Rain is a Good Thing

There is a song by Luke Bryan (a country singer for those of you who don't know who that is) called "Rain is a Good Thing".  After days and days of rain, I would sing bits and pieces of this song in my head and reminding myself that the rain isn't all bad.  Ok, maybe not this much rain, but really, we do need it.  There was one line of the song that was on repeat in my head.  "Kids out playin' in a big mud puddle."  I knew that I wanted the boys to get out and play in a puddle once the rain finally quit and assure them that rain can be fun too.  Thankfully this week, Hunter has had science camp so he hasn't been stuck inside all week.  But, a lot of "Rain, Rain, Go Away" was sung in our house this week.  And let's all be honest, we've had enough for awhile and we're ready for summer and the sunshine and heat that goes with it.  And I knew that they would get dirty...I just didn't know how bad it would get.  But I can tell you, there is nothing better than seeing pure joy on your child's face and it doesn't matter how dirty they get as long as they're having fun...right?
 

 Brody and Hunter testing out the big mud puddle at Grandpa Al's.

 Splish! Splash!  Not going to lie, this was almost a big collision.

Classy kid.  I asked Brody to point to his nose and this is what I get.  Also, take notice of his jeans.  They're pretty dirty...

 But since they weren't dirty on the back, he decided to fall and get the full dirty effect.  I actually love this picture and so glad I was able to capture the splash.  And I couldn't help but to laugh.  My dad thought I was crazy and just shook his head most of the time.  But I did see a few smiles on his face.

 Yep, I didn't anticipate that it would get this messy.  Oh well.

This summarizes the boys so well.  Hunter has always hated getting messy and this was really pushing the limits for him.  In Brody's eyes, the messier the better!  He literally crawled through the puddle.  I hope we get to do this again this summer.  I hope that the sun in shining and it is warmer and I can strip them down to their undies and diapers and let them have fun and rinse off in a sprinkler.  See, rain is a good thing.  Especially in the eyes of a child!

Road Trip!

WARNING!  PICTURE AND WORD OVERLOAD!

Saturday morning, the boys and I hit the road and headed south to Iowa to go and visit Craig.  We knew it would be a long trip, but for some reason, it felt a lot longer than we anticipated.  First stop: Sauk Center, MN.  Yes, only 25 minutes into our trip.  The boys were doing fine, but we needed to buy tickets for Craig and Hunter so they can go and see some monster trucks this upcoming weekend.  Next stop: Redwood Falls, MN.  My bladder just couldn't hold it any longer, so we pulled off at a Wal-Mart.  Typically we go to gas stations, but I always feel like in order to use their bathroom you have to get gas or buy something.  And, I packed snacks, water, juice, pop so there was no need to go to one.  We walked in and found $1 on the floor.  So, Wal-Mart paid me to use their bathroom.  Next stop: Windom, MN.  I finally convinced Hunter that we needed to stop for lunch somewhere.  He didn't want to stop because he was eager to see his dad.  After arguing with a 5 year old (you don't always get very far) and a phone call to his dad, we decided we better stop or else we would be really hungry.  Next stop: Sioux Rapids, IA.  It was so nice to finally be in the same state as Craig!!    We stopped, went to the bathroom and bought some water to refill the sippy cups.  We kept trucking...oops!  carring according to Hunter since we weren't driving a car.  Next stop: Carroll, IA.  We went to Wal-Mart again and used their bathroom.  I wish I would have taken a picture of their sinks because they were so cool!  We tried to get together with our old neighbors in Carroll, but they were busy.  Next time.  Next stop: Atlantic, IA.  This is the town Craig is currently living in.  I had to go to the bathroom again so we stopped at a Wal-Mart before heading out to the site.  I promise, I'm not pregnant, but that bathroom breaks sure felt like I was!  Next stop: Massena, IA Rolling Hills Wind Project.  We were able to meet some of Craig's co-workers, see his office and he gave us a small tour of the site.  They are busy and at the end of the project there will be 193 turbines.  This is one of the biggest wind projects in the country and is also Mortenson's 100th wind project.  Kind of exciting!

 Here is a picture of a base-mid (the lower 2 sections of a wind turbine, a 19 axle trailer that hauled a nacelle, and a blade in the background.  Next week they will start topping off turbines which means it will look complete with the top section, nacelle, hub and blades.  We then went with Craig back to Atlantic and saw the "dirty hotel" aka Craig's apartment.  The halls were in need of some cleaning but Craig's apartment was in decent order.  We grabbed Subway and were off to Council Bluffs, IA for the night.  As the sun set, we arrived at our hotel...the new hotel in Hunter's words...and slept for the night.  The next morning, we packed up and headed to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE.  It was amazing!  We arrived there around 9:45 AM and didn't leave until 3:00 PM.  Granted, we ate lunch there, but there was so much to see!  If you haven't been there and ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it.

 Craig and the boys feeding the goats in the petting zoo.

 Hunter and Brody ready for the steam engine to give us a tour of the zoo.  They boys loved it.  Brody was a little hesitant at first, but really enjoyed himself.

 Hunter and Gerry the gorilla.  The zoo person was telling us some info about him and told us that Gerry likes to scare people by charging the glass and banging on it.  He told us that Gerry thinks it's funny.  Little did we know that it would happen about 5 seconds after this picture was taken.  And even though we were half way expecting it, you never dream it will happen.  It was so neat though. 

 Here is a picture of the steam engine that took us around the zoo.

 The boys and I in front of the giraffes.  I like giraffes.

 Brody checking out sharks, sting rays, sea turtles and fish as they swam around him in a tunnel.  It was very cool.  I told Craig, "Isn't it crazy knowing that these things were swimming with us every time we went to the beach in Texas."  I don't like to think about it. 

 Epcot?  No.  It's the Desert Dome that houses lots of animals from the desert.

 After the zoo, we went to downtown Omaha.  We found a park to walk around and then went to a street fair and checked out lots of art from different vendors.  It was a gorgeous day and we were able to walk around the little river thing.  Very relaxing.  Not a bad family picture for a self timer, huh?  We are all looking and smiling!

 While walking around, we came across this really cool slide.  You had to wait in line just to go down it.  There were two and that was the only playground equipment.  It was huge and something we didn't expect to find downtown.  Hunter had a blast going down it twice!

After a day in Omaha, we headed back to Atlantic, picked up some things from the dirty hotel and then went to the new hotel.  We were exhausted!  The next morning, Craig left for work before any of us were up.  It was up to me to get the boys ready, fed, and out the door with all of our luggage.  The day started to Hunter waking me up because he was sick to his stomach.  Great.  Just what we need.  Thankfully he wasn't throwing up...it was the other end.  Not ideal, but I think throwing up is worse.  So, we got up, I ran downstairs to the breakfast room while Brody was in his pack and play and Hunter was watching him/cartoons.  Grabbed a few things to eat and headed back with my hands full.  I gave Hunter very specific directions not to answer the door for anyone, but with my hands full of food/drinks, I couldn't reach my key in my pocket.  So I kicked the door with my foot and after a couple of minutes of that and convincing Hunter I wasn't a stranger he opened the door.  We ate breakfast, finished packing up and headed out.  Let's just say it is rather difficult when you're on the second floor of a hotel with no elevator, two kids, three bags of belongings, a diaper bag, a purse and a pack and play.  But somehow, we made it out and nobody got hurt.  Phew.  So we were on the road.  First stop: McDonald's in Atlantic, IA.  I needed a boost to my day so I got a large pop to start it out.  It's so nice they only charge $1.  Next stop: Carroll, IA.  About 15 min. before we got there, Hunter told me he had to go to the bathroom really bad and his tummy hurt.  We were no where close to a bathroom!  Ahh.  Thankfully, we made it to a gas station and it was obvious that he was a sick little boy.  How were we going to make it the remaining 6 hours drive time.  That is not including stops.  We drove by our old house in Carroll and headed to Wal-Mart.  I bought some big boy diapers for an emergency and we were down to one wipe so we got more.  As we were in there, the rain started to pour, the lightning was flashing like crazy and the thunder was booming and cracking loudly.  We were stuck.  So, we went and picked up an umbrella.  The rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was very strong.  There were many people standing in the entry way and we did too.  After about 5 minutes, I realized we couldn't wait for the rain to let up, we had to go for it.  I grabbed our bags, grabbed Brody, told Hunter to stay close and opened our new umbrella.  We quickly went to the car, but the wind was catching our umbrella and we ended up getting wet. 

 Hunter thought it was fun running through the storm.  Brody wasn't a fan.  And he wasn't thrilled to be back in his car seat.  As you can see we were a little wet.  Not too bad though.  So, after 45 minutes in Carroll, IA we set back out on the open road through a thunderstorm.  It let up about 20 minutes down the road, thank goodness.

 Here is a barn that I like along the way that is north of Carroll.  Many barns/out buildings in IA have quilt blocks on them.  Kind of neat.  We drove and we drove.  We stopped to get some gas and we had a bathroom break.  After our break and Hunter assured me he didn't have to go to the bathroom, we were on the road.  Five minutes later, it hit and he had to go.  So, we pulled over on a gravel road to put on a diaper.  We finally got it on after 15 minutes of tears because he knew he wasn't a baby, but I convinced him it didn't mean he was a baby, it was for an emergency.  So, we got it on, but then he didn't have to go.  False alarm.  We kept it on just in case.  We drove until we got to Okoboji, IA where we stopped for lunch. 

 When we used to live in Carroll, we would stop here often for lunch.  It is Los Pueblos and it has really great Mexican food.  Not as good as the place in Texas, because nothing will compare to that, but it's decent.  After filling up on chips, salsa, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and rice, we were on the road again.  We finally crossed back into MN.  We were getting ready for another break, and we came across the sign for the Jeffers Petroglyphs.  Curiosity finally got the best of me, so we took the road to it and ventured the 4 miles off our path to see them.  As we pulled up, we saw a visitor's center.  Hmm...not what I was expecting.  I thought it was a park where we could get out, look at some petroglyphs and we'd be on our way.  Wrong.  After digging out the stroller from the trunk, we were on our way.  As we walked in, I noticed it would cost me $6.  Ok fine.  Whatever.  I drove this far, I've always wondered, and it would help preserve history.  I asked the lady if we could go out to the site.  She suggested we watch the 8 minute video to learn more and look around the visitors center.  And we had to wait a few minutes because the guide had another group out already.  What?!  This is a guided tour?!?  What did I get myself in to!!??  Hunter really wanted to watch the video, so he went into the theater.  I tried with Brody, but he was terrified.  After a couple of dirty looks, I left the little theater and we looked around some more.  Hunter thought the video was interesting.  The lady then showed us some of the tools the Indians used.  Hunter was very interested and asked questions.  Brody was bored.  Finally it was time for us to walk the 1/4 mile out to the site.  Once there, our guide told us more info about the petroglyphs, we could ask questions, she showed us the petroglyphs since they can be hard to see.  And we had to walk on a two foot path that was roped off so we didn't ruin any of the petroglyphs.  Brody hated this.  It was not how he imagined stretching his legs and it was obvious he wanted to run.  Hunter had no clue what he was looking at besides some rocks.  Had I been there alone or with Craig, I think I would have enjoyed it and would have appreciated it more.  But I was so frustrated and irritated and was ready to get home.

We made the 1/4 mile trek back to the visitors center and interrupted a ceremony that was going on by a group of 15 or so Indians.  Oops!  We went to the bathroom, changed a diaper and walked out to a very smoke filled, funny smelling visitors center.  We got to the car and I realized that I just spent $6 and one and a half hours there.  Ahhh!  No more stops, please!!

This is one of the petroglyphs she pointed out.  It is a turtle.  It is fascinating, but not ideal for small children.  On the road again we were.  Right before Olivia, MN, Hunter had to go to the bathroom again because his tummy hurt.  False alarm again and it was just gas.  Phew.  We grabbed Subway to go and finished our journey home.  We finally arrived to our house at 7:30 PM.  It was a full day of travel and adventure.

Even with how busy we were and all the curves along the way, we had a great time visiting Craig, seeing his site, his home away from home and being able to cross off another state on my list.  Hunter and Brody's too.  Not sure when we'll make the next trip down, but I definitely hope it is less eventful. 

Flaxmilk

To most of you this doesn't mean much, but to me, it is pretty cool.  Flaxmilk comes directly from my aunt and uncle's farm and is now sold in Wal-Mart stores nationwide!!  I think it is crazy that I can now go to Wal-Mart and buy milk made from their farm and the packaging has their names and even their small North Dakota town.  Stober's, you have definitely put Goodrich, ND on the map!!
I am so proud of their accomplishments with their business, Flax USA.  I remember when they first started out going from small shows and events and they had a little tent containing their product.  And now they are in multiple stores nationwide-Wal-Mart and Costco just to name a couple and have even talked to people internationally.
There are two different types of Flaxmilk, original and vanilla.  So far I have only tried the vanilla, but I love it!  It kind of has a sweet taste to it.  It is a great start to my morning and I know that it's good for me.  And it is great for those who have allergies since it is Lactose & Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Soy Free.
So next time you're in Wal-Mart, look for it near the milk and give it a try!

Hello, Summer!!

Today we were able to get outside, enjoy the warm sunshine, and get a taste of summer.  Hunter has been begging me to get his new Slip-N-Slide out for a few weeks now and we were finally able to today.

 Someone's having fun!

 Once Brody woke up from his nap, we brought him outside so he could enjoy the warm weather and splash around in the water.  I'm not sure if he liked it...what do you think based on this picture?

 The boys loved splashing around in the little pool at the end of the slide.  It was a bit chilly though and they didn't sit in it very long!

One of Brody's favorite thing to do was drink from the sprinkler.  Every time he got a drink he would say, "Yum!  So good!"

I hope the weather is great this summer and we are able to spend a lot of time outside in our yard.  One of these days we'll have to get the pool and water table down from the rafters in the garage.  But until then, the Slip-N-Slide will provide hours of entertainment.

The Great Escaper

This is Lucky.  She is our cat who waits by the door and will sneak out any chance she gets.  She will race over to the door if she is lying on the couch and hears Hunter coming up the steps just so she can try to escape to the great outdoors.  Today it was really bad.  She got out at least three different times from Hunter going in and out constantly to get water, go to the bathroom, get a toy...you get the point.  And the last time she ran.  She was out for about an hour and we couldn't find her (Ok, I really didn't try too hard because I knew she'd come back eventually.  And I was sick of chasing her around or waiting by the culvert until she came out.).  We had to go to town because we had other commitments and there was no way we were going to find her.  She wasn't in the culvert or the garage or under the neighbors car.  And, we were already late.
So, we left the garage door open a little bit and drove off with a little boy who was extremely worried he had lost the cat forever.  I reassured him that she wasn't gone, she was just playing somewhere.
After being gone for 3.5 hours, Brody and I came home (Hunter went to the races tonight) and Lucky shot across the road from the neighbors house.  She was being chased by their cat-serves her right.  I pushed the garage door opener, but to my luck it started going down.  Lucky bolted off in the opposite direction and was off again.
We pulled into the garage, I got out, talked to the neighbor and she said that Lucky had been there all evening but just didn't know where she belonged.  I told her that Lucky is an indoor cat, but has been very sneaky lately.  I raced over to the other neighbors and Lucky was under their car.  I couldn't reach her.  I quickly went back to the car to get Brody out and set him down.
To my luck he raced to the back yard so I had to chase him down.  I caught up to him and then we called Lucky and she finally went into the house.  Phew!  Brody and I went back to the car to get my purse out but I couldn't carry everything.  So I set Brody down and he took off running again...ahhh!!  I quickly grabbed what I needed, threw my purse towards the door leading to the house and ran to catch him...again.
I am sure the neighbors were very entertained as they sat out on their front porch.  If anybody wants a cat, they can have Lucky.  Ok, not really.  We would miss her too much.  But I would love any ideas from people who may have a solution to our cat who stalks the door in hopes of going outside.  I am tired of looking like an idiot running around our yard and the neighbors yards chasing that darn cat.

Bubble Boy

 No, my son doesn't live in a bubble, but he does love bubbles.  The past few afternoons the weather has been gorgeous and we have spent a lot of time outside blowing bubbles.  Brody is Mr. Independent though and insists on doing it on his own.  He has quickly learned that bubbles do not taste good, if you tip the container too much it will spill on you, and you have to blow gently, not spit, to make the bubbles appear.  He has also learned that if it is windy enough, he can hold the wand out and the wind will make bubbles.

 Watching his bubbles blow away.

Last Day of Preschool

 It's hard to believe that the school year is over and Hunter has completed a year of preschool.  Today, his class had one last program to show us more songs that they had learned.  As always, they sounded great and the songs are always fun to listen too.

 During the program, we had intermission.  Hunter was in charge of selling popcorn.  Other students were in charge of selling us tickets, putting stamps on our hands and handing out programs.  The last group of students were in charge of handing out straws, spoons and napkins for root beer floats.

 He is proud that he completed his first year of preschool.  We have decided to wait to send him to kindergarten so he will be going again next year which he is thrilled about because he loves his teachers.

 Speaking of teachers, the preschool staff was amazing.  Here is Hunter with his aide, Mrs. Sievert.  She is amazing and I feel as if her work goes unrecognized.  She is constantly helping and during programs is getting the next thing prepared to keep things running smoothly.  She told me that Hunter gives great hugs and gets them often from him.  It is so nice to know that he is loved and not just another student.

 Hunter's teacher was Mrs. Roste.  She is so good at what she does.  I am a little sad that this picture is a little fuzzy, but that's what happens when you have a little boy who is almost two wiggling in your arms.  Mrs. Roste makes learning fun.  I don't know where she gets her energy to keep up with two sections of 18 preschoolers.  I am sure she sleeps well at night.  She has always been so patient and kind to Hunter and I am so impressed with how much she has taught him this past year.  I am thrilled to be able to have Hunter go to Zion for one more year especially when they have such a great preschool staff and know that he is in great hands while learning and having fun.

 Hunter met some great friends while at school.  Here is a picture of he and his friend Dylan after the program/intermission/parade/awards/root beer floats.  They had fun playing in the gym.

This is Hunter's other friend Gabe.  We are sad that both Gabe and Dylan will both be moving on to kindergarten next year, but know that we have made great friendships and that there will be many play dates this summer and hopefully in the years to come. 

It is a bittersweet day for me.  It is a reminder that my little boy is growing up and there is nothing I can do to change it.  But so exciting to see what is to come in the future.  I have no idea what we will be doing Tuesdays and Thursdays now, but excited to have that extra time with the boys because as Mrs. Roste said today, "Enjoy this age because they won't stay little for long."  So true and I realized that every day.  I'm excited though that our Tuesdays and Thursdays will be open so we can go to the cities if we want, or head to Iowa to check out some wind turbines, or go on vacation.  I am sad because we said good-bye to a lot of friends today.  But happy because there are friendships that will last and new ones to be made.  I wish Hunter and Brody could stay little forever.  I love them and not sure how I will ever be able to let them go when the day comes.  But yet, I'm excited to see who they will become and what dreams they will chase.