My cool is fun!

Walter started Sunny Hollow last week, with three days of an introduction to his classroom. The first morning after he was done, he came out and told me "I had fun, Mom." Now when I ask him about school, he will tell me "My (s)chool is fun!" He has made this nice and easy on me and I hope I didn't just jinx myself.

We spent the long weekend in International Falls visiting my sweet grandma. She had a sweet, beautiful smile on her face all weekend and hasn't lost her spunk! We enjoyed playing with all of the cousins, which Owen reminded me we don't see often enough. They had fun running around, playing football, building forts, exploring the woods, swimming, saunaing, and eating plenty of s'mores. Between the wonderful family and gorgeous lake, I'm in total agreement with Owen.

I'm walking on sunshine!

After dropping the boys off at school this morning, Jer and I came in and I put this song on. I love those boys, but it is going to be nice to have a few hours every morning to myself! Awe...

We had a great morning getting ready for school. We had a special breakfast together, complete with sprinkled donuts, and all piled in the van to head to Sunny Hollow. Walter was very ready to get there and get dropped off. Owen was excited as well, especially to see his friends again.

I'd tell you more about what we've been doing, but this time is precious! I'll fill you in later.

DQ is even open at night!

We were driving home from a friend's bbq late tonight and the boys were super excited when they saw the beautiful lights of DQ lighting up the night. Walter shouted this out to ensure I saw the amazing site.

I forgot my camera/computer connector cord at my mom and dad's house, so I have no recent photos. So here are a few flashbacks for your viewing enjoyment:

August 2005

August 2006

August 2007

August 2008

August 2009

Daddy even has cups here!

After a healthy week at my mom & dad's house, we met Jer in Steven's Point yesterday and spent the night with him. The boys were beyond excited to spend a night at Daddy's corporate apartment, so excited, it was a bit hard to fall asleep. I ended up trying to encourage Walter to stay in bed by laying with him, which didn't work so well as he continually found excuses to get up and see Jer, including the obvious "I need a drink". After getting a drink he came running into his room to tell me "Daddy even has cups here!" That Accenture knows how to treat their employee's well.

We had an absolutely fabulous time at my parents' house. The weather was warm so we enjoyed all the perks of their house: fishing, swimming, tubing, saunaing, fort building, bonfires, archery, swinging and alot of whatever else the boys wanted to do. Walter even got to go on his first tube ride, which he laughed and gave the thumbs up (which means 'go faster') through nearly the entire ride. Owen got some of his carpentry wishes fulfilled with my dad as they built a fort, a huge car ramp, and an enormous sling shot. Jer and I both agree the sauna followed by a jump into the water was our favorite...that and watching Owen become more and more comfortable in the water. By the second day of swimming, we was running off the dock at full speed and leaping into the water. He loved it!

Mama, watch this, watch this!

Walter is full of new tricks and stunts these days, which he loves to show me. It is usually some jump, twirl or fast run. He will say this to me over and over until I stop what I'm doing and watch. He watches me the entire time to ensure my eyes have not left him.

We have had a great week getting back to normal here! Yesterday we spent the day at the beach with some friends. Walter is not hesitant in the least in the water, he was up to his lower lip hanging with the big kids. Owen is becoming increasingly more comfortable in the water, too. We are heading to my parents house next week so I imagine both boys will be part fish by the end of our time there.

On Thursday, we took a day trip with Lindsay and Lydia to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha and to Lark Toys in Kellogg. We stopped along the way for a picnic by the river and enjoyed every minute of our time together. I feel so lucky to be able to spend a whole day with them. Fun, fun, fun!

I wish you was a boy.

Jer is the new hero in the house. He has turned the boys on to the wii, particularly some Mario Bros. game. They are only allowed to play this for their screen time when Jer is home as I tell them I don't know how to set it up. Well, tonight Walter told me this wish. When I asked him why, he told me so "you could set up and like playing Mario with us." He is all truth.

This is my first normal week since our vacation and my surgery. I went to the doctor today and he said all is looking well. My only orders are not to run, jump or lift anything substantial for two more weeks. Thankfully the boys have been quite understanding. They have asked when I'll be able to again frequently, though. I do miss picking them up and twirling them around, etc.

If nothing else, this whole incident has reminded me of what an amazing family and group of friends I have. I have received phone calls, flowers, meals, cleaning services and help with the kids left and right. I certainly feel loved. Thank you all.

We've been fortunate to have Jer around a bit more than normal with all this, too. The only stinky thing about it is that reality is now here and he is back to Steven's Point...Monday through Friday this week! Argh! I don't think I can compete with his level of energy and fun, but for these two angels, I will try.

60 years and counting!

My Grandma and Grandpa have been married for 60 years today. Pretty awesome, huh?!

Happy Anniversary Grandma & Grandpa! Love, your favorite granddaughter, Tricia

Time for the football!

Owen got a new airplane that we've been enjoying watching fly. We've made many trips to the big triangle to pilot and chase the plane. Sometimes it gets so high and runs into a tree, where it gets stuck. When it gets stuck, the boys yell "Time for the football!" and run to get it for Jer or my mom. They then have to toss the football up the tree to try and get the plane free. This afternoon it got stuck so high and tight that at one point there was a plane, a football and two soccer balls stuck up there! Jer ended up getting a ladder, climbing the tree a bit and shaking it like crazy until the stuff came falling down.I am recovering nicely thanks to the help of my mom and Jer. It has been nice to have one person to look after me and the other to look after the boys!

Yes, it could have been.

Music to my ears...I spoke with my surgeon this morning, Dr. Laguna, and asked him if by chance my Lutsen hospital experience and this experience could have been correlated and he said YES! I told him I didn't come in for so long this time as I was feeling the same way in Lutsen and had very little results come from that hospital experience and the many other doctors visits there after. He explained that my appendix could have been blocked and fixed itself back in February (and that often times that happens in children, but less often in adults) and then got blocked once again recently! Oh big sigh of relief. Here's to no appendix!

Here are a few more photos from SD.