The Mystery Tour

It was a great time. I wish I had remembered the camera. I will give you a quick run down of what we did.....

We got to the bus at 7 am. We were on the road by 7:30 and they were passing out the firs round of cocktails. We then went to a store in Minneapolis called "The Fun Sister" it's knock off store, lots of cute cheap stuff! Then we were off to Hudson WI. I went to a wine tasting at the Nova restaurant. i must say I have never had a buzz before 10 am! Then to lunch. We went to the Rosedale Mall and were sent on a scavenger hunt and bound together by rope (my team won!). Then to the hotel to get ready for dinner! We went to a place called "The Independent" for drinks and apps. Then we went to a interactive dinner theater called "We got a Bingo".

The next day started with breakfast at the hotel. We piled on the bus and before we had left the parking lot the bus had "problems". We unloaded back into the hotel and there we found a class set up for us to learn how to juggle. We then went to Spicer, MN and had lunch at a B&B. called Spicer Castle. It was a beautiful place. We played some games and then we headed back. On the way back we stopped in Darwin, MN and saw the world's largest ball of twine! Ooooh the excitement! While on the bus we were always playing games and such. It was a great time and I suggest it to anyone!

This is the company who planned it all.

Mystery Van Tour

Asa was showing the dolphin the shirt Nanny and Jaja got him in FL (there was a dolphin on it). Later when the dolphin swam close both Asa and Grace jumped back. I laughed.
The kids on "Tropical Trail".
I don't know if you can see it in this photo but there is a scuba diver in the aquarium chatting with the kids. Asa was in such awe. He even got to ask him a question! There was a man walking around with a micro phone and the scuba gear was equipped with a microphone too! So the kids and the diver could chat!
Yeah he thought the diver was so cool he wore this for a half hour!

The kids were so entertained by my Mystery bus tour that we a did a mini version and I took pictures! I packed up a lunch and we got into the van and I told the kids we were off. They asked me lots of questions and I answered none of them. When Asa saw the zoo sign he started "WWWWOOOOOOHHOOOO"ing. I was surprised on how happy they were to go to the zoo.

genetics are a crazy thing

just wasting time

The kids are playing outside and the ever sick Zeke sleeps upstairs. I thought I would post to pass the time till I bring Zeke to the dr. He has been running a temp off and on for the past week (more on than off really) so I finally got called the Doc this morning when his temp was 104.3. Poor kid. If my gut is right Im thinking ear infection. We will see though. I went to a conference (vineyard church thing) this past weekend that was pretty ok. Nothing shocking or earth shattering but a good time none the less. Umm I think that is about all the excitement in my life. Oh yeah I have a VLI final today. I am only partially ready. So after the doctor appt I am going to cram.

I am going to be hosting my first Eater dinner this year. I am looking forward to it. My parents are going to be coming down and I have invited a good chunk of folk from the church and neighborhood too! I will post photos ;)

Alright time to go wake up Mr. Sickiepants and make the trek to the Dr's office.

Ooooooo I almost forgot! I am going on a mystery bus tour this weekend! I am very much looking forward to it. I am going with my friend Tabitha and we are getting on a bus in Lakeville heading who knows where and doing who knows what! The cost includes hotel, food and transport and entertainment! I think I will bring my camera and take some photos there too! Living in the cities can be so much fun!

Phots By Zeke

The underside of the computer table with a little finger in the upper right side.
Again with the table but note the position of the finger has changed.
Yeah I know what you are thinking with this one (a little cheeky bum) but no, two little chubby fingers.
And the last photo of me trying to get the camera away from the new little photographer!

This One is For You Uncle Jed!

Asa was looking through Uncle Jed and Auntie Molly's Blog and turned and told me "I wanna be bulbed like Uncle Jed!" Yeah, no that wasn't a spelling error by me. Asa think bald is bulbed. I love it! That and the machine that shortens grass is a mow lawner. I love this age!
This is for you Uncle Jed, you now have your very own mini-me!

Another Great Picture From My Uncle Joe!

This is my Dad and his family. Back Row L to R is my Grandfather Antonio, my Grandmother Iolanda, my ever so good looking Dad. My Aunt Ilse, she is holding my cousin Tony. Front is my uncle Angelo and my cousin Pia. If you are wondering why they all look so solemn this photo was taken the day my Father left for Vietnam.

I Love This! I Whish I Had Found This Years Ago!

I found this through a blog I check occasionally it's called Parent Hacks. Its called the Diaper Valet pure genius! Click the links to check out both sites. I got the diaper valet in the "lucky in love" print and the long handle. I love it!

Bath Chat

I am still having issue with google video. So click this link and watch Zeke

Snow...lots of it!

It has snowed just in time for spring! I mean really where was this stuff 3 months ago! I'm truly not too heart broken. Barnabas got sent home from work today and was told to work from home tomorrow too! I know you all up in Duluth are in much worse shape than we are down here. Cheers to snow fun!

The long Awaited Photos

Funny Face

We're in!

Grace Victoria Howard will be attending Yinghua Academy this fall!

Stuck in the House

So it's been a rough week. Odd stomach illnesses have found their home here in the Howard house. Zeke has been pooping slime since Sunday. Just when I think he is on the up swing he overflows his diaper and literally fills his pants. Sigh. Barnabas came home from work yesterday with gut ills. He wasn't feeling all that great on Valentine's Day either but put up a good show and we all went out to dinner and then a movie. Asa that poor little guy redecorated his bed at 1 am on Thursday. Grace comes running in our room "Mom, Dad! Asa Puked!" Sigh. So I wonder if we will ever be healthy around these parts ever again. Well Zeke has just toddled by and whew, that sure isn't perfume I smell. Off to change another diaper!

To Eat to Sleep It's a Tough Choice. Why Not Do Both?

Zeke was mid-bite when he fell asleep yesterday. He is too sweet!

My Family

This is my Grandpa Antonio and Grandma Iolanda. I teared up a little when I saw this. My Grandpa died when I was about 3 and my Grandma, as of late, has been declining cognitively. In the middle of all of this I have seemed to have forgotten how full of life she was. She was (and still can be) one spicy lady!
My Dad (with a killer mono-brow), my Uncle Angelo and cousin Pia.

My Dad's Graduation in 1967. I love that suit!

Christmas in Vietnam. My Dad is the one in the white t-shirt.


My uncle Joe has been scanning and preserving family photos. He will occasionally send me some. Here are some of my favorites.

Google Hates Me

So google video won't load to my blog for some reason. Click this link and you will get to see another video of Zeke.

The Review

So when I started Homeschooling I said I would review every year and kinda just check out whats out there and see whats available. I have heard of this place before but some how stumbled on it again. I went for a visit and I was instantly impressed. I have never seem teachers so involved and having so much fun! So we put in an application and are keeping our fingers crossed. Feel free to cross your fingers for us too! We find out February 23rd if we get in or not. I will keep you posted!

If I Could Freeze Him in Time

I love this age! The little chubby fingers. Trying to eat 3 graham cracker sticks at once. It's all too sweet.

Two Peas in a Pod