Happy 1 year birthday to Allison and Ryan

 

It's so hard to believe these tiny little ones have been in our family for an entire year. 

 This weekend we celebrated Ryan & Allison's 1 year birthday!

 

They are both so sweet and have such different personalities. 

They are a joy to us all!

Today their birthday party was full of people who love them, presents, cake, and many smooches and cuddles...just what a one year old party should be!

Now that they are walking, their springtime is going to be full of new adventures. It will be so much fun to see them explore. 

Happy Birthday Allison and Ryan...here's to another fun year!

Basketball

 Marie just wrapped up another session of YMCA basketball. This team was full of spunky girls who learned a lot.

Andy (and I ) had our hands full but it was a blast.

 Once again it's so much fun to see how much the girls learn in 6 short weeks.

 Marie seems to have an eye for defense, finds sneaky and smart passes to teammates, and is right there grabbing rebounds.

Babysitting Fun

 Marie and I got to spend some quality one-on-one time with Ryan and Allie a few weeks ago. 

We loved every minute of it. These two babies are so special and we were way overdue for cuddles.

 Marie is very helpful and I really couldn't have done it without her help. She can get those babies to smile, laugh, calm down, and even fall asleep. 

 They are inching closer to one year old and I can hardly believe it!  

God knew what he was doing bringing these two into our family. 

Father/Daughter Dance

Marie had her first experience being asked on a date...and went a little something like this:

Andy: "Marie, would you be my date to the Father/Daughter dance next weekend?"

Marie: "Ummm, ok, sure, hmmm, this is kinda weird."

Andy: "That's exactly what your mom said when I asked her out on a date."

Marie enjoyed her time getting ready. She picked out her dress, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry. We even put a little makeup on. 

While she was getting dressed, she asked me what kind of things girls talk about on a date. So, I went through the usual things that happen, small talk, hobbies, jobs, sports, movies, etc.

About 5 minutes into their date, Andy texted me saying, "Marie just asked me how my job is going..."

Just like everything she does, she took this date pretty seriously!

They ate at a fancy restaurant, danced, took pictures, ate more, and danced more. 

Both came home exhausted but very happy!

I love this tradition in our community and we already have next year's date on our calendar.

Mom and Dad took a trip!

 To celebrate 10 and 1/2 years of marriage, Andy & I finally took time and a trip away alone!

After months of planning, prep, and delivering of our dependents (dogs and kids) were finally hopped a plane in Minneapolis and were headed to Miami.

 We were very specific in our plans: drink, nap, eat, swim, lay on the beach.

If one of us tried to veer away from that plan, he/she was in deep trouble. 

 It.Was.Fabulous!

Never in my life have I felt so relaxed. 

It was warm, fun, relaxing, and honestly so great to get a way as a couple. 

Reconnecting and talking with no interruptions was priceless.

 We spent lots of time swimming in the crisp ocean water and that was so refreshing. 

We even saw a jellyfish in the water...and then quickly swam away.

 We took an adventure to south beach for dinner one night. Our menu was crab and dessert...delicious.

Ignore our dramatic Marie's picture above, our kids were well taken care of and had a wonderful time with all their caretakers: Mara, Grammy & Papa, and Aunt Keri & Uncle Paul, and Grandma Nel. 

Bennett's Winter Program

Bennett has had an amazing year so far in preschool. His teacher is wonderful, he has made many friends, and this past week he was able to share many of the songs he's learned.

 He picked out his tie and shirt for the special occasion.

 With the concert so close to valentine's day, there was definitely lots of love in the room as the kids performed.

 Bennett is growing into such a sweet young man and we are so so proud of him!

Fun Day in Coyote Country

 We were so excited to spend the day at the new arena in Vermillion to watch the Coyotes beat the Jack Rabbits!

We spent time yelling, cheering, eating nachos, and devouring dome dogs.

 The boys were obviously excited when the final buzzer rang after a close game. 

We took a few minutes to explore the new arena and the new touch screen hall of fame. The kids enjoyed finding their dad's team and their Papa!