Pre-flood graduation party

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Minot. My cousin Maren graduated from Minot High School. Congratulations, but what?! Wow that went fast. She is a gem and she's on her way to UND next year, where she will do great.

The official cousin's photo is below, but it's not really official because we were missing Stephanie. (boo hoo, we miss you, Steph).


Look how big Will is getting!

After Maren's party, we spent some time at Great-Gma Betty's house where Gus was introduced to gambling. I'm happy to report he kinda freaked out when the machine cashed out because it was "too loud".

Speaking of cha-ching or bling, while Nora was sitting on her Gma Betty's lap, she was doing her normal baby thing and reaching for anything within an arms length. The first thing she saw was her Great-Aunt Nancy's ring. Um, yeah, and it's not a small ring. She grabbed and thought, "well this is gorgeous. I must eat it."

Luckily Gma Betty was quick and grabbed it before it went into her mouth.

She did get to try it on for size, however. It was too big. Waay too big.

Great-Uncle Leo and Nora.

We also hit up Gma Debi and Gpa Steve's house. Gus helped Gpa plant some flowers.

He continued the yard work later that night with Gpa Dave, too. For like an hour. Or until the tractor ran out of gas.

We were also happy to spend some time with Ross' cousin, Anita, who was visiting from Billings, MT. Nora loved her! Cheese!

The day we left Minot, everything was fine. Only 24 hours later, the flood fight of the century began for thousands of people in the Minot community. Although the forecast was grim, it seems the grave danger has passed, and now all the poor families who scrambled to move everything up and out of their homes, can go back. To a dry house. Thank God! Can we have summer now please? KThanks.

Marathon Weekend

The Fargo Marathon gets bigger, and bigger each year and we love it because that means every year, more visitors come to town. Mike, Michelle, and Gabby spent the weekend at our house. Michelle sprinted the half-marathon. She would say she didn't run fast but if we were to start running at the same time, ya, she'd appear to be in a dead sprint. I am s-l-o-w. But I love it. It's fun and I can't wait to run again next year.

While we ran on Saturday, the kids played. Nora adores her girly idol, Gabby.

We like to line up Gus and Gabby, back-to-back, for a pic every now and again because although they are only 11 months apart in age, they look more like 2 years apart. Gabby is petite and Gus is tall for his age (shocking), so this is what you get.

This is our morning training regiment. Wall push-ups are hard! Have you tried one lately?

Finally, here's part of the marathon folks:
Holly, Janelle, me, Michelle, and Dan.

Not pictured, but deserving of some major recognition are: Brett, Bjorn, Meg, Randy, Tara, Jerry, and my fellow co-workers who were part of our relay team. Did I forget anyone? Congratulations all you runners!

Pink

Nora loves pink. At least she does while I'm still in control! Here she is modeling her latest pink dress, while showing off her standing skills in her room.


Might I add her hair is sure filling in nicely. It's right on track for pig-tails by her birthday.

Marketing case-study

Being I work in marketing, I had to post this fascinating tidbit.

The other day, Gus walked up to me out of the blue and said, "hey mom, look. My socks say Home Depot". I was like, "wha, what?" but a second later I got it. He sees orange and thinks Home Depot.

I don't know if I should be proud or horrified that marketing/media has made such an impression on my child. On a similar note, although he can't totally read yet, he can identify Best Buy and Starbucks from a mile away. So what's next - chicken nugget cravings when he sees the Golden Arches? Thinking that he needs to buy something everytime he sees the iTunes logo? Perhaps. But I'm not too worried about it for now. At least we can still influence his thinking. I will worry more when he's a teenager, will not listen to me, and believes all things he sees on TV.

For now, I'll be happy just using his Home Depot quote as a case-study in a branding meeting or 2 at work. Talk about forming loyal customers! He's hooked on Home Depot at age 3.

License and registration, please

Gus' new hobbies are patrolling the block, and learning how to parallel park. And that's because his Gpa Steve and Gma Debi recently got a new police car for him. He is obsessed!

Here's Gus and his Gpa just moments after he saw it for the first time.


Because the weather was crummy the weekend he got it, we brought it into the house. Nora and Will also love it. I'm for sure saving this pic for their graduation parties in 17 years.

Oh yeah, it has a siren and flashing lights.

Gus drives it everyday, and usually picks up his new buddy, Caleb on his way around the block.


So, curious if Gus is still getting exercise? Think I'm a crazy parent who chooses motorized vehicles over a good old pedal-powered bike? Never fear! We mix in some old fashion playing. He's always running here and there.

Here's a few random shots from the past few weekends.





We had a few nice days last week so we enjoyed them by being outside in the evenings and swinging. But since this photo was taken, it's been downright cold in Fargo. We're hoping for a warm up this week.

Pearly Whites

Gus had his first dental appointment this week. I probably should have scheduled his check up before he was 3 1/2, but honestly, the thought of bringing him to the dentist never crossed my mind. Whoa, I was in denial that he was old enough to go.

He loved it! Especially the vacuum/sucker tool.



No cavities! And a happy kid.

Happy Birthday, Will

Our nephew, Will is 1!

His birthday is May 5th, Cinco De Mayo. Therefore, a sombrero. Muy bueno!





All that cake made him very thirsty.