The Preschool Graduate

Today we celebrated Cullen's preschool graduation with a small ceremony.  The preschool class of 2013 marched in complete with caps and tassels.  They preformed three songs and then were called on stage to receive their diplomas.  It's so fun to see the change and the learning that has taken place within the last five years.  Dream big Cullen!  Set your sights high.  You can be whatever you want to be!

Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?

If you are from Minnesota, it's "Duck Duck Grey Duck".  If you are from Wisconsin or anywhere else in the country, it's "Duck Duck Goose."  You say tom-A-toe and I say tom-aa-toe.

The other day we spotted a mama duck on our bank protecting a flock of new babies.  She sat on the bank for quite a while as the babies would slowly peek out from beneath her.  Finally, the daddy duck swam up and, just like that, they all swam off.  Cullen and Simone were so excited.  At one point, Cullen looked at his sister and exclaimed "Simone, can you believe what we are seeing?!"

SuperSimone Turns Three!

Our little baby is officially three-years-old!  Simone Elizabeth had a superhero birthday complete with her favorite cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpa.  The mandatory dress code included capes, masks and other superhero gear.  The weather was perfect, Dirk's smoked ribs were delicious and the kids had a blast.  Simone told us that her favorite part of the party was when everyone sang "happy birthday" in her honor.  This is a child who definitely does not shy away from the limelight.  

Simone's big gift was a new playhouse for the yard.  Dirk and his foreman, Tim, spent 3 hours swearing and re-drilling key holes in order to put the playhouse together.  I was sent on the mission for balloons, a birthday sign and flowers for the tiny planters.  When Dirk brought Simone home from school, she skipped into the yard yelling "a playhouse, a playhouse, it's my birthday!"  Needless to say, the playhouse is a big hit.

Happy 3rd Birthday Simone Elizabeth, our little spitfire.  We love you to the moon and back!

Motherhood.

"Motherhood is still the biggest gamble in the world.  It is the glorious life force.  It's huge and scary - yet it's an act of infinite optimism."  - Gilda Radner

I am honored and privileged to wear the badge of motherhood.  Cullen and Simone are truly my greatest works.   If I can be only half the mother that Liz LaVigne has taught me to be, I think they'll turn out alright!