Snow Day

With 22 inches of snow and white-out conditions the boys and Melissa were force to take a snow day (Nick still made it to work).  Despite the frigid arctic conditions, the group made their way outside and braved the elements.  Even though the it tipped over by the end of the day - it was still a very good snowman.

Holiday Programs

When it comes to Holiday Programs Owen and Cole each have a very different approach.  

On one hand you have Owen who knows every song and diligently performs his part with a focus normally reserved for  his Angry Birds game.  He often finds himself front and center with the less squirmy kids.  When he falls behind or gets ahead of the group he adjusts and gets back in line.  A teachers dream for those 15 minutes.

And then there is Cole.  Luckily due to weather, Cole only had one program to entertain us with. He made up for it at the Sunday School program however.  After perfectly completing an hour long practices right before the program, Cole ran out of gas heading into the main event.  After marching to the front of church with the entire Sunday School, Cole immediately decided to show off his cool dance moves in front of everyone.  It was quite impressive and he picked up some style moves when he tried to incorporate the mike stand in his routine.  Luckily one of the older kids caught it before it fell.  We were hoping no one knew he was our child, but when he came running up to us half through the program there wasn't much denying he belonged to us.  

Front and Center, with bells on (literally)

I wonder what is over here?

Minute two of Sunday School Program.  500 people watching.  Cole breaks out  "The Windmill".

Is this in his future?

Cole 1 Year Photo Book

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Owen's 5 Year - LEGO Themed Birthday Party

Owen turned 5 a few days ago and we celebrated LEGO style.  Owen has been waiting forever to get his hands on LEGOs.  Until recently Cole was still putting things in his mouth - which meant no little plastic pieces in the house. But now that Cole is better about it - it's all LEGOs all the time!  Owen even has Nick's tub of thousands of LEGO's.  We're still not sure who is more excited about the change, Owen or Daddy.

What LEGO Themed Birthday party would be complete without a  18 inch LEGO man with rotating head, arms and head

What party would be complete without a "Guess the number of pieces in the jar game?"  (200 pieces)

The canopy only flew into the corn field once ...

Not only is it Owen's 5th Birthday Party, it's the 5th time we have used this sign

LEGO Birthday cake - assuming you left the LEGO in the oven for 20 minutes.

Sparklers?  I thought we were in the middle of a drought?  

The line - up.  One of you did it.

Owen takes his place as the proud "oldest cousin".  Cole is just excited to not be the little guy anymore.

Bay Beach - The Land of 25 Cent Rides

Owen met up with his old day care friend Brody and his little brother.  We have had intentions to visit Bay Beach for years but never made time.  It was well worth the wait as the boys had a wonderful time.  Not to mention the rides are really cheap ...

Group photo before the fun really begins

Thomas wasn't there, but Brody and Owen were convinced they were on the Island of Sodor

It took a few laps but Cole found the grove in the track and stuck with it.

Ride 'em cowboy!

Cole and Daddy (lane 1) are convinced the Giant Slide should become an Olympic event in 2016

No Matter how fast Owen flew, he couldn't catch Cole

Nobodies looking - let's see what this thing can really do!

Trip to the NEW Zoo

We spent a long weekend in Green Bay visiting friends.  The first stop was a visit to the NEW Zoo.  We have visited this zoo several times in the past and each time the boys seem to enjoy themselves.  We're not sure they learn anything yet, but at least they are exposed to different animals.

Owen couldn't believe he was finally out of the car 

Owen and Cole taking a pose in front of the Gorilla.  

The Giraff may have been a big fan of the treats, but Cole was not a big fan of him

Owen thought this was the best petting zoo ever

Bringing home the hardware

Owen entered the Kindschi Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull at the Fond du Lac County Fair today.  Located in the prestigious Cow Palace, it was a site to see.  Entering the 4 year old division, Owen was a newcomer to the event.  Despite being introduced to the sport only 3 minutes prior to registration, Owen didn't disappoint the fans.  Not only did he place 3rd in his division and bring home his first trophy, he qualified for the state competition in September.  Could this be the beginning of a long and successful pulling career?

Getting ready for a "Full Pull"!

This is what Owen was thinking while he peddled

Standing at the podium to receive their hardware

Owen poses for a picture with Fond du Lac County Fair Royalty

Fond du Lac County Fair

We made a quick stop at the Fond du Lac County Fair today to see the sights and be part of the action.  Here are a few highlights.

At least someone was sitting nice for the picture ...

Owen had a great time feeding the goats ...

 ... while Cole was not a big fan

Owen was first in line for the "monster truck" ride.  It didn't seem to bother him at all that Cole had  a complete melt down after hearing he was not tall enough to participate.  

Expense Reports Required

According to a recent government report, the cost to raise a child has increased to $235,000.  We're not taking this matter laying down.  Starting today Owen is required to fill out expense reports every week.  If he can play games on pbskids.com - he can fill out an Excel spreadsheet.  Hopefully this can keep costs under control.

July 4th Parade

A record setting heat wave couldn't keep Cole and Owen away from the 4th of July parade.  It has everything they love - tractors, trucks, fire engines, horses and candy.  The only thing that could make it better is Elmo walking down the parade.  

Cole was getting nervous he wouldn't be able to see the tractors.

Owen, Cole and Cooper enjoy some refreshments between candy tosses.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

As a rule, we can't go to Rocky Rocco's without a trip to the game room.  Even if the kids are not with us.

This weekend we scored big on the spinning wheel game.  100 Tickets!  Enough to trade in for a 100 ticket piece of junk.  As opposed to the 10 ticket piece of junk ...

Cole was the big winner.  He obviously has not watched "The Price Is Right" because he didn't jump up and down or even pose for a picture.  We had to have Owen step in for the highlight shot.  Instead Cole ran over to the Skee-Ball game and climbed up the ramp.

So happy together

We're very fortunate that the boys get along.  most of the time.  Here are a few recent excursions.  Last week they visited the zoo and the children's museum.  

Whatever Cole, I'm not falling for your "turn around  and look at the Giraffe"  joke again ...

Hard at work at the play table.

Getting a good view of the capitol.

Where to next boss?

Nap time - even if we're in the kitchen

Water painting - all of the fun of water and drawing on the walls.  What could be better? 

Running through a dinosaur at the children's museum

Showing off a few favorite toys.