Getting ready for xmas

Getting ready for xmas

The xmas tree went up soon quickly as we arrived home from our thanksgiving trip. Noah did most of the decoration himself. Then of course, later in the week, it's time for our xmas card project. You'll have to guess which picture (s) made it in the card. Last year was the first time Noah got into the fun of the season. This year, Joel was just thrilled to see santa! He kept going back to give him a hug. The magic of childhood is just so precious!

Kick's Unlimited

Kicks Unlimited

Here are just some photos of the boys in their martial arts class. They really have done well. Joel barely made the cut-off based on age, but the instructor said he is the most focused 3-year old ever. Noah is learning all his moves very well and slowly becomes more confident about himself. They both seem to like it, and Daddy is able to keep up with all the chauffering for now.
Ai-Yah!

Goodloe's Farm

A day at the Goodloe Farm

This year we had the perfect way to work off the extra calories by spending the day outdoor at the Goodloe's family farm about an hour outside of St. Louis. Uncle Trip really showed the boys and even Mommy a great time. There were some safety concern with the four-wheeling and off-road jeep trek, but all in all, it was fun. Bo would have loved it, too!

Thanksgiving in St. Louis

Thanksgiving in St. Louis

We were back in St. Louis after a few days at home, now for Thanksgiving weekend. SO much food and fun. The boys got to play a little golf, a little football outside and even had a campfire at night. We even sneaked in an early birthday celebration for Kun Yai, too.

The new Miles(stone)!

Meeting Miles

November marks the arrival of the newest cousin. We got to make a trip down to meet Miles after he was a few weeks old. The boys, especially Joel, were very happy to see the new cousin and of course, to visit with Nolan and Parker, too. Then just a week later, we got to see him again!

Halloween parties

This year it seems like we really got a good use out of wearing costumes.
Noah was Black Ninja and Joel wanted to be Spiderman again and Batman! We had school halloween costume parties. Then, Joel's friend has a costume party at her house. We even went to Capitol Square Halloween events, some trick-o-treating, visiting the Children's Museum, Veterans museum and even a Magic Show. Then, of course there was our neighborhood trick-o-treating. Noah was more into it this year. Joel was a little spooked by all the home scary decoration but loved the candies. Bo, of course, loved to greet the cute trick-o-treaters at the the door.

Halloween 2011

Madison Fire Stations Open House

We missed our tradition of Fitchburg Fire Department visit this year since it was the same day as Noah's birthday party. We did make it up by going to Madison Fire Stations Open House instead. There were fire trucks everywhere all around the Capitol. The boys were in for a treat. They also got to learn to "Stop, drop and roll...".

Madison Fire Safety

Mommy's special day with Noah

Mommy has a little museum and dinner date with Noah. He proves to be the best date ever! Mommy is so proud to stroll hand-in-hand with this little gentleman anytime. This will be a start of a new tradition-a special alone time with one boy at a time.

Mommy's special day with Noah

Noah's 5th birthday

This year we decided to have an official birthday party for Noah now that he's five. Children's museum was the location, and Noah got to pick which friends he want to come to the party. Nolan made a special trip with Ta-Ta and Yai-Yai to help celebrate as well. Everyone seems to have a good time. Since the party was earlier than his actual birthday, Noah got another mini party on his real birthday, too. What a lucky boy!

Noah's 5th birthday

All about Bo

All about Bo

Since Bo is a part of our family, this blog update is dedicated to Bo.
He turned one in August, and is almost 80 lbs. He is a playful puppy, full of energy and loves to be around people. He gets to spends the day with mommy when she is off from work. Our favorite activity-a trip to the dog park!

Eplegaarden visit

Velkommen til Eplegaarden - da apple orchard vit da Norvegian exposure! That's what they say at Eplegaarden. While daddy was busy at work, we spent our morning picking apples in the uncharacteristically warm October day. We must have eaten almost 10 apples while picking different types of apples. Then, we got ready for Halloween by picking out some pumpkins. Noah tends to pick the odd ones, odd shape, odd colors, odd wary bumps. Joel likes to pick the one with the long stem. We visited the kiddy haunted house and did not get our money worth, since both Noah and Joel ended up in tears. Thank goodness, Daddy finished work by then to rescue Mommy. The corn maze was a hit, though. We'll see next year.

Sunny day at Epelgaarden

A nice autumn day...

We were surprised by a warm front this past weekend. The plan was already to spend outside as the boys joined mommy and her friends to do some fundraising in Step Out 2011, the walk to raise fund for diabetes research. The boys sort of understand that having diabetes is no fun. Noah said, "that's when people may have to take shots when they eat candies." After the walk, we spent the afternoon at the zoo and Vilas park. The autumn colors are getting to be beautiful. What a nice present for us all to enjoy!

A nice autumn day in the park

Joel's first field trip!

Joel's first field trip Sept 2011

Just like Noah a few years ago, Joel now gets to go on his very own field trip.
He went before in Baby Bjorn when Mommy chaperoned Noah's trip to Eplegaarden, but this time he gets to run free at Appleberry farm. He got to enjoyed fresh apples, tractor hayride and a tour of the facility-showing how apple ciders are made. We even bought some apples and cider to share with the family, too.

A visit from Ikey and Ellie

Visit from Ikey and Ellie

Ikey and Ellie fell in love with Bo when we went to Castle Rock earlier in the summer, that they have to visit again. While Daddy and Uncle Peter played golf in very cool weather, we got to enjoy a nice brisk fall day at the farmer's market. We brought some fresh local produce home to prepare our dinner, too.

Taste of Madison 2011

Taste of Madison 2011

It's one of our favorite event at the Capitol square. However, it signals the end of the summer when it's time for Taste of madison, which takes place close to labor day holidays. We tried a little of everything, but the boys sure love their ice-cream. Daddy skipped the stop at World's greatest brats this year, though. We enjoyed different types of music, but Noah seems to favor country!

Dog Park!

Prairie Morraine Dog Park

Since we now have a new family member, who also loves the outdoor, we end up going to the local dog park quite often. This way, Bo gets to enjoy, too. Happy dog, happy boys, happy family! A great way to enjoy the time outdoor, I must say.

Summer birthday parties

Summer birthday parties

Joel is a little social butterfly. He has so many birthday parties this summer. It did help that most were at the same location. He is now a pros at singing birthday songs.

Summertime in Madison 2011

Summertime in Madison 2001

It seems like we traveled a lot this summer. Truly we spent a lot of time in town, too. Of course, we took the advantage of the mild summer we have here in Wisconsin. Noah and Joel are busy with karate and swimming. Joel was accepted to the class as the youngest member because the instructor told everyone that Joel is the most focused 3-yo he has ever met!

Madison Children's museum August 2011

Madison's Children museum with the cousins

What better place to take your cousins when they visit Madison? The museum is on the top of the list, of course. Parker gets to enjoy it more now that she is SO mobile. We made it to the roof top this time, too. Kun Yai especially loves the rooftop sun oven and sampling squash roasted in there. Joel's favorite-what else, puzzles!

Happy Birthday, Joel.

Joel's 3rd Birthday, 2011

What is more special than celebrating birthday with people who love you?
Joel got a visit from his cousins, Nah Kao, Nah Nit and his grandparents.
He chose spiderman again. He sure knows what he likes. This year, Joel did enjoy the cake more and loves the frosting. In fact, this year, we essentially had a cupcake for him to practice blowing candles for the entire week. He is a pro now.
My little baby is THREE!