Rosie Red Mondell Joins Our Home!

Monday : 

• Long day back post a good weekend for all of us but I wrapped the day with a nice long walk with Tena - such great weather!!

Tuesday : 

• I went into the office today 
• Our kids enjoyed the amazing weather at school and at home after their day wrapped

Wednesday : 

• A super long day at the office for me with not getting home until about 800p BUT I got to catch up with a former co-worker on the drive home and we got a more recent picture of Diamond (about to be Rosie) so all in all a great day!

Thursday : 

• Tena's Birthday!  
• We had full days with both of us at home but we had a break in our morning with Jane Marie, interior designer, popping by to give us some recommendations for some decorating touches on the house (kitchen back plash, living room furniture layout, lighting fixtures, carpet etc).  We look forward to seeing what she thinks!
• I got some late night work prep wrapped and then Clint and I headed over to the Harty's to share a cocktail with Tena and Nate for her birthday, they are heading to FL the next day for a long weekend with some friends

Friday : 

• Normal work day followed by gymnastics with the kiddos
• We then ate at Sunshine Factory before coming home to cleaning some stuff up around the house and my email inbox. 
• Completed All American Season 2 

Saturday : 

• Up for Maci's soccer at 7a and while Clint took her I got some clean up done around the house and for work 
• They brought home bagels for breakfast and we continued to do house chores, plan meals, order groceries etc
• We had a busy morning b/c we knew once we did the Puppy Drop that the rest of the day would be all about Rosie!
• Around 1230p we left the house to get lunch at Countryside Cafe and the kids still had zero clue about what the surprise was, so many guesses but not on the money!
• We then drove to Cabela's and pulled to the pet exercise area in the back and saw all the puppies playing in a grassy area 💖
• Clint video taped me and the kids on our walk up - Connor was lost and Maci was slowly registering that these are puppies but took a while to realize we were getting one!!
• Rosie was playing with a sister puppy and we happily grabbed her and let the kids play with her while I got paperwork etc.  Within 10 mins, we were off in the car taking her home.  She did great on the ride and then we played outside for almost an hour.
• She LOVES to chase the kids up and down the hill in the back, so cute!  She follows Maci everywhere, does not love a leash yet but really loves exploring our big yard!
• We took a family walk to the neighborhood park with me carrying her at points - she is currently 8.3 lbs.  Maci wouldn't play on the playground, she wanted to sit with Rosie, walk Rosie, show her to her friends at the playground etc.  She is head over heels!  Also a gorgeous day to get a puppy with sunshine and almost 60 degrees!
• At 6p Kaitlin came as we had a pre-planned date night
• She was awesome with the kids and dogs, Boomer is totally ignoring Rosie and the only time she has barked is when she wants Boomer to play with her and he just stares at her. HA
• We got home and then started the really long night!  Poor Rosie will be crate trained and this was her first night away from mom and siblings + Boomer didn't want to go anywhere near her crate when she whined.  We let her go on and off from about 11:30p to 1:15a.  Clint then got up and let her out which helped but then back to whining.  So Clint got up and came down to lie by the crate and humm to her.  This worked and she then slept from about 2a to 6a.  We also lost an hour of sleep so we are all zombies walking here today!

Clueless Saturday Morning

So Excited

Car Ride

So Much Fun Outside at Home

Both Kids Love her but Maci is clearly her Person

Sunday : 

• Maci and Connor woke up at 6a (not like them and that is usually 5a so they will be exhausted tonight!) They right away took on carrying for her so Clint and I laid in bed until about 8a (usually 7a ugh!). She is the calmest sweetest dog when not in the kennel and even in the kennel she just cries :(
• Clint ran to get donuts at Cub for Cael's 12th birthday since Tena/Nate are out of town and when he was back we were all chugging coffee.
• We had several rounds of playing outside, only 1 pee accident so far when she was with the kids this morning.
• She then napped with Clint in the basement and me on the couch. 
• We are about to take a walk to the park again soon and then I need to do some work prep.
• We have a yummy dinner planned at home tonight, early bed times for the kids and lazy couch time for Clint/me and Rosie so she is ready for her crate and some different strategies for more rest tonight.

Sunday Morning Snuggles 

We can't wait for all of you to meet this sweet thang and we look forward to Boomer warming up to the idea of running and playing vs staring at her HAHA 😜

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

AMAZING WEATHER!

Monday : 

• Normal day of Clint and I working from home, kids at school and preparing for a Friday workshop 

Making a paper plate pig while rocking a skeleton sweatshirt

Tuesday : 

• I headed into the office 
• We got Maci signed up for golf lessons in May 

Table Fun w. Classmates

Wednesday : 

• I headed into the office again and Clint did as well today
• I had a fairly long day so Clint took Maci to her monthly religion at night and I hung with Connor man

Thursday : 

• I was back at the house along with Clint
• Kids had picture day and we were smart about preparing the night before and then taking a few shots in case the real deal doesn't turn out - they are so dang cute!
• We did hot tub with the Harty's after I had some late calls/reviews etc

So Handsome

Such a sweet and pretty girl

They drive us crazy but dang do we also love them like crazy

Connor Playing a game in class 

Friday : 

• I headed into the office since I was facilitating a workshop with our LT from 12-5p and meeting some of Pioneer consulting firm's people
• Given the meeting went until 5p, Clint took kids to gymnastics solo and when I got home, we ate/crashed

Story time with one of their many teacher helpers, Connor is on the end in the blue tie dye shirt

Saturday : 

• We got up and sent Clint/Maci off to 8a soccer
• I sipped coffee and talked to my mom 
• Did some things around the house, got ready for the day and took a power nap before heading to meet Chris Deery (former co-worker for lunch)
• The Harty's kept an eye on our kids who were playing outside b/c Clint had a massage scheduled to slightly overlap with my lunch 
• After I got home, we took a walk to the park with our kids and Tyce
• We got Benihana take out for dinner and I unfortunately fell asleep during bedtime for the kids so Clint hit the neighborhood fire up solo but I got a GREAT night sleep!

Maci and Tyce can be the best of friends - this is how they had their lunch on Saturday afternoon 

Sunday : 

• Got up and took a walk with Clint as we are having 50 degree weather - almost hit 60 today!
• Got jumping on all the household to dos since I was a titch lazy yesterday
• Clint took down the Christmas lights outside while the kids played.
• I got things done inside and then took a nice 3 mile walk with Tena
• We finished doing things around the house, did some work prep for the week and now I am wrapping the blog and about to help with bath time!

We are so excited for Spring and these next few 60+ days are such a needed tease after mainly being home all winter long!  We have another busy week ahead but love how we accomplish all the things as a team!

We hope you also are seeing signs of spring and look forward to sunny/warmer days soon!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Puppy Selected & Awesome Saturday Weather!

Maci's Amazing Strength, Flexibility and Constant Gymnastics

HA this is so our kids!

Monday :
We selected our puppy from the litter and while we were the 5th to choose, we got our top choice - Diamond (a curly pup and largest of the girls) - we will be changing her name and the kids are still clueless

School work

Wednesday : 
Clint and I both headed into our respective offices which is a nice way of breaking up the weeks

Painting Fun

Thursday : 
I headed into the office again but Clint was at home.  I had a very early Wed and Thurs start so was pretty tired when I got home.  Tena is on a diet and minimizing her drink intake so we skipped Thursday night hot tub which at least allowed for an earlier bedtime.

Friday : 
After work, I had dinner/drink plans with the new momma pals who I haven't seen since summer cabin which was such a nice way to end the week.  Clint managed the kiddos at gymnastics and then got them noodles for dinner.  I got home around 930p and kissed them kiddos in bed.

Brave Teachers - Even more Painting 

Thankful for them using over sized old shirts!

Saturday :
Maci had soccer in the morning and I got started on finalizing our taxes, laundry etc.  Once Clint and Maci were home we got loaded into the car and headed to Ridgedale mall.  We got the kids new gym shoes and sandals for summer.  Clint got some running shoes and I was able to return the 2nd 1st communion dress that wasn't quite the right size for Maci.  We had a yummy lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then headed home.  Groceries came, we got more stuff done around the house and the kids did some bird watching b/c it was sunny and high 40s!!!  I should have gotten a walk in because today we are snowy.  At night Clint and I watched some more of our newest show "All American" and then crashed.

What does Connor do doing Maci's soccer you ask?!  

Home Repairs HAHA

Sunday : 
Lazy Sunday!  Clint ran to get donuts and popcorn shrimp since the grocery delivery spot was out of it yesterday and we need it for a recipe this week.  Maci wrapped up her homework this weekend which consisted of math worksheets and more brainstorming for her autobiography.  We put a way a lot of laundry while the snow fell.  Now it seems to be done and the sun is out.  Clint and the kids just cleared the driveway and are headed out on the snowmobile to get pulled on the tube.  I am going to do some weekday work prep while they are out riding around.  Tena and I are planning to enjoy the sunshine and get a walk in later as well!  

I hope you all are having a great weekend!  We are getting excited for all the things coming with spring and summer for our crew.

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Bowling Date Night

Making Cards Last Week 

Monday : Kids and I had the day off together for President's Day and I finally finished my latest puzzle!

Finished Puzzle 

Tuesday : I went into the office downtown and we had Chipotle Takeout Tuesday to benefit the kids school at night - Connor got to have his Valentine's Day party at school

Delivering Valentine's & Enjoying some Bingo - Connor won a little red dinosaur!

He plays with solo cups for building at home too 

Wednesday : Clint headed down to a few Cargill facilities in different parts of MN for the day and I started calls at 7a

Thursday : I had a hair appointment in the early evening and while there I was able to order Maci's 1st Communion dress/veil/sweater/mask.  Once home, we did hot tub hangout with the Harty's!

The dress she chose, hope it looks cute in person!

Friday : Maci's bus never came so all the neighbors were scrambling in the morning but Shane thankfully threw them all in his big Yukon and hauled them into school shortly after I took Connor.  Clint and I spoke to an interior designer that may help us with some final touches around the house : e.g. new carpet color recommendation, how to decorate some of the big walls so they aren't so plain etc.  In the evening we had the kids gymnastics and picked up Sunshine Factory for dinner on the way home.  I had a long phone chat with my dad while I folded laundry and Clint watched Toledo basketball.

Buddies

Saturday : Maci had soccer in the morning.  Clint ran Connor for a haircut (school pics coming up on March 4).  I was super productive on all things like cleaning house, ordering groceries, planning the week,  ordering puppy gear, finished Maci's homework (math and an autobiography), found golf lessons for M this spring and prepared all our documents for our tax apt on Monday - woof!  Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for our date night with the Harty's.  We went to Birches on the lake for some great food and then had plans to bowl at Medina Ballroom near our home.  We all actually bowled pretty well which was fun but when it was time to go we were struggling to get an Uber/Lyft so we started to walk the 1.5 miles home in the cold.  However, Clint was smart and called another neighbor who swung by and picked us up :). We love our hood!  By 11p, we were crashed for the night!

Sunday : The temps are warming up, 32 today!  We ordered Peg's (chicken place) for breakfast.  Started the day a little slow thanks to cocktails.  I just got done doing a 20 min Peloton ride and now I may take a quick nap before hitting a lot of work prep/clean up for the day.  Clint is about to head out on snowmobiles with Nate while the kiddos are playing on their respective toys/interests.  We may even get a family walk in for the day!

We are really excited for some 40s this coming week and hopefully some early signs of spring in the near future.  We hope you all are surviving your winter as well.

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Long Holiday Weekend!

Monday : We got the kids all signed up for their summer program through Wayzata Kids - Ahhh to think about summer during these temps!

Tuesday : I had my annual dermatologist apt and thankfully he said all my freckles and moles look healthy, another year down!  We also got our master closet install scheduled for JUNE - holy Hannah all supply chains are backed up!

Ready for Mardi Gras!

Wednesday : An office day for me and a freezing cold day for everyone!

Thursday : Maci had her Valentine's Day party at school today since they are off Friday for conferences and Monday for President's day.  She sure loves a themed party, much like her momma!  I went into the office again and we all froze again!

Ready for Valentine's Day Fun

Friday : Clint took the day off since the kids didn't have school.  We joined Maci's virtual conference with her teacher in the morning and learned how awesome she is at math, improving at reading and just an all around good friend - Yay Maci!  I then worked the rest of the day on a fairly nice open schedule and Clint and the kids went to the movies to see Croods 2.  I wasn't feeling my best by the end of the day so Clint took the kids to gymnastics solo and grabbed some dinner on the way home - early bedtime for me!

Saturday : M had soccer and I helped her get ready before Clint ran her to practice.  Around noon I had a massage, ah felt amazing!  Then Maci and I got our nails done together.  We were then lazy on the couch until we went for a family dinner to Medina Ballroom, just down the way from us.  Clint and I watched "We are the Millers" and then called it a night - too cold for a fire!

Best Dad Around

Our Dinner Companions :

Connor and his Root Beer

Maci and her New Nails

Sunday : Happy Valentine's Day!  I had to get laundry and grocery shopping done since we had done our pampering the day before.  I got to spend some time puzzling on the couch and then for dinner, Liz came over to watch the kids and enjoy a Pappa Murphy's heart pizza while Clint and I got to head out to COV for our own dinner and cocktails.  Such a nice break from the crew!

Oh Yea, Heart Pizza & Connor needs a haircut

I am behind on posting this week's blog but I am allowed b/c it is a long weekend for me - LOVE that I have president's day off with the kids today!  We have been doing some remaining laundry, picking up but now I am about to nap and finish my latest jigsaw puzzle - Yay love extra lazy days like this.

We hope you all are staying warm during this latest cold snap!  We can't wait for spring to show some signs around these parts, maybe come March 🤞🏼

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Super Bowl Sunday & Sub Zero Temps

Weekdays

• Monday we had Maci's first communion parent meeting in the evening - with COVID she will do her 1st communion on either a Tues or Wed evening special mas in May with only 1st communion kiddos vs the usual all parish Sunday mass in May - at least she gets to enjoy the sacrament and wear her white dress (Maci's fav part!)
• Tuesday Maci had her 8 year old well screening - the Dr commended us on how great M is and how muscular she is (no surprises) - she was an on the nose 50% for height and about 55% for weight - such a good girl!
• Wednesday we both went into the office for the first time on the same day since March - At night, Maci had her monthly religion class and Clint took her while I picked up Connor and had dinner on our own
• Thursday I went into the office again, thinking of doing 2 days a week from now on just for some variety.  At night, I was exhausted so we skipped our usual hot tub fun and watched some of our Virgin River instead

Connor's Teacher Ms Mindy is Great at Taking Pics

1st Pic - Louie, boy next to Connor, lives in our 'hood - there are actually ~8 Fall Kindergartners in our 'hood 😃

2nd Pic - Reminds me when the teachers told my mom before kindergarten that I didn't draw a neck on my person 😉

3rd Pic - Masks aren't required in PreK b/c well see 4/5 year olds and the ability to keep them on but I love how Connor sometimes has his on yet not quite the right way, under his chin 😳 oh and they are making groundhogs

4th Pic - Who doesn't love story time?!  Connor is rocking his school spirit with the Wayzata sweatshirt!

Weekend 

• Friday 
• PCS our contractor came to start picking out windows as our arbitration with the insurance company is finally rescheduled for March 
• The day went smoothly for both of us and then it was time to head to Gymnastics for the kids
• They both had a ball and then we headed home to meet our delivery dinner from Rusty Taco (Yum, had never tried but will be doing them again!)
• Put the kids to bed and then watched more Virgin River until I crashed

Class Pics

Love the 2nd Silly Face One especially with Connor and his buddy Anna (Mickey shirt)

• Saturday 
• Maci had her soccer at 8a, why does that feel so early?!
• Clint got a haircut and had a massage while I got grocery, laundry and other things around the house done.  We also booked our annual trip to the WI Dells for August!
• I then did some puzzling in the afternoon while we finished Virgin River episode 2, can't wait for 3 to come out!
• At 430p we ran Maci to Natalie's house for her birthday sleep over, a straight swap of what we did at our house 2 weeks earlier :)
• After dropping M, Clint, Connor and I headed for our fav River Inn - we haven't been since they were allowed to open back up - service and food was amazing!!!  Clint can't believe it took him this long to try the prime rib and I was so excited to eat my large shrimp!  Connor was just excited he didn't have to share a lava cake 4 ways, just 3 :)
• Once again I was just dragging, I blame winter and 2 cocktails at dinner so instead of fire or pool, we crashed!

Connor fell asleep in the car on the way to dinner

Can you tell he still isn't fully awake when waiting in the warming house for a table, pic 1?? 

Then he gets his root beer and all is good again

Meanwhile Maci was having a "fancy" dinner at Natalie's

• Sunday 
• Slept in until Connor told us it was morning and we needed to get up - 830a
• We got around and Clint ran to get M and some breakfast plus a Target pick up while Connor and I got some things done around the house and I started work prep (need to be done for Super Bowl fun~)
• We made Skyline Dip + Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip and will head over to the Harty's around 430p for the evening - I am hoping for a good game and some fun commercials even though a lot of the main ones pulled out - either way it will be nice to have a night that feels a bit like normal times + a warm home to watch it in given we finally got winter with sub zero temps this entire weekend YUCK!

We hope you had a great week and are also on the countdown to spring!  We can't wait to get a little warmer again to enjoy the outdoors vs hiding from them.  Until then. . . 

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C