Happy Birthday, MOM!

Last night for my birthday we went out to eat. I would say, with two kids, they couldn't have been better. Then we came home and had the much anticipated "Birthday Cake" made with the help of Brayden and opened gifts. I got to enjoy a lovely bubble bath later that evening. It was a wonderful day! Thank you my wonderful little family!

Happy Birthday to Mom!

I am such a happy baby girl!

Saying good bye to Auntie Jenica - not bragging about how beautiful the weather was that day -63! Back in ND, the high -32!! (not missing that)!!

A month's worth of pictures....be prepared!

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me! Yes, today I this if the 1st of many 29th birthdays. Do I feel old? No, not really. I feel still pretty young and very blessed. I have 2 beautiful babies and a wonderful hubby. I have a fabulous family and network of friends. So, with age comes these things and I only expect the best is yet to come. I think it helped that on Monday when my sister and I toured the Coors brewery we had 3 young college guys think we were pretty cute, that will boost your ego a little :)

Ok, on to why my posting has been slacking. We've had such a busy last month. We'll start off by the last weekend of the month of January. We took Brayden and Avery to the Stock show, a very big thing here, to see all the animals and for the Rodeo. It was so much fun! Brayden was all duded up in his cowboy outfit and so excited. The really sad part, I think he's allergic to the horses! He was all runny nose and watery eyed. Poor kid, and he loves them, not to mention he has a cowboy room! The Rodeo was great but we didn't make it to the end. The kids got a little antsy. All is all, it was a great day. Later that week we got FANTASTIC news, all grandma Moni's test in Rochester were OK! What a relief! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

The following weekend was the big Super Bowl! We didn't do much that weekend but we did have the Lindig's over for the big game. It was Ted's big 39th birthday that day so we celebrated that as well. You know you are in full born parenthood when you miss most of the commercials of the Super Bowl because your kids are making their own attention and you are eating Jigglers instead of taking Jello-shots!

Then that Wednesday morning I was out and got back to 8 missed calls from Reynold's United and Joel. Humm, I wondered what could be going on. Finally I get a hold of Joel and our parents (his and mine) had found last minute cheap tickets for the weekend. So Friday night comes and my parents and Joel's come in to town. We had so much fun Friday night, up until 2:30 partying with the 'rents (another sign of age). The next day we hung out and the guys and I went to the DU Vs. MN Gophers hockey game while the Grandma's held down the fort and babysat the kiddos. The next day we had tickets to MONSTER JAM!! A much anticipated event at our house (we bought the tickets in November)! The grandparents watched Avery while Joel and I took B to the big show. He was in his glory! Grave Digger is his favorite. If you ask him, he'll tell you all about who crashed, why we had to wear ear plugs, and that they go really fast! Joel even caught a t-shirt for him that they threw into the stands. It was so awesome to see my little boy get so excited about something. He still thinks we are going to go every time we get into the car.

Sadly, Monday came too fast and I had to take the parents to the airport. We were very lucky to only have one day in between until my sister Jenica paid us a visit. She took another job and she has some vacation time to burn so she spent it with us. She came Wednesday and just left yesterday. We had lots of fun with Auntie. She took care of the kiddos for us on Sunday night and we actually had our 1st date alone since before we left Minneapolis (sad huh?). It was wonderful, thanks Auntie!! We had so much fun with her, thanks for coming!

Now we have a few weeks before Joel's parents and brother come to town for the big challenge- Paul turns 50, Tom (Joel's great uncle) turns 60, March 1st and 5th, respectively.....and have challenged the youngsters to a 5K here in town. We'll be looking forward to it!

Here are some pictures from the last month. I promise, more postings more frequently will occur!

Getting ready for the Stock Show!

Mom's little sweetie

Avery and baby James Lindig

The Super Bowl 4-some
Katie Lindig (1 1/2), Avery (12 weeks), James Lindig (9wks), Brayden (2)

I'm so sleepy!

Me too!

Dad's prepping their computer skills at an early age.

I'm a big girl!

Watching tube with my brother

"I'm just playin', Mom!"

little grins

MONSTER JAM!! B's in complete AWE!

Grave Digger, B's favorite!

Monster Jam T-shirt!

Listening to some tunes

All the grandparents

Man, do the weeks fly by? We've been busy, as usual but having lots of fun. This weekend Mommy and Daddy got to go to a wedding and Kim & Anthony watched our two kids. It was a nice break for us! Thank you so much guys for taking them!! We owe you!

Just getting ready for the "Stock Show" here in town.

Come on girl, time to get going!

Oh, what a mischievous little grin!

Super Hugs for Mom!

Just hangin' out with Sis

I am getting to be such a big girl sitting in my bumbo!

Peak a Boo! Can you see me? A little too small for the jumper but sure liking it!

I love laying down and looking at all the toys!

I have found my thumb!

Mom and Me watching Martha

But Brother prefered Toy Story 2

Let Dad out of the house and he's a "Guitar Hero"!

Our night out!

2 months old!

Wow, I can't believe it's 2008 and my baby is 2 months old! She had her 2 month check up and came in weighing in at 11lbs 7 oz (70th %tile) and was 22 1/2"( 45%tile) so she's a growing!
This week Joel's grandparents, Mary and Jerry Meyer, stopped through on their way to AZ. We had the whole crew over for supper on Tuesday night. We had a great time with everyone! On Saturday night we took the kids to the pool at the Rec Center. Avery went swimming for the first time. We had so much fun!

Uncle Tom with Brayden and Katie Lindig

James Lindig and Avery (3 weeks apart)
Sittin' just like Grandpa Jerry

Teaching Miss Avery all I know!

I love swimming, Mom!

Avery getting her toes wet

All wrapped up!

I am a happy Girl!!

Elmo chair will do, just stop sitting on me.
Brayden and Mr. Harley

Heading back West!

Wow, we had a great trip back to ND but it was very exhausting!! We drove from Langdon (15 miles from the Candian border) back home, again in 2 days. We spent the night in Valentine, NB. We are getting back into our routine but I think my kids and I were spoiled!
Thanks to everyone who came to see us and gave us gifts and let us crash as your place, you know who you are! ;) We look forward to seeing you all again!!

Happy Little Girl -resting in Valentine (glad to be out of the car!)

Happy Little Boy!

Back home- looking at all the fish going by

My sweet Brother!

Ummm.....Dad, these homemade Marshmellows are the Best!!

Happy 5 Year Annivesary!!

Wow, I can't believe how fast 5 years have flown by! Thinking back, who would have thought we'd have 2 beautiful babies and be living in Colorado now. A lot has happened in those amazing 5 years! We are so blessed for all that we have and are excited for what our future holds!
Here's to you Sweetie! I love you more than you know!

Our beautiful little family

Another road mini road trip

Thursday we left for Langdon, ND for my cousin Brandon and Brooke's wedding. It happened to be on the 28th, our 5 year anniversary. We should never forget each other's day! Their wedding was absolutely beautiful! We had so much fun seeing all my relatives and they all got to meet Avery for the first time too.

Brandon and Brayden in the new Case tractor.
The tractor was in the shop where the groom's dinner was held. All cleaned up and decorated for the event. B was in 7th heaven!

The entire Downs' Clan! 4 kids, 13 grandkids (I am the oldest), and 3 greats

Brooke and Brandon, what a cute couple!