Valentine's Day, Kids Conferences & End of Basketball!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Maci had another week of gymnastics and this time was really excited when we got there and saw her former soccer teammate Teagan there!  Teagan had to miss the week prior, Maci's first week, and she was so excited to see this friend and to know someone at the class.
• Tuesday - Happy Valentine's Day!!  I ironically had a work lunch with Melissa and Francois at the Olive Garden - Francois had never been!!!  I got some work done and then headed home for a yummy dinner with Clint while our kids were watched by Emily Sullivan, sitter in the neighborhood.  Clint and I ate at Brick & Bourbon and Clint treated himself to a poor of Pappy 115 - whatever that means HA!

The Kiddos Up & At Em Ready for Love Day Parties @ School!

My Olive Garden Lunch Date!

Clint Enjoying his Pappy

• Wednesday - Connor was supposed to have religion class but really did NOT want to go to anything at night after a long day of school so we let him skip. Maci on the other hand still went to her soccer camp and had 4 great goals - she was so proud of herself!!
• Thursday - The kids did not have school as conferences began.  However, they went to Greenwood for Wayzata Kids program as we both worked.  I had happy hour with my former co-worker and friend Laura.  I then got in time for Clint to leave Connor at the house while Maci had her soccer practice.  Maci had another great goal that Clint got there in time to see.

Friday : 

• Another day with the kids off school.  We started the day with the kid's Winter Conferences.  Connor was up 1st and we heard how well he is excelling at academics - both reading and math!  In addition, Connor is a great friend and kids flock to him - his only opportunity is to dial in the silly at times which his teacher says is pretty typical 1st grade boy stuff :). Then we hit up Maci's teacher who said Maci's math continues to be strong and she is seeing great strides in her reading, this has been her challenging area from the beginning.  She loves how goal oriented Maci is and the sweet social butterfly that she is.  Her opportunity is to keep working on Reading and to watch her desire to blurt out when she gets excited on topics in class :)
• We got home around 830, chatted with the kids about what their teachers had to say and then were getting into work needs.
• I had to run out to my annual physical at 430p while Clint then hung with the kids.  My Dr was running an hour behind - Goodness!!!  This caused me to decide to have labs on a different day but all in all I am a healthy gal.
• We had pizza for dinner and then watched some tv to unwind for the night.

Saturday :

• Connor had his final 1st grade basketball game at 1030a.  Given it is President's Day weekend and a lot of people went out of town, we only had exactly 6 kids and given they play two 3v3 games at the same time, we had zero subs.  Connor had another good game and had a blast playing with his buddies Grady and Nathan.  I even figured out how to do FaceBook live for his 2nd game so family back home could watch it live or recording.
• Afterward, the team decided to go to Culvers for lunch and treats.  We were in a rush for Clint's haircut but Jen (Chuck's mom) was kind to let Connor stay with them and then go play at their house afterward.
• Once Clint's haircut was done, we were then running Maci to her soccer practice.
• I got some stuff done around the house and took a nap.  Clint picked up Maci and Connor around 230p
• We had a lazy afternoon until it was time to get ready for the evening.  Clint and I had a date night with our friends Amber and Adam while the kids got to hang with their sitter Kaitlin.
• Clint and I had great food, fun drinks and a quick stop at the Stanchion to end the night.

These 2 - Coach & Hooping Fool!

Great Season!

Clint & I waiting on Amber & Adam

Sunday :

• Nice lazy, no plan day!
• We got a lot of stuff done around the house and all the prep for the week done.
• Connor had Nash come over and play for most of the afternoon.
• Clint and Maci went on the snowmobile for a bit.
• Maci had Livi come over to play late in the afternoon.
• We took a family walk around dinner and took Livi back to her house as a part of our walk.
• We had some dinner and now Clint is watching XFL, I am catching up on Bravo TV and Maci/Connor are in the playroom playing Mario together.

We hope you had a wonderful weekend and are keeping your spirits up as winter continues onward!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Play Dates, Birthday Party & Super Bowl!!

Weekdays:

Monday - Rosie got a grooming and thankfully since we kept up on it, she wasn’t completely shaved - still super fluffy!!  In the evening, Maci had her first night back at gymnastics and LOVED it 🤸‍♀️ Clint dialed into our annual HOA meeting only to hear them mainly talk about trees 😂 

Tuesday - nice normal day with no evening plans so we could enjoy chicken and rice for dinner vs a rushed meal.

Wednesday - Kids had their busy evenings with Maci heading to soccer camp and Connor having religion class.  I took Connor and he is such a jabber jaw when you get him 1-1, telling me all sorts of cute stories.

Thursday - We hustled home and got ready for the big MN Wild hockey game!  Such a fun way to spend a Thursday night even if they lost 5-1 ouch!!!  The kids loved the one goal and all the screaming, cheering and fighting on the ice.  They zonked in the car on the way home!!

Dad was off getting food

Try #2 after I got Connor to get his coat off

Friday:

• A nice slow and productive day!!
• Kids got off the bus and right away Maci wanted to go to Livi’s and Connor wanted Anna to come over and play.  Both happened so we had happy kiddos!!
• Clint picked up Casey’s pizza for dinner and we then enjoyed some Law and Order as well as my trashy obsession of Love after lock up 😂 

Saturday: 

• I started my day with a monthly massage at 830a glorious!!
• Connor had a basketball game at 1120a and he was insane!!  The kid was on fire!!!  Even Maci was so pumped for him!  He was a shooting, dribbling, passing, stealing and defending machine.  His coach said wow Connor and he just said yeah I know, now I’m sweaty!!  Haha 😂 so fun!!
• Afterward he went to his buddy (Grady) from school and basketball house for a play date while Maci went to her soccer practice.  I fell asleep for a nap and Clint did some work.  Well I guess we all lost track of time because Maci had to call Clint to remind him to come get her 🤦🏼‍♀️.  She laughed about it  for the rest of the afternoon.  
• We picked up Connor from Grady’s around 430p and then we were running Maci to her BFF Natalie’s 10th birthday party!! Bowling, pizza and brownies followed by Maci being the lone sleepover pal.  They are the cutest and looking so grown up!!
• While they partied, Clint Connor and I had an awesome dinner and drinks + pull tabs at River Inn!!  We met this sweet couple from NC who were in town for the kites on ice event in Buffalo. 

Brownie Fun - They are So Cute!

Maci giving good gifts!

Sunday: 

• Clint picked up Maci around 930a from Natalie’s. 
• I did the weekend household to dos and ran Maci to target so she could spend her birthday gift from nanny and grandpa Mondell. 
• Right around game time, we all settled in with dinner and a spot on the sofa for the big game!  It was such a good game until the dumb flag at the end of the 4th which felt a lot like the Bengals BS call last year.  Connor cried when the eagles lost because he has a flag football Jersey of them and decided he wanted them to win.  We got everyone to bed and crashed watching Roseanne before another week of work and school.

Lots of Love!

C, K, M and C

Bar Mitzvah Fun & Maci's Back in Gymnastics!

There is always next year 😓

Weekdays:

• Monday - I felt a little rough at work after a few too many beers and the heartbreak of the Bengals loss!  Lots of people were offering me their condolences throughout the day.  We had a lazy night at home and early bedtime which was needed for all of us!
• Tuesday - Normal workday and evening for us
• Wednesday - I had a 7a call and took it from the car before having a typical busy day at the office.  In the evening, I picked up the kids and Clint ran Maci to her soccer camp.
• Thursday - A nice slower day at the office followed by dinner and then running Maci to soccer practice.  I walked with a few of the moms around the track while Maci had a good dome practice.

Friday :

• I had a productive work and laundry day at home while Clint went into the office.
• The kids got off the bus and started to hang out while I cleaned the yard of dog poo.
• I threw a pot pie in the oven at 4p and Clint got home around 5p
• I then did some diamond gem art in front of the TV while the kids played their iPads and Clint sipped bourbon - nice little Friday night

Saturday :

• Clint headed to a 8a massage while I got up and showered for my own events.
• Once home, Clint started making breakfast while I awaited my girlfriends from work to show up.
• Around 930a Nicole and Kristen arrived and we had a quick mimosa before heading off to our manager's son's Bar Mitzvah - all of our first times at one
• We attended the service and then enjoyed a nice luncheon afterward 
• Around 1p we dropped Kristen back off at her car at my house and Nicole and I were off to The Stanchion for some afternoon drinks
• While we were doing all of this, Clint ran Connor to his basketball game at 1120a, they played some of their neighborhood pals and he had a great game!
• Then Clint ran Maci to her soccer practice at 1p.
• Nicole and I had a blast drinking, eating pretzels, playing pull tabs and laughing!
• We finally called it around 5p and headed home.
• Once home, our kids were across the street ice skating and I came inside to order pizza and watch TV with Clint.
• We started watching the latest season of Jack Ryan and finally called it around 10p and hit the hay

Hockey Fun for Connor & Oliver

The Girls at the Bar Mitzvah Lunch

Kristen, Nicole, me and Tina

Bar Fun!

Sunday :

• Nice little Sunday!
• We ordered in some breakfast and moved nice and slow today.
• Connor ice skated for a bit with some neighbor buddies and Maci went to her friend Livi's house to ride a mini snowmobile most of the afternoon.
• Clint and I caught some of the Pro Bowl while putting away laundry and other weekend to dos.
• We are now wrapping the evening with some Law & Order and relaxation.
• Maci finally got the call that she is off the wait list and has a spot in Level 1 Gymnastics on Monday nights.  She is very excited to get back at it starting tomorrow night!!

Maci being a silly girl with her Gidget

Hot Cocoa Fun During a Snow Mobile Break

We hope you had a great weekend and an even better week ahead!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

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