Sunday, June 29, 2008

Knowledge, Peace, and Opportunities for Women


I would like to thank Jenny for planning our evening out. It was amazing to sit down and reconnect with everyone from college some ten to twelve years ago. I just can't believe it has been that long. I guess I need to start facing the fact that we are old. Or as Jenny's sister so eloquently put it, "Old as dirt!"

Looking at us, who would have thought that we thought those were the days, with our BIG hair, but the Greek Week activities, the networking, the sisterhood that we shared was very special and in many ways irreplaceable.

Now that we are all grown up, successful, and mothers, our meeting again after all of these years was a very moving experience for me. I cherish our friendship, our struggles, our bond and hope that we never allow that much time to pass before we get together again. Kappa lives on in our nostalgic memories of the past.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bon Voyage Party at the Aarlandson's







Last night the Aarlandson's were gracious enough to throw us a going away party. The kids had a great time playing, roasting marshmallows, watching movies, and spending time together. The adults had a great time as well.

We are very lucky to be a part of the Saint Thomas More community and school. These are the people that make our move to Switzerland so hard. Here are a few photos from last night. Thanks for the memories and remember to stay in touch, or come and visit. You are always welcome!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

2008 Water Carnival Preparation begins...





Well...it is that time of year. That time of year where Coretta begins thinking about what she will be for the big Water Carnival Parade in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in July. Last year, Coretta spent many a night writing down her ideas in her sketch book, before coming up with the idea to create a rock band. She decided that she and I would tye dye some t-shirts, accessorize these shirts, and bead their hair.

This year, after much deliberation, she has decided to be another unique creation, that being what she calls a Wacky Water Carnival Kid. She has come up with the idea of creating shirts for herself, her brother, Emilia, and Jack. Then, they would dress up totally wacky looking! So far her costume consists of a green and purple boa, a tiara, sunglasses, high socks, etc. etc. Today we went to Michaels and picked up the supplies we would need. Here was the result of our hard work!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Hot, Sticky Weather



Today was another beautiful, sunny day in the 80's, so Coretta, Geno, and I decided to have some back yard fun by swimming and jumping through the sprinklers.

Now my dog Charlie would have none of this, and sat cowering in the corner hoping that he would not get wet and waiting for me to let him in the house. As pathetic as that is, it is to be expected with Charlie. But when Geno seemed apprehensive about it as well, I knew I had to help him overcome the fear. I first put him in the pool and he screamed bloody murder until we went in together. Even then, he needed to be very close, hugging me to feel comfortable.

I, then thought that the sprinkler might be a better option and since we haven't had much rain, the grass could use it too. I first ran through the sprinkler, then Coretta, and Geno watched us with curiosity. About the third or fourth round of Coretta and I running through it, Geno started laughing uncontrollably. At this time I decided to run through the sprinkler with him in my arms to see if he would like it. He at first kept holding his breath, but after that LOVED it. You can tell by the expression in his face in the picture above.

Monday, June 23, 2008

The kids and their check-ups




Coretta had her check-up at the doctor. Since we are moving to Switzerland, I thought it might be helpful. And healthy she is. She is 4 feet 8 inches tall! Coretta is in the 95th percentile for height. Dr. Hamilton stated that if she keeps growing at the rate she is, she will be 5 feet 9 inches tall. She did have to have her finger pricked to draw some blood to check her hemoglobin, but overall she did well.

Geno also had his 18 month check-up and he weighed 31 pounds and was 2 feet 10 inches tall. He is slowing down, but he is still in the 90th percentile. He had two shots and did not like it one bit. He, too, is healthy, but tired and cranky due to his shots.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Fort Snelling National Park





Today we loaded up the backpack and took the family out to Fort Snelling National Park for a little hiking, sun, and swimming.

Geno was hesitant about going into the water, but warmed up to the idea fairly quickly. Coretta being the little fish she is, had no problem at all.

Charlie even enjoyed walking along the trail and watching all of he people at the beach.

Geno started getting tired towards the end of the day and fell asleep in the car on the way home. No wonder since he was running and walking all over the place.

Overall, it was a fantastic summer day!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Yummy!


Geno tried watermelon for the first time today and LOVED it. The other thing that he loves is trying to be noticed by Coretta and her friends wherever they go. Today while Coretta and her friend were swimming in the pool, he just stared at them in complete fascination. The countdown has begun... 43 days until we leave for Switzerland!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Lazy Days of Summer





Since this week's temperature was going to be in the 80's, I had this great idea to get a pool for the back yard.

Coretta, Geno, and I went to several stores trying to find the best one. We finally decided on this pool that was 15 feet long and was way too heavy for one person to haul, but Coretta loved it the best because it had a ladder. I end up getting a salesperson to help me, not realizing that this item was so heavy, they called in for a "team lift." Next thing I know I have two guys helping me put this ginormous pool into the trunk of my car to find out that it wasn't going to fit. Three hours into this excursion, and now I was unsure if I could get it home. I then carried it out of the trunk myself, removing Nick's recent purchase of brewing supplies, and tried to fit it in the front seat. Realizing then, that it wouldn't fit, I carried it back into the trunk and bungee corded the trunk down. It worked! I made it home, hauled it out of the trunk, brought it to the back yard to find out that it was BIGGER than my yard. Now at this point it is almost seven o'clock at night and Coretta is crying, Nick is laughing and cursing at me, and I am exhausted. We ended up boxing it all back and bought the 8 foot pool. Here are some photos of the kids enjoying the beautiful weather.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Fathers Day!!





Today is Father's Day and so Nick decided that we would go to Taylors Falls and spend time at the Interstate State Park.

We walked the river trail and ate at Schoony's Pizzeria and Malt Shop. Nick had a Mountain Dew strawberry float and Coretta, Geno, and I shared a chocolate malt.

It is amazing to me how just being out in nature, taking it in, breathing it in, can put things into perspective. Both Coretta and Geno enjoyed walking the trails, looking at the trees, and the lake.

Nick opened his presents and received Northern Brewer beer supplies, the new David Sedaris book, and a movie that Coretta and I created for him. Coretta also gave him a sheet stating the top ten things she loves about her Dad.

This is what she said:

1) He helps me with Math!
2) He is funny when he talks in his sleep!
3) He loves me!
4) He is awesome when he plays XBox 360!
5) He takes me to the CD store.
6) He buys me goodies!
7) He plays with me when I am lonely.
8) He rocks because he is so smart!
9) He is SUPER silly!
10) He is weird!

Here are a few pictures from our adventure!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Imania and Grandma's visit!






















Imania came up to visit with us before she heads to New Mexico with Grandma for a month.

It was great to have her with us and gave Coretta time to hang out with her. They went shopping, watched movies, played on the computer, and spent time at Barnes -n- Nobles.

It was great to see Grandma Marilyn having time to bond with all of her grandchildren. It is hard for her living so far away from them. As beautiful as Las Cruces is, it is clear that her grandbabies are most important. Grandma Marilyn bought Coretta a couple of outfits, a puppet, and a bracelet from Mexico and Geno received a couple of outfits and a drum. Grandma was amazed with how well Geno can walk since last time she was here, he could only do the army crawl.

I will really miss our family while we are living in Switzerland, but they have promised to come out and visit. I am holding them to it!

Here are some pictures of the family together!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Como Zoo



We were lucky enough to have Grandma Marilyn came to visit us before we leave for Switzerland, so we decided to make a day of it at the Como Lake area. We started with a walk along Lake Como. While we walked, Coretta biked 1.6 miles around the lake.

We then walked to the Como Conservatory and Rainforest Center and saw a sloth, various birds, snakes, and tarantulas. We then made our way through the zoo seeing gorillas, seals, flamingos, fish, giraffes, and many other animals.

The biggest highlight was the butterfly exhibit where there were literally hundreds of different butterflies. We also went to the playground and had a picnic allowing the kids to burn off some of their extra energy.

Here are some photos of our special day!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Valleyfair 2008


Coretta, Nick, Ryan, Erin, and I spent the day at Valleyfair yesterday. We were there for eight hours and truly had a great time. I have never seen Coretta so excited. We went on so many rides such as the Corkscrew, the monster, the white roller coaster, and spent time in the water park riding the waterslides. Although Ryan was hesitant to go on some of the rollercoasters, he did a great job overcoming his fears! It was the perfect day.

While we were busy chasing our rollercoasters, Grandpa Tom was home with Geno for eight hours alone!! The first thing he made sure that I did was put on a full pot of coffee. Amazingly enough Tom survived and even changed a diaper or two. They spent their day napping, playing drop the can, and being outside. Now that Geno can walk and does walk everywhere he is always into mischief!

Geno's first face plant


Although Geno is now walking, he is still somewhat unstable. When we went to pick up Coretta from school the other day, he was showing off to the other Mommies how well he could walk, when all of a sudden he fell face first into the pavement. Here is a picture of Geno's first scrape.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Schools out for Summer




Coretta has finished second grade and is officially now a third grader! They have had many fun things going on in school this week. Miss Hulit had the second grade students create pillow cases with a written compliment from each student. Coretta's classmates stated that she was good at DI, soccer, basketball, baseball, and singing. They also thought that she was cool and a good friend. This year was a year of many great memories and great friends. Coretta will miss Saint Thomas More in the next three years, but many people have promised to be pen pals with Coretta and keep in touch. That will make the transition easier. Here are some pictures of her last day as a second grader. Congrats Coretta!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Home Sweet Home





As many of you already know, we have finally found the apartment that we will be living in after much time searching for the right place. We will be living in Huenenberg, Switzerland in a spacious four bedroom, four bath, with a patio that overlooks Mount Rigi. We are living the states mid July and are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. Here are some pictures of our new place that we will be calling home.

Monday, June 2, 2008

18 month old Geno



























Geno is almost 18 months and is walking most of the time now. Some of his favorite things to do are to bang on anything in his way and "pretend" drink out of bottles and pop cans. He also enjoys playing with pencils, pens, littlest pet shop toys, and polly pockets. He even has his first crush on Julie, Coretta's American Girl, given to her by Auntie Heidi. He loves to play with his big sister Coretta and loves to listen to her play the piano. Most times, he even joins in. He loves to be outside and play or even sit there taking in the sights, smells, and sounds. Coretta loves to bring him down the slides at the park and he loves to swing.

Geno is still a work in progress when it comes to his table etiquette, but when we are in a jam, and we have no other choice, we go to eat and definitely suffer the consequences. I make sure to order his food as an appetizer. Then we must be on our A game. First, he may be content just holding the crayons, but most time he throws them either to the floor or to the booth sitting right next to us. He then, may or may not continue to do the same thing with his food and has been known to hit people with a chicken nugget when they least expect it. People always tell me that I am going to have my hands full. Complete strangers. Nick and I have learned to take this behavior in stride and not become too embarrassed, knowing that this is just another phase he will some day grow out of. One of us discreetly exits the restaurant with onlookers staring at our son in full fledged tantrum form and sits in the car until the rest of the party is finished.

This is Geno Robert my son. He is an adventurer, a spit-fire, a comedian, full of life, a happy independent child, and for that we love him!