Happy 3rd Birthday!

Today our little guy is 3 years old! Adam is way into Jake and the Neverland pirates, so his sister bought him a cool spyglass, hook, map, sword and treasure chest. I couldn't tell who was more excited by the gift. He was thrilled to be getting presents from his friends today, because according to him, "all of them would be for me." Jackie made Adam a shark birthday cake and tonight he is having brownies that we already sampled last night. (Who can pass up warm brownies- right?!)

Happy Birthday Adam!

100 miles pregnant

Today I finished what I'm pretty sure will be my last run while pregnant. Together baby and I have logged around 100 miles. The combination of little daylight and frosty weather would force me inside. I can't make myself log the miles on a treadmill because running pregnant is already challenging. Funny that my growing belly is the least of my concerns. My goal was to make it to 20 weeks and I did it. Check in with me in June to see if I'm back at it.

Everyday Looks

Check out Elizabeth's outfit that she wore to daycare today. Doesn't every 5 year old wear sparkly tank tops and scarfs in their hair? I am guilty because I bought the tank for her, but I was hopeful she would wear it under a hoodie. When I explained that this morning, she looked at me like I was crazy. Why would you cover up that sparkle?

Gotta love this girls fashion sense.

The BIG news

Elizabeth and Adam are happy to announce that they will be big siblings in April. The Grant house is going to get even more chaotic.

Happy 5th Birthday Elizabeth!

Today Elizabeth is 5 years old! The excitment of her birthday started at the beginning of November with the birthday countdown. Today Jackie put together a fantastic party with friends. Elizabeth got to dictate the order of activites: presents, cake, and surprise activity. The mermaid cake made by Jackie was amazing. The surprise activity was getting to play with a box full of Barbies and accessories. Talk about a 5 year old dream!

We are having a family dinner tonight and then a joint party on Saturday. The birthday celebrating will continue for days.

Happy 5th birthday little girl!

Adam talks girlfriends at daycare

This excerpt below is from Adam and Elizabeth's daycare provider Jackie. The other kids referenced are girls who attend the daycare as well. I think I can speak for Sam at this point when I say that these are probably some of the only girlfriends we will approve of for Adam!

Adam to Jackie, pointing to Claire up on the climber outside: "Jackie,see that ‘gurl’ up there? She is one of my gurl friends. You know what gurl friends like to do? They love to kiss and hug you all the time! " Claire slides down and runs to Adam and squeezes his face in her hands, both laughing. "Just like that Jackie!" A few minutes later, "Jackie you are my gurlfriend too." Jackie, "How many girlfriends do you have Adam?" Adam holding up his fingers and naming them on each finger, "I have Claire, Norah, me, Elizabeth, and you. I have four girlfriends!"

Halloween take two

The day isn't complete without a wardrobe change.

Happy Halloween!

Stout's Island Lodge Day 1

Yesterday we made the trip up to northern Wisconsin to Stout's Island Lodge. Along the way we ran into great-grandparents Donald and Dolores at our lunch stop in Baldwin.

We took a ferry boat ride across the lake to the lodge. From there we checked into our room and then explored the 26 acre island. When it got dark, the kids enjoyed some s'mores before bed!

Too cute

Josh is on a working out kick, so we've been exploring the parks while he mountain bikes. I took some cute park pictures this weekend.

New bike

Adam got his birthday present early from Grandma Judi and Grandpa Dean. Now he's ready to keep up with Elizabeth.

A is for Adam

My handsome man surprised me by making an A without my help.

A Family Portrait

A day at the beach

Elizabeth spiked a fever but she still wanted to go searching for tadpoles. (sometimes it is amazing how easy she can be!) We spent a couple of hours swimming, playing in the sand, and catching minnows.

My little writers

This has been serious business tonight. This is the first time that Adam has focused long enough to do letters. He has perfected C and V. So proud.

A couple reasons why I love kids

At least once per day, Elizabeth laughs so hard that she gets hiccups. Last night it was swinging at the park. I love it and hope that I laugh everyday.

I bought Adam a spiderman hoodie and he has hugged and thanked me at least 15 times. He is so cool in it.

Cousin Time for the 4th

We escaped the heat and headed up north for the 4th of July. Both kids cried last night at bedtime because, "Grandma's house is so fun." They had a blast playing with their cousins, and this time Grandma was successful in getting a picture of all four kids. Love these! Can't you just tell that they are best buddies. It was fun this time to see that the boys had a great time riding bikes and playing basketball together. And Carly was able to calm Adam down from a meltdown. She held his hand and took him to eat ice cream. I love my nieces love for food!

Father's day and the big 30

Two Kids in A Hammock

Well, our first hammock arrived a few days ago. I set it up in the back yard for the kids, and they enjoyed it, even taking turns swinging each other in it.

Another Reason for Grandparents

Adam is so excited by his big boy sheets. Grandma Kathy thought it was time to get him out of the pink flower sheets that were handed down from his sister. Yet another reason why grandparents are essential (especially when you have a cheap parents.)

Half marathon

Today I completed my first half marathon. Despite a nagging injury, it was a good experience. Mostly I'm just proud to have done it.

Bedtime conversation

"Sister, I love mama more than the diggers."

That's deep.

A great way to end an evening.

More from Disney

It doesn't get any better.

Disney day one

At 8 AM, I've already been slapped and spit on. Hoping there's nowhere to go but up!

The headband keeps her warm when eating frozen yogurt. What a nut.

Proud Mama

My years of graduate training have paid off. Jackie posted today:

I love that Adam can tell me that “ his mom says that when we say that we will not be your friend, it is relational aggression” and he knows that is a bad choice to treat friends that way.

Now if the kid would listen to what he knows is right, we'd be golden.

First Canoe Ride of 2012

Saturday turned out to be a nice enough day to get the canoe out on Chester Lake for the first time this season. We brought it out there last week, but it was too windy that day.

We paddled to the beach area, which is roped off during the summer months for swimmers. But until then, the kids took advantage of the stop to throw some rocks and sand.

Easter 2012

Above are two pictures from the after-lunch Easter egg hunt at the Underbakke ranch.

Back at home, we decided to take the kids out into the backyard for some pictures in their Easter clothes. In the pleasant spring weather, Elizabeth decided to hit some of her recently-learned dance moves.

Not to be outdone, Adam hit some of his best moves!

After the dance-off, we did manage to get some pictures of them posing in their best clothes...

Sam hid some eggs after the picture session, and all 22 were eventually found. Here, Adam takes a moment to reap the benefit of finding some on his own.