Husky Hustle

Laura's school changed fundraising strategies this year, and I think it worked marvelously. Instead of selling wrapping paper or magazines door to door, they had a 5K run this morning and asked for pledges. Laura ran the kids' 100 yard dash and had such a great time that she decided last minute to join me on the 5K. And she did it! We ran/walked it in only a little more time than I usually run it. And it was much more fun to be with her than by myself. What a great example for the kids, great school spirit  builder, and a chance to spend some time with each other and her school friends.

By the way, did you fundraise for elementary school? Are tax cuts worth it? d

Tough decisions

Not looking for a debate or advice, this is just a thought I had a few days ago...

I am taking a class at the church about the role and responsibilities of the government. It has been interesting, but has opened my eyes about why I buried my head in the sand for so long. Everything is so complicated. The Church takes a very balanced approach, which means it doesn't fully agree with any political party on all issues. I leave the class feeling very heavy spirited and confused. It makes me want to quit and just go back to hanging with the kids, chatting with friends, baking bread, etc. But I feel its important. I know I'll leave the class with more questions than answers, but I've always preached that you can't complain about the government if you haven't made some serious effort to learn about it and participate in at least the smallest way by voting.  I've always voted on gut decisions and now I'm making some effort to get different view points and understand as much as I can, even though its no fun at all. Am I growing up?

First Days of School 2012

School! School! School!

I'm so glad there is school!

Laura is having an absolute blast. Its been almost 3 weeks and I think she loves every aspect of it. The bus ride, recess, her teacher, lunch with her friends, music, art, gym, library books, on and on and on. This is her first year of full day and many of those things are brand new to her. She's such a brave girl, ready for anything and everything. She is comfortable socially, is a sponge in academics, and is a fanatic rule follower. It makes me smile to think of her jumping on the bus everyday and jumping off the bus, beaming, with her mouth running rampant telling me all about her day.

More good news: Adam's preschool has gone so well! We spent one day together at the school getting to know the teachers and the room. He was nervous, but loved all the new toys and activities. My concerns about the teacher were completely wrong; she is personable, approachable and huggable. He has gone one day by himself this week with a few tears when I left, but lots of smiles when I picked him up. He is excited about going back tomorrow, which I think is the truest test of all. I hope this year brings him more comfort socially, both with the kids and the teachers. I know he'll love the projects, books, and songs and proudly bring me some piece of art every single school day.

Weekend fun!

We accidentally had such a fun weekend!! While laying on the couch Saturday morning discussing breakfast options, I (very uncharacteristically) said "Let's go to McDonalds!" Jim surprised us by taking us to the Inver Grover Heights McDonalds, which as a better play land (yes, I know its not 'Grover', but its more fun to say). After Adam completely shocked me by having a great time up in the tunnels, we went across the street to a little pond and tried to catch some fish. At some point in the morning, we realized this was IGH Days, and that we were standing on the corner where the parade started at 11:00. Despite not even a bite on our lures, we managed to keep happy fishing long enough for the parade to start. People really have a lot more energy at the beginnings of parades than the end! This year was different than in the past because both kids were brave enough to run out there and grab their own candy, fending for themselves among the other little ones. 

I'm not sure if I should be proud of their confidence, or worried about their greed?

About halfway through the parade, I looked across the street and saw our good friends, Amanda, Matt, Mimi, Rowan and Isla. Laura and Mimi met in school last year, and Amanda and I really connected. So Laura and I spent the rest of the parade over there with them catching up on all the 1st week of school stuff. (Oh my goodness, I haven't posted about that yet!)

So none of the morning was planned, but it turned out full of so much fun, and sugar!

After the parade, we packed up and went on a hastily planned, last minute camping trip at Lake Byllesby near Cannon Falls, MN. 

This turned out wonderfully too. The campground is very weird and not exactly rustic. Its like a huge city park, and there are just random posts with numbers on it. You pitch your tent near your assigned number on a large grassy lawn. Strange, but the kids had a blast being able to go to the playground nearby and all the campers were nice, friendly, and non-party-ers.

The boys slept in the tent on the left and the girls on the right. Soon after this picture, we put the rainflys on them because the wind was gusting at 35mph and it got down to 49 that night. Brrrr! But much better than camping in the heat!

Good morning sleepy head!