Erickson family

February 2011

2011-03-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

I finally splerged and bought a real camera over President's day weekend. I did it in hopes to fulfill my dreams of becoming a photographer someday. Plus, my friend asked me to photograph her wedding in July. I got started with practice photos right away. I just wish I had more time to play with it. This car above, Lightning McQueen, is like my 3rd child. My boys will only watch this movie and they love playing with the toy cars.

January 2011

2011-02-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

My boys love to watch their daddy play hockey. He actually had an early game we could attend!

In December, Ben and his dad chopped down a tree by our shoreline. In January, Ben and my dad chopped down the other huge tree on our shoreline. Good bye to the leaves on our beach, all the cotton, and the sticky seeds in the spring!!!!

Braden's first time skating! Of course, it only lasted a few minutes!

Teagan invited all her friends to Pump It Up for her 5th birthday party. It was the best--for kids and adults!!!
This is Andres, my boys' second cousin. He invited us to Chuck E. Cheese for his 5th birthday party!

We were able to see Sesame Street Live thanks to a dear friend who gave us the tickets. What a great show! Both boys loved it!

a blast from the past

2011-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

This is an old picture of the farm where my mom grew up in Velva, North Dakota. Below is an old picture of my grandfather's parents, Johannah and Adolph Gerger.
The next two pictures are of my grandparents, John and Barbara Gerger, back in the day!

December 2010

2011-02-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

The boys enjoyed checking the Advent Calendar everyday in December. Evan also really enjoyed his time snowmobiling with Ben.
Everyone in my family brought a cake for my birthday! How sweet!!!

Evan was able to help Grandma J and Katlyn make Christmas cookies this year!
Braden helped Mama make spritz cookies too.
Braden loved the annual mint grasshoppers that Grandma J made! Yum Yum!
The Erickson family on Christmas Eve
Katlyn, Kiana, and Sierra made up a dance to show everyone on Christmas!
Christmas morning...checking out the stockings!
My parents got the boys their first pair of ice skates for Christmas!

This is Evan's first time skating.
"Cheese"
Chuck E. Cheese's with cousins and Grandma J.
Family day at the indoor playground in Maple Grove.
My boys love to race their trucks around the kitchen when Ben and I clean up after dinner.
We had the girls over for fondue on New Year's Eve! It was their first time ever! They loved it!

November 2010

2011-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

We had a playdate with Teagan and Bryce in the beginning of November. Braden and Bryce are 5 weeks apart, and Teagan and Evan are 4 months apart, so it was fun to see them interact with each other! Thanks, Kara!

Braden learned how to pose and say cheese for the camera. I'm so proud!

First snow storm of the season!
We saw Kiana play in a basketball tournament.
The boys like to build forts with Daddy on the cold winter nights.

Mom made the most Thanksgiving dinner this year!
For my dad's birthday this year, my parents, my sister, and I went to see a show in St. Paul, and then hung out at my sister's place. Here we are with her dog, Ludo.

Fall Family Photos

2011-02-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Melissa Klein took out family photos at the end of October. They served as Braden's 18 month photos, Evan's 4 1/2 year photos, and our Christmas card photo. Surprisingly, Braden was extremely uncooperative during the session. No smiles :(

October 2010

2011-02-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

We went to the U of M Homecoming football game with Jeremy and Andrea. It was our first trip to TCF Bank Stadium.

We enjoyed our last cruise of the year on Grandma J's pontoon!
They boys loved jumping in the leaves.
I believe this is a sunrise on our lake. Everything just agreed with my camera at that moment!
Every year, in honor of Mary's birthday, we take a family trip to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

tour of the orchard
Evan found some apples under a tree in the orchard. He totally helped himself. Woops!
Evan is not exactly cooperative with me when I want to take a picture of him. I think he was still chewing his apple here.

For Halloween this year, Evan requested to be a raccoon. So, Mary and Grandma Linda sewed this awesome costume for him. Too bad he wouldn't let us put eye patch makeup on. Some people thought he was a cat.
Braden was a dragon--a hand-me-down from Evan.
My two little creatures!

September 2010

2011-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

For Ben's 32nd birthday, we went to the Twins game--just him and I--at the new stadium. What a great experience!

"Happy Birthday to Daddy"
The Kruger family camped out in our backyard during one weekend. Evan thought it was great to sleep in their nice camper!

Here is Evan on rollerblades for the first time!
This is Braden with his second cousin, James. They are three days apart in age.
It seems as though my baby has grown up much faster than Evan did. Braden wants to do everything his big brother does.
This is Ben's dad, Brad. I had to post this picture for all my family members who check our blog. Mr. Brad looks just like my grandfather, John Gerger--especially when he is wearing these coveralls. Of course, my grandpa wore coveralls too.

August 2010

2011-01-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

OK, I know I'm totally behind with this whole blog thing. I meant to do it once a month. Life happens--and this stuff takes time! It's better late than never!
We really enjoyed the month of August! Everyday was an excellent summer adventure! I feel so blessed to have been able to be home with my growing boys all summer!

playtime with cousins

swimming lessons

Heckman family reunion

Cousin Emily and Donovan's wedding in North Dakota. A trip for Kristine without the family!
My awesome grandma! Doesn't she look great for being 91 years old!?!

Braden windsurfing
Braden's first time on the jet ski

Bunker Beach
Grandma J's Church Carnival--Braden's first time eating a whole hot dog in a bun! Yikes!

MN Zoo with the Heckman family

Evan loved riding the tractors!
Reese's 4th birthday--Como Zoo

Taking a water break
Enjoying the Wiggle Racer
Swimming at the YMCA with cousins

July 2010

2010-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

We've been on the go with the girls this summer! Katlyn and Kiana are so good with my boys. They are great helpers! The Forest Lake 4th of July parade on July 3rd. I had to put a scary clown on the blog for my sister, Mary (hee hee!). Brad and Jenean went to the parade a few hours early to get a good spot for all of us. It was so nice of them!

Evan waved at everyone who waved to him.

On the 4th, we went to Running Aces in Forest Lake to watch carriage horse races. Braden wanted #1 to win!

Waiting for the horses.....or tractors.

Braden and Evan got to ride a pony!

Home fireworks

We took Evan camping in Duluth at Spirit Mountain. This is the Timber Twister (a new alpine coaster). Evan loved it so much we had to go twice!

We took him up to UMD to see where we hung out for 4 years!

The water on the left side of canal park, facing the lake, was completely ice cold. But, the water on the right side--by the sandy beach--was much warmer.

View from Enger Tower

Sometime this month, Braden started using silverware (mostly spoons). He loves it.And he hates it when I take it away.

We had the Gergers over for dinner to visit and meet Lillian.

Braden and his friend, Owen.

We went to the festival in White Bear Lake to see the Brian David Band. I accidently deleted the other pictures from this event....woops!

Ben: learning how to windsurf in our backyard.

Como Zoo

Evan caused many traffic jams!

We visited Daddy at work.

Braden's first time on a trampoline at Easton's birthday party.

Easton's 4th birthday party!

Slice of Shoreview

Cousins Adeline and Lillian

My cousin, John, and his fiance (Lisa) and daughter (Lillian) came from Mississippi for a month. Cousin Sarah got the family together at good ol' Buca di Beppo for a family lunch. It was a perfect day! Afterwords, John and Lisa treated us to ice cream down by the Lake of the Isles. Our 8 year anniversary.....time sure flies when you're having fun!! We ate out at Tavern and saw Inception in the theaters--something we hardly ever do!

We ended July by enjoying a long weekend at our relative's lake home. Evan was glued to this battery operated motorized tractor, and he was able to "ski" for the first time!

I feel like we did a lot and thoroughly enjoyed my favorite month. I feel so fortunate to be able to stay at home with my boys in the summer!

much needed update

2010-07-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I didn't quit blogging. I just was so busy with teaching and raising my own kids, I couldn't justify trying to cram in time to update our blog. Anyway, once summer came, I found a new hobby: digital scrapbooking! It's so awesome! I've been working on it when my boys take naps, and I have finally finished scrapbooking our photos from January to July. So now, I'm here, trying to catch up on blogging. I've decided to do one month at a time. So, stay tuned...in August you'll see our adventures in July!

Melissa Klein photos: Evan 4 years & Braden 1 year

2010-07-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

June 2010

2010-07-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

My cousins Hannah and her son, Adrian, came to town while Ben was on his annual fishing trip in Canada.
Here we are with our cousins and kids. From left to right: Kristine and Braden, Mary and Evan, Hannah and Adrian, and Amanda and Adeline. We took the boys to the indoor park at the Shoreview Community Center. It amazes me what Evan can really do once he sees other kids doing it!

Evan and our friend Bryce had a party together since they both have birthdays in May. I have no idea why this picture is sideways. Grandma Jenean made this yummy cake!

The kids made a craft!

They also enjoyed a pinata from Ben's cousin, Nathan!

At one point there were 5 kids in the wagon!

Evan loved Teagan's truck!

Kara had all the friends over to visit with our friend, Nancy and her boys, who were here from Iowa!

Bryce and Braden mowing the street!

We went to the Bell Museum with Grandma J., Katlyn, and Kiana. The kids made diaramas.

I thought this one looked a lot like North Dakota!

Father's day!

Evan enjoyed three weeks of summer school!

Evan and Teagan played t-ball for three weeks!

Their team's name was "Orange Crush."

Evan's first medal!

Evan's first time on a big kid swing!

May 2010

2010-07-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Since Braden's birthday was on Easter this year, I couldn't resist putting him in a giant basket wearing bunny ears!

Cousins: Kaycee, Kristine, Krista, and Mary at Krista's surprise 30th birthday party!

Braden started walking completely independently in May at age 13 months!

Summer bon fire with cousins!

S'mores: Braden loved them--actually he'll eat just about anything sweet--and Evan didn't like how sticky they were. He prefers to eat each ingredient separately!

Braden's first time in the sandbox!

Ben's cousins, Nathan, found Evan a turtle. He named him Freddy and he kept him for a couple days.

Looks may be deceiving!

Evan's 4th birthday and Mom's 56th birthday. We went to a St. Paul Saints game and tailgated for our first time!!!

A gift from Papa M.

Fun with frosting!

Evan turned 4, Kiana turned 10, and Katlyn turned 11.A smile for the camera like this one doesn't happen very often.

Fun in the pool at Grandma and Papa's house!

April 2010

2010-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

We had friends and family over for Braden's 1st birthday party! He loved the tissue paper....typical.

Evan went to Uncle Mike's house for his first sleep over away from us at home (well, he's spent the night at Grandma and Papa's house before).

Everything goes into Braden's mouth....

One morning I came downstairs before work, and this is what I found Evan working on: Evan's leaning tower of shoes...it's bigger than him.

Florida & Braden's 1st Birthday 2010

2010-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

So Evan doesn't look very happy in this picture, but he was actually very excited to ride the plane to Florida! He was a great traveler!

We had to get in the pool as soon as we got to Grandma and Papa's house!

SeaWorld!

Thanks to Grandma J., we were able to feed the dolphins!

Decorating Easter eggs!

He was actually thrilled that the Easter Bunny came!

Braden's 1st birthday was on Easter Sunday this year! Grandma and Papa had a bunch of family members over for Easter dinner and birthday cake! Of course, Braden devoured his cake!

Evan loved the water--especially jumping in to one of us. Cousins: Kiana, Braden, Katlyn, Nathan, Shaylee, Isaac, and Evan.

Ft. Meyers Beach

We had the best vacation ever--thanks to Grandma and Papa! They were the best hosts!

March 2010

2010-07-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

February 2010

2010-07-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Braden's crazy hair! First bath together....what a time saver!

Valentine's Day (Braden's first one!)

Braden's 9 month photos

2010-02-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Air Evan

2010-01-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much time you can kill just by jumping into a pile of pillows!

Braden: 9 months old

2010-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

My little peach is growing so fast. At his 9 month exam he weighed 19 lbs. 9 oz (40%) and was 28 3/4 inches tall (75%). He has been poppin' teeth like crazy, and he learned how to clap in December. He learned how to do the army crawl in December and a month later in early/mid January he began all-out crawling on his hands and knees. All of his gross motor skills are so foreign to us. Evan didn't learn how to clap until he was 14months old....and he never crawled....so we are only NOW learning about babyproofing our house! Braden even likes crawling up the steps! I just can't believe it. Needless to say, I am so proud of him!!! But it feels like he is growing up faster than Evan did. :(

Braden's first sledding experience

2010-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Ben pretty much forced Evan on the snowmobile this year. He was kicking and screaming and crying and didn't want to have anything to do with it. Once they drove down to the lake, Evan loved it and wanted more!!

We barely got any smiles out of Braden as we pulled him around the yard for the first time. He looked so serious mostly. I thought he would enjoy it more.

just playin' around

2010-01-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Evan can be such a goofball. He found his cousin's helmets and insisted on wearing one around the house for quite a while. He even got me wearing one while I was making dinner.

Here he decided to get into a Kohl's bag and he called it his swimsuit. He thought it was great to walk around in it.

Farewell Noel and Kat

2010-01-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

We were able to meet for brunch at Hell's kitchen in Minneapolis to say good bye to our friends from college, Noel and Kat. They are moving to Austin, Texas to move closer to Kat's family. We will surely miss them!

Steve and Amy's Wedding

2010-01-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ben's cousin, Amy, got married on the 2nd of January. It was a beautiful family winter wedding.
Here we are with Jenean and Brad (Ben's parents), Mike and Jade (Ben's brother and fiance).

Steve and Amy

Evan and Naomi (Ben's cousin's daughter) had a 'thing' for each other!!! They held hands and played all night!

Family day at MOA

2010-01-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

For two weeks over Christmas break, Ben busted his booty on the basement. I somehow convinced him to take Tuesday off so we could go do something fun together. We had free passes to Underwater World (which Evan didn't like at all), and a gift card for the MOA, so Evan enjoyed some rides at Nickelodeon Universe. It was a crazy, busy day to be out there. I feel like we spent all day in lines.

Heckman family Christmas

2010-01-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

Ben's uncle and aunt, Joel and Sue, had everyone over for Christmas on Saturday. It was very nice to see everyone and how the family continues to grow. This is Braden and James. James belongs to Ben's cousin, Josh. James was born on 4-1-09 and Braden on 4-4-09. It was neat to see how different they are with being so close in age. Braden is quite a bit thicker, and James is quite the crawler!

This is Braden E. and Brayden H. Brayden belongs to Ben's cousin, Steven. He was born exactly 5 months after our Braden.

What cuties!

Christmas Day

2010-01-07T20:03:00.001-08:00

I gave all my boys (when I say that, it includes Ben) haircuts on Christmas morning. Braden got his first haircut of his life. I just cut off his little mullet. We were glad to see that go! My parents, Mary, and Lance spent Christmas Day at our house this year. Our tree was quite bare until they showed up! Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

Trying to get both boys to pose for a picture is quite a challenge these days! That is why we had to do two separate photos on our Christmas card this year.

Ben and Lance decided to take my dad out for a sled ride Christmas night while Mary, Mom, and Evan went to Mary's house to feed Ludo. Braden and I got some quiet time alone!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ben's parents had us over (next door, literally!) for Christmas Eve with the Erickson family. We enjoyed a nice dinner with family and had fun watching the kids open presents. Unfortunately, I didn't take any group photos of anyone :(

My Santa Baby

2010-01-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

It was fun watching Braden explore the Christmas tree, etc. He is so curious!

My 1st dance recital

2010-01-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

On December 12, I participated in my first dance recital. I've always wanted to take dance, ever since I was a kid, so after I recovered from having Braden, I decided to join a dance class at a local studio. I convinced my friend, Kara, to join me. Later on, she ended up convincing me to be in the recital, even though she was not going to. Reluctantly, I decided to do it. It was a very awkward feeling. I don't really think I am a performer, but I kind of like the challenge. It's not easy for me to memorize all those moves!

toys galore....and the walker

2009-12-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

When we decorated for Christmas, Ben decided to give Braden an early X-mas by bringing out all of the big baby toys. Man, I love my young children, but a little part of me can't wait until the toys go away! Braden loves his walker. He knew how to operate it the second he got in it! He cruises all around our kitchen now and is even trying to get into cabinets. Yikes!

Of course, Evan has to try out all of Braden's new gadgets.

Dad's 60th Birthday party & Evan's 1st time bowling!

2009-12-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

My mom planned a great surprise party for my dad. We invited a bunch of family and friends to go bowling on Saturday night. Although it was passed our boys' bedtimes, we decided to venture out and let Evan try bowling for the first time.

As one would guess, he got plenty of gag gifts. This jacket stole the show!

Evan was telling us to "stop bowling!" until someone gave us the ramp for him to try. From then on, he loved it!

Braden's 1st Thanksgiving & Papa's 60th Birthday!

2009-12-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Yep...my dad tunred the big 6-0 on Thanksgiving this year. My mom prepared a delicious gluten free meal, and we were able to spend the whole day together. It was wonderful! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Here is Ben teaching his boys how to play "Chopsticks."

Laundry is fun!

2009-12-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Basement remodel

2009-11-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

We have finally decided to remodel the basement!!! I'm so excited! Ben will have two weeks off over Christmas to get it done...hopefully! So far, he has taken down the ceiling, the paneling on the walls, and he is currently mudding the daylights out of the walls. Next, he'll have to get messy with getting the stone off the fireplace and the tile off the floor. He is my handyman stud!

Obsession

2009-11-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Evan has become really good at playing independently. He has an obsession with his cars. He plays with them every single day. Basically, he just lines them up in rows, and then he recruits us to race the cars with him once in a while. It's quite cute. I wonder how long this will last!!

Braden's 6th month photos

2009-11-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

When Evan was 6 months old, the Minnesota Twins won their division (2006). So my mom and dad got Evan a Twins outfit with 2006 Division Champs embroidered on it. This year, with Braden about the same age as Evan was, the Twins did it again. So my parents ran out and got Braden an outfit just like Evan's with 2009 Division Champs embroidered on it. It's just too bad you can't see the embroidery in the picture. Oh well, he has the souvenir for life! Thanks, Mom and Dad!!!

Evan won't pose for the camera anymore, so I end up taking a lot of pictures of Braden.

hAlLoWeEn 2009

2009-10-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Evan was supposed to be a pumpkin (jack-o-lantern), but he insisted on wearing his pirate hat and taking is sword from his costume last year. I wore this pumpkin costume when I was a little kid. My mom made it.

He loved trick-or-treating and made Daddy run to each house (he was in a wagon). woops--Braden at the pumpkin patch again.

Braden was a lion!

Aunty Mary wore a costume that she bought for Ludo. Meanwhile, Ludo was dressed as a banana.

annual trip to the apple orchard

2009-10-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

For Mary's birthday, we always go to Pinetree Apple Orchard and then out to eat. Here are our pics this year. By the way, my little sister is 28 now!!!

Grandma's 90th birthday party

2009-10-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

I took a trip to ND with my mom and sister over MEA for my Grandma's 90th birthday party! It was my first trip away from my family by myself. At first it was awkward...I felt naked! But I was quickly reminded of how wonderful sleeping in is.

Doesn't my Grandma look great! I can't believe she's 90! She still lives on her own! Go G-ma!!

These are most of Grandma's grandkids and great grandkids (missing John, Adam, Zach, Caleb, Evan, and Braden).

My mom and her sister, Sandy, wore some of my grandma's dresses that she owned in the 1940s (or so) to the party. Isn't that cool?!

Each family made a picture board to display our memories of her. I came across this photo from the Schlag/Selzler board. It's my cousin, Luke, with Grandma. I couldn't believe how much it looks like Braden!!!

Braden: 6 months

2009-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a month behind in uploading photos. It's all because our society doesn't have 3 day weekends as the norm!

Anyway, at Braden's 6th month appointment, he weighed 17 pounds 1 ounce (50%), and he is 26 1/2 inches tall (50%).

He really likes eating food now. He cries for his food as soon as we put him in his high chair, and he holds his mouth open while he waits for us to put in the good stuff. He sits up by himself, and he likes to chew on anything he can get his hands on. His two bottom teeth popped out of the gums on Oct. 23rd. Hence, all the chewing action. Braden can roll and spin on the floor. Now we just need to get him on his knees so he can start crawling (or not. I'd like him to stay stationary for a while yet!). He really loves watching his brother too!

jumpin' time

2009-10-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, Braden has been jumping in his exersaucer (like crazy!) and when Ben holds him, so Ben finally decided to dig out the ol' jumperoo! Braden loves it.

My Minnesota Twins

2009-10-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

These top two pictures are Evan when he was about 6 months old. The bottom two are Braden at 6 months too. I thought it was neat to see the similarities and differences.

crazy ducks

2009-10-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had a couple ducks that wanted to adopt us as their ducklings. They would not leave our property. They even would hang out in our garage under my car. Those crazy ducks were not scared of us at all!

Evan goes to pre school

2009-09-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

My baby rode the bus for his first time last week. He'll be attending school two times a week from now until June. So far, I guess he likes it! I feel like he grew up so fast...except his backpack is enormous on him!

Braden: 5 months

2009-09-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our happy little guy is 5 months old now! Time sure flies. He's eating rice cereal now.

Braden's first bonfire.

At the bonfire with Aunty Sandy.

Happy Birthday Ben!

2009-09-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ben turned 31 on September 3rd! Whoa! I still can't believe we are into our 30's now! Ben and I didn't go to the state fair this year, so instead we recreated all of our favorite fair foods (many of them were fried) for Ben's birthday.

wall art

2009-09-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I had the urge to decorate some blank wall space in my home, so I went out and took pictures of flowers in our yard. I really got into it!

miscellaneous

2009-09-19T13:28:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I look at my boys and I still think to my self: "how in the world did I get a blonde one and a blue eyed one?!" Ben has powerful genetics, I guess!

I had to recruit Ben to come help me move a bunch of heavy duty furniture in my classroom before school started. The whole family came with. Evan thought he was helping by riding the dolly!

Blue Heron Days 2009

2009-09-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Braden's first parade!

Mr. Serious Parade Go-er

Reese's 3rd birthday party

2009-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Reese had her big girl party at "Down on the Farm" in Hugo. Here she is posing for a picture, boots and all! Evan played on the tractor the entire time. That didn't surprise me.

All the other kids rode the ponies. Evan didn't want to. :( Here's Cowgirl Teagan!

Reese gave all the kids goody bags, drink cups, and cake. The kids enjoyed the pinata...except Evan. He was busy enjoying his cake...at a very slow pace.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Reesie! We had a great time at your party! Thank you!!!

my cutie boys

2009-08-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Evan actually asked me to take a "pick-saw" of him....(he usually hides from the camera).

Evan's golf debut

2009-08-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Evan and I walked to Chomonix the other day to try out putting. Check out his full size swing for his putt! Immediately, I had to intervene. With a little coaching, we were able to change things quicker than I thought.

Detroit Lakes

2009-08-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

My dad's sister, Patty, lives on Big Floyd Lake in Detroit Lakes. We were able to visit them last weekend. We had the most wonderful time! It was a nice way to remember Grandpa Al on the anniversary of his passing 10 years ago.

Here's Braden in an exersaucer for his first time!
We had a blast skiing and wake boarding in the water. Ben even got daring after a while!

Here's my cousin from Texas, Andrew, and Evan. I haven't seen Andrew for 10 years...since I lived with him when I was in college! Time sure flies!

My cousins! From Left to right: Brian, Jessica, Harper, Me, Braden, Ben, Jim, Andrew. Bottom row: Alex, Addy, Evan

We could barely pull Evan off this ride-around tractor! He loved it!

Thanks for the FANTASTIC weekend, Borgens and Rusts!!!! We had a fabulous time!

Braden: 4 months

2009-08-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Braden had his four month check up in the beginning of the month. He weighs 15 pounds (50%) and is 24 1/2 inches tall (40%). At this age, Braden is a pound heavier, and a half inch shorter than Evan was. Those stats surprised me!

Braden is such a happy, smiley guy. He loves watching his big brother!

cOmO zOo

2009-08-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

My mom, sister, and I took the boys to the zoo a couple weeks ago. Evan loved the tiger, and every ride he could drive!

Just hanging out!

2009-08-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! Braden standing??!!!.....by himself??!!!.....just for a few seconds!

Summer fun with the girls!

Tummy time!

Children's Museum with cousins

2009-07-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

Evan loved touching the snake. Yuk!

Evan in the dog house.

Evan really enjoyed playing in the water. I love the little apron!

The kids had a ball in Clifford's room. Children are SO imaginative!!!

Evan's MJ tribute

2009-07-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

For some odd reason, Evan thinks he HAS to wear one ratty gardening glove when he rides his bike. I call it a tribute to Michael Jackson!

Evan: 3 years..........Braden: 3 months

2009-07-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

kOoZa

2009-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, we went out for dinner to Christos in the Union Depot, and then to the Cirque Du Soleil show, Kooza. It was a VERY big night out for us (I even had a drink with dinner!!!). We decided to call it our anniversary celebration to justify spending money on ourselves like that! We had a fabulous time, and the show is worth every penny. Thank you to Ben's parents for watching our boys!

Braden sitting

2009-07-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Braden likes to sit upright in his new contraption with toys. It's kind of like a Bumbo chair.

soccer with friends

2009-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Evan, Easton, Teagan, and Reese play soccer together now for a few weeks this summer. Monday was their first lesson. It was a riot! First they played Duck Duck Grayduck (which they have never done before), then they dribbled the ball around...sort of. Evan is the only one sitting. I thinks he likes to observe a lot before participating!

Heckman summer party

2009-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Every summer, we have a lake party with all the Heckmans. This year it was on July 11, and the weather was awesome! Here is Braden with his new cousin Caden! They are about a month and a half apart. Caden is older.
Evan rode in the boat all day long.

I had to ask if climbing on the roof of the toy house is normal boy behavior. Apparently it is. Evan is not a typical boy, I guess.

Cousins Mason and Parker played with Evan on the deck. What a great day!

Evan's first Twins game

2009-07-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

We took Evan and Kiana to see the Twins vs the Yankees on July 8. I don't know how much baseball watching Evan did, but he sure enjoyed all the snacks!

Grandma J's 60th birthday!

2009-07-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Grandma J took me, Evan, Braden, Kiana, and her friend, Heather to the Mall of America for her 60th birthday! How generous of her! Evan learned who Spongebob was that day. We ate lunch at the ever popular, Rainforest Cafe!

Evan's favorite ride was Diego's bus. I just love this ride face!

Thanks for the great day, Grandma J! Happy 60th birthday!

Braden: 3 months

2009-07-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Little B is already 3 months old! He is smiling all the time, his gas problem has gotten better, and he loves to stand up and hold on to my fingers. He is so much more alert than Evan was. He actually looks at books when I read them to him....and he even watches the TV! He still has his blue eyes (thank goodness!), and he coos to us now too.

First family road trip: 4th of July

2009-07-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

For my favorite holiday, we headed up to Velva, North Dakota to celebrate with my mom's family. We had a fabulous time, and the car trip was A LOT better this year. I managed to keep my sanity!
During the long car ride, I realized that Braden was actually manipulating a toy in his hands on purpose! That's the first time I've seen him "playing" with something!

We drove half way up and stayed with my cousin, Jess, and her family in Fargo. She and Brian have three wonderful kids: Addison (3), Harper (4 months), and Alex (5).

Harper and Braden are three weeks apart. What cuties!

When we finally got to Velva, Evan met his new cousin, Adrian (Hannah's baby). He'll be 1 at the end of August. Evan loved playing with Jacob (2--Matt's baby) over the holiday too!

Braden was all smiles to be hanging out with Great Grandma Gerger!

We had our annual golf tournament on July 3rd. Mary actually golf ed for the first time in 20 years!!!! It was so much fun! My dad and I won the tournament!

My Auntie Kay and Uncle Larry were invited to be official judges of the 4th of July parade in town. I have no idea who actually won. The parade wasn't as good as the years past.

Evan started out with a grumpy attitude..........until he ate a piece of candy that was thrown to him!

For the first time in my memory, it totally down poured rain during the parade. That didn't stop Ben and Evan though!

Evan and Jacob got some major road rash on their knees over the weekend, so someone hooked them up with cut off socks to cover their knees for protection. How goofy looking!

It's so much more fun to go in the pool with clothes on, isn't it??!!

Evan's first time watching 4th of July fireworks at Velva City Park!

We had a great time on our first road trip as a family of four. We give a GIANT thank you to Jess and Brian, and Sandy and Tracy for hosting us during our trip. We are very grateful to have been able to spend time with you all!

Let's go fly a kite

2009-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the perfect windy day to finally fly Evan's owl kite. He loved it!

Chuck E. Cheese

2009-06-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Grandma J (Ben's mom) brought me and all her grandkids out for pizza and games. It took Evan a while to want to play some games. Eventually he especially enjoyed playing air hockey. Thanks for the great day with the family, Miss Jenean!

pOoL TiMe

2009-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

We had to get a new pool this year because our other one broke. This whale even sprays water! It felt great when it was 90 degrees! However, Evan refused to actually sit in the pool. He just stood and played the entire time. Strange....I know.

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed a potluck lunch at our house to celebrate all the dads. It was excellent! So are the dads!!!!!

Evan's 3rd Birthday Party with friends

2009-06-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Unlike the usual rainy weather we get whenever we have a party, Evan's day was hot and sunny! The kids made a personalized craft, we ate Italian food, and chocolate cake and ice cream. It was nice to be able to 'play' outside for his party....finally! Thank you to everyone who came. Evan loves all the gifts!

Friends

2009-06-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the usual gang with twins Jack and Will from Iowa. Evan hates posing for pictures for some reason.

Katie dances

2009-06-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of June, we went to see cousin Katlyn's dance production. It was great! Evan sat for over three hours watching all the talented dancers! (Katie is the one in the back center of the photo.)

Braden: 2 months old

2009-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

I took the boys to the doctor yesterday for their well checks. Braden is a little chunker! He's 11 pounds, 14 ounces. That's about 2 1/2 pounds heavier than Evan when he was 2 months old. This boy likes to eat!! Braden is definitely making eye contact with us now and even smiles at us! What chubby cheeks!! :)

I take one of these photos every month for the first 2 years of their lives. I did it for Evan too. It's really neat to look at how they grow so fast.

May 29th Birthdays

2009-06-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

We went to Space Aliens for my mom's and Evan's birthdays. This alien freaked Evan out. I don't blame him.

Our family!

Evan loved playing the games!

Evan turned 3, and my mom turned 55! I think she's the youngest looking 55 year old that I've ever seen!

Braden and I surprised my mom at school on her birthday.

Braden and Bryce

2009-05-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here is Braden with his newest friend, Bryce. They are 5 weeks apart. Braden was born on April 4, and Bryce was born on May 12.

Here we are (Kara and me) with our boys!

New clubs

2009-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

My parents got Evan some real golf clubs (and rain boots and gardening gloves) for his birthday. I wonder how our yard will look by the end of the summer!

Braden's first boat ride

2009-05-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the most beautiful day, so we took the boat out for it's first trip around the lake this summer. I don't normally drive, but Ben wanted me to for a while. Evan and I can fit in the seat together!

The boys and both their grandmas....they are so spoiled!

Ana plays softball

2009-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to watch their cousin Ana play softball in Andover. It was our first time watching our niece play an organized sport. It was great, and the weather was awesome!

Evan's 3rd Birthday Party with Cousins

2009-05-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Kiana is turning 9 on May 21st, Evan will be 3 on May 29th, and Katie will be 10 on June 2nd. Every year we have one little party to celebrate all three of them. Grandma Jenean made each child their own birthday cake. Evan loved his motorcycle!

For some reason, Evan doesn't like to pose for pictures, even though he LOVES to look at himself on the camera!

Grandma and Papa bought Evan a whole new summer wardrobe. Evan thought he had to try on all the shorts. He kept saying they were underwear! (I wish!)

Braden's newborn photos (3 weeks old)

2009-05-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

We had brunch at our house with my parents and Miss Jenean. Mary and Lance were camping in Wisconsin, and Mr. Brad was on the road travelling back from Florida.

I can't believe Evan actually smiled for this photo!!! :)

Half his height

2009-05-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Does it seem weird that Braden is already half of Evan's height???!!! He is growing so fast!

"Evan do this"

2009-05-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Evan is becoming much more independent in the last few months. He is always saying "Evan do this," meaning that he wants to do it by himself. Including vacuuming! I didn't think he could handle it, but he loved it! Let's just hope he stays that way!!

Truck Day

2009-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Evan loves trucks. He always points them out when we are driving. So, we took Evan to see all the different kinds of trucks at the elementary school near our house for Truck Day, and wouldn't you know it....he didn't want to see or go inside any of them!!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Evan and Braden watched as Grandma died Easter eggs!

Evan enjoyed finding Easter eggs around our house!

proud big brother

2009-04-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

It took him one solid week, but Evan finally decided to hold Braden for the first time on Saturday.

Our new little man

2009-04-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Braden Kenneth was born on April 4, 2009 at 5:35 am. Ben and I arrived at the hospital at 5:15 am, and he was born 20 minutes later! We barely made it! The delivery was quick and very painful. Braden came 2 weeks early. He was 6 pounds 8 ounces and 19 inches long.

Ben and his new little man...as he likes to say!

Big brother!

Evan likes to say, "Be nice to Braden," as he pats him. He still does not want to hold him though.

Me and my boys!!!

Braden likes to "eat" his blanket to tell us he's hungry.

Isn't it strange that new feet can look so old?!?

Tummy time for the first time. He was so calm!

Braden got Evan this motorcycle and a few other toys when he came home. Evan loves it, and he's not afraid to go fast. Don't worry....after we realized that, we convinced him that he needs to wear his helmet.

Here is Ben showing Braden to his parents and extended family in Florida via a web cam!

Playdate with Reese

2009-04-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Reese isn't shy about digging right into Evan's toys--something that Evan doesn't do. I hope he learned how to really PLAY from little Reesie!

Just a smiling moment....

2009-04-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

33 months old

Remembering Papa Ken

2009-02-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

Ben's grandfather, Kenneth Erickson, passed away yesterday, February 27, 2009. He was 91 years old. I believe he died from the stomach flu virus--he got it a few times this month, and he just couldn't recover from it. He was in the hospital for a few weeks, and then was recently moved to hospice care where he passed away. His lungs kept filling with fluid and the doctors said there was nothing more they could really do for him.

Papa Ken lived a long, good life. He enjoyed driving new cars, and traveling with his family. In fact, he just went on a Caribbean cruise in the beginning of February with his kids and their significant others.

Evan loved Papa Ken so much. These pictures were taken in August of 2008. We'll miss you, Grandpa!

Reese's Valentine's Day Party

2009-02-18T20:28:00.000-08:00

Reese and Emily had the kids over for a sweet Valentine's Day party on Saturday. Each kid got to make their own heart shaped pizza, and they got to decorate their own cupcakes too. It was so cute watching them exchange their Valentine's! What a wonderful experience!

Thanks, Emily and Reese! You are the best hostesses ever!

goofy

2009-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Evan thought it was a good time to wear Daddy's socks around the house.

pow wow

2009-02-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

My mom and I took Evan to this pow wow at Centennial High School for his first multi cultural experience! He absolutely loved it--he paid attention and danced on my mom's lap the whole time!

activities

2009-02-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

This winter seems to be getting longer every day. We are trying to keep Evan busy with playing in the house. Lately, one of his favorite passtimes is watching home videos. He can't get enough of watching "Evan on TV."

When it's not negative degrees outside, Evan loves to get some fresh air...and to shovel the driveway with Daddy.

7 Months of pregnancy

2009-01-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve 2008

2009-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

We spent New Year's Eve at home with just the three of us. I tried to recreate The Melting Pot--and it was great!