hooked

A bracelet that represents the island of Saint Croix is the hook bracelet from Sonya Ltd.  For K's 7th birthday, she received a special delivery from the big island.  That smile is priceless. 

see-food

One year ago, we were dining at Angry Nate's on the Christiansted boardwalk.  We observed some fisher-folk cleaning their catch...I believe they are mahi mahi and as you can see, they are quite large.  It's interesting that the sky does look quite similar here in River Falls today.  The temperature is significantly different, but the texture and color is very similar. 

slick

At 5:45am the phone rang.  It was River Falls Superintendent, Tom Westerhaus calling to say that school was 2 hours late.  K was roused by the call and decided that she was too excited to fall back asleep.

A very slow walk to work this morning--then found that school was called off for the district.  I also found that there was thunder and lightning during the night.  I hope everyone walks/drives very safely today!

tooth mouse for an eleven year old

first molar lost!

So the tooth mouse worked last night for our 11 year old.  He was a bit skeptical of the origin of the tooth mouse but wasn't disappointed when the dollar coin appeared at the window. 

girls weekend

It all started with Friday night being a lovely evening with lady friends.  First I picked up MiAnna to hang out with the smart and sassy KGO, then I drove to Hudson to meet Sharyl, Gretchen, Angie and Sarah at San Pedro.  I felt as if I were back in the islands with conch, Plantar's punch and mango flavorings.  It was a super memorable evening and it was great to hang with the girls. 

To continue the theme of Friday night, K and I spent the weekend having mother/daughter time.  We checked out a WHOLE bunch of Barbie movies from the library and watched 3 of them.  We went to Woodbury for lunch at Subway and shopping at Target.  We went swimming with Ezekiel's Wheel at the Ellsworth pool.  We went to Anytime Fitness where I worked out and K played games on the iPad.  We went to Sunday School.  We planned and implemented a fancy lunch of macaroni and cheese, hotdogs, cantelope, hot brocolli, and chocolate pudding pie served on a fancy table set by K.  We had a divine time enjoying one anothers' company. 

eighteen times two

Double trouble--the twins Blomgren are turning 18!  Happiest birthday to you and sending you much love.

mosquito bites and a tan

One year ago today, O had mosquito bites on his forehead and a tan.  His preferred attire was exactly what he is wearing in this photo.  Parts of me miss Saint Croix dearly, but I still think it's so great to be home. 

ostensauce

While dining, if there is any option of a sauce such as soy sauce, syrup, ketchup or ranch dressing, O will ask for some "ostensauce".  He makes us giggle. 

icy sledding

O was really excited to head back to school this morning at the CHILD Center.  With icy sledding, who wouldn't be excited?

brrrrr

This morning my legs were practically numb when scuttling to work.  The kids' school was called off as the wind chills were so dangerously low.   I am hoping they get a chance to a do a little running around outside to get their blood pumping after a long weekend of movie watching/train playing/birthday party.  But only a few minutes of that as I don't want their noses to freeze. 

home

Brad is home!  He actually was released from the hospital on Friday and was able to attend K's Star Student presentation at Greenwood.  He looks great and it is sure great to have him home where he should be!

p a r t y

K's birthday party was super fun.  The kids played well together and I think the adults had a nice time.  My parents probably weren't too comfortable in the bleacher seating, but it was sure great to have them there.  All 4 grandparents, 2 cousins, 1 aunt, 1 uncle, 1 Mom, 1 Dad, 2 brothers and 13 friends (including the Mom of one friend) stuck around and helped celebrate. 

We played:  pin the fruit on the tree, hot coconut, hula hoopla, musical towels, limbo and with balls and hula hoops.

We ate:  cupcakes, cake, fruit and rice krispie bars and drank water and Hawaiian Punch. 
Instead of gifts, we asked that everyone bring a book for a book exchange.  Some brought gifts anyway, but I think everyone enjoyed getting a new book to read. 

swim

On Friday afternoon, A and I headed to Lakeville for his very first swim meet.  We drove into the parking lot of the school and I heard an inhalation from my passenger.  "Wow, there are A LOT of people here, Mom!"  I asked him how he felt and he said "EXCITED".  We walked into the unfamiliar territory and I asked him if he wanted me to help him find his coach and he said that we wouldn't have any problem.

I had a few errands to run with K's party happening the next day, so I left him to warm up for his race.  Found Sam's Club, bought the necessary supplies and navigated my way back to the school.  Pulled in the parking lot, found a great parking space, walked in the door to see A on the starting blocks!  He dove into the pool and finished 4th in his group for the freestyle stroke.  Next up was backstroke where he finished 2nd in his group and the last was the breaststroke where he finished 1st in his group and 1st overall.

Fun night and looking forward to his next competition!