Evy Goes to the Pool

Here's Evy on our way to the pool.

Wearing a new suit from Auntie Jenna and Alli and planning on getting in a workout.

Happy to be in the 80 degrees water (NOT 80 degrees weather however!)

And here's one of Grandma making Hugh laugh.  He needs some cheering up while he waits for the last of 6 teeth to make it's way through!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We at the Bowman household want to apologize for not sending valentines out to those who we love...after all that is the point of the day.  Mom Bowman just doesn't have it together enough to get things in the mail (might as well apologize for absent thank you notes while we're at it).  But we do want you all to know how much we loved the cards you sent AND how much we love YOU!

Here are the kids getting their valentines ready for school.  

And here they are this morning with your cards and their school art (this was the best I could do with Hugh--it was a very hectic morning with a traveling dad and several inches of snow to get off the car!

Is Winter Over Yet?

Lately the kids have been asking to hold Hugh a lot.

Evy won't wear her headbands, but Hugh will!

Hugh is in the "sliding backwards" phase of beginning to crawl.  I think it's mostly frustrating.

Storytime with Auntie Teens.

"Hugh came out of mom and now it looks like he's trying to get back in."  (quote by Grant)

"Oh boy Hugh, it looks like you're a giant to the rescue heroes!"  (quote by Grant)

"It's great that I have boxes to make a science project.  P.S.  I love boxes" (quote by Grant)

Dad is home!

After 7 nights away the kids were very excited to have Dad home again!

We now have a blue kitchen!

Look who finally lost some teeth!  Grant was scheduled to have them pulled since the adult teeth were coming up behind the baby ones ("shark teeth").  Luckily they fell out first.  He was quite pleased with the 5 bucks the tooth fairy left (it was all she had in her wallet).

January Fun

Out of the three kids, Hugh is the biggest fan of the jumpee!  He goes really wild in it.  

Grant was very lucky to be treated to a Monster Trucks show by Uncle Tyler!  He had a fabulous time and came home with this sword.

I decided to be a cool mom and let Evy hang out in the crib.  It was her dream come true.

Here we are at the market and on the ferry in Seattle!  It was a fun trip.  Thanks Grammy and Auntie Teens for helping out!

10 Year Anniversary

Ben and I (and Hugh) had a wonderful weekend celebrating our 10th anniversary at the North Shore.

The lake was just steps from our condo.

L

We have always wanted to stay at Lutsen.  We really liked it; it felt a bit like Ruttgers.

Maybe next time we'll bring all the kids and they can do this.  Maybe.

It was chilly up there, but still comfortable.  We missed peak leaves but still got to see some.

Ben and I were proud of ourselves for going on a "hike."  We went to Cascade Waterfall.

Thank you Mom and Dad for watching the kids and dog!

Fall in Highland

Our boulevard tree was the first to change on the street.  We had just two days to play in it's leaves until they were all blown into the neighbor's yards (oops).

The kids often stop what they're doing to play with Hugh.

Apple Picking

We had a perfect day for apple and pumpkin picking.  We went to Afton Apple Orchards.

Evy's height gave her access to lots of great apples.

Grant loves apples, so he enjoyed hunting for good ones.

What can I say?  Hugh is the perfect baby and enjoys everything we do!

Later that evening Auntie and Grandma came over for dinner.

Hmmmm....there are so many things I could say about this photo.  I think it could be a candidate for the Awkward Family Photos website.  My mom picked her mask and Grant's power ranger costume up at Target today.  I think she should be able to wear it for any Mardi Gras parties that she attends as well.  Grant is very excited to be a power ranger (we'll see how the costume looks by the time Halloween rolls around).  And thanks to Grammy Mavis, he also has cool accessories.

Evy goes to Preschool!

Here's Evy on her first day of preschool at Highland Catholic.  It was a very dramatic morning as she went back and forth between sobbing and smiling about 10 times.  

Once she arrived she was nothing but excited; especially with big brother to show her the way.

Meanwhile...Hugh thoroughly enjoyed being able to lie on the floor and not fear being trampled on.

And here's what he did with Dad...just kidding, he was at work!

This carrot is one of five that grew in our garden this summer!  Grant is hoping we do better next year...

Now that the big kids are in school, Evy and Finn rule the playdates!