Carlow's 1st Birthday

It’s hard to believe Carlow is going to be one in less than a week! He’s been walking for quite awhile now (some would say running) and he’s also drinking milk from a sippy cup through a straw. Preparations have begun for this birthday party and we still need to give him a little haircut before that day comes.

Calvin has really become interested in reading about super heros lately, ever since I brought up a few old comics from the basement. We’ve also been to just about every park in a 5-mile radius of our house this summer - it’s been fun to watch him do the equipment he wasn’t able to do not that long ago.

I’ve been very busy with kids stuff but have squeezed in a few projects around the house here and there. I’ve also been really into my new hobby of metal detecting, which works out great while Calvin and I are at the park(s). I’m looking forward to the cooler weather do to a few more family bike rides and then fall activities. This weekend we’re planning on going to swim at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Hockey Experience

Last Friday both Angie and I had the day off together while the kids were at daycare. One of the many fun things we did that day was hit the Neighborhood Cafe for some biscuits and gravy and cornbread pancakes. Another highlight was stopping into the “Own The Moment Hockey Experience” otherwise known as the Bauer hockey store next to REI in Bloomington.

From the moment you walk in it’s top notch, just think Apple store with every Bauer product, ever. The store is quite large, spacious and features much more than equipment from floor to ceiling. It also has a shooting area (synthetic ice) and miniature skating rink with real ice. The latter was instrumental in helping me choose the best new skates. I mean, where else can you get fitting by Bauer experts and then try them out on the ice moments later?

I ended up getting a pair of Bauer Vapor X500s; replacing my twelve year old CCM Super Tacks that were too wide in the heel gave me painful blisters. I’m really looking forward to trying them out at the next JMS game this Thursday. Speaking of JMS, I was able to get my level downgraded from 5 to 4 after the last session, which basically allows me to play more my speed. It allows qualifies me for earlier games at 8pm, rather than the 9:30pm crap I had been going to.

Steve also joined JMS yesterday and we’ll be skating together for the first time on April 14th. So, that means with Steve, my nephew Jeff and Brett from daycare we have 4 people. I just need to find one more person (Kris, if you’re reading this I’m talking about you!) and we could have an entire line!

Winter Winding Down

Last weekend was guy’s ice fishing weekend. The weather was quite warm compared to year’s past but the fishing was a little slow. In the end, I caught a Pike and a bunch of small crappies. It was nice to have a day away from home and get outside for a bit.

Carlow goes in to the clinic this afternoon for his 6-month check up. He and Angie haven’t been feeling very well lately, so hopefully we can see what’s up with him, if anything. Otherwise, we should be clear to start trying mashed foods, rice cereal etc. He is sitting up (almost) completely on his own now, looking forward to spring when we can take him on walks again.

This Saturday we’re going to the Children’s Museum again with our friends down the street and their daughter, Sage. Besides being fun to hang out with, they belong to the same daycare as we do and we’re always curious to hear their opinions about it. We received a letter yesterday from daycare stating abruptly that the director was no longer with the company and we’re not really sure why at this point. It’s never fun to have turnover, especially when a teacher leaves that you’re fond of.

I’m glad this is the last full week of February, I’m definitely feeling the cabin fever. Although, it is nice to play hockey at the outdoor rink down the street. March is always fun because of the boys state high school hockey tournament. Also, we get to celebrate Angie’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter together with family.