Two for two!

Micheal's second birthday spanned 2 days this year- as it should for such a special little guy! Hilary made him the most amazing Lightning McQueen cake in the world! We had to postpone dinner because when Michael saw it come in the house, he went straight at it! Our MN family, the Davidsons and Moynihans were here to celebrate with us! We made a huge tower with the cool blocks from Gmommy & Gdad- cool :-)



Birthday morning was very exciting with Micheal's arrival downstairs - to see his new train set! He was really excited! Its been used a lot already and I think he really enjoys it.

The big thing is that he doesn't yet take the tracks apart... I found him this morning with a Thomas book, his train hat on, and a couple of the actual train pieces all sitting on the couch.


Some really cool bubbles from Addie...


Lacrosse sticks from New Jersey...


And Mack truck from Nini & Papa! I think he actually squealed when he opened this gift!

Do you think Michael likes his new truck??

This is one off those days that I knew would come. For whatever reason, 2 seems like such a big deal! The baby is gone and he is all little boy. Clint and I are both so proud of Mac- he is a very nice little boy with loads of energy but always kind and just fun to be around. His smile is infectious and those eyes could melt the MN snow. Happy Birthday Bubble.

Michael- 2 years-old (nicknames include Mac, Bubble)
28 1/2# 34 3/8"
Favorite things:
Movie: Cars
Books: Mr. Brown Can Moo, Harry the Dirty Dog,
Food: anything I'm eating
Song: Real Gone by Sheryl Crowe
Outfit: MI football t-shirt, Twins cap
Toy: anything Cars related, his new train set, wooden puzzles, blocks & legos
Words most often used: Bob, Mack, Mum, Duddy, A-ee, Ma-ee, waa-waa (water),chhchh (juice), mo (more), No! Yea-yah
Favorite thing to do: swim/get wet

Daisy, Daisy, give me youR answer true.

One of the best things I did this year was start a kindergarten Dasiy Troop with my friend Annette. Addie and Emerson had no idea what they were in for with us as their leaders! We had 16 girls and a lot of great help from parents too! The first Monday of every month we met in Mrs. Kirby's room and learned about friendship, and caring for our planet. We earned patches, had parties, went sledding and even executed a very successful cap recycling program with Aveda (anything for a patch right?)! Having never been a GS, I had a lot to learn. I loved it and can't wait for next year!
Here are the girls at the end of the year tea party! We made silly hats, and they made silly faces!

Profiles at 6,4,2

Open, shut them!

Michael and I took a music class with Cindy and Julia this spring and learned a whole bunch of fun songs. We have a little routine that we do now and he gets relly excited to do all the hand motions. Here is the line up:
Open Shut Them
RamSamSam
Skinnamarinkadinkado
Driving in My Car
Criss Cross Applesauce

Clint wanted to learn some of the songs so Michael decided to teach him- who do you think is having more fun?

Wha-wha

Kindergarten Graduation

Addie's last day of kindergarten was celebrated with a variety show of sorts. It was a great little show with a selection of songs from the Muppets, and a few other silly songs. Its hard to believe that next year she'll be in first grade!

You're one gutsy racer.

Your M's are a little soft.

Addie and I were sitting at the kitchen table this evening writing notes to her teachers. I wrote one out so she could remember what she wanted to write (it changes every word). She then was reading back what I had written and asked if Mrs. was a capital latter. I said yes, and she remarked, "Mommy, your Ms are a little soft."
First grade, here we come!

You're One Gutsy Racer

Last week I had the privilege of meeting a racing legend - The King, Richard Petty. It is a moment in my career at Best Buy that I will always remember.

Richard Petty and Elliott Sadler, who drives the #19 Dodge sponsored by Best Buy, were in the Twin Cities meeting with sponsors and doing a personal appearance at the Mall of America. I was lucky enough to attend a private Meet & Greet where The King and Elliot regaled us with their favorite moments in racing. The King said he sometimes feels like he could still race competitively. Elliot talked about his first win at Bristol. They also both assured us that they have high expectations for the remainder of the Sprint Cup season.

The highlight of the day was this picture, which was followed by an authograph signing. I asked The King to sign a miniature from his character in the movie Cars for my son, Michael - he is a big fan. The King obliged while commenting, "More people know me from the dang Cars movie than from my racing." I hope it is something Michael will cherish.

For the photo wall!

Its always hard...

to say good-bye. So we'll say, "See you at the beach!"

Great Northern Line

Saturday morning, bright and early, we drove to Osseola, WI to board the Great Northern Line. OK, OK, so we only went 25 miles one way and 25 miles back, but we ran along the St. Croix River Valley and it was a beautiful day. As for the kids- its was as good as a cross country train ride- just a little bit shorter!










After our trip, there were a couple of cars that the kids could climb in and out off- very cool!


Michael got a new hat!

GM and GD took us out for burgers at this cool drive-in in Taylor's Falls

In my book, it was a perfect day!