swimming in Lindstrom

Last night, Osten, Brad and I drove to Lindstrom, Minnesota to see the River Falls Wildcats face Spring Lake Park and the Wildcats of Chisago Lakes. Anders swam in four events--placed 3rd in 3 and placed 1st in his last event.

this is his butterfly time at 1:08.44

this is his breast time at 1:12.16

He swam the 100 Butterfly which is a race he typically doesn't swim. He also swam the 200 Medley relay, the 200 Freestyle relay and 100 Breaststroke. It was so fun to watch him compete and their team was very solid as they cheered one another on in the pool. Our team was consistently placed in lane 2 and lane 6 so it was really easy to keep track of our swimmers. Seth Larson had a really great night of winning two sprint events. It was well worth the drive.

Here is my latest photo from the 10 day challenge:

his ability to act has always astounded me.

golden evening closing Glen Park pool 2009

This is our image of the day...

Aeva, Alex, Peter, Katie, Abby, Anders, Jack and Joey Glen Park pool 2009.

performance of Carmina Burana

Awestruck by the beautiful music and dancing we saw yesterday at the Cowles Center. My heart is very happy that Anders spent time with me yesterday as we watched a troupe of approximately 60 performers sing/dance/play dramatic music.

celebrating 14 & day 4 and 5 of challenge

Last night, I picked Katie's friends, Aili and Quinn up for dinner at Cossetta's and an escape room in St. Paul. Afterwards, we went to the office for a sleepover and cupcakes to celebrate the 14 year old.

We woke this morning and the girls got picked up. Now we're at home and I will be departing soon with Anders to Minneapolis to watch some dance theater.

Here are the photos from day 4 and 5 from my Senior parent challenge:

14

Our sweet, smart and beautiful daughter Kathryn Grace is 14 years old today. It was a lot warmer 14 years ago when we left our home for the Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN.

We had a terrific nurse and she was able to help us decide on the spelling of Katie's name as we were getting ready for her arrival. Then we met her...looking so much like her big brother, but with such an intense gaze that I felt like I was meeting someone much older than a few moments old.

Katie has always been before her time. Enjoy number 14 dear Katie Grace and relish every moment of your second year of being a teenager.

 just home from the hospital                                                  with Grandma B at age 1

 with Olson cousins age 2                                          with friend Quinn at age 3

camping at Plymouth Rock age 4

                                                    visiting Grandma and Grandpa B in AZ age 5

driving the Bad Kitty 2 in the BVI at age 6

                                                        hiking along the Kinni age 7

 8 birthday spankings from Grandpa B                          Daddy Daughter Dance age 9

 Junior bridesmaid Age 10                                          Daddy Daughter Dance age 11

                                                    curly girly age 12

                                               heading to Hamilton age 13

early release, new Chinese teacher, day 3 of 10 day challenge and music program

Here I am curled up on our small couch in the living room, listening to Osten playing some Minecraft, knowing that Anders just left for a friends' birthday party and feeling nice and cozy in my surroundings.

We released two hours early in preparation for a winter storm that is just starting to rear it's head in town. After I blog, I plan on walking down to Anytime Fitness to do my daily workout.

Yesterday, our school had a beautiful winter program where we paid tribute to our Chinese teacher, Ms. Jessie and also met our new Chinese teacher Ms. Ester. They will be working together for a few days and then Jessie will be returning home and starting to teach the class that Ms. Ester started at the beginning of the year. The children sang great songs lead by our 1/2 year music teacher, Ms. Beka. I had the privilege of presenting her with a beautiful bouquet to thank her for all her hard work. One of the highlights of the program was when the entire student body sang a song called One Day.

Jessie, Ester and Ms. Maggie

Coulter and myself at the program last night

Lastly, I want to share the photo I posted for the 10 day challenge. It's Anders holding Osten during the summer of 2010 up north at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Katie is walking in the background and it just captures how much Anders loves his little brother.

10 day challenge of 2020 grad parent

I was nominated by my friend, Linda to post pictures of life as a parent--10 days, 0 explanations and I nominate a new person to join each day.

Day one I nominated Julie Finchum with this photo:

and day 2 I nominated Tami Berdell with this photo:

I love being his Mom

outstanding concert

After basketball practice on Monday night, Osten and I went to Anders' band concert. It was very impressive to hear the well practiced bands performing. Brad was already there so unfortunately we weren't able to sit together, but we loved the entire performance. The final piece by the wind symphony was especially impressive...very powerful and loud!

going to a basketball game

Osten and I are heading to the River Falls Wildcats boys basketball very soon. Brad made grandma Betty's spaghetti! Osten is bouncing on the couch like a mad man!

The Wildcats won big last night 88-47. They looked like they were really moving well and communicating like a team. After the game, Coulter and Osten went down onto the court to meet up and congratulate players. Lori Johnson encouraged Marci to come down with Coulter and it was pretty sweet. Osten got to see his favorite Payton Flood and got his photo taken with him. Big night.

happy 48th birthday to my sweet friend Julie

Yesterday, my partner in crime Julie Annette turned 48. We have been celebrating for 27 year now...seems like an eye blink.

 1993

2009

 2017

installation

Today I will be heading to church and helping install our new pastor David Wrightsman. He is funny, engaging and also a Vikings fan. He was a camp counselor one of my last years of attending Green Lake Bible Camp. Love those connections.

The installation went well and we also attended a green seminar on how our church is looking at installing solar panels...our friend Mike was the presenter. Another great thing happening at Ezekiel!

Here is a photo of our newly installed pastor and his family. Welcome Pastor Wrightsman!

names of family--Lauren, David, Carolyn, Ben and Adalee