Birthday hugs from his sister.

Visited the Lepiens this week. Nora and Addie dressed up :)

Nora and Elias

Joliana making cookies-- a tradition of ours!

Spent today at the beach!

It's amazing how much more interactive and social Addie is around girls. Almost all of my friends here in town have boys, so Addie is around boys most of the time. She does fine, but just usually plays by herself. But not around these girls! They had a blast together! I even got told to 'leave the room' when I went up to check on them. No moms allowed! We had a great mini-vaca to Duluth. And now I'm halfway through the week... :)

One year ago...

And today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIAS JAMES! We love you to pieces!! You are a joy :-)

SUCH A GIRL!! I was putting Eli down for a nap-- maybe downstairs for 3 minutes-- and when I came upstairs, Addie had painted one hand already and was onto hand #2. Don't worry, Brandt, none of it ended up on the rug (much to my surprise)!! She was so proud of herself.

B and Addie playing "Pretty Pretty Princess."

Eli playing in the toilet again :)

Our date today--- Build A Bear Workshop at Ridgedale. I've been very much anti-Build-A-Bear, but it was a BLAST! Addie LOVED it!
B is in LA this week for work. Hard to see him go yesterday after a great week off for vacation. And slightly jealous that he gets to spend some time with Jeff while out there. But we'll stay busy! We always do :)

We had a fabulous trip to Branson, MO -- family reunion. We swam every day, rode the Ducks, went mini-golfing, played cards, ate well, and even had a 'kids' night out' and saw the movie SALT. Addie and Eli were great!! I'm having a little trouble uploading pics today, but when I figure it out, I'll post some :)

We have gone two days without Addie's old blanky. This is her new one :) She has been attached to the old one since she was 7 months old. It was tattered, torn, very stinky, and barely pink anymore. It was disgusting! So we built up this trip to Target so she could pick out a new blanky, and she did! We 'threw' the old one away. She does not want to chew on this blanky, thankfully!.. she says it's just for cuddling. It is a BIG DEAL for this little girl!!

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." We had the most perfect weekend with Dad! Now gearing up for week 2...

We have entered a new stage in life-- Brandt is traveling for work. Every week for the next 10 or so weeks. Something we knew would be coming to us soon, since we have been extremely blessed these last three years with little to travel. So, yes we're surviving! Yes, we're staying busy. But yes, I feel like a single mom. And yes, it's going to be tough. We miss him. I miss him. And it's only week one. See you soon, babe. :)

We celebrated my nana's life today. It was amazing service.

My nana had TONS of reading glasses-- the boys and Addie are sporting some above :)

Going through the scrapbooks of my nana's life and listening to my grandpa share stories.

Auntie Kylee and Addison

Addie and my cousin Lexi were best friends all week.

Fun to be together, despite sad circumstances...

My incredible grandfather and Addie.

The morning of the reviewal, I had the following conversation with Addie--
"Mama, Great Nana and Papa are in heaven together now!"
"You are right, Addie! Do you think they're hanging out together?"
"Yes!"
"What do you think they are doing in heaven?"
"Playing games."
"What game do you think they're playing in heaven?
"Wack-a-mole!" :) I can only imagine!!

My nana went home to be with the Lord last Friday due to some complications after a bad fall. I write this through tears and sadness, but with the confidence that she is in heaven, free from pain. My nana was an amazing woman- kind, funny, generous, and always honest. She is my first grandparent to pass away, which makes this especially hard. Prayers would be appreciated these next couple of days- especially for my grandpa and mom. I love you, Nana. I will see you again someday!

Maple Grove Days Parade last week... Addie enjoyed bustin' a move with the other kids, while wearing political stickers ;) Long parade, but fun!

The clouds that just rolled through Otsego... the coolest thing I've ever seen!!!

-B

AS OF LATELY...

-Eli crawls! It's taken him awhile to get the hang of it, but now he's crawling all over the place :) He's enjoying the fact that he can get around and explore.

-Brandt has had a pretty easy week at work so far this week-- working 'remotely' (aka spending more time with us)!!

-Addie is our picky eater (my fault), but lately we've been enforcing or threatening consequences if she doesn't try what's on her plate at dinner. The first few nights we had major temper tantrums, but I think we've made a break-through... she ate taco salad last night with no complaints! This is a BIG deal, folks :) She even announced while eating, "Look, Dad! I eat taco salad like you guys!" Followed by, "Mom, you make good things!" :)

-I went bridesmaid dress shopping with Tricia last weekend-- such fun! Looking forward to the wedding next May!

-Eli was dedicated at church last Sunday. The service was nice and we had a good afternoon with family.

-Finally, B and I, along with lifelong friends, Natalie and Allen, leave for Vegas in 9 days! I couldn't be more excited!! A time for sun, pool, cards, eating out, shows, relaxing, and sleeping through the night!!

We spent four days at Trout Lake Camp this last weekend. It was good-- different without Dale there-- but good to be with family. Brandt ran a 10K and I ran a 5K on Saturday in the Nisswa Firecracker race. Then we got to watch Addie run a 1/4 mile race. It was the funniest thing I've ever witnessed :) She put her heart and soul into running and came in 3rd to last! Hilarious!! We spent the rest of the weekend boating, swimming, eating, mini golfing, basballing ;) and just being together. Kids were great- slept well since we wore them out every day. Nice to be home in the air condition again :) I do feel like I need a vacation from our mini vacation. I suppose parents always feel that way...