The Rock

At Saint Mary's there is a large rock outcropping up on top of the bluff that students climb up to and it is known as 'The Rock.'  In normal circumstances it is a little tricky to get up there, it is straight up, lots of roots to climb over and a very steep narrow path to follow. When we decided to go, I'm not sure what we were thinking!

Peter was so excited to go up- he took off running right out of the car. We saw some friends at the bottom of the sledding hill and stopped to talk, when we were done, he was already at the top of the hill! Emi worked really hard to climb as well and made it quite a way on her own and then when it was steep Garrick put her up on his shoulders.                                           

We sat everyone down in the middle of the rock, told them not to move at all, took a picture and then got down! I was more than a little nervous that I was going to lose someone over the edge. Of course, on the way back down, Peter was also a mile ahead of me. We joke frequently about when the kids are going to start beating us at running, biking, skiing... etc... but I have a feeling that the day is closer that I might think. It has become a lot of fun to share these special places with the kids this spring!

Emi running down the sledding hill. So green and lush!

Biking at SMU

Biking up at Saint Mary's has been a once a week thing for us all summer. The kids know the loop around campus and the places to visit. We took an adventure down to the trails the last time we were there and rode on the bridge as well!

By the time we were leaving, it was getting dark, but the best part of the night- and I don't have pictures- was finding a large pile of ice shavings in the parking lot from the zamboni- the kids were THRILLED to find a mountain of snow to play in and ride their bikes on top of.

What 37 Weeks Looks Like

We are getting into uncharted territory here with my being 37 weeks along. We took it easy on Saturday and my mom and dad came to visit and play with the kiddos. We went sledding for an hour, out to lunch and hung out at home. Sunday was a little busier with it being in the 40s and sunny. We played in the backyard, went to a friend's house to sled and have hot chocolate and then Monday we went skiing at SMU!! The baby's room play room has also had a makeover- I'm just waiting to see if it is a girl or boy to put up some finishing touches. It is a really nice place for the kids to play and for a baby to live!

Happy "OWL"een!

We were the owl family this week. Well we already were I suppose ordering mice at Culvers and hooting our way through the church but it went the next step.
With my dad's help I made them each a set of owl wings- Pete got green and Emi pinks and purples.

And as always the Halloween week in Winona was crazy! Parties, trick or treats at SMU and the library and then the real deal. Here are a few pictures to enjoy from our fun and games! (It is also a good time to mention that we are getting ready for baby #3 to be arriving  in March! Poor kid... it will be mentioned more in the future!)

Proof of Baby #3!

Tricks and treats at SMU with friends

Owls live in trees.

Back in the pumpkin... again... #1, #3 (I must be missing year 2...)

Not as happy about this.

Seeing a real owl while trick or treating.

Library story time.

Off to the library!

At the end of the night. 

Happy Spring

 Spring is officially here! It has been warm some days, rainy some others and HOT some other days. There were a streak of days in March that were all over 80*! We have been living outside, playing in the sandbox, riding bikes and just having fun. Jack came to visit us overnight. We had the best time.

 I had heard that the chapel at SMU had been redone so I wanted to pop in quick on my own to take a look- nope instead the whole crew came in and the boys even picked out a seat!!

 Here it is-- looks nice!!

 Emi enjoying my tulips.

 Searching our the easter eggs at Grandma Linka's house! Pete just loved it all, but Emi was content to pick up one at a time and follow Peter around the yard.

The Halloween that NEVER ended

I am not going to even tell you how many times we celebrated Halloween, but let's just say that Kimberly's costumes got PLENTY of use this year!! I have been putting off doing this post  and you'll see why... there is a LOT to share! Peter was a HAMburargr (as he would say) and everyone LOVED his costume- everywhere we went he was the center of attention.

 The first place we went was SMU for their trick-or-treats in the dorms. The first dorm we went through was Benilde which is the all boys all freshman dorm... they went all out- lights out, scary costumes, lights, and music. Pete wasn't fazed in the least- he went right up to every person and got his treats and said thank you!

 We met up with his buddies while we were there so the three boys got to trick or treat together.

 The next place we went was to the library. They do an arts and crafts project, a story time and then a trip through the haunted bookshelves. The library has a translucent floor that lets some light shine up with the lights above turned off. It was really spooky and fun up there.

 On our way home we stopped at the house on Main St that goes all out! Pete of course liked the train.

 Next, we had a Halloween Party at our house. 

 All of the kids lined up on the couch. There is a witch hiding behind the chicken on the right.

 We carved pumpkins with grandpa and grandma.

 Stuck the kids inside.

 And took a few pictures!

 Then we went trick or treating around our neighborhood! Pete did a great job of ringing doorbells, asking for his treats and telling everyone what he was. We also then went to Oscar's house for their Birthoween (Chris's birthday) party afterwards.

What a FUN week! Hope you also had a spooky week!