The Grinde's

4th of July Fun!

2010-07-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a great weekend! It was so fun and jam packed I had to make 3 post today so, keep on looking. We spent the weekend at Papa Doug's cabin with our camper. We had a great weather, the sun was shining and only a little bit of rain one evening. The kids did lots of fishing, swimming and paying in the sand with their cousins. Here are some of my favorite pics that I took over the weekend.

Having fun with the cousins!

2010-07-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

Cousins, cousins and more cousins!

My cousin Leah came home for a few weeks this summer. She brought her family with her. They stayed at her parents house on the Mississippi River and since we have not seen them in 2 years she invited some cousins to a little family gathering. (she invited us 2 years ago and had a blast) She not only invited her dad's side of cousins but her mothers side of cousins too! Braden and Ava had a blast playing with their cousins and new cousins. Braden was in his glory play ball, riding bikes, swimming, and just running with all of the boys. Ava love playing with the girls too. But she took a little longer than normal to adjust to so many people. A scavenger hunt was even created for the little ones. It was a good day and fun was had by all. Hopefully next time we gather more of the cousins who could not be there will be there again!

Happy Birthday Braden!

2010-07-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday Braden!

All Braden want for his birthday was to spend the day at the cabin and for his cousin Eric to be there too. Well we were unable to get Eric there but we did manage to take his birthday off and head to the cabin the night before. He had a blast had all day. From fishing, to swimming and playing with his sister and cleaning out the paddle boat. He opened up Ava's gift right way in the day. After lunch he could not wait anymore he open his gift from J and I. He had pizza for supper and cake later when the Grosz's show up at dusk and was able to use the sparklers. I would say that was a great 7th Birthday!

Summer Fun!

2010-06-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took today at South Twin Lake. The Offerdahl's from Florida and Grandpa Fox rented a cabin On South Twin Lake for the week. They invited us and Griffin's family to join them for the day. The weather was great! The kids had a blast swimming and playing bean bag toss game. Most of the day the kids spent swimming in the water. The lake is vary shallow and sandy. The kids had a blast!

Brianna, Tim and Ava having fun in the water.

Braden being silly!

Braden and Ava playing bean bag toss game.

Jason, Barry and Heather enjoying the summer sun.

Braden and Trysten looking for creatures in the lake.

All of the kids enjoying the lake. The are at the end of a 30ft dock and it is less than 2 feet deep.

Here is Tim and Trysten playing against Braden and Brianna. While in the back ground all of the men sitting in the shade of the cabin. Taking a break from the sun.

Ava 4th Birthday!

2010-06-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

For Ava's 4th Birthday she wanted to have a big party at the park. Last year we went to Taylor's Birthday Party here at University Park in Grand Forks and had a blast. So we decided to have it there since we would be in town for Tyler and April's wedding. It was a hot day outside and the kids had a blast in the water park area while all of the adults visited in the shade.

Ava and Halle are going through the rainbow sprinkler.

Ava is showing Grandma Hattie and Nicky what she got for a gift, as Braden watches in the background.

Here is Braden sitting on a sprinkler cooling his bottom off. Yes he is wearing his clothes. I forgot to make sure he packed his trunks before we left home. And in North Dakota the store are not open before NOON on Sundays! Needless to say we did not have time to shop for another one for him. As you can see he did not mind.

Here is the Birthday girl with all smiles! She is showing off her new swimsuit.

Here we are tying to light Ava's candles on the cake.

I had to shield the wind from blowing out the candles.

Macy, Taylor, Halle and Ava stopping for just a minute to get their photo taken.

Here are some of the adults sitting the shade and enjoying the nice weather.

Wedding Fun!

2010-06-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Jason's cousin Tyler got married this past Saturday so, we made the drive over to Grand Forks for the big celebration. It was such a pretty wedding and reception. Our kids had a blast dancing and visiting with all of their cousins. Here are some great photos I took of them dancing and caring on.

Halle and Ava posing so nicely for the photo. Don't they have pretty dress on?

Braden is busy trying not to look at me while Jason and Ava dances.

Auntie LaVonne and Bralynn dancing too.

Another photo of Braden trying to hide from the camera again.

Kylee and Macy doing the hokey poke.

Here is Ava dancing all by herself and not caring who is watching. Bralynn is dancing and enjoying herself.

Thursday June 17th

2010-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here is Ava and I planting flowers in our new garden. Jason dug up all of the sod and planted a tree for us and he even put brick around the edge of the garden for us.

He is Jason working hard for Ava and I to be able to plant some flowers and hopefully this fall some shrubs. Our yard is very large and blan. This will hopefully help it look some what nice. We would also like to do another garden like this on the other side of the driveway. Maybe this fall when we get our shurbs we will have time to do this again.

Tooth Fairy.

2010-05-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

Braden finally able to meet the Tooth Fairy... well sort of. He actually started out with 5 wiggly teeth. The one that is missing has been ready to come out for some time. On Sunday while eating pancakes (his favorite) he turned to me and said "Hay Mom, look" and in his hand was his tooth! He was very excited. Braden is one of the youngest kids in his class and is the last one to see Tooth Fairy.

Hockey~the last game at J.S. Glas

2010-02-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

Last night (Saturday 2/20/10) the BSU Beaver's played their last game at the John S. Glas. It was a very exciting night and weekend. Jason and I were able to take our kids to Friday and Saturday night games Thanks to the Bank who has season tickets. Winning both nights was a blast not only it was the last home game but the last game at the Glas. Below are some photos Jason and I took at the game on Sat.

Dropping ot the puck!

Our first goal of the night!

Vance the Zambonie driver taking his last round of the rink. He has been the driver for twent some years!

The banks seats are close to the red line as you can get. Jason was able to take this great photo of the rink.

Here is our ending score! What a game!

At the end of the night they took a photo of the first hockey player to score at the Glas and the last person who scored at the Glas. Cramer on the left and Denny Sauter on the right.

This is R.H. Peters the former BSU hockey coach.

It was a great night and we are looking foward to next year season at the BREC!

Ice Fishing!

2010-02-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago Griffin's family came over for the weekend. Jason took Braden and Trysten out ice fishing. Trysten was not that excited because he never caught any fish while ice fishing before. He is now happy to say that he loves fishing with uncle Jason! The fish were bitting that day and Trysten was the frist one to catch a fish too!

It is February!?

2010-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Wow it is already February! Where did January go? We have been busy around here again.

Braden has hockey 2 times a week and games on Saturday. And he is still going to church on Wednesday nights after practice for youth group.

Ava is also coming with us to church and loves meeting new friends. I think since Braden has joined hockey and church Ava has made 3 new friends her age.
We have been enjoying going to the BSU hockey games again this year…thanks to the bank who has 8 seats. Our team has been doing really great this again this year and we are looking forward to next year’s game in our new Bemidji Regional Event Center that is being built on Lake Bemidji. The BREC will be open in October. We will be hosting the first game to the Grand Forks Sioux. (Papa Doug’s team)
Here is a photo of what the BREC looks like now.

Here are the kids playing in a fort they built in the living room yesterday afternoon. We are home again today because Braden was tested positive for Strep. Today we sent Ava to Annette’s so Braden could relax today without her. He was able to sleep in today and be able to have lunch in the living room. He was very excited for that. So was the dog, who almost got his lunch.

Out door hockey!

2010-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

There are 3 postings today of the past 2 weekends!

Here is Braden at his first out door hockey practice. He was very excited about it too. Yesterday (Saturday) he was suppose to have his firts out door game. Becasue of the cold temps he did not. In stead they had practice instead. It was a very nice day today.

We were hanging out with the Spive's while the boy's practiced. Ava the daredevil she is. Started jumping off the snow bank and having Jason catch her. Good thing that there was tons of snow arounds us.

Ava's first time on ice!

2010-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Today after Braden has hockey pratice we took Ava out on her skates. She had a blast and was very good at it. Jason and I took turns holding her up and she would walk alittle bit and then she told me I want to try by myself. I let her go and off she went. Walk not skating a few feet away from me towards Jason. We are very proud of her! Jason even showed her how to get up when she fell and she was able to do that a couple of times too. She was very excited at skating today and she wants to do it again!

Part 2 of Christmas 209

2010-01-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

After spending some time with my mom and Jim and my brother's family. We head over to my dads house for the day. Ava did not know if was Grandpa Fox or Santa at the house when were arrived.

Then on New Years Eve we jumped into the car and head to Oakes ND. To see Jason's side of the family. We did lots of fun things while we were in Oakes. Bowling was one of the kids favorite things were did besides opening more gifts.

Here is Ava with Uncle Keith! She had a blast bowling for the first time.

Here is Braden running away not wanting to see if those 2 pins ever made it down! He had a blast also and was wanting a strike. I can tell you it is not like Wii bowling!

Here is Macy, Ava and Great Grandma Hattie playing with the dice. They were making towers and seeing how high the could build them before the fell over!

The Loepp's got Braden and Dino egg. The Valcanio was filled with water and then you put the dino egg in the center and it started to foam. Once all of the foam disapeard there was a T-rex in side. Very COOL!

Chirstmas 09 Part 2/odds and ends

2009-12-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some Odds and Ends photos I took over the past couple of days.

Jason plowing us out on Saturday afternoon.

Ava and Jason with her new Princess Piano.

Braden and his signed BSU hockey jersey!

Papa Jim w/Colton, Ava and Brianna and Braden on the couch Chirstmas morning.

Ava and Grandma on Chirstmas morning.

Braden, Trysten, Colton and Brianna in a fire truck.

All of us playing the dice game. The kids had a blast and so did the adults!

Grandma and Ava going down the hill at Grandma's house.

Griffin, Ava, Colton and Brianna in their snow fort!

Christmas 2009 Part 1

2009-12-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We are curently in Int'l Falls celabrating Christmas. We have been busy the past two days here. The Offerdahl's came a day early (Wed) and we came Thursday morning. Christmas Eve we decorated cookies, made egg's and baccon pretzels, seldding down the little and big hill at the house and have got in the hot tub. We even did a little Christmas Program before we open our gifts.

Christmas Day we open gifts, played with all of our new toys and then we went to the Fire Department. What you say the Fire Department. Yes! We went the and brought a fruit basket and a plate of goodies for the workers. The kids got to check out the fire trucks and we had a good visit (photos to follow at a later date)

Both Braden and Ava got what they wanted from Santa this year. A DS game system for Braden and a "girl" Leapster for Ava.

Below are some photos from the past 24 hours. Enjoy!

Decorating cookies

Heather and I chilling on the couch with Jason before we did your Chirstmas Program.

Christmas Day! Yes that is Braden in his sigeeresy of all of the BSU hockey team! What a success that was.

The men with all 5 of the kids went seldding.

Here is Papa Jim and Brianna waiting for Jason to silde down the hill.

Papa Jim wrestling with the kids on Christmas Eve.

The kids opening all of the gifts.

Christmas Program at Church

2009-12-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

My little Angel and Shepard did a great job at the Christmas program at church today.

December

2009-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

We have been having fun the December!

Braden is in hockey 3 times a week with games on Saturday. He has even found my old roller blades and has been using them in the driveway to play hockey. Last week he has his Christmas concert at school and it was a delight to see him up with all of his classmates.

Ava has been busy helping me bake all of the time and playing with her dolls. My friend from high school made Ava that cute pink hat. We got it in the mail today and she had to have me post it on the blog to show everyone how cute she looked!

Let's play some HOCKEY!

2009-11-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Braden's first hockey game! He is green #7. His friend Sam Spive is gold #22. They both had a blast, they even got to take turns being in the net twice. They are on the ice for two minutes of play time and then rest about 2 or 4 minutes depending how many kids show up for game day. Papa Doug, auntie Haley and Halle dove to see Braden play. He was very excited to have his own cheering section. He did not make a goal but was able to hit the puck around a few times.

Rag Quilt Purse

2009-11-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today I tried my hand in making a rag quilt purse. I ending up using old materal that I hand on hand from making Ava's baby blanket. So, it ending up being for her. (sorry about it photo being a little yellow)
I still need to add a close strap and a button but Ava wanted to play with before bed time tonight.

You've got mail!

2009-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

You've got mail! Is always a fun time at the Grinde home. Every once in awhile a package comes from southern North Dakota addressed to Braden and Ava Grinde. As always there is some treats in the package. Today we received some fun Halloween treats. Thanks Aunt Judy for all of the goodies! Braden was happy that Eric and Devon knew exactly what to get him and uncle Keith new what to get Ava. Ava was happy now that she has a princess glow wand for trick or treating.

Halloween? Nope not yet!

2009-10-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday was such a great day and the kids were wanting to play with their Halloween costumes...so I decided to let them if they let me take photos of them. As you can see they did and had a blast showing off in front of the camera! I am glad these turned out so nice. The weather here has been rainy and not very nice. I was glad to get some photo of the kids because who know what is going to be like on Halloween.

Fall Fun!

2009-09-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to the cabin one last time to close it up! The kids had a blast after we gathered up all of the leaves for them to jump in and toss. Even Jason was able to get in the fun with them.

My new hair cut! (2 postings)

2009-09-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ava's new hair style! Ava asked me about cutting her hair short. She wanted it short like mine but I would not allow it...so she decided to take matters in her own hands. About a month ago she cut her own hair. If you look closely you can see the short hair just under her chin on both sides where she cut off her hair. Yes! I did keep that hair. But she was not satisfied with that little hair cut she wanted more. She kept ask almost every day until I decided we better make an appoint with my hair styles before Ava was going to take matters in her own hands! She was very excited when we showed up at the saloon...she knew this was going to be a big day for her. We gave her lots of options and the two of us were able to make a deal we both agree upon. It is short enough for her and long enough to pull back in a ponytail for mom.

Just look at her now! She is no longer my baby.

Just look at how long it was!

No more curly hair for Ava!

Camper

2009-09-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Last week Jason and I purchased a camper. It is a 23ft Award camper trailer. We purchased it from a man from this area. We had Aaron help us bring it home and then we spent the weekend in it in our driveway. The kids had a blast.

Braden and Jason playing Farkle a dice game one evening.

The kids enjoying the nice day.

Ava and Braden making funny faces.

Our kitchen.

The cute kids just before bed. This couch folds out into a twin bed. It was big enough for them to seep on.

1st Grade

2009-09-08T18:04:00.001-07:00

This is a photo of Braden and Ava at the beginning of kindergarten last year 2008.

(scroll down to see this year 2009)LOOK AT ME NOW!

My big 1st Grader!

He was very excited about starting 1st grade. Braden loves school and is very excited about learning again. Summer kids was fun and so was spending time at Annette's (daycare) But there is something about learning at school that makes it better. I am very excited to have one less kid in child care...now I feel that I have gotten a raise.

I can't believe how much he has changed! I know it goes by fast. Soon I will be posting about Ava starting school. Only another 2 years until she will be starting Kindergarten.

Even Ava needed to get in the photo on the fist day of school.

Swimming and Rollag 2009

2009-09-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun photos of the kids at the cabin in the water.

Here we are having fun at Rollag. It is nice to go each year because it is only 10 minutes away from the cabin. We are riding on the train that goes around the park.

Haley and Halle

New this year a little trolley.

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-08-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday! My favorite day of the year, next to my kids Birthday's. Jason and the kids purchased a new camera for my Birthday! Don't look to close to my hair. I am having a flat hair day. (Yes, Jason is taking my photo with my old camera) I can't wait to use it. The zoom is awesome and hopefully I can take better photos of my kids.

Beltrami County Fair!

2009-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to the County fair and had a blast. The weather was cool but, we still had a great time. We had fun checking out all of the animals and the kids had a blast on the kiddie rides. As you can see Ava is in all of the photos because she the most excited!

July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day! We were very happy to be at the cabin. We did all of the fun things we like to do, fishing, swimming, coloring and ridding in the paddle boat. We were all sad to leave on such a nice day.

4th of July fun!

2009-07-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

This year we took another weeks vacation and spent most of it at the cabin. Over our vacation we had 2 big celebrations. Braden turned 6 and then Independence Day! The kids and Jason did lots of fishing and running around. I did lots of reading and sitting by the lake. We even had an extra family member for a few days. Cousin Eric came and stayed with us for four days. Braden had a blast having a buddy with him. Eric and Braden had tons of fun fishing and riding dirt bikes in the yard. The weather was the best! For having a cool summer, I think it was the best week of the summer and we were on vacation at the cabin. We even went to town once to get some ice cream treats and to visit Travis and Nikki. Their "cabin" is one block off of the main drag in D.L. From their deck we could see the lake.

Our new puppy!

2009-06-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I am quite behind on my postings. Today I have posted 3 times. Please don't forget to scroll al the way down.

Jason has been wanting a big dog. (Well a dog that is bigger than Sashi) So Father's Day was coming up and I was checking the news paper for a dog. I thought I had found a dog for my husband but, I was not sure what kinds of questions I should be asking a breader. So, I asked one of my friends at work who breads dogs what kinds of questions does she get when selling her dogs. She was great help in telling what to ask and what I should be looking for. Now I was ready to contact the sellers on an ad in the paper that I had found. I called and they we already spoken for. It had only been one day. Now what am I going to do? Later that day my friend asked me how it went. I told her that it did not, they were all spoken for. She then mentioned to me she had a puppy that she needs a good home because they already had too many. Her son picked up this dog from a friend. She told me is was a cross with a Basset Hound, lab and Golden Retriever mix. And the only thing I could think of was a ugly dog. I told her no. A few weeks later went by and my friend asked me if I have found a dog. I told her no and she reminded me about her dog. I still was not sure again. So she brought in photos to work and I said I would take her right on the spot. She is so cute! We went as a family out to her house on Friday and we all loved her. Then on Monday night we went back out to her home and brought her to ours.

She loves getting her belly rubbed! Oh we named her Bailey!
She is a very good dog! She loves to run and paly but know when to settle down and relax.

Isn't she cute!

Ava 3rd Birthday Party!

2009-06-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

My little girl has turned 3 already. We went to Papa Doug's cabin and celebrated Ava's Birthday. She had a blast! We had lots of good food and tons of family! Her she is with her new Barbie from Halle!
Later that afternoon we took a little boat ride around the lake. Ava was so tired she fell asleep against me.

Here is my cutie in her new Birthday dress and sunglasses!

Here is Macy and Ava after Ava's little nap.

Here is my Birthday girl and her princess crown!

Graduation!

2009-06-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

This year we had two graduations in our family. Jenna and Braden. Jenna graduation from high school and Braden from Kindergarten! Ava and Jenna at Jenna's party!
Jenna and Braden at Jenn's Party!

Braden is excepting his graduation book! He got an award for his love of school!

Oh-MY

2009-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a very busy past two weeks. We started painting our home. We started in our entry way and have worked our way upstairs. So far we have painted two colors. Coco Brown and a mossy green. We are waiting for the tan color for a full day. Since we have to put on two coats we have stayed up a few late nights.

Well in between painting we took some time off to go to the circus in Grand Forks with Papa Doug and the cousins Halle and Macy. We had a very good time.

Also during this time Jason was able to get this little bike up and running for Braden. Uncle Tim and auntie LaVonne purchased this bike over 30 years ago for a cousin of Jason's. It has been past down many times. Even Jason rode this bike! They were both very excited to see it up and running. Braden has been quite disappointed that it has rained every day this week except on Tuesday when Jason finished fixing the bike. I was quite surprised that Braden would even ride the bike.

Here is Jason telling Braden what he can and can not do!

Braden at the circus.

Ava at the circus. Isn't she cute!

Here is my glass tile back splash for my kitchen. We are using all of the colors from this tile except the gray.

Here is the burnt orange before.

Here are Ava and Braden painting the hallway going down stairs. Yes, they are in there under ware because they do not have any old clothes. AND Yes, they were both covered in paint! It is hard to tell in this photo but, Ava is painting the harvest gold wall (and yes! It was harvest gold that I painted 4 years ago) and Braden is painting on the pumpkin orange wall.

I know you are all wonder...did those color match? Yes they did!

I hope you are all doing well! I will try and keep posting every week or so.

April 2009

2009-04-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone, I hope you are all having a nice spring!

We have been very busy around here. Braden is learning so much at school, it is unbeleivable what they are learning in kindergarten. He already know how to read and I might add very well. He is doing great in school and loves going every day. He said that he will miss his teacher once he goes to 1st grade. Did you know that school will be out in less the 2 months. WOW where does the time go!

Ava has been busy also. She is learning lots also. It is amazing on what she can do and what she can remember. She even likes using big words. She is always is surprising Jason and I with her attitude and boy does she have one. She is defiant a 2 year old not gone to 3 but 13.

Jason has been busy with work and of coarse I have a long list of fun things to do this spring. We are getting ready to plant garden outside again this year and he will also mow the lawn at the Solway cemetery for extra spending money. Tonight he just got his motorcycle out for the spring and it just started up fine. He was able to take it for a little spin around the development even.

I have been busy with doing my stamping and having more parties at my home each month. Even though I am busy with my stamping I am going to try and update the whole house. I started in the bathroom by staining the vanity I will paint and do new fixtures in that room also. The floor look or for now. This weekend I will be painting the living room, kitchen, dining room along with the entry way and hallway. I will post photos at a later date to show you how open this is. To show you why I have to do it all at once.

This is Braden tonight after school. The first bike ride of the spring.
Ava and her trike and wow she can ride. Last year he legs where to short for the peddles.

Ava and Braden coloring Easter eggs.

Here is the bathroom cupboards that I stained. It was a very light color and I just made it about two shades darker.

Here is Ava and I with Ava's new dress I made for here. (I am pinning the straps for her sun dress.) I made three of them to wear this summer. She loves wearing dress so she can be a princess.

Merit of Honor!

2009-03-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my brother! Here he is receiving an award that he thinks is no big deal. It is just something that he would have done no matter who it was. It just happens to be a good friend of his.

It was a big night in Fargo ND on Wednesday March 18th. Not only did we drive just for the event but so did many other thought so too. It was a packet room with about 30 people there. from family and friends to news reporters and camera crews it was a fun and exciting night.

F-M Ambulance chief, Griffin (MY BROTHER) and Lynndell-friend

Here is the article from the local news station.

From Valley News Live
F-M ambulance recognizes man who saved neighbor's life
Posted in: Valley News Live Local/Regional, Valley News Live Local/Regional Mobile
By Lisa BudeauMar 18, 2009 - 9:17:46 PM
An area man took being a good neighbor to a whole new level. He helped save his neighbor's life when he had a heart attack.
You've heard of a showstopper…Well, some say the Victoria's Secret runway show in December may have been a heart stopper. Lynndell Haugen was doing dishes and getting ready to watch the lingerie runway show when he collapsed. His wife called his neighbor, Griffin Offerdahl, who is also a volunteer firefighter in davenport, North Dakota. Today his quick action was recognized by F-M ambulance.
Lynndell Haugen: "He's the best, even before this he's the best. I wouldn't want anyone else there. My wife and griffin were great. They got me going again." Griffin Offerdahl: "It was automatic to do it. I was thankful I had the training to do CPR."
Offerdahl had just completed his CPR re-certification the night before his neighbor had the heart attack, so it was fresh in his mind. Offerdahl says knowing his fellow first responders were on their way made him more confident in what he was doing. And it all worked all well. Haugen is doing well. So you may wonder if Lynndell is allowed to watch anymore runway shows? He says he will have to clear that through his wife. He says he really doesn't even remember anything from the last show, since his heart attack happened early in the show. Copyright 2008 by Valley News Live

March Fun

2009-03-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in awhile but we have been busy. The end of February we went to Grand Forks to return Doug his truck and came home with a little dirt bike for Braden. This is not just any dirt bike but it is the one Jason wrote on when he was little. It has see it share of bumps and bruises as you can see it will need some work. Braden and Jason are both excited to be able to work on this bike this summer.

Isn't she cute! Ava is drying her nails that Grandma Maureen painted for her. Jim and Maureen were able to spend a day with us before they head down south for a few weeks.

The bank where I work at always puts on a family fun day at Bunea Visit ski resort. It is a fun day of tubing, skiing, slay rides and of course food. Here we are on the slay ride. We were unable to go to do the tubing because Braden had not been feeling well that day.

We are big BSU Beaver HOCKEY fans so, we have been busy going to all of their games THANKS to the bank again. The bank has 10 seats and it is good for us that we usually are able to go to the home games. We were even able to go to the CHA tournament game here in Bemidji. We were able to do a clean sweep and win the tournament. Now we are off to the next round. Hopefully we can win a few games.

Hello!

2009-02-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone. Sorry it has been along time since I have posted last. We have been very busy around here. Jason has been work some long weekends on my dad's truck and his dad's truck.

Here is a photo of Braden and Ava vising my dad. We were able to see Grandpa Fox a couple of times in the past two months. As always the kids enjoy playing with Grandpa.

Here is Braden and I reading just before bed time. Braden has been bring home three books every week and to learn how to read them. He is doing very well. He has been bring home these book for about 5 weeks and man he can read. He loves to read them every night and he is even willing to read them to Ava. He does not mind sounding out the words when he comes across a hard one.

I hope everyone is staying warm and healthy! The Grindes

Winter Fun

2008-12-29T19:12:00.001-08:00

Sunday was such a nice day we decided to enjoy it by going sledding. We drove to town to one of the big hills. We had a blast and we also learned that Ava is not afraid of going down by herself. So before we go sledding next time we need to get another sled.

Here is Braden and I coming to the end of the hill.

Jason and Ava just after they finished going down the hill.

This is Ava and I at the Solway ice rink. Braden and Jason dropped us off at Aaron and Rachel's house before they headed over to the rink for some skating. Jason was kind enough to leave us the sled and once we were done visiting I pulled Ava over to the rink. It is a good thing that Solway is small town and it was a nice day.

Here is Jason playing some hockey with Braden.

Here is Braden with the puck. Braden did a very good job this year being his first time out on the ice since last year. He was able to move around pretty good and was able to pass the puck to Jason. The guys even worked on falling and getting up a few times too. Braden is very excited for skating lessons to start in January.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope everyone had a safe travel over the holiday weekend and that everyone is healthy.

We had a great time this Christmas. We usually are traveling many places but this year we were able to just relax by only driving to the Grosz family home in Elbow Lake on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve we stayed home and enjoyed a nice ham dinner I cooked and the kids had a great time playing with all of their new toys.

This is Braden and his stocking and castle he received from Santa.
This is Ava and her new baby and crib. She was very excited to get a crib just like baby Jesus.

Here is Braden with his new Red Ryder gun from Jason.

This is Ava opening up her Barbie cash register.

Braden and his new tackle box. Now he will be able to catch all of Harry's fish at the lake.

This is cousin Eric from North Dakota at the Grosz's house. He is Braden wrestling buddy.

This is uncle Keith with Braden's transformers along with Grandma Hattie on the left.

This is Braden with his Star Wars helmet and light saver.

From left to right. Haley, Jenna, Bob, Ava and I relaxing in the living.

Keith, Judy, Grandma Hattie and Papa Doug visiting.

We will be celebrating with the Offerdahl's in January this year. We are going to try something new. We are planning on going to a water park for the weekend. We are very excited and know for sure that the kids will enjoying the break from the snow.

What have those Grinde's been up to?

2008-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to update you on what we have been doing. I am sorry the photo's are not in any order. Here we are watching the BSU and Crookston playing football. I don't remember the score but we did win.

Jason and Ava enjoying the game. It even got warm once the sun came up. The game took place the first part of October.

The kids were so exited about putting up the Christmas tree this year. Braden want to put it up just after Halloween. We did wait until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Here is peanut putting on one of the ornaments.

Here is Braden with a star.

Here is a photo of the kids at Halloween. This year Braden was a pirate and Ava was Sunshine from the Care Bears. She liked it so much that she wanted to be it twice in a row.

Durning hunting season this year Jason headed to North Dakota to get his big buck. We head up to International Falls to hang out with Papa Jim and Grandma Maureen. The kids had a blast playing hockey with Papa on his deck.

We were even able to roast hot dogs outside.

This is Braden's Christmas concert. Braden is in the second row, the first person on the left side. He had a blast and always look forward going to school. I am quite surprised on how much they have taught him already. He is even learning on how to spell. add and subtract.

This is Mrs. Sherwood and Braden after the concert.

Since the it was dark in the gym we had Braden take a photo in front of our tree at home with his Santa hat on.

I hope that all of you are staying warm. Just this weekend we have received tons of snow. Today on the radio the advised no travel.

October 15, 2008

2008-10-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

The fish house.
Braden took this photo of us. He did pretty good.

Here is an update with the Grinde family.

Braden has been doing good in school. He is having fun riding the bus each day and going on field trips with his class. On Tuesday he went to the Lazy Acres Pumpkin Patch for a few hours. He was partnered up with Curtis and they had a fun time chunkin' pumpkins and going on rides. They even brought with lunch with them.

Braden was roller skating in gym class for the last week and we heard that he might be doing some snowshoeing this winter. He has been learning tons of new songs and is teaching them to Ava.

Miss Ava has been busy learning from Braden. Each night they are working on "Home Work". Braden busy working on his letters and number. While Ava is coloring and working on her letters. Potty training is going OK. She does know how but it is on her time not yours.

Jason and Braden have been busy building a fish house in the garage. Jason has been bow hunting a few times. But still no deer. He is also getting ready for rifle season.

I have been busy with my stamping having a few classes each month at our house. In September I was able to travel to the cities to go to a mini Stampin' Up convention with my up line Betty. We had a great day of learning and spending with time each other.

I hope all is going well you all of you!

Firetruck!

2008-10-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we drove to Home Depot for Jason to purchase some lumber for his fish house. Once we arrived we realized that it was kids workshop day. They were building firetrucks because it was fire safety week.

We even have Grandma Maureen visiting us for a couple of days.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-09-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hello- Today we went to the Pumpkin Patch with the Zorman's. We had a blast. We brought our own lunch and ate there first then we started with all of the fun.We even took home some pumpkins for front step. Here we're on a tracker hay ride.
Ava sitting on a large pumpkin
Braden and Jason on the tractor ride.
Scarecrow Ava
Scarecrow mom.
Framer Braden
Jason, Ava and Braden with the rabbits.

Here they are at the beginning of the corn maze.
Here we are half way.

Seven acres of the corn maze.

The dads having fun.
Cori and Max on the barrel ride.Braden
Here were chunkin' pumpkins.

Here is the giant target.

The summer fun has come to an end.

2008-09-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today we finished our beachfront by putting washed sand down. It did not take us long at all. Just a few loads from to bob cat and all of us spreading out the sand we were done in no time at all.

Does this look great or what?!

Doug, Jason and Braden moving the sand.

Kent with his bob cat dumping sand on the shore.

Jason and Braden moving more sand.

Doug and I just moving the last bit of sand.
Here is Braden and Ava enjoying the new sand.
Ava with the leaf pile.
He are all of the kids enjoying the leaves.
Ava helping Jason put way the dock.

We have now official closed up the cabin for the winter.

Beachfront

2008-09-21T18:23:00.001-07:00

Hello-Some people like to close up the cabin in the fall and usually leave until spring each year. The Grinde's do it a little different. We like to close up the cabin and then start doing some landscaping! That is correct we did a little landscaping at the cabin on Saturday. We have 120 feet of lake shore and we added out ten feet of sand and rock. This is the end result of the day. And we need to and washed sand to the top next weekend.
Here is Daren and Doug after they put cinder blocks in the water.

Here is Braden and his big Bass he caught off of Harry's dock. He caught his fish after fishing for only 10 minutes.
Daren and his first load of sand.

Braden and Ava resting at the cabin.
More sand!
Jason smoothing out the sand.
Jason, Haley and Doug moving sand.

Braden and Haley moving rocks.
Here I am moving rocks!

Ava and Mommy

2008-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here is some cute photos of Ava and I this morning. Ava likes me to brush her hair and put ponies in her hair. Today Ava asked if she could brush my hair and well I could not pass that up. Braden took all of the photos for us. Jason was outside at the time checking out all of the rain we received that past couple of days.

Look at my clips! She did a great job.

Football Photos

2008-09-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

Hello all, Here are some photo's I took last weekend while we were in Grand Forks visiting Papa Doug. These photo's are taken in front of Doug's house. Don't these kids look cute!?

This is of Jason and the kids playing catch with the football.

School update.

Braden is still enjoying going to school each day and he loves the bus ride there. He has met a few new kids and enjoys staying after school to play with them.

Ava does not mind that Braden is going to school now. She is wanted to be a BIG kid now that Braden is. She has been trying hard this summer to use the bathroom. But now that Braden is in school she is trying even harder to be a big kid. They are both growing up so fast.

Kindergarten!

2008-09-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today is September 2nd 2008 and it was Braden's 1st day of Kindergarten. Here is a couple of photos of Branden getting ready for the bus and his little sister Ava with him. She was very excited to see him off to the bus. Braden had a good time and even remembered his lunch number. He had a blast making new friends.
Side note: Ava did just fine without Braden at Annette's house today!

Labor Day Weekend!

2008-09-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

My big catch! Braden's first Northern! Wow!Braden and Ava getting ready for the squirt gun fight!

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a safe and happy weekend. We did! We were planning on heading off to the cabin after work on Friday but, I got that dreaded phone call from Annette (my favorite daycare provider) your daughter is sick and you need to come and get her. Oh crap! What a great way to start off the long weekend. My little girl was throwing up all over. But come bed time she was feeling better. She slept all night and Saturday we headed off to the cabin and we were there by noon. We fished, swam, ate and did all over again.

Here is Jason, Ava, Halle and Braden fishing off the end of the dock.

Here is Ava once Jason got her home from Annette's.

Jason, Ava and Braden fishing off the pontoon.
Ava enjoying a boat ride.
Look at my BIG Bass.
Halle and Braden after the squirt gun fight with Jason and Haley! The kids did not even have a chance with the buckets Jason and Haley were using. Everyone had a blast. Grandpa even got into it at the end.

OH NO!

BSU Fans!

2008-08-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

What a busy couple of days we have had. Saturday and Sunday cooled down to 70 and 75 during the day. On Sunday we packed up the truck with our bikes and drove to Itasca State Park. We rode are bike about 5 miles that day and we able to see the museum, Indian burial grounds and we stopped at the Headwaters (the start of the Mississippi River). Anyways we had a blast! Even Ava had fun riding, you could tell by the way she fell asleep on the bike ride back to the truck.

Resting after a long day.
Braden crossing the Mississippi River.
Jason and Ava Braden again crossing the MR.
This is a photo of Ava and I with some of the BSU Beaver Hockey players. They even had a net where you could hit some pucks into with some of the players. Coach Gillies was there and we met some of the new players. He even asked them to help Braden shoot some pucks. Braden was to shy to play with the BIG guys. Braden was still to shy to get his photo taken, but mom was very excited. We enjoy going to the games as much as we can. Thank you to the bank for the free tickets! They have great seat also. It is fun to even have a in with the coach, Bert Gillies. Bert's daughter goes to daycare with the kids so we usually know what is going on with the team. We cant wait for the 08-09 season to start!

Go Beavers!

Grandpa Fox

2008-08-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
We had another fun weekend. On Friday we drove to Papa Doug's cabin and on Saturday Braden and I drove to Fargo to do some school shopping. We met up with an old co-worker for lunch and had a nice visit with Ben. Then we headed over to the mall to do some school shopping. We found some good deals and Braden was a very good shopper. We even stopped at the play area for a break.
Later that afternoon we met up with Jason, Ava and Doug. All of us headed over to Bob and Nora's house for their 50th Anniversary Party. We were able to meet up with some cousins that we have not seen in awhile. Grandma Hattie was even there!

On Sunday we stopped at Grandpa Fox's house for a small visit. It was short but nice to see him again. He has been busy in his garden. Ava and Grandpa Fox.
Braden and Grandpa Fox, it took me a long time to get a nice photo of the two of them. They were busy boxing.
Ava with her wagon and baby doll.
He is Braden pointed at the biggest fish at the cabin!

Swimming with Max!

2008-08-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the beach with Max and his mom Cori. We had a fun time swimming, looking for sea shells and having lunch. Here is Max, look at him smile!
Here is Ava and Braden looking for sea shells.
Max enjoying the nice warm water!
Here we are enjoying the water!
Look at the the shells we found in the water!

Dragon Boat Races! August 2nd.

2008-08-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

On August 2nd the Dragon Boat Races came to Bemidji! First National Bank had a team call First Nautical Bank. This is the 3rd year the races have been in Bemidji and FNB has rowed in each year. Last year our team took 1st in the Bankers Cup. This year was my first year rowing and we did not win the Bankers Cup but we were close. We had lots of fun rowing and getting a little wet. We were on of the lucky teams that did not sink. Here are some of the teams rowing a cross the finish line.
Here is Lori and I after the first race.
Here is Ava and I.
This is a photo of some of the teams getting in there boats.
The is a photo of our camp site at the race.

Beltrami County Fair!

2008-08-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we went to the Beltrami County Fair and had a BLAST! Braden loved the rides and Ava loved the kiddie barn. Here is Braden on the train ride.
Here is Braden on another ride.
This is a sheet that was in the kiddie barn. The kids loved to pet the animals.
Here is Braden way up on the top.
This is a colt that was born this spring, she was in the big barn with all of the other horses.
This is Boris III, his mother was the largest pig at the fair for many years and she passed away sadly after her last batch of piglets.
Braden went on this pony ride with his own money. When ever the kids have been getting money for their Birthday or whatever we have been putting it away in their savings accounts. But this summer we have been letting them spend it on thing that we would not purchase for them. Like this pony ride. Braden was very excited to use his own money.
Braden on a motorcycle ride!
Braden and Ava driving a boat! This was the only ride Ava would ride on and she liked it!
We all had a great time at the fair. We went many of the 4-H building and saw many cool things.

What a weekend for the Grinde's!

2008-07-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. The Grinde's had a busy weekend. On Saturday morning we went to a Triathlon that my friend Ashely was in, she swam 1 mile in lake Bemidji, bike 13 miles and ran 3 miles. She did a great job, 1hr and 41 minutes! This was her first race ever and she did an excellent job!

After that we went to Blackduck woodcarvers festival with Papa Doug. We had a good time and there were so many people there. After that we showed Papa Doug around Bemidji all of the things that have changed since he was here last.

Jason took off Braden's training wheels again. If you have forgotten I will tell the story again. This spring Jason took off Braden's training wheels of his bike and he did a great job with out them but,he was a little scared with them off. Braden would not ride his bike, he would take Ava's trike instead. Jason then decided to put the training wheels back on his bike. We were noticing when Braden would ride his bike the training wheels would not touch the ground. Jason decided to ask Braden on Saturday when are we going to take these off your bike? Braden said we can do it now. Jason got his tools out they we off in a minute and so was Braden. He did it all by himself he did not need any help.

Sunday we went for a BIG bike ride. We went to one of the bike trails near Bemidji. We went about 5 miles today and we were even able to take some nice photos.Ava and I just before we took off on our bike ride.

We took a break on a bridge that crossed over Mississippi River. Braden took this photo of Jason and I and he did a pretty good job!
My friend Ashely running to the finish line.

Here is Ashley coming to the pit to change gears for the running part.

Here she is now relaxing after the race.
Here is our big boy without any training wheels. He is so proud of himself.

Strawberries!

2008-07-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Tar-Lee Gardens in Bagley to pick strawberries! We had a blast. We picked two and a half buckets in just 30 minutes. This is Braden and his bucket. He picked half a bucket and ate about that much also.
Here is Ava eating all the berries!
Here is Ava eating berries out of Jason bucket!
Here I am enjoying all of the nice sunshine and loving the berries. We can't wait to go back next year. They were not very expensive and it was a nice evening with the family. I am now on their mailer for next year.

Family reunion!

2008-07-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Sorry I have not posted for a while. We have been busy! Last weekend we went to my aunt and uncles house for a family reunion. We had a blast camping at their house with all the kids and grand kids. It has been about 5 years since we have all gotten together. We had 3 great grand kids at that time and now we are up to 14 !

Here is how it started- bottom row is my grandparents Evelyn and David and top row oldest to youngest Mike, Ron and Maureen-(my mom)
The 6 grand kids Dawn, Leah, ME-Gina, Shawn, Griffin -my brother and Darren.

Here is a cute photo of my Ava I had to toss in!
Some of the grand kids playing volleyball.
Now here is all of us! With kids and spouses.

(we are missing 4 people - one is my nephew Trysten)

July 9 & 10th

2008-07-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Diamond Park here in Bemidji with our neighbors Drew and Kate. It was such a great time we had fun playing on the swings, slides and the climbing rock.This photo of Ava is the only photo I took because I put my camera in the bag and forgot about it. Today we work up to rain showers so we headed off to the Headwaters Science Center. What a great place to go with the kids! There was so much to do! I can't believe we have never been there before.

This is a photo of Ava with a snake! Wow! Look at her smile! She was very excited to see all of the animals. I think when she grows up she will do something with animals.
This is a gecko that she is holding.
This is Braden, he is tossing a ball at the target. Then it would reads how fast he tossed the ball at the target and gave him a score. "This is so cool mom!" Braden said "How much is it? Can I buy it?" It was a fun day at the Science Center!

4th of July!

2008-07-08T14:05:00.001-07:00

Our 4th of July weekend started on July 3rd. We drove to Papa Doug's cabin. We had lots of company that weekend. Even Grandma Hattie came from Oakes with the Loppe's! Braden had tons of fun fishing with Eric and even catching frogs. The weather was nice, we spent most of the time in our swimsuit hanging around the lake. We even brought our camper with. This was our first time staying in the camper. Jason has taken it many time hunting. Here is a photo of Ava and Grandma Hattie on a Pontoon ride around the lake.
Here is a photo of Ava holding of the frog that was caught over the weekend.
Here is Ava and I lounging in the water staying cool!
This is Eric, Jason, Uncle Keith and Braden enjoying the boat ride.
Our first night in the camper! The camper worked out great for us! It was nice to have our own place to stay and put all of our stuff. And I mean ALL of our stuff!
We even celebrated some Birthday's! This is Braden with his Frog Habitat! It was a sad weekend at the cabin also. We had about 5 or so frogs pass away over the 4th of July weekend. It is amazing how many frogs can survive the heat with little water and air.
Braden cooling off in the water.
Eric, Braden and Halle with the sparklers.
Ava is showing Uncle Keith all of the fireworks.
I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

Braden's 5th Birthday Party

2008-06-30T19:35:00.001-07:00

Saturday we had Braden's 5th Birthday Party at our house. He had a pirate theme. I was hoping that it would be nice outside to dig for treasure, but it rained all day. The kids had a good time playing bowling, pin the tale on the donkey and a small treasure hunt in the in the house. Even Ava had fun with the big kids.

(Braden's 1st Soccer game is tomorrow night, I will post photos of his game that eveing.) Love-Gina

Busy Week!

2008-06-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Wow what another busy week at the Grinde house. Braden started soccer a week ago and we have been going twice a week. We went to Int'l Falls for our annual family rummage sale.This year we started something new. After the sale was over we played base ball. The River view Eagles won 7/4 over the Stinky Socks.

0

Winners River view Eagles

The good look losers! The Stinky Socks!

We also celebrated Ava's 2nd Birthday. Wow is she a cutie!

We even got Great Grandma and Grandpa to wear Dora hats for Ava's Birthday Party.

Summer Fun!

2008-06-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple of photos that I took over the weekend.

Braden is now big enough to ride on Jason motorcycle. For now he just rides around our development.

The other photo is Ava and her baby doll going for a ride at Papa Jim's and Grandma Maureen's house on Sunday. Ava and I drove there to get ready for our family rummage sale on June 21st.

The Grinde's are on the move!

2008-06-02T19:29:00.001-07:00

We have been on the moving since last Friday night. Friday after work we drove to Papa Doug's cabin. Then on Saturday we drove to Trysten's 10th Birthday Party and went swimming. We had such a blast swimming!Sunday we fished some more at the cabin. Oh, by the way Ava loves the fish! Braden would catch the fish and Ava plays with them. Sunday afternoon we drove home and Lisa and Cory came to our house that evening. Lisa was induced today at 6am to have her fourth baby. IT'S A BOY! Colby Keith arrived at 3:23 this afternoon a healthy 8lbs ,9oz and 21 inches long. Cullen and Cory are staying with us untill Lisa and Colby goes home on Wednesday. Braden is so excited to have Cullen with us for a few days.

We hope that everyone is enjoying their summer.

Memorial Weekend 2008

2008-05-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day we went to Papa Doug's cabin for some fishing and to spend some time in the water. Sunday was the only nice day it was about 75 degrees out. The other two days was rainy and windy. Braden loved fishing with uncle Darin and was lucky enough to catch some fish too. Ava even liked to play with the fish in the bucket. All in all we had a good weekend at the lake.

Look Mom no training wheels!

2008-05-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Jason took off Braden's training wheel on his bike. He is doing a very good of keeping upright.

2008-05-12T17:26:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

I had the best Mother's Day, I was able to enjoy the sun and hang out with my kids. I even got tons of photos to scrapbook later.

Here are some photos I took yesterday while we were at the cabin for the first time this summer season. The kids had a blast fishing and playing in the yard. Braden got a new rocket launcher fishing rod, that launches into the water and then lets the hook out. Ava is learning so many things these day and one of her favorite is rolling her toung. I hope you all enjoyed the nice day!

Backyard Fun!

2008-05-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun photos of the kids I took on Sunday and tonigh. Jason received a swing set from his boss and referbished it and it looks great. Even more the kids enjoy it! Jason also brought home some sand for the sandbox tonight. We are all glad that it is finally summer here in Minnesota. We hope that everyone is doing well.

Busy Week!

2008-04-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday night we drove to Fergus Falls to see Halle at her dance recital. We just made it in time. Halle is the last one on the right hand side.

Braden and Halle cruising around the yard.

Braden and Ava on Halle's Jeep. If you look close you can see Ava is holding a cell phone.

We decided to take a bike ride before dinner on Wednesday because it was so nice out. Here is Braden and I after we returned home from our bike ride.

Here is Jason and Ava before we take off on our bike ride.

Ava is learning to go potty. She also like to talk on the phone.

Here is Braden with his new hockey sticker. He even help mom.

Wow! What a week! Last weekend we put up something in the kids rooms and Ava received a double bed.

Ava's first bike!

2008-04-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ava's first bike!

Today Jason got Braden's old trike down from the garage for Ava. Braden was very excited to hand down his bike to Ava. As you can see by her big smile on her face that she really likes her new bike.

Spring Time

2008-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Spring Time in Minnesota!At four years old he knew it was spring time.
Even though the first day of spring was last week, Braden knew it was time to get his his bike down from the garage. He did not mind

riding over the snowy hills in the driveway.

He can't wait to see the green grass!

Tea

2008-03-25T19:46:00.001-07:00

Tea for anyone?
Ava received a tea set from Grandma Maureen and Papa Jim for Christmas and enjoys using it every day. Here she is poring me some tea just before bedtime.

Easter 2008

2008-03-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Easter 2008 in Oakes ND

Here we are after church, Braden has already changed his clothes.

Eric and Braden having fun wrestling!

Ava having fun opening all of the Easter Eggs.

Eric, Devin and Braden after they made their snowman.

We had a fun weekend in Oakes North Dakota with the cousins! Both Braden and Ava were sad to leave but had a good time. Braden

enjoyed staying over with Eric while mom, dad and Ava stayed

at Grandma Hattie's house with Papa Doug.

2008-03-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Egg coloring time!

Braden and dad checking to see if the egg has changed color yet.
After dinner Braden and Jason cracking an egg for dessert.

Look at our cool eggs!

Ava and I making stands for the colored eggs.

This was our first time coloring eggs with the kids. Braden had a blast and wanted to do more. Ava like the Easter stickers that you could put on the eggs.

2008-03-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Buena Vista to go tubing with my friends Brady and Mathew. I am standing next to Brady, he goes to Annestt's with me while mom and dad go to work. After we went up and down the hill many times we went inside to have pizza and hot chocolate. They even had a giant fireplace inside and outside where we could warm up. My dad can go down the hill really fast. My mom not so much. I can't wait to go again! We had a blast tubing!

2008-02-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Eveyone!

My Papa Doug got us tickets to watch the Bemidji State Beaver's play hockey against the UND Sioux. So we traveled to Grands Forks and my papa, auntie Haley and cousin Halle came to cheer on the Sioux team. We had a blast even if the Beaver's did not win. My friend Kyar even drove from Bemidji to see her dad coach the Beaver's. It was nice to see all of the Beaver's fans too!

Ava's first hair cut!

2008-02-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Yestday, I got my first real hair cut. My mom took me to see Trish who has cut my bangs before but, my hair finally need a good trim. I was a very good big girl. My mom gave me M&M while I got my hair cut.

2008-02-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, today my sister Ava got her hair done while I brushed my teeth. Mom said that I did such a good job that see need to take a picture of them. Look at how nice and clean they are. I am getting very excited about going to kindergarden this fall. At daycare now Ava and I are going inside all by ourselves and I help Ava get our coats off and put our stuff away without any help.

Tuesday 12th

2008-02-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Check me out! Mommy fixed my hair today and I do look cute! Mom likes to make me look prittie but, I just like my hair to be little wild. My mom said that I looking older and older each day. I can't wait to be a big kid just like my brother Braden.