My Baby is 6...

I'm not sure when or how this happened.  But Nico turned 6! 

I spent the morning frantically trying to get ready for the birthday party and trying desperately not to think about how old my baby was.  6 years feels like a big number today.  1-5 seem so young, just a baby or a toddler, but now he's a kid, a really live kid!  If he's not arguing with me, he's building elaborate ships with Legos or conducting science experiments.  Take a look at his Speroment blog for "up to date Nico Science." Because Nico loves friends and parties, we planned a birthday party at our house.  It would be a chill day with face painting, cake and ice cream and maybe some goop making.  As it turned out, almost all the kids invited could make it.  We had 12 children in our house, and NO other adults.   I think that as each parent entered, they knew that pandemonium was about to ensue and they had better get out now and quick, or they were going to be sucked into the chaos that only young kids can create.   So 12 kids and 2 adults - Ryan and I looked at each other and took a deep breath... the rest is history. 

The face painting was a bigger hit than I thought it would be.  

Using his new science tools.  He just loves Science.
 He has decided to invent a time machine when he is all grown up.
I told him he needs to learn the basics first - GOOP.  

   Musical Chairs was a Big Hit - and no crying when they had to leave the game.  That was probably because I gave each kid a piece of candy when they couldn't find a chair.  

These are the greatest girls - Not afraid for a second to get slimy and messy!!! 

PRESENTS PRESENTS PRESENTS. 

 I did have one child tell me that he brought a 

very nice present for Nico, and he wanted to know which present was for him.

  Poor kid, he didn't take the truth too well.    

Too Much Kool Aid!  Sugar coma coming soon. 

Needless to say, Nico slept hard that night. And so did Ryan and I.  I love you Nico and Happy Birthday. 

Maggie's Wedding - May of 2009

This has got to be my favorite picture of Ryan and I. 

Photo credits go to Molly Nelson - THANK YOU for the copy.

In the beginning...

Starting off the New Year and a New Blog with a little bit of Pain. Ran a 10K in 2 degree weather along the river in Minneapolis. WOW it was cold, but it felt great to do this. Sadly I didn't run in my new five fingers, it was too slushy and I fear I would have lost a couple of toes. I got a great Medal and Nico is convinced that I won the race. I did run a 10:19 mile, which is pretty good for me in tennis shoes, but alas, I did not win the race.  My goal was to finish (ahead of a couple people -  which I did!)  So all is well.  Oh, did I tell you, it was up hill both ways!? Ask any of the other runners, I'm sure they'd tell you the same thing. I slept much of the afternoon and my legs hurt for a week after. But I'm super proud!!!

I wish my kids could have been there - but they were stuck in Morris in a blizzard; held up in my parent's house.  THANK you Mom and Dad for taking care of them, I know they can be a handful or two sometimes.  Ryan was there to take my picture as proof of me actually doing something physical - THANKS Ryan!

The next race will be in the five fingers!! I'm ready for you 2011!!

This year is sure to be a year of Great Change - I can feel it.  So a new blog and new running legs are just the beginning!   Welcome.