Fishing

Our goal wasn't to catch large fish.....just to hopefully catch a lot without having to be too patient (not a strength of Kieran's), keep him busy and happy.

We were at a fishing pier on Lake Waconia and did well in about an hour (two perch and probably seven sunfish).  None were very large, but Kieran was happy.

Kieran's 6th Birthday

It didn't go exactly as he had hoped, he woke up in the middle of the night with 'intestinal issues' but really wanted to go to school.  He had been looking forward to hearing his name on the daily announcements and bringing in a birthday snack.  He was home by 9:00 am, but after a three hour nap in the afternoon was much better for presents and dinner at the Pizza Ranch.

Of course he was okay for cake.....

He got the Captain America shield (with shooting pieces)....

And the Captain America helmet.....

Putting the whole ensemble together and we apparently have Captain America running around the house looking to defeat evil....

Fishing Opener

The MN fishing opener was Saturday, May 11.  We didn't spend it on a lake, but spent a little time on Sunday getting ready but doing some practice casts from the deck.

Let's just say we have some work to do before we catch anything but a dandelion.

Buyer Beware....

So Sarah occasionally buys swimsuits for work and leisure through some sort of 'grab bag' system.  As part of the 'grab bags' they are bought sight unseen.  Usually hasn't been an issue....

I'm interested to see how/when this particular swimsuit will be brought out....

Wonder how many more 'grab bags' will be bought....

T-Ball 2012

T-Ball practice doesn't start until the Wednesday after Memorial Day, the first game isn't until June 6th, but someone is a little excited.....

Team pictures are Wednesday, May 16th.....have to convince him that actual practice doesn't start that day....

Kieran's Swimming Lessons

Kieran's been taking swimming lessons for the last four weeks, two nights a week.  The class name was 'Puddle Jumpers 4' whatever that means.  I caught these pictures (with the phone across the pool) of Kieran jumping off the diving board on Thursday, the last night of lessons.
Getting ready....

Splash....

Trying again to get him in the air....

Yeah....missed it again....

Cologne's Easter Egg Hunt

Being 45 degrees and a steady mist to drizzle didn't stop the Easter Egg Hunt at the town's baseball field this morning.....

They have more than just the Easter Egg hunt.  Starting an hour later, they have other events or activities for the kids.  Like holding baby chicks....

And riding in firetrucks....

The 3-4 four year old group is off.....Luke carrying his bright red basket, with his Viking hat pulled down low.

Just like when he plays, he left the main group to be off by himself.....less people to bother him I suppose....

I have no idea how he can see any eggs with his hat that low....Luke was happy at the end....

Kieran's group went next, he's easy to find with his red fireman's hat.....

Kieran was cold and ready to go home when his group was done....

Have a good Easter.

Tenting in March

Can't call it camping, but the boys talked me into setting up the tent and sleeping in the backyard.  Started a fire, then cooked some hot dogs and beans over it.  Even followed our typical camping rules, bedtime when the first star shines (we don't count planets or the moon, we waited for Sirius), though we actually waited for a few more stars.  Of course the boys giggled and had the flashlight working for about thirty minutes before all was quiet.

High temperature for the day was 70, but of course we woke up to the morning low of 38.  Maybe we'll be able to sneak away for a night this week for a real camping experience....

Maple Syrup 2012

March in Minnesota means that it is time to gather enough sap from Sugar Maple trees that can give you enough Maple Syrup to last for the next year.  Conditions were a little different this year compared to last year.  Last year, there was nearly four feet of snow on the ground, this year, almost none.

Kieran being a year older also was helpful as he was able to carry out more tasks that were needed.  He insisted on using his hammer to pound the taps into the maple trees.  About one in every five swings of the hammer made contact with the tap, but the job still got done.  He concentrated most of his work on the first line that was put together, it strings together about seven trees (12 taps) over the course of several hundred feet.  Gravity should bring the sap down to the collection point near the road.

All together, there are currently 34 taps (37 at this point last year) along three strings.  My assumption is that the number of taps will increase within the next week or so.  With forecasts this week of high temperatures in the mid-40s and lows slightly below freezing, the sap should be running.

We are wondering how the January thaw (temperatures were similar, if not higher than this weeks forecast) will affect the syrup season.  I guess we'll see shortly.....

Been awhile......

It's been awhile since I've posted anything, but with the winter we've been having, there hasn't been anything really exciting happening.  At the beginning of February, the area had received a total of 10 inches of snow (there was 60 inches at that point last year) and we have been below zero degrees three days total (way below our average).

So without all the snow there's been no sledding, snowball fights, snow huts built, snow angels....the list can get long.  Nothing to really add to story on this website....so here's a couple of videos.  Friends at school ask occasionally ask what the kids are doing these days and I find it easier to take some short videos to show them ---- here they are.....