December!

Not sure what I was thinking saying I was going to post everyday in December! We've had a crazy couple of days. Here are the two pictures I've taken so far this week...

When Bryce naps during the week it's usually in our bed. I used to try to get him to sleep in his own bed, but now I feel like I'll take what I can get. He usually just gets about half an hour in before we have to go get Chris for school. He's such a sweet little sleeper! (And yes, that's a star pillow in our bed. We had rounds of pink eye, and I changed pillow cases so much, I don't know who's is who anymore.)

This is from the allergist this afternoon. We were there to give Bryce a trial of pecans. Last time he went in his pecan allergy seemed to have disappeared. The next step was to let him try and eat them in the office. They gave him the skin prick test first to be sure, and lo and behold the allergy was very much still there. Bummer! We were at the office determining this for a good 3 hours. Bryce was such a trooper! He was very itchy, but didn't scratch at all because they told him not to. I had brought a new puzzle along and he was super excited about it. Here it is completed, and here's the awesome new look he gives me when I try to take his picture. I was hoping to celebrate with pecan pie, but we're still a no walnuts or pecan family for the time being. I'll be back to catch up more soon!

I'm back!

It's almost the end of the year, and I have 5 months of posts to catch up on. Be prepared for a December full of blogging!

Kindergarten Graduation

Chris had a super special graduation ceremony during his last week of school. They wore caps and gowns, sang songs, and recited their favorite bible verses. He did a great job. So proud of our graduate!

Happy 6th Birthday, Chris!

Dear Chris,

What a year you have had! I can't believe how easily you have adjusted to a new city, new house, new friends, and new life. You were a natural New Yorker, but man if it's possible I think Minnesota fits you even better!

You have spent your 5th year of life constantly impressing us with the new things you can do. You made a whole class of new friends, and boy do they love you! It's been fun to see you grow into a good friend and student. I never would have guessed how amazing your handwriting has become, your drawings  are so good, and you are really learning impressive math skills. You can read everything. It only takes someone being around you for a couple minutes to hear, "wow he is really smart".

You're favorite things right now are racing cars with your brother, catching fish with dad, reading chapter books, and playing aliens while you're supposed to go to bed : ). You're playing t-ball (now coach pitch!!) and your piano playing is exceptional.

You are such a snuggler and love to give us hugs all the time. You're a great teacher for Bryce. He does everything you do, and you're a great example! 

We love you so much, and can't wait to see what 6 has in store!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Talent Show

Chris had his talent show at school last week. We were so proud of him. He didn't seem to have any nerves about performing in front of lots of people. He even seemed to dance while he was playing his piece. It was called "I'm a Fine Musician". He really is, I can't believe 6 months ago he couldn't read music, and now he's playing impressive songs for his  whole school. Way to go, Chris!

Chris turns 6!

What a fun birthday for a very special 6 year old...

He woke up to steamers and balloons.

Chris had his friend party over the weekend, so June 16th was all about making sure this guy had a super fun day! Party hats for everyone!

After pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles, we headed to the Mall of America. This little lady greeted us (no idea who she is!)

The boys picked out their favorite rides. I can't even imagine the number of times we've been on Diego's Rescue Rider.

Bumper car action . Poor guy was just not tall enough to reach the peddles and steer,  he got bumped a few times!

This ride takes you to the top and drops you over and over. Sooo glad Chris can ride this on his own now!

Another character we're clueless about...

Blue's Clue's action.

Bryce insisted on riding these trucks, and Chris complied. After he said they were "so boring".

So then we stuck Bryce on the drop and bounce. He was a little petrified, but he went with it!

A Backyardigan? No idea, but cute pic, right?

Then Chris did the Pepsi roller coaster for the first time all by himself. It's goes all through the park and is scary, scary. I was so proud of him!

Our last ride was the log ride. I haven't ridden one in forever, but it was so fun! They did the big drop twice. The boys were big fans! 

We ate at Rainforest Cafe for lunch. I had to talk Chris into coming here, because he really wanted a Subway sandwich. I think he was glad he agreed! Such a fun restaurant, and he got a big birthday song from the waiters!

Afterwards, the boys played at the Lego store. I think they could have stayed there all day long. 

Here's his final creation...

Finally a character I recognize! Dora told them goodbye as we left.

That night Dad took us for... if you've read this blog ever you can guess.

Sushi! Chris and Bryce were puddles by the time we got to this part. Bryce just laid in my lap most of the time.

Maybe that's why they brought us cake with espresso after dinner? Even Bryce said "this tastes like coffee". Not sure how he knows what coffee tastes like, but it sure did.

It gave them just enough energy for some  quick present opening.

Here's Chris opening his book of baseball's 1000 best players from Grandpa Bob. I'm sure he'll have that memorized before he turns 7 : ). Happy, happy 6th birthday Chris! We had so much fun with you today!

Track meet

Chris had his first track meet today. It was city wide, and here are the kids from his school that came...

There was a tortoise and a hare to greet runners. Bryce was very excited to meet them!

Chris too!

Here's a little pre-race jousting. Yeah- I don't get it either.

It was a half mile run. I ran with Bryce, and he pouted the whole time he was running. Chris was so fast we missed seeing him go across the finish line. So, like any good blogger, I made the poor kid recreate it.

Here they are with their medals. So proud of these guys!

More snow pictures...

Thank goodness this is from a few weeks ago. We made bets on the way home from Detroit last night about what our current snow situation would be. Chris guessed 99.9% gone, Dad guessed 75% gone, I guessed 25% gone, and Bryce guessed 8% gone. Unfortunately, Bryce was right. 

At any rate, it's not as snowy as it was in these pictures! This was a day that hit 50 degrees a few weeks ago. We stayed outside for an hour because it felt so good! 

Here's Chris throwing a snowball at me. He looks a little too happy about that, right?

Relaxing in the snow.

Bryce needed his fishing pole out there for some reason.

Here they are catching fish in the puddles of melted snow.

Snow angel. Who knew it was possible to have almost too much snow to make a snow angel?

I can't wait to post pictures of us in grass. Soon!!

Dentist

We had dentist appointments this month. They both did great. Chris got a good report, and has 2 wiggly teeth!

Bryce did really well also. Chris had to go to the restroom right when It was Bryce's turn. When I came back he was done with his cleaning.

Their reward? What else but sushi : )?