Legofest 2011

I have no idea how often the Legofest train pulls up into our neck of the woods, but sure enough, Kyle heard about it this year and informed me about it Thursday night. Friday, I was online ordering tickets for the whole family. I was totally bummed in the evening when Kyle was surprised I ordered four tickets, because, "I thought maybe it would be me and the kids and you might have some time to yourself." Shoot! If only I had known that was part of his grand plan as I would have personally been delighted to have some time to myself. Alas, I was committed.

We managed to keep mum about the big event and were able to use our 'surprise' as a negotiating lever during the day Saturday to get the kids to do whatever we needed them to do. Cate begrudgingly did and re-did her spelling words and sentences, Max's listening ears magically worked and even picked up a few things around the house.

Legofest was downtown, so we made a field trip out of it, including having our lunch downtown which required walking through the skyways. That in and of itself was surprise-worthy. Once we were close to the convention center, I told the kids to look around as there clues were showing up. People were leaving the center with LEGO bags, directional signs were posted and one of the digital message boards highlighted the ongoing events. I pointed to one such message board and said, "here's the surprise Cate!" It read: Minnesota Music Teachers Association Concert. She said, "Awwww, really? That's not a fun surprise." Max ended up figuring out quicker than Cate and on we went to Legofest--125,000 square feet of, well, LEGOs.

For me, it was more or less a glorified LEGO store visit which multiplied from a 30 minute visit to a 3-1/2 hour visit. But for the kids and Kyle, it was the best day ever. And that, my friends, is way better than some time to myself.

Although, I'll take Kyle's suggestion as an I.O.U for a future date.

(Kyle helping Cate with the final touches of her house that became part of the giant United States floor map)

(Max and Cate in the huge Lego construction pile [really, I wasn't cringing thinking of all the germs!])

(Max placing his tile to the wall mural)

(Looking very cool after their hair fest)

Bible School Program

Last night Cate and Max participated in the evening Bible School program performance. As you can imagine, it's a review of what the kids have been learning throughout the week and showing off their newly learned Jesus songs. In addition to the entire group singing a song, each age group were featured. This being Max's first year, I'd say he did pretty well. Cate was super awesome. Not only was she doing all of the motions, her lips were actively moving and it appeared she was singing the correct words! Woot!

It was a special surprise for the kids to see Colleen (and her dad) Coleman was in the audience. The three traipsed off together after the program to seize a well-deserved ice cream treat. Sadly, the weather was a bit ominous, so they weren't able to enjoy the jumpy-castle.

you can see Cate in the large group, Max is hidden but standing next to her

Max (on left end with stripe shirt) and his orange group

Cate is front left...actually doing the motions...and her green group

Summer Break, Week 1

This is the first full week of summer vacation and, boy, it is a busy one! We are all adjusting to a different schedule.

Our nephew Nick started his gig as our summer "manny." He'll be watching the kids three days a week. This first week is especially chaotic. With Grandma LaVonne's transportation skills, Nick is balancing both kids and making sure they're ready to be where they're supposed to be depending on the time of day. In the morning, both kids go to Bible School at the local Presbyterian church. Upon their return, Grandma prepares a quick picnic lunch before she takes Cate over to an afternoon park program.

Which means...Max has Nick all to himself in the afternoons. Next week, with bible school over, Max will be home with Nick all day long. Max couldn't be more delighted. It was very cute when Nick showed up the first day and while I was giving Nick the low-down, Max sidled over and slipped his hands into Nick's. He was so happy to have his big cousin over to watch him all day.

Last night there was a break in the gloomy weather we've been experiencing so we seized the opportunity to get the kids out on their bikes. Cate has been very anxious because we passed down to Max her bike from last year and the new bike she has was too high for her earlier this spring. But, after she whined, "I can't!", I was able to convince her to try to get on and go. Lo and behold, she finally tried and succeeded. Cate grew just enough for her tiptoes to touch the ground when she's on the seat. So she whirled all around the neighborhood streets in search of turtles. Max got on the hand-me-down bike with the training wheels back on and tootled down the alley and along the lake. By the time we got back home, he counted seeing 10 bunnies, 5 ducks and 1 turtle.

They slept well last night.

Thursday night is the program at bible school This is Max's first year at bible school and it will be such fun to see him up there performing with his new friends. Last year, he was not content to sit with the audience, so he snuck up to the stage with Cate and followed right along with the songs and gestures. He's already marching around singing random bits of songs and hailing, "Shout, A-MEN!" so I think he'll be ready. I'm very curious as to what will happen tomorrow night!

From the mouth of Kyle

"I love you because you love me and gave me two wonderful chil--okay, you gave me two children. Between the two children, we have one wonderful child."