Big Kid Boosters

Our vacation did not go as planned but I still had a great time being home with the kiddos. Even when they were driving me nuts. :) I don't think I've ever heard the phrases, "My throat hurts," and "My tummy hurts" as many times as I did this past week as Brody was sick pretty much the entire week with a cold and flu virus. I think Brenna is now getting something too as she had a fever this morning and was tired all day. Steve was sick all weekend too.

We still managed to get some time out of the house by going to Eau Claire for quick errands, playing outside and going for walks. We even got to see Ty-Ty, Abbi and Aunt Jessie a few times. On Tuesday, we went to the technical college to have cousin Heather cut Brenna and Brody's hair and to get my eyebrows waxed. Both enjoyed getting their hair cut and Heather did a nice job! Grandma Merri also let Brenna and Brody pick out a bunch of things they wanted from the Dollar Store. They loved that, of course.

Today I went into work for a couple of hours and then went and picked up booster seats to replace the car seats that were getting too small. Brody and Brenna have been weighing themselves daily to see if they have hit the 40 lb mark. Neither are at 40 lbs but the booster seats I bought are okay for 30-100 lbs. Both were very excited and thanked me for getting the new seat. I think they look way too grown up out of the old car seats!

Brody's turn for wearing his sister's P.Js!

We made cupcakes one day and frosted them. Yes, Brenna has boy pajamas on again!

Brenna and Brody's drum set. I love their imaginations! They managed to break a couple of my wooden spoons too. :)

No Mall of American Idol

We did not make it to the Mall of American Idol today. That's what Brody and Brenna have been calling it. Is that a sign they are watching too much American Idol this year?? Maybe! Brody woke up saying, "I feel much better today" but it only lasted until about 8:30 when he began to cry about his throat and stomach hurting again. He also felt very warm. At 9:30, I called to get the result of the 24 hour strep test, which was negative for strep. The nurse said there are a lot of viruses going around so I'm guessing that is what he has. Surprise, surprise, a virus! Brody and Brenna handled not being able to go the mall very well; only a few tears. Steve and I promised that we would do something later in the afternoon if Brody felt better. We ended up going to the playground at Sherman for a couple of hours. It was great to be outside again and we all had fun! Sorry no pictures. I forgot to bring my camera.

After we got back, I went and worked out. I think I am on week #4 of working out on a regular basis. I hate taking time away from the kids but do feel a lot more energetic!

Here's hoping we will all be healthy for the remainder of our vacation.

Doctor visits and outside time

I'm a little behind with the blog so I am going to try and quick get caught up.

Two weeks ago, Auntie Lisa was in town from Rice Lake. She and cousin Abbi came out for awhile and played. Brenna and Brody always love getting visitors!

On to more current events!

This past week was fairly uneventful. I actually made it to Carrie's house two days in time to wake Brenna and Brody up from their nap. It was cute to see their faces when I surprised them.

Thursday nights we usually go to Grandma Merri's but this week we did not make it due to taking Brody to the doctor. I finally decided to take Brody to the doctor for his going to the bathroom all of the time issues. Thankfully, his urine sample came back fine. We saw Dr. Vandeloo who thought he might just have a virus (in his urethra, I think), which could take up to six weeks to go away. We do have to go back in two weeks for another urine check if we don't notice any improvements. Brenna was concerned about Brody and kept asking, "Will Brody cry at the doctor?" Brody was brave and did not cry.

Saturday, I volunteered at St. Baldricks from 12-6. It's a fundraiser for kids' cancer research. A parent of one of my students organizes the events. Saturday evening after putting the kids to bed, Steve and I went out to help Shawn Holden celebrate his birthday. Cousin Heather stayed with the kiddos.

Sunday, we enjoyed a lot of outside time. We started by visiting the park in Osseo, which is still a little icy and wet. Abbi joined us for our lunch at the park. The kids had fun playing and then Brenna, Brody and Abbi went for a bike ride while I walked. Both kids tried riding their bikes without training wheels. I think we have a ways to go but it was worth a try!!

Later on at home, Brenna and Brody enjoyed riding their bikes down the little steep hill. Nana was a little nervous watching them! They also practiced casting and entertaining the cat with their fishing poles. Brody took the close up picture of Brenna.

Today was supposed to be dentist and haircut day but plans changed when Brody woke up with a sore throat. He didn't want to eat or drink much and felt warm. I decided it was time to take him in just to rule out strep. Just before getting dressed, Brody was crying so I went to give him a hug. Well, he starts pointing at his throat and I'm thinking that he is trying to tell me that his throat hurts. Nope, he was trying to tell me that he was going to projectile vomit all over! I think that is one of the first times Brody has not made it to the bathroom with throwing up. Poor Brenna was crying because her brother was sick. Brody actually seemed to feel a little better after vomiting. We made it to the doctor and got into to see Dr. Stephenson at 8:20. The rapid strep test came back negative. Tomorrow by 9:00, we will know if the 24 hour test is positive or negative. We had not been to the doctor since their 3 year check up but with going two times in less than a week, I guess we have made up for it. We still managed to enjoy the rest of the day today by running around outside and even going for a walk. It was great to spend a Monday together!

Tomorrow we are planning on going to the Mall of America if Brody's 24 hour strep test comes back negative and IF he is feeling okay.

Donuts for Dads

Last Thursday was Donuts for Dads at Brody and Brenna's preschool. Carrie said Brenna and Brody were excited all day to have Dad come to school! I sent the camera with Steve but he forgot it in the van so no pictures to post of that fun event. Brenna and Brody sang a couple of songs and then gave Steve a present, which was a coaster made from a piece of tile. In May it will be muffins for mom so I have that to look forward to. Brody said that his preschool should have Apples for Aunts. Gotta love that sound awareness. :) After daycare on Thursday, we decided to make the best of the snow and went outside to play. We went sledding down the hill a few times but most of the time outside was spent on the swing set and on the teeter totter. I think Brenna and Brody are ready for Spring!

On Saturay, Sarah, Jeremy, Jaxon and Avery came out to visit and eat enchiladas. The kids had fun playing with each other. Three wasn't a crowd! I enjoyed getting my baby fix holding Avery.
Sunday afternoon, Brenna and Brody spent some time with Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Jessie and Abbi.
They had their first Guitar Hero experience. I don't know if you can tell in these pictures but Brody has one of his legs lifted a little when he is playing the guitar. :)
On Sunday, we went to Nana and Papa's for dinner. Of course Brenna and Brody had to take a bath there. They had fun playing and were in a pretty good mood considering neither one napped that day. We left at 7:00 and both fell asleep on the way home.
I had to take a picture of Brody's drawing because I thought it was pretty good. It's Mater from McQueen. Brenna was going to draw something for me to take a picture of but I think she got side tracked and didn't finish it. :)