself. This kids a riot!

This is where we spend Monday nights

Check out her pipes!

She just started learning these on the beam. She pulled one off but I missed it!

Football Season

This is the Pritchard sports reporter (Stef). Tate's flag football started a couple weeks ago and he picked up right where he left off last spring. This weekend's game was particularly exciting as Tate scored his team's only two touchdowns and had his teams only tackles. Yes, we are extremely proud parents. What is most exciting to see isn't his success but instead his desire to do well and love for the game. He is so focused on the field, his facial expressions are hilarious. The best part about his love for the game is he already likes to sit with me and watch the Vikings games, I absolutely love it.

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By the way, did I mention his team name is the Vikings and he wears #4? Coincidence he and Favre both had amazing games this weekend? I think not.

Neighborhood News

We are so blessed to live in a neighborhood where the kids all play together. The older kids are great with the younger kids. They are experts at fort building and great at soccer, they enjoy one another and have grown to be good friends. Here's what's going on this afternoon......

Two of the older girls figured out that they could hear one another through the drains.

Some toad catching!

A little soccer

And a little hide-n-seek

The Dog Whisperer

How's this for cute!

I feel like we have sold our souls to the Burnsville hockey club. Despite my reservations about hockey politics and the small fortune that goes into it, he could not be cuter or happier. That's what counts!!

Working on some hockey hair!

How'd you like to get checked by this bad boy!

In case you forgot.....

This is how we started off last year....funny!

Pre-K Baby!

So exciting, this is our last year in preschool! Tate is off to a great start, no roughhousing, good manners, and all smiles, I am keeping my fingers crossed. He has been so excited, great teachers and new friends. Love it!

He always knows how to strike a good pose!

Officially a First Grader

Lunch bag~check

Blowing one last sweet smooch before heading off on the bus

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Our big first grader has been loving school, well that is until today. We hit a bump in the road this morning. After 20 minutes attempting to get my very sad, kicking and screaming first grader out of the car I had nothing left except to tell her she had two choices, she could walk with me to her class or she could talk to her principal about the importance of going to school. The heartbreaking part of the story is that when we were getting close to school she started telling me she was sick and could not go to school, after some investigation the real trouble came out. She said the day was too long and she doesn't get enough time with me, she wanted to be with me like Tate. That is what I deciphered from all the tears, now these weren't just tears. It was the crying so hard you can't catch your breath kind of tears. Very long story short, she eventually came with me and her teacher had to pry her off of me. I knew she would be fine when I left but that was certainly the most emotional time we have been through. Her teacher phoned me before lunch. Teachers are amazing! She said that after some hugs from her friends and a few more tears she calmed down and they talked as a class about the adjustment to being at school all day. She said she was reading and had been smiling. Bless her heart!

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Now Averie I know that you will read this when you are older. I want you to know that I think you are so brave. I know this adjustment has been challenging and that we have not had as much together as we would like. I think of you all day and am looking forward to spending time at your school on the days that we do not see one another. When I am in school I miss you too. I love you Aves!

The fun goes on.....

When I uploaded my pictures and found these gems I was all smiles. I never had any doubt that the fun would go on!

Meet Izzy, she is the big girl in pink. Averie bought her American Girl doll with her piggy bank money. I'm a grandma!

We have played hard and now it's time to work hard. We kicked off the new school year with a new tradition. It was suppose to include crowns and some extra added touches but time did not allow and the kids loved it anyway. We feasted on their dinner choice, tacos, and my mother of the year idea~ daddy's famous malts. We asked the kids what they are most excited for.....Aves said, "math." She loves math and Tate said, "me too." We'll see about that! School starts tomorrow for Averie and next Monday for Tate. I am so excited about sending Averie off to first grade but have also been sick about it all day. I have been blessed to have had so much time with her and the idea of sending her off has sent me into a bit of a panic today. I am going to pull myself together for my sweet Aves. She says she is nervous, a little scared, and a teensy bit excited. I know she'll do great.

A Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday Amma and Afi!

Looking a little less than thrilled

All the great grandkids with Amma and Afi

The little girls

The little boys

We wish we could do this more often!

Summers End

We just returned from a lovely trip to ND. The kids spent 6 days getting spoiled by their awesome grandparents and we joined them for another 5 days. Fun and family, what a great way to end the summer!

We took the kids golfing for the first time. They loved it!

We were so happy to spend the day with Auntie Erica and Danica.

Tooth Fairy

Be warned, for some reason these pics were hard to get but I couldn't miss this milestone. Averie's tooth has been loose for a few weeks and the kids left to spend time in ND on Wed. so dad decided the tooth had to come out before they left, we didn't want to miss the big event. He gave a few yanks and before we knew it Averie took matters into her own hands and out came her tooth. She looked at it and seemed to freak herself out but with the cheers of her crazy parents she quickly showed us a toothless grin! So happy we didn't miss it!

Best Buddies

High School graduation picture forsure!

Family Weekend

The four of us spent a much needed weekend away. No distractions, just time to enjoy one another before the busy school year ahead.

The man of the house

This was the first time in a tube together and it was CRAZY fun!

And then we did lots of this......

She spent a lot of time basking

Tate likes fishing until.....

the fish starts flopping! YIKES!

So she takes over!

Now we are ready to take on the year!

A Rainy Day

Friends

The summer has been filled with fun and friends. We have spent endless hours in the sun, devoured countless boxes of popsicles, and cleaned hundreds of dirty feet (mostly Averie's). Some were just visiting and we miss already and other's we have enjoyed spending the summer fun with. We love them all!

Our neighborhood friends- Amelia, Aries, and Mason
We love our ND visitors

Forever friends just like their mommies

Our NY buddy- Connor

MN Twins

Daddy took the kids to their first Twins game. When they got home they gave me the report of the snacks they induldged in. They included but are not limited to the largest bag of cotton candy. They loved it and reported the Twins won but they left after the 6th inning. It's all about the snacks and the social part for me too!

1st Annual Camping trip with G-Ma and G-Pa

We had very relaxing time camping with family last weekend in Itasca. We decided this will be an annual trip. It was great to be with seasoned campers, Stefan and I had lots of time to relax and the kids enjoyed themselves so much! Thanks grandma and grandpa!

Tate was having a sad moment on the boat

On our way up the fire tower. Grandma and grandpa waited at the bottom

The view from the tower, the kids did great. I am pretty certain I was more scared than them and would have turned back had they not been with.

Was cold on the boat ride but beautiful

This was the kids' favorite part of the trip. They loved the bike trailers. Stefan, Uncle Shawn, and I got our workout on our nearly nine mile ride.

At the head of the Mississippi River

Was fun swimming in clothes!

The kids had such a great time getting spoiled from grandma and grandpa

Tate can't get enough of grandpa

The kids spent the mornings at Camp Awesome at church. They enjoyed themselves so much. It was Tate's first camp, he for sure thinks he is all grown up! The pictures below are from Saturday, they played with a friend in the biggest dirt pile ever and returned the dirtiest I have ever seen them......they were all smiles.

Averie took her foot out of her shoe and this is what I saw.......

I was very proud of Tate, he hates being dirty, this was a big deal for him. Never mind that he couldn't hold anything until his hands were clean. One issue at a time.......

Sleepover Success

A play by play of the P-A-R-T-Y

First, a little Barbie action....

And the 3 legged race.....

Good little golfers....

Cake......

Wishes.....

A manicure......

Such sweet cards and fun gifts.....

An autographed pillowcase.....

Troy Bolton is so cute.....they loved High School Musical.....

And the morning after.......waffles. Yum!

As the last of the six sleeping beauties falls fast asleep my heart is warm and my laugh lines have increased. The girls were a true delight to have, innocent and polite, feisty and fun, lovely! I wish I could preserve their little hearts and souls forever. It is so important to me that we, as in you and me raise our young girls to be confident in who they are, strong, and proud. Seems so challenging in the world we live in. So....for now I am going to rest tonight knowing these sweet sweet innocent young girls enjoyed one another and celebrated another great year with Aves. She is a very lucky young lady! And boy am I going to rest.......pictures to come. Stay tuned!

A Celebration

After much discussion we decided to celebrate our wonderful country by heading downtown for Red, White, and Boom. It was a great idea until thousands of people crowded onto the same bridge to see the fireworks and they also all seemed to park in the same parking garage as we did. Obviously Tate was is bit tired, it is 10:30 and he is still asleep. In true Averie fashion she was up by 8 and painting by 8:30. She reports she is not tired at all! She also reports she is going to live in this country forever so she can always see fireworks and watch t.v. It's the little things that having meaning, right???

How does that guy do that all day?

Tate was quite unsure of the dude with the red nose but came around

Perfect, another sword

This is a for my sister-in -love~ A little Neil Diamond action

Ours wasn't as smooth as the picture with dad. We couldn't get Tate to stop saying "what's up dude?" Gave the people around us a good laugh though....

two days in a row

I know I know two days in a row, I have out done myself for sure! How can it already be July 1st. The summer seems to be passing us by but not without lots of fun. Our days are pretty much filled with sunscreen, snacks, and outside. We do it morning, afternoon, and evening. Lots of swimming and lots of sun. The kids are loving life, I have not quite figured out how to balance fun and school work yet, maybe next semester........

Wouldn't Miss It!

I have missed a lot of good blogging moments this month but this is one I wouldn't miss for anything. Our sweet baby girl is six, yep, six years old. This morning I told Aves she was the boss for the day, I was certain I may regret that statement! Maybe it's because she is six but.....I was pleasantly surprised and found her to be a very fair and grateful boss! We kicked off the day with gifts, which she loved. Stefan joined us at lunch and we spent the better half of the afternoon getting our new car but Averie didn't care, she is just happy to be all together. She also received lots of birthday wishes from the car salesmen too which was a nice bonus.......We ate cake before dinner which Averie thought was pretty cool and finished out the day at Chucke-Cheese's.

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I asked Averie what she wanted us to know now that she is six.......

1. Her favorite food is chocolate

2. She is most excited for recess in first grade

3. She wants to be a therapist when she grows up (I see a family business in the future)

5. Her least favorite food is brussel spouts, yuck!

4. She thought the best part of the day was Chucke Cheese's, well actually her whole birthday

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I asked her a little later if there was anything else she she wanted us to know about being six, she said enthusiastically, "IT'S GREAT". Thanks for a great birthday momma." What a kid......

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This a tradition at our house, a decorated door.......my masterpiece.

Helping bake her cake......best six year old egg cracker I know.

Yes, even a hand mixer can be turned into a gun. No, it is not plugged in.

Yes, there are raw eggs in this cake mix and yes, you did it too........

Pondering the birthday wish......I am betting it involves Disneyworld.

May all your dreams come true my sweet Averie.......Happy 6th birthday!

You are a true delight.

Ready for her own box of Wheaties!

Sports Guy here again. Saturday was Averie's last day of soccer, finishing strong with two games in one day. The day started out rough as Averie woke up hating life (soccer included). She did NOT want to play and let us know it all the way up to game time. A number of times we considered not even going as we thought she was sick or something but we told her that her teammates were counting on her so decided to at least try. After the game started we finally convinced her to try for one shift.....it was like she ran the ickies right out of her body. She came off the field smiling and ready to go! She finished up her first game strong and it made for an enjoyable morning for all.

Her second game, and last game of the year, was great. She was ready to play and it showed. I thought she had 2 or 3 goals, Jill swears it was 4. Either way she totally dominated, it was so fun to watch. She is the smallest kid on the field but she probably throws her body around more than anyone! It's pretty cute. While they don't keep score in this league, her team probably won 10-1 in the final game. It was such a fun season, I can't wait until her next activity, truly a joy to watch. Good job Aves!

Yes, that kid really does have a mohawk. No, Averie was not intimidated at all!

A nice action shot, Averie getting ready to block mohawk boy's kick.

One of Averie's two breakaways, she potted them both of course.

The results of her breakaway, one ball and one opponent in the net.....that's a powerful kick!

Averie's biggest fan......"The Thug"

Team photo with their trophies

A very proud Averie and the trophy.......boy?

We Are Champions!

Guest blogger again, Stefaroo as my mom would call me. Saturday was another sports-filled day starting with Averie's soccer. She got off to a slow start, paying more attention to picking grass and weeds than playing soccer, but she kicked it in gear on her last shift and finished strong. This coming Saturday is her last day with two games to finish the season. I look forward to blogging about Averie's success next week!

After soccer Tate had his last game of the year, the championship game! Tate's team was undefeated going into the game, tension was high. The game proved to be our closest game of the year, tied up 6-6 (one touchdown per team) with about 5:00 to play. That's when Tate decided to take the game in his own hands! The line of scrimmage was about 15 yards outside of the endzone, they gave Tate the carry. He made a quick cut right and then bolted into the endzone, scoring the game winning touchdown! The poor defense didn't stand a chance. Tate didn't know what he did until his ridiculously proud daddy told him but then he was VERY proud of himself. It was a great day for the team as they were each awarded a championship trophy and had a pizza party after the game. No full ride scholarships have been offered yet but he will be returning in the fall league to defend the title! What a fun season for all of us, we're proud of the little guy!

Sizing up the competition before the game or watching a butterfly meander by.....you be the judge.

Stalking his prey, like a cobra waiting to strike! (Tate's #6)

Beaming with pride, accompanied by the trophy girl.

Times they are a changin'. School has called for some adapting and I seem to be having some trouble keeping up with both blogs so I am thinking about combining them. If you have any ideas for a title I am all ears.......this may take some time since I have some serious decision making issues so stay tuned! The kids have mixed feelings about me being back in school, Averie seems really interested in the whole idea and Tate well amidst tears he said he didn't want me to be a therapist he wanted me to be a mommy. When I explained that I will always be his mommy he said, "well I want you to be a mommy all week." So this may take some time to get used to!

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My First Grader

She is nearly six and officially in first grade, oh my. Averie celebrated her last day as a kindergartner last Thursday, my non traditional schedule allows for me to join in on these special days. As always she was delighted I could join her and was also thrilled to have her brother there. We are so grateful she started out her school years in the class she did. Simply wonderful!

Not great pics but you get the idea!

Where's waldo I mean Averie....... she is in between her principal and the teacher with the long hair. This is also only half her class, how do those teachers manage. Special people!
Tate enjoyed a dairy filled treat !!!

Is there anything better than sharing an ice cream treat with your best friend? They learn that so young!

I think Tate will manage just fine in kindergarten......

Congrats Aves!!! You did it!

Long over due.....

Yikes, time has officially gotten away from me! I thought I had good time management skills but I see to be proving otherwise. Seems like forever ago but we had a lovely week long visit from Stefan's family. We had loads of fun......

Grammy and Papa

At The Children's Museum, my sister-in-love and niece~ Aves missed out she was still in school

Dirty faced and cute as ever.....

They don't get nearly enough time together but we are so grateful for the time we have!

This week has been CRAZY.......we were busy from morning until night. This weekend kicks off our summer visitors and because of my non-traditional work schedule I tried to fit in lots of work last week so I could be at home to enjoy our company this week. Tate graduated, I started school, and this weekend we have been staining our massive deck. So.......the kids have been fending for themselves for the last 2 days which they have done quite successfully I might add. Yesterday we started to get a bit desperate so we let them put on their suits and splash around in the little water that was left in our hot tub, they loved it and it bought Stefan and I a little more time. A little more of the same today before Grammy, Auntie Erica, and sweet Danica arrive for the week!

Preschool Grad

Tate graduated from preschool this week. They sang lots of song with actions which Tate was totally into, it was great. We celebrated later that evening with Tate's choice, rides at the MOA. We are so fortuanate that Averie and Tate have so much fun together. They tackled some big rides and loved every minute of it. Congratulations my boy!

Best Buddies

You can't tell by this photo but he sang so great!

My Bathing Beauty

I spend lots of time buying

and cleaning these.....

it seems never ending.........

In all his character glory......

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I don't buy character shoes, I just don't. But for about 6 months I have been thinking about it. I know, who does that but it was a really big decision. I know all kids love character stuff but for some reason character shoes I have issues with, their heavy and clunky, the lights are obnoxious, and the colors.......simply too much stuff going on. Don't judge me, I don't mind if other kids have them, I just don't buy them. Until today that is.........Tate needed new shoes and has been wanting some light up shoes. Now lights, that was really pushing it but yep, they have lights. I ran into the shoes on clearance which made it seem a little easier, I said a little. I was seriously standing at the counter thinking am I really buying these. They have Hot Wheels all along the side and they light up. Then I thought of my little Taters and how excited he would be about the shoes. I would have preferred to make it about me and politely hand the shoes back to the lady and start fresh but when she rang them up and said if you apply for a credit card they would be free, I said sign me up. I don't usually apply for store credit cards either but obviously today is a rare day! So the shoes were free, a nice reward for my good behavior and Tate was thrilled. As he put them on he said, "I can't believe you bought these for me, I have been wanting them for a zillion years", I was thinking I can't believe it either but he is happy so I am too.......