Mr Snowman

Colton and I couldn't pass up the chance to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow this afternoon.  We built a pretty awesome snowman, had a snowball fight and made snow angels!  It was seriously the perfect Minnesota day to be outside enjoying winter!!

Fort Snelling Clean-up

Saturday morning Colton and I woke up early, we enjoyed breakfast together and then dressed in an many layers as we could because we were off to Fort Snelling with the Cub Scouts troop to clean up all those Christmas Wreaths from the headstones.  When we left the house it was a balmy 4 degrees but we didn't let that stand in the way of doing something to honor those who had given all to provide us with the freedom we have each and every day.  We arrived at Fort Snelling about 8:30, by 9:15am we were checked in and ready to getting working on our assigned section.  By 10:30 we had our section cleared of all wreaths and even helped the scouts in the sections next to us.  It was very humbling to read all those names of young soldiers who died serving their country and of soldiers who lived full lives after their time serving in the military.  Colton had all kinds of questions about the people laid to rest at Fort Snelling and I took full advantage of the opportunity to tell him about some of his great grandparents and great great grandparents who served in the military.  I even told him that he has a set of Great Great Grandparents laid to rest in Fort Snelling, he thought that was pretty cool.   Yesterday,  I received an email from the North Star Council with an update about the Fort Snelling clean up, there were 798 volunteers (Minnesota Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts and their families) and together we cleaned up 35,000 Christmas wreaths in just a couple hours.  Here are just a few pictures that I took with my phone while we were out there.  Colton even earned a patch for this community service which he was very proud of as this is the first patch he has earned!  I am very proud of my little Tiger Scout and looking forward to many more projects like this in our scouting future!

A Thomas the Train Birthday Party

After much searching for possible places to hold a birthday party for a large group of people (so much harder with Winter birthdays and owning a small house) we decided to hold Mason's Birthday Party at our house and keep the invite list small!  I am so glad we did as it was perfect.   Mason had a blast and everyone got to actually see him and play with him... unlike last year when his party was so big I dont think I even said Hello to everyone who made it to the party!  This year we were able to just hang out and enjoy snacks while talking and relaxing... perfect birthday party to me!   The theme for this years party was Thomas the Train... really was the only option, the kid LOVES trains!  I found a great Birthday Cake at Cub - perfect for his theme.  And then searched Pinterest for some other Thomas the Train birthday party ideas and found a couple cute things that didn't cost me any money being as we have all the train props we could ever need in our house!!  It was a great birthday party and Mason was more than thrilled with all his presents.  He received a train puzzle, some train books, some water painting books, Thomas the Train Jammies, Thomas the Train swim trucks and swim shirt, a Magna Doodle (perfect size for our upcoming road trip) and a Mickey Mouse blanket made by his Auntie Marissa!  He is such a lucky boy.  Thanks to everyone who came and made his 2nd Birthday a special one, we have the best family and friends, love you guys! 

Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man.... looking forward to entering the awesome terrible two's with you!