Day to Day Tripper

Fun on the tracks...

2011-05-19T23:13:00.000-05:00

My friend, Sonja and I had a free hour one morning last week so we packed our kiddos into the car and off we went for a quick photo shoot. Once we arrived, Sam and Johan's main goals were to explore and have fun. They even did a little dancing. It's fun to be four!

Union Station

2011-04-06T22:51:00.002-05:00

We visited a train museum for the first time during our visit to Omaha a few weeks ago. Shockingly the boys loved it! Model trains to watch, life sized trains to explore, and street cars for pretend. A little boy's dream museum!

I, of course, loved the beautiful light in the grand station!

Cousins having fun!

All Aboard!

Omaha Zoo....We LOVE it!

2011-04-06T22:36:00.002-05:00

This is the reason I brought my camera to the zoo the last time we visited Omaha. I love the fish exhibits! (And the penguins...and now the tropic's trail. More pictures coming soon.)

WE made it!

2011-04-05T23:09:00.000-05:00

The boys spent over 5 hours outside each day this weekend. Saturday started off with "The Great Dam Project". This lasted a few hours. There were trips around the block, picnics on the front stoop, tree cutting, cars, cars, and more cars, and time spent playing on a neighbor's swing set. Charlie even tried out his 2 wheeler (with a little bribing by mom). I am so thankful they all love being outside! I love it even more that WE MADE IT! Spring is here! LOVE it!

Smiles and a lolli

2011-04-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

These 2 boys are best buds when Charlie is at school. They laugh, talk, run around, sing, dig in the dirt, and giggle and share lollipops. Too cute!

Cute Hats from Jess

2011-03-30T22:31:00.002-05:00

Thank you Jess for making cute hats for me to use during photo shoots! This little guy even puckered up to give you a big kiss because they fit so perfectly! I love them too!

Cross Country Skiing

2011-03-20T20:12:00.000-05:00

Charlie and I were able to try cross country skiing a few weeks ago. I'm glad he liked it... something we can try again next year!

Smile

2011-02-25T22:45:00.001-06:00

Love this boy's eyes...I think they might be turning green! Love the lashes too!

My Sweet Boys

2011-02-25T22:43:00.000-06:00

My biggest little boy is growing up! His second front tooth is coming in....the little boy stage is almost over. He is a BOY!

He is beginning to pick up books to read on his own. Works on his number scroll from kindergarten at night before bed...he's on 1600 or something like that... He loves to help cook and he really enjoys school and his friends. I am so excited to see what the summer ahead brings. Bike rides? Swimming? I know there has been lots of planning going on about the worksite in the backyard. We are on year 3 of worksite fun. I am so thankful my boy is still a little boy at heart! Love you Charlie!

The Making of a Valentine....

2011-02-13T23:23:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Naptime

2011-01-31T22:01:00.000-06:00

My sweet baby rarely naps anymore. He did this past Sunday and I took a few quick snaps while I still can. What a little angel!

Day 14 - Brothers Having Fun

2011-01-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

Charlie had an Inventors' Fair this morning at school. The boys and I learned many new things like how to make ice ornaments and how to take care of a hermit crab from Charlie's classmates! Charlie displayed how to make a wood tunnel for his trains. He did a great job!

It was a fun morning. The boys couldn't help playing in the snow a bit on our way back to the car.

More Walker Favorites

2011-01-14T21:56:00.002-06:00

Day 13 - Clean Teeth in Style

2011-01-13T22:42:00.001-06:00

Ben loves running around the house naked even now as the temperatures are dipping rather low in January. He calls his blankets "warm" and often runs into our room and gets comfy then tells me "warm" meaning pull the covers up over me. Here he is doing his morning routine....brush some teeth while running around naked as long as possible then maybe put on pants and run around with out a shirt for awhile.

Day 12 - A New Tooth Takes A Peek

2011-01-13T22:38:00.000-06:00

Charlie was very busy shoveling here...no real time to actually look at the camera, but I did capture his newest tooth. He lost this tooth the day before 1st grade started. I'm so happy it took it's time to come in, I love all of his toothless grins.

Day 11 - The Flirt

2011-01-11T15:40:00.000-06:00

All the animals at the zoo are cute!

2011-01-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

Day 10 - Brotherly Love

2011-01-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

I love watching Sam and Ben's relationship grow.

Day 9 - Big Smiles

2011-01-09T22:23:00.000-06:00

Sorry about yesterday. Chris and I had a date with a REAL babysitter! I will have to make it up this week with some bonus photos from this past summer.

Love the big smile on Charlie's face. What a sweet little boy who is growing SO quickly!

Day 7 - An Apple A Day

2011-01-07T20:33:00.000-06:00

Day 6 - Remembering

2011-01-06T19:57:00.002-06:00

I decided to add some photos from the past today to honor my Grandma Lilly who passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 95.

When I think of my childhood memories many of them are from times spent at Grandma Lilly's little white house in St. Thomas, N.D. Time there was spent playing cards, eating - homemade pickles, jams, rolls...., walks down the railroad tracks, and running around the outside of the house with cousins.

My grandmother was quick to smile, give a hug, and an extra cookie or two. There was lots of encouragement and love and many "that's right, my girl", "good job, my girl". I feel so blessed to have had my grandma in my life for over 40 years. Someday I hope to be a grandma as beautiful and loving as my dear grandma Lilly.

I guess I know where Ben gets his figure. I'm about 22 months here in the little sailor suit

7 months old with my grandma at Easter time.

Ben and Great Grandma Lilly Oct 21, 2010.

My mom and grandma Oct. 22, 2010.

My dearest Grandma Lilly on Oct. 22, 2010. The day before she found out she was sick and 2 days before going into a nursing home.

Day 5 - Sleep

2011-01-05T22:39:00.003-06:00

Is there anything more sweet than sleeping children?

Look Who's Talking

2011-01-04T10:34:00.003-06:00

Ben is exploding with words these past few weeks. I remember going to his 2 year appointment and telling Dr. Bob that Ben was putting 2 words together to get his point across. Now we hear:

"Huuuu-ja waderfall, bear, fish" Oh, the bears like to find fish in the huge waterfall. Ben loves to use the word "HUGE".
"BIG, huuja mooovie, rock-ket bast off into sky, up high...pffffshhhh" Telling us about the Hubble i-max movie at the Science Museum. He loves the part when the space shuttle blasts off. At the end he makes the sound. (Uncle John should also love the choice of "Big, Huge", my MN boy.)
Other favorite sayings we hear ALL of the time:

"ME FIRSS!" Me, first.
"Noder one." Another one.
"Just one." Yah, right.
"More, more."
"NACK!" He yells this right after finishing breakfast and lunch...SNACK!
"Cane-o" Anything pointy is called a volcano.
"Up high, ky" for anything flying over head
"Ma, ma where ARE you? Down-tairs?" Heard whenever I am not 5 feet from Ben and sometimes in the middle of the night from his bed.
"Awesome!" "Dude, Coolah", or simply "coolah"
When he's counting things, "leven, fourteen, fourteen, fourteen"
"Sam, Farley, Ma, Pa" Ben loves it when we are all together and goes through our names a few times quickly smiling and looking at each of us. He does this in the car and at the table.

And, of course, it couldn't be a house full of little boys without:
"Poopy Sam, Stinky, Ewww" in the car over and over as his brothers laugh.

It felt like we had gone a few years without the potty talk and now we are back. At least everyone is laughing instead of crying!

Even with all this growing up too fast....Ben is still my sweet little baby....

Sleeping at Ermie and Grandpa D's at Thanksgiving. All of his favorites with him...picture book, mil-lk, paint brush (tooth brush) and if you look closely an "animal" curled up next to his chin. Any stuffed beanie baby will do but his favorites are doggie, cow, and whatever his brothers are taking to bed.

Day 4 - Oh Christmas Tree

2011-01-04T10:14:00.000-06:00

Ben and our Christmas Tree

Ben loves our Christmas Tree and calls it "Kiss-miss". He was trying to walk in the deep snow in the backyard to see the tree and fell over. Luckily it only made him laugh a bit.

Day 3 - The Snowy Day

2011-01-03T23:38:00.001-06:00

Catching some snowflakes today!

Sam swallowing some snowflakes.

Pushing some snowflakes.

I feel lucky that my boys love snow! Charlie wants to get up early tomorrow so he can shovel before he gets picked up for school at 7!

Day 2 - Super Boy

2011-01-02T22:45:00.002-06:00

How can you pass up a chance to photograph a boy in his cape with his cute belly sticking out?

Ben and Sam love playing "Super Why". This consists of putting on capes and running around the house, preferably with limited clothing. I love to hear them laugh and watch their capes catch air as they run.

Even if we can't get out in the cold, we can dream of summer days running around in the back yard with our capes dancing behind us. Warm thoughts to you wherever you are.

Picture a Day Project- Day 1

2011-01-01T23:10:00.005-06:00

Ben clearly enjoyed putting the candy in his mouth more than on his gingerbread house.

I have decided to do a picture a day project of my kiddos during the month of January. Now that I am doing photography professionally, I don't always take the time to photograph my own children. I am looking forward to dedicating this month to my family. Ben is growing quickly. Last Christmas he was taking his first steps, this year he's running and jumping. Chris and I are trying to appreciate him in all of his two-ness, his sayings, his excitement, his hugs. Watching your youngest grow can sometimes be hard to do...hopefully my images can capture his happiness and personality as well as his brothers. I hope you enjoy this as much as I will.

December Fun

2010-12-22T20:26:00.000-06:00

Sam helping bring in our Christmas Tree.

We have had a beautiful, snowy December here in Minneapolis. The fun news is the 5th largest snow fall in Minneapolis history. The boys played outside for 3 hours while the snow fell and fell until we had over 17 inches of snow! We shoveled, well mostly Chris and Charlie, 3 times and the neighbor used his snow blower 2 times to clear the snow from our corner lot.

It looked like this for hours outside! (Including Chris shoveling for hours!)

It's been a little difficult to get outside with Ben. With 17++ inches of snow in the back yard he can't even walk. We've filled the time with lots of indoor fun....Christmas cookie making, ornament making, and lots of play dough fun! Ben decided to play "birtday" with the play dough. He makes cupcakes with the dough and then adds as many candles as possible. Last, he sings happy birthday. We've now moved on to making play dough cookies.

The boys rolling out sugar cookies. Notice the Halloween cookie cutters for Sam's cookies.

Ben painting cinnamon Christmas ornaments.

Ben painting frosting on the cutouts.

The finished products.

Charlie telling Santa what he wanted...GeoTrains or Playmobil.

Merry Christmas!

I Heart Faces :: Scenic B & W

2010-11-30T20:44:00.000-06:00

I decided to squeak in and enter this weeks scenic b & w challenge. I love this image of Ben at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. It's taken in the yellow room. I wasn't at all happy with the color image but thought the black and white conversion captured the moment perfectly.

Click the link below to see more scenic b & w images at I Heart Faces!

I Heart Faces :: Silhouette

2010-11-14T21:49:00.002-06:00

I haven't been entering very many I Heart Faces contests in the past few months. I still enjoy reading interviews of photographers and following them on facebook, but haven't entered weekly contests.

I just love this photo of my youngest because of how his face is silhouetted in both dark and light. I also love his reflection on the glass. He is growing up too quickly so I am trying to capture as many special moments as possible these past few months. It may not be a traditional silhouette, but I still thought I'd share.

I am excited to see the other silhouette photos at I Heart Faces. Click below to check them out.

A Boy and His Stick....

2010-10-13T22:28:00.001-05:00

We all went to Minnehaha Falls on Sunday for a hike. What a perfect fall day! Ben had fun with all the sticks and rocks....but mostly the sticks.

A few more from our hike....

We all were in awe of the beautiful fall colors....hope you've been out to enjoy them too!

Fun at the Park

2010-09-25T22:53:00.003-05:00

Give my boys a few donuts and a swing and we're ready to play for hours! I love that Charlie loves pushing Ben and Sam.

I Heart Faces - "I had enough" Smirk

2010-09-20T23:17:00.003-05:00

I've wanted to get some cute pictures of my 3 little boys next to an old truck this summer. Well, this guy wasn't in the mood. This was the look he gave me on about the 3 shot. "Are you done yet?" "Is this smile good enough?" Luckily, kiddo #2 was in the mood!

See other fun smirk photos at I Heart Faces this week. Click on the icon below to see them!

One Last Look Before you Go-Go

2010-09-19T23:15:00.004-05:00

We spent some time at the park today. I knew I had to try and get a few pictures of Charlie before he lost his other front tooth. Lucky I did, it fell out this afternoon with a little help from Sam. The boys were having a "disagreement" over who could drink out of the water bottle. Sam yanked the bottle from Charlie's mouth. I heard a little gurgle and saw lots of blood. Chris brought Charlie into the bathroom to see how everything looked and the tooth fell out during a mouth rinse. Chris put the bloody tooth into a glass of water.

I, of course, threw the tooth and water down the drain while doing dishes a couple hours later. I was able to fish through the noodles that had slipped down into the disposal from dinner and found the tooth. We even remembered to have the Tooth Fairy come. (Last tooth, the fairy took 3 nights! Oops. Sorry Charlie.)

A New Favorite Park

2010-09-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

We love Kenwood Park across the street from Kenwood Elementary school. It has a train for Ben and a zip line that Sam and Charlie love. We met some of Charlie's school friends there the week before school started. I can't wait to play there more this fall. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful parks in Minneapolis!

Big Kid On Campus

2010-08-29T23:06:00.002-05:00

Sam will be the biggest brother every day while Charlie is in school. I can't wait to see Ben and Sam's relationship grow this year. I also look forward to seeing what Sam decides to do with his independent time. He usually follows Charlie and watches him build Legos or the two of them play. He loves his big brother and plays with him all day long. It will be interesting to see what new joys of his own Sam will find this year!

Ben enters the age of tantrum....hope it's not an era

2010-08-29T22:58:00.001-05:00

We are drawing near to the twos. Every now and then we get to see the tantroms....but mostly it's big smiles. What a fun summer Ben has had watching his brothers play, copying every last work in our sentences, and saying "hi" to everyone that passes by.

Just In Time for 1st Grade!

2010-08-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

Charlie came running into our room this afternoon with a tooth in his hand! His wiggly tooth had finely fallen out. Now he even looks like a first grader!

Charlie's first day of 1st grade is tomorrow. He is excited to start school. I can't wait to hear about all he learns this year.

My sis on the beach with Kate....

2010-08-02T23:11:00.001-05:00

I played around with a photo of my sister and her daughter Kate....love beach photos! Can't wait to see everyone again at the cabin next week.

Ben's visit to the ER

2010-07-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

We like to keep the local economy going with visits to the ER every few months. Ben fell on our basement steps and had a cut that needed stitches a couple of weeks ago. The nurse had to bundle him in a cocoon while they did the stitches which he didn't love. I had brought along a lollipop which he stopped to suck between tears. The stitches haven't bothered him since.

Charlie on the beach....

2010-07-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't taken the time to post very many pictures from San Diego yet. I just had to share this one I love of Charlie and his beautiful baby toothed smile. He told me today his front tooth was "really loose mom". Hopefully he'll make until we can buy some corn on the cob, one of his favorites.

Charlie Sees the Ocean for the 1st Time

2010-06-24T00:26:00.001-05:00

Charlie's first moments playing in the ocean. I think he liked it!

Charlie told me tonight before bedtime his favorite part of the ocean was building sand castles and digging in the sand. He also loved playing in the waves. It was a beautiful day to see the ocean for the first time in your life. I wonder what Charlie will remember about today....but I'm sure he will remember something. I will always remember his beautiful smiles of pure joy as he splashed and played in the waves with his cousin Kate. I love to see him so happy. Hopefully his memory will bring a smile to his face.

California Swinging

2010-06-24T00:16:00.000-05:00

Charlie and I flew to San Diego to visit my sister's family late, LATE Monday night. We didn't get to Jen's house until 2:45 CST! The next morning Kate and Charlie had a swimming lesson at the neighborhood pool. Charlie floated on his back a little and "swam" a bit under water. He still doesn't love going under water. After the lesson, Kate, Charlie, and I played in the water for another hour. Kate is an excellent swimmer but couldn't convince Charlie of the funs of swimming under yet. We're going again tomorrow....maybe!

Later in the day, Kate and Charlie had fun playing on their neighbor's rope swing. I caught a few fun photos for you to enjoy.

Happy Father's Day Pa

2010-06-20T20:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day, Pa. Thank you for making us laugh and smile every day. We love you!

We're back...

2010-06-16T14:28:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy spring around here. We made a trip to my parent's cabin for a few days after Charlie finished kindergarten. I can't believe he's going into first grade! He had a wonderful first year of school and I'm excited to see what next year brings. Ben is talking more every day. He said his first true sentence the other day...we'll true 19 month old sentence. "Go side" as he points to the door. He loves the outdoors and loves "Walk". We hear that a few times a day too. Ben is in a big boy bed and loves it! He is growing so fast! He is quick to give hugs and smiles at everyone. Sam has decided he enjoys drawing and is trying to write letters. He likes to play t-ball in the backyard with Charlie. I think he is happy to have his big brother around to play with all day long.

P.S If you read my blog, don't show this post to Chris. I'm getting a print of it for Father's Day. Thanks Angie. :)

Sam's First Person Drawing

2010-06-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

This almost brought tears...how cute! I love my toes, hair, and little smile. I love little kid artwork.

Charlie's Rocket Party

2010-06-16T14:20:00.000-05:00

Charlie invited some friends over for a water rocket party for his birthday. The rain was still pouring down 30 minutes before the party began....but as you can see from the pictures...the day was perfect! Everyone had a BLAST as they say in the rocket business.

6 years ago today.....

2010-05-21T09:04:00.002-05:00

Happy 6th birthday to our sweet, Lego building, dirt digging, creative thinking, story writing, truck drawing, project helping, brother loving, race running, outdoor adventuring, book-time cuddling, question asking, rough-house loving, bike riding, big smiling, silly laughing boy.

We love you! Happy 6th birthday Charlie.

Ben is 18 months....

2010-05-11T13:41:00.028-05:00

Ben is 18 months old already. He is becoming a little boy. It has been so fun watching his personality emerge over the past few months. He loves to giggle, jump in his crib, smile, eat, play outside, and copy his big brothers. He can say about 30 words with bus, birdz, up, cracker, ball, mine, and no being favorites. He loves to cuddle and will climb onto the chair behind us while we are eating to give us squeeze hugs while giggling into our ears. He's mastered the art of the "wetless, slobberless" kiss in the past few days. He gently grabs our cheeks and gives a sweet soft kiss. (Heart breaker!) He's started to do the toddler run and thinks he can jump as he raises his heals on and off the ground...with a big grin and laugh. Ben spends most of the day exploring around the house, playing in Sam's bottom bunk bed, playing with trucks, and even legos! He loves the little ones! He is quick to warm up to strangers and gives them his sweet dimpled smile and a high five.

Ben we love you! Your smile brightens every day and your giggle warms our hearts.

The New Look

2010-05-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

I am in the middle of transforming my blog....it's a work in progress. Hope you like the changes.

Ben is almost 18 months!

2010-05-04T14:55:00.002-05:00

If you need a smile....

2010-04-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

This is Sam at 22 months. He loved this globe and taught himself the countries he finds in this video. Everytime I watch it I just laugh and smile. I hope you enjoy it too.

Peace, Love, and Trees (Happy Earth Day)

2010-04-22T09:31:00.004-05:00

Charlie and Sam love going to the Peace Gardens to picnic, hike, and climb on the trees and rocks. On Monday we made our first spring trip and spent almost the entire time climbing trees. Ben fit right in. He played in the rocks and climbed trees with a smile on his face the entire time.

I Heart Faces Storyboard

2010-04-19T22:29:00.004-05:00

This week the challenge at I Heart Faces is storyboards. I learned how to do storyboards about a month ago from friends and Pioneer Woman tutorials. They can be really fun and really frustrating when I just can't make the pictures fit together! It was a little tricky making this one work because most of the photos were landscape.

I was lucky enough to photo this little guy moments after his birth last Thursday. What a fun experience! See more photos here.

I can't wait to see the other storyboard ideas...go take a look.

Jack's slideshow

2010-04-18T08:13:00.001-05:00

Overjoyed

2010-04-17T22:35:00.003-05:00

I had the honor of meeting this little guy 20 minutes after his birth. I was so thrilled that my friends Jess and Jacob shared this special time with me. Thank you! Jack is a beautiful, mellow baby.

I have the bug...I want to do birth photography! This was so much fun.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T21:30:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T21:38:00.002-05:00

Dear Easter Bunny

2010-04-03T22:03:00.002-05:00

Kate

2010-04-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

Curled Up Abby

2010-04-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

The Very Busy Ben

2010-04-01T14:41:00.002-05:00

We enjoy reading The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle at our house. We've also watched Wilber try to spin a web and get frustrated in Charlette's Web. I think Ben's figured it out. Look at that long silky thread coming out of his mouth.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T09:18:00.001-05:00

Charlie's Ride

2010-03-28T22:13:00.005-05:00

Charlie is riding his bike! With a little push from behind to get started he can ride the length of a block and stop. He was nervous to try again this spring but on his second time out he just did it. He is now excited to take his bike out. I am hopeful we can take family trips to the park soon!

Love his big smile while he's biking!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T14:30:00.003-05:00

New picture of Abby and Kate

2010-03-23T09:35:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to finish more pictures from my trip to San Diego of my nieces the past couple of nights. Here is one of my favorites. I love how Abby is holding Kate's shirt. Kate was so proud to be holding Abby during this photo.

I Heart Faces Angles

2010-03-22T22:24:00.002-05:00

First of all, I thought this week's challenge at I Heart Faces was Angels instead of Angles...this little girl is a sweet angel but I choose this photo because I love the angle and how it highlights her beautiful eyes.

Take some time to enjoy the other angle photos at I Heart Faces this week.

Sam...Sam...Sam

2010-03-21T15:54:00.002-05:00

Sam is always filled with questions that let us peek into his thoughts. I love them...but often forget them before I right them in his journal.

Here are a few cute sayings from this week:

"Look Mom, I spelted my name STUV."

"My head hurts right here (points just above eyebrows) on my THREE HEAD."

And his cute question of the week:

"Can we take the pool out today?"

I'm sure many of you have heard that one this week.

Sam I wish we could take the pool out today. I would love to sit in the backyard and watch you and your brothers splash the afternoon away.

None of these are a examples of the Sam questions we get...but I'm going to listen and record this week.

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful March weather!

Wordless Change in One Week Wednesday

2010-03-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

My First Storyboard...

2010-03-14T21:58:00.003-05:00

I spent Friday evening with my friends Sonja and Sarah talking about photoshop and sharing favorite photo blogs. I think everyone left motivated to try something new...mine was storyboards. Here is my first attempt. This one doesn't really tell a story but it does show a little personality.

My new niece Abby Grace

2010-03-11T22:14:00.004-06:00

A few weekends ago I was able to sneek away from my kiddos her in the arctic to visit my new niece Abby in California. My sister and I had fun doing photo shoots every morning trying to capture Abby while she was still in the newborn stage. She was a perfect little model and is a very mellow baby.

Sweet Baby Abby....

2010-03-11T22:05:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T22:02:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T12:53:00.003-06:00

We love the Children's Museum...(non wordless Wednesday post..oops)

2010-02-24T14:26:00.005-06:00

We love the blowdryer. We love the balls.

We love the boats. We love trying to taste the water?????

We love teamwork. We love meeting our friends on a Friday night for fun! and maybe....

Our littlest friend loves our littlest...look at that flirty face! Watch out Ben!

Wordless Winter Wednesday

2010-02-24T14:04:00.000-06:00

Brotherly Love

2010-02-22T09:30:00.001-06:00

Many pictures came to mind for this weeks challenge at I Heart Faces "Hands On Fun". I kept coming back to this photo taken when my youngest was 1 week old. The only thing missing is the big smile of pride and love on Charlie's face when his new baby brother grabbed his finger. I know this picture doesn't really show fun...but it shows the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Go to I Heart Faces to see more "Hands On Fun" photos this week. There something so personal about hands...!

Ben Is Back...

2010-02-18T11:27:00.005-06:00

Ben is feeling better after having RSV, pneumonia, and an ear infection last week. He was a very sick little cuddle bug. It's nice to see him playing again. He must have daydreamed about climbing during his illness. He can now climb onto the coffee table, chairs, and all the way to the top of the ladder of the bunk beds. He hasn't figured out how to get his leg over the top but he sure tries. We've never had a climber before so we are hopeful this age will pass quickly before playground season...although I know it's doubtful.

We celebrated our new healthiness by picnicking at Como Conservatory. The humidity, green, and flowers were a welcome relief from the mid-Feb snow and cold.

Believe it or not I took a few pictures, I'll post more later....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T15:57:00.001-06:00

Kiss Me!

2010-02-08T22:32:00.011-06:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is We heart Kisses. I thought this would make a fun entry. I bribed the boys with a few heart treats and they did some kissing for me! They also did lots of laughing and wiping of cheeks! I wanted to enter an "after the kiss" photo but they weren't allowed this week.

Can't wait to see the other entrys. Go check them out!

Sam's baby

2010-02-04T10:31:00.001-06:00

Sam loves playing with stuffed animals pretending they are his babies. He gives them lots of kisses and makes sure they are warm when they take their naps. It's very sweet to watch him take care of his little babies.

Another snowy Day

2010-02-04T10:22:00.003-06:00

Tuesday was a perfect winter day. Light snow and no breeze. We were outside 2 times to enjoy the day. We went for a walk around the block and Ben practiced walking up and down the sidewalk in his boots.

My Teenage Dreamer To Be...

2010-02-04T10:20:00.004-06:00

Hi...What's up?

2010-02-03T16:05:00.003-06:00

Ben loves walking around the house talking into the phone. I love this age!

Walking, Walking, Walking

2010-02-03T15:50:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Month

2010-02-01T13:56:00.005-06:00

We are excited about the shortest month of the year! February i love you...you mean I can start thinking about green grass and birds singing in the morning...only start.

The boys are actually outside shoveling as the snow falls. They love the snow! Ben pointed at the door and cried when I didn't take him outside. Minnesota boys....it's a good thing since that's where we live!

The Piano Men

2010-01-29T22:19:00.003-06:00

Sam's buddy Johan was over the other day. They had a blast making up songs to sing on the piano. Johan even added some dance grooves from time to time. It was really cute!

Legos

2010-01-29T22:16:00.003-06:00

Charlie has his birthday and Christmas lists finished...only 4 and 11 months to go...Legos. He loves building with legos. When he gets a new set he can spend hours putting it together. He is very driven to finish and is very careful when putting things together. I love it that he LOVES legos. It's been a life saver this winter!

Outdoor Fun in January

2010-01-29T21:55:00.008-06:00

We've almost made it through January. We were lucky enough to spend quite a few days outside. Moving snow from one place to another never gets old....

...and sledding is always fun!

Where's Sam?

Charlie dreams of these days in July...I admit, I'm dreaming about July right now.

Natural Texture

2010-01-26T20:50:00.005-06:00

This weeks challenge at I Heart Faces is texture. I've always loved the texture that old trees give to photos. I just took this photo of my little guy hiding behind a tree a couple of weeks ago. It will be fun to see all of the natural and "photoshop" made textures this week at I heart faces! (I need to practice more at the photoshop textures. They look really fun.)

How I make it through winter...

2010-01-25T21:49:00.005-06:00

Don't you feel a little warmer too?

This kid is amazing!

2010-01-14T21:51:00.007-06:00

Bye-bye crawling...

Ben started walking full time last week.

Once he started there was no looking back. He spends most days practicing his pivots, turns, laps, and falls.

He also vacuums, feeds himself, and communicates all needs through a point and "zis".

He's even squeezed in time to imitate modern art.

This kid is amazing!

Old School Serious

2010-01-11T13:53:00.005-06:00

Old School Serious, originally uploaded by tctripp.

It's I heart Faces birthday this week. The contest is to enter your favorite face photo from Dec or Jan of this year. This photo was taken on Dec. 18. Can't wait to see the other face entries and fun give aways this week at I Heart Faces.

I did it at last...I placed at I heart Faces. 2 photographer/judges chose this photo as a top 5 favorite our of 1,000 photos. I guess it was a good thing Sam wasn't in the mood to take photos and gave me his grumpy look.

Omaha, Here we come at last!

2010-01-11T08:49:00.006-06:00

We had a wonderful trip to Omaha just before the end of the year. After a couple day weather delay we loaded up the car and were off. The boys were very excited to see their cousins. "Can we just unload and then go to their house?" Charlie wondered on the way down. The closer we got to Omaha, the deeper the snow in the ditch. The trees along the sides of the road were covered in a thick layer of ice that sparkled in the sun. It was a beautiful drive.

When we arrived Charlie was overjoyed to see all of the snow and shoveling that needed to be done. He loved Grandpa D's plow shovel and spent the time each day outside shoveling the driveway, sidewalks, and back patio.

The boys were able to play with all of their cousins over our 4 day stay. There was time for Crazy 8 and other games. Some Lego building, lots of hide and seek, and lots of fun. Ben had fun showing off his new attempts at walking - hands high.

Each night the boys were exhausted and dreaming of more shoveling, snow, and fun.

Ben was spoiled by all. Sucker from grandpa and cuddles from everyone. Being the youngest brings some nice perks.

Time for one last game. On the way home both boys wanted to know when we could see their cousins again. I love it that they are at the age that they don't mind the long road trip since it means fun with Ermie, Grandpa D, and lots of cousins.

Thanks for a great time everyone!

He's Trying!

2009-12-25T21:05:00.002-06:00

Ben has been standing without help and taking steps here and there since his birthday. Now he will walk across the room a few times a day. He still prefers crawling especially when he is in a hurry. If distances are short he will often walk. It's been fun for the boys to watch Ben learn this new skill. They love it when Ben walks to them.

Christmas Around the World

2009-12-20T21:30:00.004-06:00

Tonight was our Christmas program, Christmas Around The World, at church. The kids traveled around the world to learn how different cultures celebrate Christmas. They sang songs in Namibian, Korean, Spanish, and Swedish. It was a great idea for a program! Charlie was a Masai Warrior Sheep Herder and Sam was his little sheep. Many people made comments about Sam's many faces during the show. Charlie had a couple speaking parts and did great...speaking very loudly and clearly!

My Other Paperboy

2009-12-20T20:56:00.002-06:00

My little paperboy

2009-12-20T13:46:00.003-06:00

My little paperboy, originally uploaded by tctripp.

Time for a Rest

2009-12-15T09:04:00.003-06:00

ben sleeps , originally uploaded by tctripp.

13 months

2009-12-11T15:46:00.010-06:00

Ben is 13 months old today. He's busy trying to grow too quickly. He climbs on everything, takes steps everyday, and loves to think he is a big kid. Today he tried to use a scissors to cut tape, just like his big brothers were doing. He crawls around with toys in his hands, usually playmobil guys. He is busy exploring all day long.

Ben, you make us smile everyday. It's o.k. to slow down a bit.

Ben's new favorite post is on top of our speaker looking out the window.

Ben says "mom" , "pa", "ba", waves bye-bye, and signs more.