Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the snowy plains. We spent the last few days in Owatonna with Grandma Phyllis. We had planned to also visit Spencer to over-indulge with the Buchholz side of the family- but thanks to a nasty weather system - we made it about 30 miles and ended up turning back. The roads were icy and visibility wasn't that great so we stayed in and stayed warm. (We couldn't even make it to the outlet mall - darned snow and ice!) Christmas Eve brought the Lewandowski's over and we had the annual meatball, cod, and green dessert dinner. The kids couldn't wait any longer - so the presents were next. We all took our spots and Allison, Jessica and Jakson took turns handing out gifts. I'll admit - Jakson's pile was fairly large - and I think he took his turn - every other turn (we were opening youngest to oldest).

Grandma Phyllis got Jakson a Vtech Computer (which is for kids) and he carried that thing around all night long. He getting better and it and once I read the instructions he might even do better. He might even be a better typist than I am. Jessica liked it too. We all had opened some (more) nice things and began the jammies runabout (Jakson likes to either get his pj's on and then take off running escaping my grasp - or he'll just take off sans jammies - usually in his undies and giggling non-stop), but not before Jakson got to leave Santa a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. It didn't take long for the excitement of the night to catch up with him. Us too. This morning brought a still sleepy call from Jakson room. He was ready to see if Santa had stopped and left anything for him. He was surprised to see that Santa had stopped by and filled his stocking with some more goodies. Candy, some Cars characters, $$ and a remote control car (ok - so "Santa" brought that for daddy too too). He also noticed that Santa had enjoyed the cookies he had left out (mmmm....gingersnaps). After some toy time, it was time to come home. The weatherman was predictng snow coming across I-90 and we did not want to get stuck driving thru it. Well - we did. From about Fairmont to Sioux Falls it snowed and the roads were hard to see. Luckily they weren't ice packed yet, but it does make for some tense driving conditions. Jakson and Aesa napped in the back seat (ah - those were the days) and we finally made it home to find about 4-6 inches of snow in the driveway.

I managed to get the snow cleared while Karla, Jakson and Aesa trucked around the neighborhood in the snow. Jakson like catching snowflakes on his tongue. He managed to help shovel some snow but decided it was going to more fun if he raced around the back yard. He also got to make his first snow angel.

Christmas part 1

Nana and Papa came up to celebrate Christmas with us this last weekend. We'll be in Minnesota over the holiday this year so it was a good time to get together. I made lasagna, we had pie and ice cream ,and of course, opened presents. Jakson was so excited he couldn't wait and help Karla disperse gifts - he wanted to open his, and everyone else's!

We managed to wrangle him enough to help hand out the gifts before we took turns opening them. Jakson got to take his turn after everyone, mainly because he had the most gifts. We all scored some pretty nice things. After we were all done - we let Jakson know Santa had a present he delivered early for him. His eyes got big as Karla rolled it into the room. Now our basement looks like a racetrack. He rides surprisingly well. Sidewalks beware when the ice thaws - he'll be zipping up and down the houses - menacing the neighborhood dogs and our neighbors.

Now - imagine...all full of pasta and pie, and ready to doze off for a nite-cap snooze. Next - imagine trying to find room on our couch to do all that. This is a typical scene in our house, whether it be Nana and Pap or Karla and I. Aesa usually makes her presence known, Jakson follows suit and we're left with the outskirts of our couch. More furniture is definitely in our future.

Ho...Ho...Ho...

Saturday we ventured to downtown Sioux Falls to visit Santa. We waited in line to see the jolly old fart, listening to all the kids tell Santa what they wanted. Transformers, Barbies, a bike.....all the normal xmas wishlist fodder that you'd expect. Then, it was Jakson's turn. He hadn't stopped talking the entire time we were waiting but sure enough - instant shy-guy as soon as he got his chance. He sheepishly walked up to Santa, got up on his lap and we hear Santa ask "What do you want Santa to bring you?". We thought - a bike, maybe some hot wheels - 'cause he put about everything on his list. The moment came and we hear..."a street". What?!?!!? Santa had to ask again, but without missing a beat - Jakson said "a street". Now don't get me wrong, your very own street would be kind of cool. But, not something I expect to hear from a 3 yr old. Santa played along and told Jakson he would see what he could do. I hope Santa has a lot of wrapping paper if he plans to deliver that in his bag of presents. (and maybe good health insurance 'cause I foresee a hernia hoisting that around)

The next Bob Villa

I think it become a regular Saturday event at Lowes....taking Jakson to build something neat with his new carpenter goggles and apron. He really has fun, and without sounding like the typical proud father - he has a lot more aptitude for the projects than some of the bigger kids! This week was a Snowman Greeting Card Holder. I still managed to keep all my fingers intact. We got lots of great comments from the people working there about how cute and talented he was working on his project. (ok - so I do sound like one of those parents.....) We can even use it since we just started getting xmas cards in the mail (and darn it - we haven't gotten ours out yet!)

Jakson gets a certificate of completion and a neat badge that we sew onto his apron. Maybe the next session we'll get to build bookends. At any rate - it's a great marketing ploy since any dad (and some moms) HAVE to walk around the store afterwards and drool over new power toys or home decorating goodies - I mean c'mon, we have to have some fun too!

Disney World Part 3

Wednesday was MGM day. It was really fascinating to see what goes into making movies. We got to see Disney Clubhouse, and Lightning McQueen and Jakson loved that. We trucked around looking at various movie themed attractions. Jakson met "Frozone" from the Incredibles. After a rough day, Jakson napped on the way back to Epcot. Papa, Karla and I wheeled Jakson around the park while we got his "Kidcot" mask stamped. I think Papa was a bit jealous that we didn't have a dual stroller so he could take a nap to!

After visiting numerous countries. we stopped off in Mexico for a bite to eat. Karla, Jakson and I went back to see the lighting of the castle at the Magic Kingdom. Very cool! I think everyone in Orlando was there. We escaped the anarchy and made it back to the house to start packing to go back to Charleston. We had a tasty feast on Thursday and went to see the Xmas light festival. The trip back to Sioux Falls was uneventful and we made it home to a cool, crisp Sioux Falls. Just in time to start putting up the tree.

Thanks Nana and Papa for the trip, and Jeff and Lora for putting up with us too.

Disney part 2

OK - so the Magic Kingdom is pretty cool - no matter your age. We got there early to see Mickey open the park and then ventured into see what Jakson (and Karla and I) would enjoy. We actually got to eat breakfest with Pooh and friends. Jakson was pretty psyched, and it was fun to see him meet some of his favorite characters. Jakson also got to meet Mickey and get his own set of mouse ears!

He wore them pretty much all day. We had his name embroidered on them too (apparently the thing to do when you get mouse ears!) We rode some of the classic rides and even some of the newer ones like Pirates of the Caribbean (old ride that has been updated from the movie), saw 'Capt Jack Sparrow' and rode the train around all the kingdom. We happened to run into Karla's cousin Kyle and his family in one of the stores (we knew they were there but what are the odds?). We also managed to find some prime street space for the daily parade to see many of the Disney characters. If you can imagine by now - not having a nap made Jakson a bit cranky - although he definitely enjoyed all the highs, but the lows followed right after. We decided to go back to Epcot to meet up with the other folks and have dinner (which we had done Monday night also). We ate in China that night (and in Morocco the night before). Mmmmm,..tasty. We finished off the night with the laser light fireworks show.

Disney 2007 Part 1

Since we have way too much to write about in one huge post - I "plan" on splitting this up between several. This year - Nana and Pap were gracious enough to take all the kids to Disney World! The up-north folks departed Friday the 16th for parts south (Charleston to be exact) to meet up with Jeff's family before heading to Mickey's house.

Early Saturday we took off for a nice long drive through Georgia and northern Florida. It wasn't terrible, but I am thankful for the fairly sparse traffic of the northern interstates. We arrived at the town home (a nice place) and got unpacked. All the kids were excited - so with an early bedtime - we set off to the Animal Kingdom. Very neat, and some great shows. We saw the Lion King show and the Bugs Life show (my personal favorite). I can't imagine the work that goes into making these places work!

Tuesday we made the day at the Magic Kingdom...but that's on the next post ( I have to keep wading though pictures).

Happy Thanksgiving from South Carolina

Happy Turkey Day from the comfortably warm south (it has been high 70's everyday so far) Sorry - I didn't have internet while we visited the Magic Kingdom this week - otherwise I would have added more already. That's right - we ventured down with Ray, Joyce, Jeff, Lora and the kids to see Mickey and all his friends! Now we are back in Charleston at Jeff & Lora's. I will plan on regaling you with stories of the trip when I get back and wade through the numerous photos.....(about the only downfall of a new digital camera is we to took TONS of photos - so if I can figure out to share them somehow I will.) Needless to say we had lots of fun. Now - time to look forward to eating a turkey, or ham or both. Have a Happy Thanksgiving - eats lots, drive safe and sleep well.

Bob the Builder...Handy Manny...

We trekked over to Owatonna this weekend for a prequel to Thanksgiving. Saturday morning we met the cousins at Lowe's for their kids workshop. Jakson had never been to one of these before. We had a great time and managed to save some fingers building the "Turkey Recipe Holder". He did a great job and was really excited. Allison and Jessica had fun, too.

I was able to walk away with all digits unharmed, and no one put any eyes out. Jakson also had his trademark - tongue out and concentrating hard (thank god!) as he hammered away. We are now the proud owners of a fabulous balsa wood recipe holder.

It's Vegas Baby!!

This week I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas courtesy of PCS for a sales meeting and user meeting. I haven't been to that area in a good 25 years and it has changed a lot. I was there from Monday thru Thursday. We stayed at the Excalibur hotel. Not a bad place, but there are certainly better places on the strip to stay. Besides eating at too many buffets, we saw Danny Gans, walked the strip, and even saw some celebrities. We saw John Walsh (Americas Most Wanted) filming an episode, Ashton Kucher (filming a movie) and Paris Hilton (hosting a Halloween party at the Luxor).

I also went down to Fremont Street, or the downtown area of Las Vegas, one night and saw an amazing light show. For those not familiar, Fremont Street has a lot of the older casinos, and many of the old neon signs from hotels past that have been demolished. They have this street area covered in about 4 million lights that they use to produce a great light show every hour.

Very exciting, very exhausting. But I came home money ahead and some good ideas for what we can do the next visit!

Halloween

Sorry this is later than normal since Halloween was 2 days ago - I have been out of town. (more on that in the next post) Jakson got to try various excursions for Halloween this year. He dressed as kangaroo complete with pouch and joey. On Friday before, we went to the Spooky Science Night at the Washington Pavilion. We had a good time learning the science of liquid nitrogen ice cream, chocolate covered bugs (we didn't partake), dry ice bubbles, etc. Afterwards, we went to the diner where Jakson polished off the sundae we were "supposedly" sharing.

On Saturday it was time for Zoo Boo, where you can go wander around the zoo and gets treats. Of course we happened to show up about the same time as the rest of Sioux Falls. It was a nice night and we fared pretty well.

Sunday was time for pumpkin carving and Jakson wasn't afraid to help - although that's about the extent of it. He was much more interested in the final product. Karla and I both tackled a pumpkin and got them done in a reasonably sane amount of time.

On Halloween, Jakson was oh so excited to go Trick-or-Treating! Karla took him out to all the neighbors. Nana and Papa came up to hang out too. Needless to say, he scored pretty well. We have some nice tubs of candy. Sugar rushes are next on the list.

Grandparents rock!

Our kids Jakson (AND Aesa - she counts 'cause she's just like a 6 yr old) love it when the grandparent's show up. They get lots of attention, get spoiled, ya' know - the usual. Well, this weekend Grandma Phyllis came to stay and it lived up to the hype. Jakson got to show Grandma his new playsystem, make Halloween treats, go shopping. Aesa got to hang out on her lap and enjoy a good pet. Granted - she's a smidge under 80lbs. so when she takes over your lap - she overflows! Grandma doesn't mind, and the dog is occupied enough for Karla and I to actually sit on the couch together and enjoy the TV.

Tricks and big treats

Remember this cute, innocent puppy? It's our dog, Aesa. She's not as innocent anymore - especially after her behavior this evening. After a quick run to the store, we came home to find that Aesa had gotten into Jakson's big bag of Tootsie Pops that we were planning to use for a craft project with Grandma this weekend. It appears that she ate about 10 suckers. Somehow she ate the candy, yet avoided eating the sticks. Crazy dog.

We looked it up and it takes about 4 chocolate bars to affect a 10 lb dog. Since ours is a dainty 80 lbs, it looks like her candy binge won't do any damage except to her waistline.

Rain rain go away....

It has rained off and on for the past 2 weeks, and today was no different. Actually, it started Saturday night and supposed to continue throughout the week. That, of course doesn't stop a determined 3 year old. Jakson has this umbrella and is all to happy to go out and tromp around in the many puddles or even play on his swing set (if we let him). I think if it would be a tad colder we would see the white stuff. It' s had that feeling all day.

Search for the Great Pumpkin

Nana and Papa came up to help search for the great pumpkin last weekend. We had a nice warm day to go out and get pumpkins for Halloween. This particular speciman was just over 1,000 pounds (the pumpkin, not Jakson)! We enjoyed searching the patch for some fine lookin' pumpkins.

Buffalo Roundup 2007

A truly awesome sight. We took Jakson to see the annual buffalo roundup in Custer state park Monday. As you can see - alot of thundering bison came running down this valley in front of us. They do this round-up every year to take stock of the herd, and sell some the herd off to raise money that helps support the park. We got up early and drove down to this remote area of the park to get some decent seats. We're glad we got to see this.

Mt. Rushmore Day 1

Today we visited Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Par, Reptile Gardens, and various odd stops along the way. Jakson was a trooper - and walked most of it (before succumbing to the alluring hypnosis that is the car ride and dozing off!).We stopped of at Reptile Gardens to see many of Nana's favorite animals. Jakson got to pet "Fluffy" - a 2 year old alligator, and we met the old tortoise and several of the furry, lazy and not to mention chubby prairie dogs. We saw the alligator show, and the snake show. Next time we'll have to bring Nana along too!

More adventures to come.....

The trek continues...

Ever been to Wall, SD? If not - something you should definitly see. We have been here once before, and now Jakson can proudly say he has conqured the maze that is Wall Drug. We stopped off to peruse the many knick-knack and jewelry shops, have some pie (mighty tasty!) and have our picture taken on the giant Jack-a-lope. Of course, todays notable quotable was from Karla - who actaully asked "Jack-a-lopes aren't real are they?" (snicker....I may have to bite my tongue the next time we see one of those stuffed rabbit mounts - or suffer a kick in the shin...)

The 2007 Mt. Rushmore trek begins...

Karla and I decided it was time for a much needed long weekend, so we made plans to bring Jakson to see Mt. Rushmore, ride the 1880's train, see Reptile Gardens, etc. Now - that being said we had never undertaken a roadtrip this long before with Jakson, so we were hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst. Needless to say - iPods rule! After a 2 hour nap Jakson was getting bored- so I had loaded his favorite movie onto my iPod and away he went. That thing is definelty coming along for long car rides!

Evel Kneivel - you got nothin' on me...

That's right - I have had a growth spurt this summer and can now successfully reach the pedals of my fire red tricycle. Pedestrians beware as I show no regard for safety as I careen down the driveway and onto the sidewalk at mach+ speeds!

Not recommended for the faint of heart...

Ok - the title is a little misleading, it's not that bad. We finally broke down and got Jakson a play system (thanks Grandma Phyllis!!!). We thought we could put this together ourselves, to save some money, and how hard could it be? Well - I wouldn't say it was hard - but if I had to do it over again - I would have someone else do it! And I recommend you do too. Jakson was giddy with excitment the entire weekend that we put this together. He couldn't wait until it was ready - especially the slide. The instructions weren't exactly clear, and the parts - they were everywhere!!!. We finally put the finishing touch on - a pirate's wheel - today. We were waiting on some instructions and parts that we didn't get with the other 5+ boxes of stuff. Even Nana took a turn on the slide this weekend (sorry - I didn't get any pictures, and no - she didn't get stuck). We let Aesa slide too, not sure that was what she wanted to do when she tried to climb up but that's what she got.

Jakson's 1st Fish

Over the Labor Day weekend - we finally got to take Jakson on his first real fishing trip - where he could actually hold the rod. He did pretty well - as a matter of fact - he was the only one who caught any fish on this particular lake. He was very excited and if you ask him he will be glad to tell you all about it! Now - granted - the fish he caught wouldn't be listed on any records but I don't doubt his fish tales will be BIG!!!!

An apple a day...

This weekend was the annual Applefest at one of the local orchards. Nana and Papa came up and we all went to pick apples, ride the ponies (well Jakson did - if i tried to ride one of those ponies - we'd be replacing a pony!), and Jakson even tried the big jumpy-inflatables. Nana and Papa created a monster buying that ticket. We all had lots of fun.

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