It was a long journey to get here … our oldest three boys started asking for a dog since, well, they could say the word “DOG!”
I was NOT excited about having a dog. I had a hard enough time keeping up with our boys, I didn’t want another thing to take care of!
However, this quote resonated with me….
“Every boy should have two things: a dog and a mother who lets him have one.”
― Robert Benchley
In 2013, we told George and Clark that when Paul was potty-trained, we’d get a dog! They were overjoyed. However…
Just as Paul was potty-trained, I found out I was pregnant. So, they boys got a BROTHER instead of a dog. Thankfully, they were okay with that … for a while.
Every subsequent Christmas and birthday – the number one requested item was: A DOG.
In 2020…we finally decided it was time. And you all know why. This year we were all stuck at home with plenty of time on our hands!
We got serious about looking for a Goldendoodle. However, I didn’t realize how expensive they could be. I was NOT going to pay what most people were asking.
I told the boys that if we were going to get a dog, we would have to find the right one, for the right price.
So the boys started praying. They asked God for a golden doodle dog for a ‘good price.’
I also saw Clark googling:
“Goldendoodles for less than one thousand dollars.”
For several months, we couldn’t find one. But then…we went for a visit to Tulsa.
Randomly at dinner, I told a friend that we were searching for a golden doodle, but could not find one for a decent price. This friend gave me the number of a local breeder who sells them for a very reasonable price.
There was MORE great news:
I knew the breeder’s family! I had worked with her brother-in-law in Colorado Springs!
I had friends with her dogs.
She had a litter recently born and they’d be available the same week that my in-laws would be visiting us in Minnesota!
Ted and I SECRETLY went to meet the puppies and of course, we fell in love. It’s hard to meet a puppy and not BUY a puppy!
This was finally the right breeder, the right dog, at the right time and the right price!!!
We bought one.
However…it was a secret. We would surprise the boys the week before Christmas!
When the puppy was ready, Papa and Nana picked him up and and drove him from Tulsa all the way to our home in Minnesota.
The Big Puppy Surprise:
When they were just a few minutes away, I took the boys upstairs. I told them we had to hang out in my room for a little while because dad had to work on something for Christmas.
While we were upstairs, Ted greeted Nana and Papa at the door and let them in. They put the crate in front of the Christmas tree, they put the puppy in the crate, and a blanket over the crate. Nana and Papa stood in front of the crate, blocking it from view.
Then…Ted came upstairs, knocked on my door, told the boys he was ready…and they came downstairs.
The boys were SOO excited to see their Nana and Papa.
Then, Nana and Papa moved to show the crate. They removed the blanket and showed them the REAL surprise – their PUPPY!
They exclaimed this as the BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!!
The Best Christmas ever!
The best dog ever!
The best parents ever!
The best nana and papa ever!
They were thrilled and oh, what a memory!
Why the name?
All the men in our family have a “W” in their middle names…so we wanted our dog’s name to start with a W.
Here’s a fun and simple activity to do with your kids: Salt dough ornaments.
My boys aren’t always into crafty things – but when they heard their cousins made and SOLD some of their ornaments, my boys were all in! They always love a way to earn money – right now they are saving up to buy a DOG! (This was their idea, not mine)
.
The salt dough recipe is simple:
2 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1 cup of water
Mix with a wisk, and then your hands.
Flour a surface, then roll out the dough until it’s about a quarter inch thick
Cut into shapes
Use a drinking straw to poke a hole at the top of the ornament for the string to go through
To make the Snowman Ornament:
Use a cup to make circles
Take a little piece of the dough and form it into the shape of a carrot
Press the nose on top of the circle
Press divots in the dough for the eyes and mouth. I used the bottom of a paint brush.
Bake at 175 degrees for 3 hours.
Let them sit for 1 hour.
Paint with acrylic paint or water colors.
Seal with Modge Podge.
Tie a string through the hole.
Hang on your tree, gift wrap, or sell.
My boys …Selling their handmade ornaments to neighbors
The boys put their earnings in this jar and tied one of their dog bone salt dough ornaments around it!
A lady I enjoy listening to, raised four amazing sons and swears by the power of spending time with your kids around the table – not just eating, but staying to play games. She said the boys didn’t always want to play, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Playing together opens up conversations you may not normally have. Games make you laugh and connect in a new way.
A really fun and simple activity that can act as a physics lesson and opportunity for an experiment. Make a simple ramp using cardboard or a piece of wood, and roll different objects down: measure how far they go, how fast they roll, or hold races between different kinds of balls to see which wins!
.
7. Go Fishing With Magnets
Create “fishing poles” using pencils, string, and magnets.
Place a variety of items in a bin–some magnetic, some otherwise–and let them go to town exploring the concept of magnetism!
.
8. Draw self portraits
Luke age 5
Have your kids look in the mirror and do a self portrait!
Be sure to have them write their name and age. It will be fun to look back on this when they are older.
You could have them repeat this every year around their birthday to see how their drawings improve!
.
9. Make a Flip Book Animation
Kids can learn how to make a flipbook animation in less than 5 minutes. All you need is a pen and a stack of paper, or even better, a sticky note pad. This video is a great and very quick tutorial
Here is one of my son’s first flip book, using index cards:
If you have snow like we do, this is fun for all ages!
.
12. Skiing
Luke learning to ski and LOVING it!
Skiing requires gloves, you can wear a mask, it’s outdoors and fairly easy to stay ‘socially distant.’ Many ski resorts have special rates and lessons for beginners.
.
13. Play with shaving cream
.
14. Have a make your own pizza and family movie night
My fourth grade teacher once gave us the title “The Entire City Lends a Hand” and had the class each write their own story. Read a rendition of that here.
If you have kids who are 8 and older, they can earn money or serve their neighbors by shoveling, cleaning up leaves, or helping any other outdoor task.
.
40. Find a place to explore!
Though there are some places that are closed for Covid, you can still find a new place to explore with your kids!
Being bored is a natural part of life as a kid. Try not to offer an immediate solution to their boredom and see what they come up with! It’s often in times of boredom that children show their greatest creativity!
Laugh out loud with your family this holiday weekend!
Choose any or all of the simple games below.
Each game requires a one minute timer or stopwatch.
Race the clock for a MINUTE to WIN IT!
1. Junk in the Trunk
Strap an empty tissue box to each player’s waist and put several ping pong balls inside. Tell players they have to get as many balls out as possible without using their hands, in one minute. They can dance, shake, get on all fours — whatever it takes. The player with the fewest ping pong balls in their tissue box at the end wins.
.
2. Tower of Terror
See which player can build the tallest block tower (or use jenga pieces or anything stackable you own) in one minute. If it collapses, the player has to start from scratch.
.
3. One-handed Coin Stacking
Give players a pile of 25 coins and have them stack them using only one hand. Whoever stacks the most coins in one minute wins.
.
4. Rubber Band Shooting Range
Stack several empty soda cans or plastic cups into a pyramid and have players shoot rubber bands at them, attempting to knock down the pyramid. Whoever has the fewest cans standing at the end of one minute wins.
.
5. Wall Bounce
Have participants bounce a ball off the wall and into a bucket. Whoever has the most balls in the bucket at the end wins. To have multiple players at once, simply use different colored balls or write players’ initials on them.
.
6. Keep It Up
Tell players or teams they must keep a balloon afloat for one minute. Additional rules are up to you: tell them they can use only their heads, toes, etc. or just say “anything goes.” If the balloon touches the ground, they’re out. The last person or team standing wins.
.
7. Shoe Flick
Flick it!
Get players to take their heel out of their shoe and attempt to flick it onto a table or chair six feet away using only their feet/legs. If they can get one, have them try to get the other. If their shoe overshoots or falls off the table, they have to start over.
.
8. Anagrams
Pick a fun word or phrase and have players rearrange the letters to create anagrams. For example, the phrase “minute to win it” has more than 5,000 possible anagram combinations such as “timeout,” twin,” and “wine.” Use an anagram generator online for inspiration. Whoever has the most anagrams after 60 seconds wins.
9. State of Fun
Have players write down as many states as they can before the timer goes off.
.
10. Toothpick letters
Give each player a large pile of toothpicks and instruct them to create letters (for littles) or spell out three-letter words (for older kids) without breaking or bending any of the toothpicks. Whoever has the most letters or words when the timer goes off wins.
Here’s what we’ve been up to in September and October:
My boys and a couple of their friends at a local apple orchard.
Luke wakes up and waits at the steps for me to see him, say good morning and give him a hug. I haven’t asked him to wait…it’s just become a tradition.
The boys are in school two days a week, and do school at home three days a week.
Luke in Soccer
Paul in Soccer
Clark in football
This was our first season of FOUR boys in sports! Luke, Paul, and George were in soccer. Clark was in football.
Paul and his friend caught Pike!
Then…it started snowing….
The wonder of snow!
Catching snowflakes
And didn’t stop snowing…
So much snow!
Here the boys are selling hot chocolate to neighbors.
All the snow means SNOW SLUSHEES!
Life Hack: Buy a sweatshirt that makes you look and feel like a teddy bear to get more cuddles!
Rain or shine (or snow) – Paul is ready to fish!
Amazon had a sale on animal crackers. They inspired me to make my favorite childhood treat for my kids – Circus Sundaes! Vanilla Ice Cream, strawberry syrup, animal crackers and whip cream.
Paul asked if he could sleep by Luke. When I checked on them, I found this!
The kids and I said “Goodbye” to Summer and “Hello” to Fall! First, however, we reflected on all that we were able to do in spite of this crazy pandemic.
Here’s our TOP TEN from Summer 2020
1. Family Road Trips
Our Illinois Besties
Family love
Papa’s Ranger
Cousins
Great views of Duluth
Indiana, Illinois, and Duluth, MN
2. Camps
In spite of the pandemic, the boys all did a camp this summer. Luke did a mini sport camp. The 3 big boys got to do a basketball camp and a Survival Camp. The “Survival Camp” was to teach them how to survive if they found themselves stuck in the woods. They created shelter from whatever they could find in the woods, they learned how to start a fire, purify lake water, and use a compass to find their way around the woods.
They loved it, but Paul wondered why their teacher brought stuff into the woods that they wouldn’t really find in the woods (like flint, a fire starter and SMORES).
3. Simple summer fun
The pond at sunset
Buck Hill Hike
Kayaking
Fishing
Clark caught one!
In the land of 10,000 lakes – the boys spent a lot of time in and around the water.
6. Boys at Work
The boys were brainstorming ways to earn money this summer. They decided to start a weeding business. They went door-to-door to ask if the homeowner would like them to pull weeds. The homeowner could “pick their price.” (They did turn down one offer to do an hour of work for $1 – not kidding) Clark asked me how soon weeds grow back. He was thrilled to know that they would have business all summer long – and they did!
George and Clark continued their YouTube channel that started in Quarantine. I loved that it kept them brainstorming, writing, creating and working together. At the time of this post, they have 61 subscribers! George told me that they are putting their video creation on ‘pause,’ but will make more during school breaks. Click here to find their channel.
9. LOTS of yard games!
10. Surprise visit from Nana and Papa
Leave a comment and share a happy memory from summer. Thanks for reading!
It was Ted’s Birthday weekend and we wanted to get out of the Twin Cities and do something fun. A visit to Duluth had been on our Minnesota Bucket List for two years – so we booked a place to stay and invited some friends to join us for the weekend up north. (Bonus, our friends used to LIVE THERE – so they knew all the best spots to visit!!)
We arrived in Duluth on Friday around noon and started the weekend in Canal Park. We walked through a few of the quaint shops and got to the end to see the massive lift bridge. Every 30 minutes, the bridge lifts to let boats come into the Harbour from Lake Superior. You can click here to find the ship schedule.
Moose sighting (sitting?)Watching a glass-blowing class in action
Then we walked to the lighthouse at the end of the loooong pier. My boys were amazed that Superior is really a lake and not an ocean.
We walked back to our hotel to check in, then watched the trucks and tractors working behind the hotel – setting huge boulders in place and creating a large walkway along the lake. Each semi could only hold three boulders. After we watched them work for awhile, we drove to Park Point Beach, which is about an eight minute drive from Canal Park. The drive takes you across the lift bridge – which was fun, and the drive to the beach is nice because you get to enjoy viewing a wide range of homes along the lakefront.
Hanging out behind the hotel, watching the trucks at workThis long truck could only hold 3 boulders
When we arrived at Park Point Beach – full of soft sand and huge, heavy logs that had washed onto the shore. The lake is always VERY cold and since it was late in the day, we weren’t planning to swim. However, the chilly air, the cold water, and lack of swimsuits, did not stop the kids. They were playing in the waves within minutes of our arrival.
They watched the water for about 2 minutes…Then they jumped in and didn’t mind the freezing water. We found a couple cute Sea Turtles
After time at Park Point, we went back to the hotel to dry off and change, then walked to dinner at Canal Street Brewery. The restaurant has a great vibe, and huge windows overlooking the lake. We all enjoyed our meals and would definitely go back.
We’d been watching the weather for several days preceding our trip, and the forecast showed rain and lightning all weekend. Clark asked if we could pray and ask God for nice weather so that we could explore outdoors. God answered our prayer with fantastic weather all day. After getting into bed, it rained all night – but was clear by morning and we had perfect weather for exploring.
Wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
There are two large parking lots – if one is full, there is one just beside it. Both were nearly full when we left, but it didn’t feel overly crowded because the State Park is SO large!
If you are bringing children, I recommend following the trail to the LOWER FALLS. We started at the UPPER falls and found it was DANGEROUS for young, curious children. Our kids wanted to get really close to the edge of the falls, and could have easily fallen over. There is nothing to stop them.
Pack some snacks and a water bottle – All the hiking and water play will make you hungry!
20-30 minutes before you leave, call to make a reservation at the world famous Betty’s Pies. We tried to eat there, but there was too long of a wait. They told us we could call in advance to save our place in line.
Paul caught a HUGE frog!You can get so close to the falls – some people were walking through it.Love this place and these peopleExploring a quiet streamOh George 🙂
We happened to see a sign that said Grand Superior Grille as we were leaving the falls, and stopped here for lunch. The restaurant has sweeping views of the lake, and a well-priced menu. We practically had the place to ourselves and couldn’t believe more people weren’t there. The food and environment were fantastic. George said this was his favorite restaurant we went to all weekend because of the nice environment and good food.
Behind the restaurant is a phenomenal rocky coast.
Skipping rocks
Next, we drove to Brighton Beach but only stayed for a few minutes because it was way too packed. As an alternative, we went to Lester Park. It’s not a beach, but has trails to hike, a playground, and the best part – a beautiful creek to play in. The kids absolutely loved it and could have stayed and played in the creek for HOURS!
Lester Park Tips:
For a calm place to play, use the creek to the left of the playground.
The first creek you see (close to the parking lot) is usually filled with teenagers. Walking a little farther in, is a much better place for kids to explore.
Mom look, I found an L for Luke!Pretty Lester Park TrailsLuke and his friends
.
We talked them into leaving by promising ice cream. I was hoping to go to the historic Portland’s Malt Shop, but we drove by and saw a super long line, so we went back to our hotel and walked to Dairy Queen. While we ate our ice cream, we walked back to the Lift Bridge. The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons and sea gulls, and climbing on the rocks along the coast.
.
I also recommend you visit the fantastic and free Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
.
.
For dinner we ordered pizzas and salads from Vitta Pizza.
Notes on Vitta: Their food is fantastic! I shared an amazing salad with Ted and a couple different pizzas (both SO good). The kids loved the pizza too! I sat inside the restaurant while waiting for our food, and wouldn't recommend eating inside - the food is perfect for take out. (Rating 5/5) Go sit along the pier to eat dinner and share your crumbs with the seagulls.
While the dads took the kids swimming, my friend Mary and I got to enjoy a little quiet time to catch our breath and chat. After dinner, the mamas took the kiddos to bed, and Ted went out with Mary’s husband to rent electric scooters and enjoy some guy time.
The weather was amazing ALL day and I’m so thankful! We got to pack in SO much fun!
Sunday morning we went to a quaint coffee shop called Perk Place. I had the most delicious latte called ‘Honey Bear.’ It’s made with a little cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. We drove around the Congdon area to see some of the historic, ornate mansions. We also drove through the downtown area and saw the famous Duluth Trading Company.
Fun Fact: Duluth once had most millionaires per capita than any other US city. People gained their wealth from the Iron Mining and logging industry.
Our next stop was the GORGEOUS Enger Park. This park has:
A Japanese Garden with a large bell you can ring,
Many paths to explore and rocks to climb
An incredible view of Duluth, the harbor, lift bridge and Lake Superior
A tower with nearly 100 steps and about 5 levels. There are 360 degree views on each level.
.
Great views of DuluthThere’s a smooth path to the tower, but my boys would rather climb the rocky terrainThe Japanese GardenIt’s Ted’s Birthday!
After exploring the park, we headed home with happy hearts. It was an incredible weekend, full of fun adventures with good friends.
.
I’m thrilled that I finally got to see Duluth. There is so much history and beauty in that city – hills and large rocks, cool buildings and restaurants, falls and creeks, and of course, Lake Superior.
Planning to visit Duluth? Here are some recommendations of where to go.
Where to go:
Rose garden – Beautiful and overlooks Lake Superior
Glensheen mansion – explore inside and outside, located on Lake Superior
My son Paul was invited to spend the night at his friend Isaiah’s house. As we were getting out of the car, Paul asked everyone to get out and see a nest of baby birds they had discovered the day before in Isaish’s backyard. The mother had made a nest on a precarious branch in the lower part of a small blue spruce tree.
We went to the back and found that the baby birds and nest had fallen from the tree and were scattered in the backyard. Paul gently picked up the birds, put them back in their nest, and tucked them safely in the tree.
Paul and the baby sparrows
I noticed that Clark’s eyes were glued to the lake. Something out there had his full attention.
‘Mom, look at that TIki boat – it’s stuck and there are people on it. We should go help!’
Immediately, George, Clark, and their friend Landon, grabbed life jackets, put the canoe in the water, and paddled out.
They arrived at the Tiki Boat and discovered four ladies and the boat driver completely stuck in a bog.
They used their oars, strength and ingenuity to get the boat free … only for it to lodge itself deeper 10 yards away. This time it was REALLY stuck.
Two by two, Clark brought the ladies onto shore. George and Landon stayed on the Tiki boat until everyone was safe. They’d be the last ones to come back in.
George and Landon waiting on the Tiki Boat
Clark bringing in the ladies, two by two
Paul and his friend Isaiah, brought the boat driver safely to shore.
Two EIGHT YEAR OLDS saving the 20-something year old boat driver.
Once the women were safely on land, they couldn’t stop praising the brave young men who rescued them. These women were shocked when they saw the boys rowing toward them. They were THRILLED that help had arrived. You see, there are no motor boats on this lake. The Tiki Boat is the only boat with a motor on the entire lake. There was no one coming to help. They were sure they’d have to wade through the muck and mud, holding their Tory Burch shoes and Loius Vitton purses overhead.
The brave young men who saved the Damsels in Distress and the Tiki Boat Driver.
I gave the ladies a ride back to their restaurant. They looked happy to be off the boat – but I’m sure they had a night they’ll never forget.
The ladies gave the older boys a tip. George and Clark say they don’t want to spend the money. They want to save it for the memory. They are also on the lookout for any other damsels in distress.
Update: The Tiki Boat did eventually get free when a homeowner on the lake used a long rope and a four wheeler to pull the boat from the muck, allowing it to motor back to it’s home base – The Charthouse Restaurant.
Clark had asked me last month if he could get a ride on that Tiki boat, but you have to be 18 to ride. It’s pretty ironic that they are too young to ride, but not too young to rescue the passengers aboard!
Ted took George and Clark to help clean up our city.
I participated in my first ‘peace walk’ – “Moms March for Peace.”
I was invited by my friend Lourdmy – both of us are moms raising four sons. She is black, I am white. She asked if I wanted to join her for this peace march. I was happy to walk with her, to listen and to learn. It was an emotional and beautiful event.
Lots of time outside …
On the water and in the water
Fishing – I watched Luke catch a fish for the first time!
Hiking and Picnicking
Swimming, Sprinklers, and Slip in Slides
Luke
Paul
Paul, Luke and their friend
Luke and a friend
The boys fishing with neighbors
Paul and a friend canoeing
Can you spot me and Clark on the paddle boat?
Luke loves his new tank from Target
Swimming at Orchard Lake
It’s been HOT in Minnesota. You’d think that since we have such COLD winters, we should be rewarded with not so hot summers. Nope. Not this June. It’s been HOT and HUMID with endless amounts of mosquitoes.
However, everything is BLOOMING and BEAUTIFUL! There is NEW life everywhere – flowers, baby ducks, toads and turtles.
Here’s an idea for you: Take your kids to the backyard and play a GAME together.
Playing with your kids lowers your stress level and strengthens the bond with your kids!
Here are 3 games to play:
Select one person to be Mr. or Mrs. Fox. This person will stand with his or her back to the rest of the players.
All other players line up on the other side of the yard/field. The players take turns asking Mr. Fox what time it is. The fox will then respond with a time, such as 3 o’clock. The players must then take the same number of steps forward (in this case, 3 steps). These steps may be as large or small as the players wish, no matter how close they get to the fox.
Whenever the fox decides, she or he may yell in response to the question, “It’s LUNCHTIME!” When this happens, the fox will turn around and begin chasing the players with the intent of tagging one.
The players should run back to the starting line where they are safe. Once the fox tags someone, that person becomes Mr. or Mrs. Fox.
Optional Twist: Similar to Sharks and Minnows, after each round, the person who gets tagged JOINS the first Mr. Fox. The number of foxes chasing players increases until there are no longer any players. Then it’s time to start the game with a new fox!
The first team agrees to call one player from the opposite team, and chants, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send (player’s name) on over!”
The person called runs to the other line and attempts to break the chain (formed by the linking of hands).
If the person called fails to break the chain, this player joins the team that called Red Rover. But, if the player successfully breaks the chain, he may capture either of the two players whose link was broken by the dash, and bring them back to his original team.
Teams take turns calling out Red Rover and challenging a player on the opposing team.
Alternately – if they break the chain, they join hands with that line. We played this version in the video below.
“It” holds the ball and all the other players circle around him.
“It” then throws the ball straight up in the air while calling out a name.
While the player is catching the ball, all other players scatter and get as far away as they can from the person catching the ball.
The player whose name was called must catch the ball and yell “SPUD!”
The players who are running away must then stop in their tracks when they hear the word SPUD.
The player with the ball takes 3 steps in the direction of any person, then tries to throw the ball and hit one of the other players.
If the player hits someone, then that player he hits becomes “It,” if he misses, he is “It.”
Variations:
If a player who’s name was called catches the ball without letting it bounce, they can then throw the ball in the air and call another name. Then that player must run back and try and catch the ball.
If the person takes 3 steps and misses someone, they can take 4 more steps and try and hit another player.
Here’s a video of all three games. Stay tunes for some silly scenes at the end!
Build a Marble Maze / Labrynth
