family time

Today O, K and I went and met Grandma and Grandpa B and Kim, Liana and Ryan Blomgren at Applebees in Shakopee.  They were there for Bubba Kubes graduation party and it was a lot closer to see them there compared to driving to southern Minnesota.  We played at a park afterward and O got spun around a little too much on a merry go round.  He ended up napping on the way home and woke up ready to roll when we stopped.

sleepover

K hosted her friend Ellea for a sleepover on Friday evening.  They played so nicely together and did a fair amount of fairy hunting and picking dandelion stems.

graduation night

River Falls Public Montessori had a lovely graduation ceremony and all school picnic on Thursday evening.  The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the company was oh so interesting.  It was a nice evening with friends.

warming up

The weather is really starting to heat up.  Our classroom was pretty steamy on Tuesday afternoon--so thankful it didn't start getting warmer until the VERY END of the school year.

river city

On Monday, our family drove back up north to Wisconsin.  On our way, we stopped in Mason City, Iowa to see the Music Man museum.  The museum was closed but the outside was enough for us to see.  It was really quaint and was set right next to Meridith Wilson's boyhood home.

nice party!

We arrived at the party on Saturday and was able to connect with my parents and with my four brothers.  Anna looked lovely and very composed for just graduating from High School.  After the party, we went back to our hotel for pizza dinner and a dip in the pool.

iowa bound

We are on our way to Anna Gracious Blomgren's graduation party.  We are enjoying the journey and have "persevered in a car for five hours in a car.  It's been long, fun, but mostly boring". KGO. We are eager to reach our destination.

beautiful day on Wood Lake

First suntan of 2014.  We spent time with Brent, Molly, Siri, Ivan, baby, Bud & Betty this weekend up at Big Wood Lake.  We did a little boating and the kids all made it into the lake...all the ones under the age of 10 that is.  The two girl cousins did beauty salon together and had a sleepover.  Molly looks beautiful with her nine month glow.  We had a nice time!

cotton blowing

I know that spring is here when the cotton starts blowing from the cotton trees.  I remember bringing a baby home 13 years ago in Normal, Illinois and having the sky filled with those cotton seeds...it was almost as if it were snowing.  Brings back great memories!

great concert!

The River Falls 6th grade choir and band concert was really strong this evening.  A was able to sing in an ensemble.  He does so well in performing.  We are quite happy for him!

back center row

small group ensemble (closest to director)

center of photo setting up for band portion of the concert

OJO is 4

Happy happy happy happy birthday to our sturdy, sparkly, sensational, sensitive OJO.  We love you lots!

taj mahal and a mayan temple sand toys 

the boys are home!

Brad and A have returned from their fishing trip way up north!  They caught one fish between the two of them, but they have a lot of nice memories from their trip together.  It's great to have them home.

beautful party

Becki Reed hosted an end of the year get together at her home yesterday evening.  They live in between River Falls and Spring Valley on about 20 acres of lovely land.  Their home, their outbuildings, their view, their hospitality...it was pretty incredible.  Thanks Becki for your kindness!

gymnastics extravaganza

It was a fantastic day for our little KGO.  Her big cousin Jenna and special friend Julie came "just to watch her" at the River Falls Gymnastic Extravaganza.  It was great to have our loving family and friend to come see her in action.

wow

Today was a wow day.  The sun was shining, the temperature was mild, I spent time with the kids outdoors.  We dug in the dirt and we got some flowers planted.  We also enjoyed a picnic dinner on the front lawn.  Ahhhhhh.

Lucy and Andrew over to play

my Mother's Day flowers and new flower pot

picnic on the front lawn

gone fishing

Brad and our eldest son are headed up north with friends for Minnesota fishing opener.  Here they are at 6:30 this morning on their way out the door.  I hope they make great memories together.

outdoor play

Playing outdoors ...one of the many joys of spring!

hearth pad

Brad has laid the hearth pad for the stove...here it is!

uncle Bruce is visiting!

When Uncle Bruce comes to town, the kids go CRAZY.  It is always nice to have his company.  Thanks for your visit!

colson

ACO is a great kid.  He is VERY smart.  He is handsome.  He loves to read.  He loves his little brother and sister.  He is our first born son and we love him so!

beata

She is 8 years old.  She is incredibly smart.  She is one of the best spellers I have ever met.  She can read people very well.  She is confident.  She is artistic.  She is kind.  She is loving.  She likes to do for others.  She is 66 pounds and 52” tall.  She is our daughter.  We love you KGO!

muffin man grown up

Our little O is growing up.  I don't want to jinx things, but he is nearly potty trained.  He has an occasional accident, but is becoming very aware of his bowel and bladder habits.  Our little man is ready for 4K!

and the rain came down

We had quite a patch of rain and it will be wonderful to see the beautiful flowers/grasses emerging in the near future.

cleaning up

Last week, I raked some really wet leaves that were still in the yard from last fall--the snow caught us unaware last fall and we weren't able to get it raked before the snow fell.  I'm eager to see how the grass below will do after seeing the light of day.

daffies back in town

It's a later spring than normal, but the daffodils are making an appearance!  Yeah spring!

a baker's dozen

Our ACO is now a baker's dozen year's old.  We are so incredibly proud of the young man you are and are becoming.  We love you!

opening his gift from Grandma and Grandpa B

cinco de mayo!

Our sixth grader just schooled us on what Cinco de Mayo really means.  I had to explain to my class today that I had misinformed them yesterday...1862 victory of Mexican Army over Napolean and France--Battle of Puebla.  Thanks big guy for setting the record straight!

evan's confirmation

Evan and his family

Mom and I

Trenton Anders

The cousins--A trying to be bigger than the rest ;)

What a lovely weekend celebrating our family and Evan's confirmation.  Nice service, delicious meal and all around great time.  All five Blomgren children were there to celebrate!

wiener roast

Little O and the whole family enjoyed a lovely wiener roast after picking up sticks at Grandma and Grandpa B's this weekend.  Spring is springing!  What a fun weekend we had visiting family.

Park time, sleepover, worshiping, fellowship, eating...it was terrific.

closing in the porch

This fall, Brad updated our porch by building beautiful windows and enclosing the porch so it was a bit warmer during this long, cold winter.  He is now putting the finishing touches on the siding and will eventually paint white.  The outcome is quite lovely.

may day!

The kindergarten class at our school delivered little May baskets around to all the teachers--my heart is so happy!