Maci Officially Turns 10 & We Prep for AFC Championship Sunday!

Weekdays

• Monday - 
• Maci turned the big 10!!!
• She opened presents in the morning and then got to see her "card my yard" sign in the front yard on her way to the bus
• I went up to Greenwood and had a Subway lunch with my girl
• They came home on the bus so they could spend more time with her sign and enjoy the birthday
• For Dinner, we headed to Applebee's, our girls choice and they sang to her!

Our Girl is 10!

Morning Snaps

Maci got a pair of Diamond Earrings from Mom & Dad

God Mommy Christie Awesome Gifts

Grandparent Gilroy Crafts for Gifts

Lunch visit

• Tuesday - 
• I had some co-workers in town so Clint managed the kiddos at night and I headed out for some dinner and drinks with my out of town pals
• Wednesday - 
• I had a conference call with Maci and her teacher so we could brag on Maci and her increased reading scores.  This has been a big focus and goal for Maci and she is crushing it - we are so proud of our girl and her effort!!!
• I then picked up Maci in the afternoon for her 10 year well check.  Her Dr can't believe how strong she is just muscle on muscle :). She is 60th percentile height and 40th percentile for weight - long and lean!  
• After her Dr apt, she wanted to come with me back to my office so she had fun drawing on my white board while I finished my meetings and work for the day.  She really wants to come to my work for an entire day now and says I have my own room HAHA aka an office!
• After long days, we decided to skip both religion class and soccer camp for the night and just rest as a family.
• Thursday - 
• Maci had soccer practice at 7p and I took her again so I could walk the track and get some good steps in :)
• Clint also left late afternoon with the neighborhood guys to up north for their annual snowmobile trip

Friday : 

• The kids had no school and I worked from home - thankfully they are getting better and better at leaving me alone especially when I am on calls
• At night we debated going to the Wayzata High School basketball game but Maci really didnt want to go and I was tired/didnt feel like going in the cold so we watched movies instead

Saturday : 

• Connor had a Basketball game at 8a and as expected that was a titch too early for all of us.  Connor yawned most of the game, Maci was cranky on the sideline and I just wanted a nap
• We got some breakfast afterward and the kids watched their screens while I took a nap!
• We slept through Maci's soccer practice, oops but dang did it feel good to get some sleep
• I then started to get stuff done around the house before Clint and the guys got back home around 830p
• We finished the night with some TV and relaxing

Sunday :

• LETS GO BENGALS!!!
• We have been getting all our to dos done so we can fully focus on the game later today!
• Clint ran Connor to an indoor playground and Maci has her friend Isla over for a playdate, the same pal that had gotten sick and couldn't come to her party last week 
• Isla will leave at 3p
• We will watch the Eagles vs 49ers and then all lock into the Bengals vs Chiefs later today!
• It is so fun to have a team that is really in it to win it each year right now :) A real first - either way super proud of this team!!!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Maci's 10th Birthday Party & Bengals Keep Rolling!!

Delayed in posting this one b/c last Sunday was TOO much fun with the Bengals dominance over the Bills!!

Weekdays:

• Monday - 
• MLK Jr Holiday for Clint, me and the kids made for a lazy day around the house and sleeping in after the big Bengals win against the Ravens!  I then went to the dentist for my 6 mo cleaning at 4p.  Afterward I had to pick up Connor's coat from the Ninja Warrior place b/c Clint and Connor left his coat there after the party on Sunday 🙄
• Tuesday - 
• Kids were still off school but this time they went to Wayzata Kids b/c Clint and I had to head back to work 
• Wednesday - 
• Happy 2nd Birthday to our dear Rosie!
• Connor had Religion Class in the evening at 615p and Maci had soccer practice at 630p.
• Clint kindly ran the kids to both and I picked up Connor while Clint picked up Maci
• Thursday - 
• Snowy day and I made it through the wetness to meet a vendor for coffee
• Clint had a vendor event in the afternoon at Top Golf
• Maci had practice at 7p and I took her and walked with the moms around the track while she practiced.

Friday :

• I had lunch with a former coworker Danielle 
• We had a super lazy family night at home in the evening

Saturday :

• Connor had a basketball game in the morning and did great, nice passing and dribbilng!
• Maci then had a soccer practice at 1p
• We then got everything ready for Maci's birthday party at Kobe
• We headed to the Japanese hibachi steakhouse at 5p - Maci had 6 of her best buddies join us, 1 was sick or we would have had 7 :)
• The girls were great at dinner and then we hauled them all back to our house where we did cupcakes, presents and then the girls did all sorts of pre teen fun - talking giggling and playing on the iPad.
• All the girls left around 9p except for Natalie who spent the night.
• Maci had a great 10th birthday party!

Look at this big girl!!

Sweet & Silly thangs!

So happy!

Livi

Nora

Kate

Natalie

Harper

Rowan

Sunday : 

• Busy Day!
• Natalie got picked up at 930a
• Around that same time, I was running Connor to a birthday party at Urban Air at 10a
• Clint met his former boss for a beer at 12p 
• The bengals started at 2p and Clint got home just in time
• What an awesome game the Bengals played vs the Bills!  So fun and a few too many beers which is why this blog wasn't done on time :)

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Sports, Birthday Parties and Playoff Fun!

Weekdays:

• Monday - I had a conversation with the kids principal (he is great!) about some language that has been used on the bus recently via some kids at a new stop.  Other than that, fairly uneventful Monday.
• Tuesday - Maci had an ortho apt to have her braces tightened and all things are looking great!
• Wednesday - The kids had a late start due to icy roads so I ended up working from home to make life easier.  In the evening, Clint ran Connor to his religion class and I took Maci to her soccer camp.
• Thursday - Maci had soccer practice that Clint ran her to in the evening.

Friday :

• The kids had an at home learning day so they were home with me while Clint went into the office
• I started my day by listening to the UHG earnings call - another great year for UHG!
• At lunch, I ran to Oak Eatery to have lunch with my former co-worker and friend Lauren.  This allowed Maci to show me how good she can be when home alone with Connor for a little over an hour and thankfully they did great!!
• I got home in time to catch up with another colleague and then had a super productive afternoon before calling it for the day.
• Clint picked up Black Sheep Pizza for dinner
• After dinner, he did a Target pick up for me and the kids and I then made a Valentine's Day trail mix.

This girl took her at home learning challenges seriously

She built a reading fort!

These 2 are thick as thieves

Saturday :

• Busy Day!
• I started the day with an 8a massage - Lovely!
• I got home and we were off to Connor's 940a Basketball game - I was amazed how good he is with dribbling at his age and he made 3 baskets - so cute!!
• Afterward, we headed to get Connor's haircut at 11a
• Then we hurried home for Clint to get ready for his massage at 12p
• While he was at his massage, I took a cat nap!
• Around 2p we were off to Eden Prairie for Maci's soccer scrimmage against the other Academy team.  She had some great passes and played well!
• We got home, watched some playoff football and got ready for a night out with the Brubacher's!
• We enjoyed some yummy Mexican food, Tequila cocktails and then grabbed some beers at McCormick's afterward.  We watched the Jags come back on the Chargers before heading home for the night.

Sure do love watching these girls do what they love!

Sunday :

• We got groceries ordered and had some breakfast after sleeping in
• Then we started to watch a lot of NFL pre-game and working on laundry
• The 'Phins kicked off at 12p here and at 2p I was running Connor to his buddy Brooks' 7th birthday party
• I continued to cheer on those Dolphins with Clint and they did SO MUCH BETTER than any of those thought they would - I even thought they were going to pull off the W at times
• Clint then went to pick up Connor from the party at 430p while I started watching the Vikings game.
• We continue to watch the Vikings now and are getting ready for the big Bengals game tonight - lots of prayers and excitement for this game!  We are all off tomorrow which makes a later night not so painful!

We hope you are all enjoying this time of year and having a great start to your 2023!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Lots of Snow, Kid Sports & End of NFL Regular Season!

Weekdays:

• Monday - A lovely holiday at home!  We finished getting everything ready for the week back at work and school and finished our puzzle/relaxed etc. We then all settled in for the big MNF game of the Bengals vs the Bills but woah did that take a scary turn that no one was expecting.  Clint and I spent the rest of the night listening to the news and seeing if there were any updates

Our finished masterpiece!

Cincinnati made me so proud!

• Tuesday - We both worked from home as some crazy snow was coming.  The kids ended up letting school out at noon so our kids came home on the bus and we all had a cozy night at home.
• Wednesday - Ugh so much snow so we are all home again but this time even school was closed!  This was not the way we all intended to head back to our routine in the new year!  At least it made for another cozy day at home and the kids actually behaved quite well while Clint and I worked.
• Thursday - Finally a full day at school and we both went into the office!  Yay real clothes and people other than our immediate family :)  I picked up the kids after work and Clint ran Maci to her soccer practice while I worked a little late to catch things up at home.

Friday :

• Clint headed into the office and I worked from home.
• I ran to the school to get the kids at 9a for their 6 month dental cleaning.  Both had great check ups with no cavities.  Connor was pretty nervous b/c he has lots of wiggly teeth and he is scared they are going to hurt or the dentist will knock them out.  However, he was a trooper and worked through his fears.  
• I got quite a few calls and work done before heading back to the school at 1p to pick up Connor again.  This time Connor and I were heading to his 7 year well check and he wouldn't be going back to school for the day.  Connor got a gold star for his overall health.  He is still in 80% for height and just a little less for weight.  
• After his apt, we booked it home to beat Maci and the bus.  We got home and I got back to work while Connor waited anxiously by the door to run out and tell his buddies from the bus that he was already home HA
• Clint got home and ordered pizza for us while I wrapped up a late call to end the week 
• We ended our evening with a dip in the hot tub and then crashing

Saturday :

• Made some breakfast and then had to get rolling for all the kids sports!
• Clint and Connor were off to Connor's 1st basketball game - I really wanted to be there but it wasn't going to work with Maci's mini tournament 
• Connor's team play 3 mini 10 min games and they won all 3!!
• While they were wrapping up basketball, Maci and I were at Minnetonka High School dome for a mini soccer tourney.
• Unfortunately we lost 0-1 to this one Minnetonka team that drives us nuts and we usually beat them.  However, in game 2 we won 2-1 and Maci was one of the goal scorers.  She had a beauty into the top left corner of the net and thankfully Clint and Connor were there in time to see this score.  Clint was quite impressed she could put so much power on the ball.  
• After the games, Connor, Maci and I headed to Subway for some lunch while Clint headed home to get some chores rolling.  We also swung by Crumble cookies for a 4 pack, Yum!
• Once home, we watched football and got after many weekend to dos completed.
• We enjoyed some Sushi for dinner and did another dip in the hot tub before watching TV in bed.

Sunday :

• Slept in and then ordered some Perkins for Breakfast and made some cinnamon rolls.
• We got some things done around the house and I had to run to Dick's sporting goods to have a security tag taken off some boots I ordered online.
• I got home just in time for the 12p games to kick off.  Thankfully the Bengals did it again and are the AFC North Champions 2x in a row!  Also, Clint's Dolphins barely got it done and are also in the playoffs - somehow ;)
• Now we are getting ready for dinner, enjoying more football and preparing for a full week ahead!

They love each other, even if they don't always act like it!

Let's go boys!!

We hope your 2023 is off to a great start!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

No Work, No School = We Love Winter Break!!!

Weekdays:

• Monday - We headed out to lunch at Bunny's while our cleaning lady came.  After lunch we did a Target run for a few grocery items and for the kids to spend their gift cards etc.  We bought a handful of Switch games and Maci bought a new Rainbow High doll.  Another afternoon of naps, game playing etc.

I don't feel like buying the Basketball Pictures so here are the previews HA

So Much Fun!

• Tuesday - Maci and I had an early morning!  We were out of the house before 7a for her Holiday Classic 5v5 Soccer tournament.  This was not directly through her club so parents volunteer to coach and I was coaching the Slayin Santas while another mother helped with the Clever Clauses.  Maci's team slayed the competition winning 6-2 and then 9-2 in the 1st and 2nd games.  We then went out to eat for lunch as a team before coming back for game 3.  Clint and Connor got there in time for game 3 but unfortunately we played a really strong club team who put their entire team on this 5v5 so we had 1 sub and they had like 6.  Our girls fought so hard but ultimately lost 4-2.  We hung around as the Clever Clauses made it to the Championship game but had to play the team that beat us as they won bracket 1.  Unfortunately, more of the same, they hung so well but with only 1 sub again they ultimately fell 5-2.  Even though there were tears and ended not the way we had wanted, it was such a fun morning and afternoon with my gal.  Once home, Maci and I napped + I went to bed early and Clint had the Harty's over for bourbon and Golden Tee fun.

• Wednesday - I don't even recall what we did HA!  I think we puzzled, ice skated, watched TV, played Switch etc - LOVE THESE HOLIDAY LAZY DAYS!!

Model Selfies I find in my photo albums

This beauty has had fun playing with some makeup lately

• Thursday - Another lazy day followed by a super fun neighborhood night at the rink!  The Harty's put a bonfire out, the kids played endless hockey - our kids used their new sticks from Santa - and the adults had cocktails.  Such a great group of neighbors and a fun holiday evening!

Friday : 

• Clint had to work today as they all took a turn covering a day.  So he went into the office while I was home with the kiddos.
• We were super duper lazy with the only real to do was to take Rosie to the groomer at 3p
• Clint picked Rosie up around 5p on his way home
• Shortly after he was home, we were dressed and off to the Ice Castle event at a winery in Delano.
• It was super COLD but fun.  Connor had an attitude which wasn't appreciated and therefore got nothing from the gift shop but apologized for his behavior once we got home.  Once home, we walked over to the rink and said hi to the Harty's friends who just got in town from southern MN and Iowa.  They are 2 of the couples going to Costa Rica with us later this winter/early spring.  All the kids were playing hockey but in their boots so our kids jumped right in and played until about 830p.
• We then hurried home and got some popcorn and pistachios out as we were hosting the Harty's and their friends for a night of ladies hot tub and dudes doing Golden Tee and bourbon tasting.
• We didnt wrap until 130a so needless to say we were all pretty tired and ready for bed :)

Saturday :

• Happy NYE!!
• All of us slept in after a late night!
• We put away our holiday gear, did some laundry, ordered groceries from HyVee & Costco and also enjoyed some couch time while the kids sledded with the Harty's and their friends' kiddos.
• We watched the Michigan game and were hoping they could pull it off given my friend Rachelle's husband is the D Coordinator but no such luck.
• The adults all went to Farmer's Eatry in St Michael for a NYE dinner and drinks while the kids all hung out at the Harty's.
• Once back at the Harty's, the kids ate pizza, the adults got new beverages and we settled in to watch the OSU game.  What a total disappointment in the final moments as I swore we had that one!!!!
• We had taken all the kids to bed and then started playing cards but after the ball drop, Clint and I headed home as Maci and Connor really wanted to celebrate with us and hadn't fallen asleep yet!

Sunday :

• Happy 2023!!!
• Another sleep in day!!!  Dang we need an early bedtime tonight HA
• We got some stuff done around the house and watched Clint's Dolphins fall apart against the Patriots.  I ran Connor to his buddy Chuck's house for a play date.
• We are now watching the Vikings get their booty whooped by the Packers while we start making some dinner together.  Connor is napping and Maci is ice skating across the street :)
• Clint and I are looking forward to an evening in the hot tub and one more day off from work and school tomorrow!  This has been such a great break but also good to get back into the routine of things.

Midnight with my buddy Tena

My fav little people :)

We hope you have also had a wonderful holiday season and wish you a healthy and happy 2023!!

Lots of Love, 

C, K, M & C