St. Paul-Day 1

Ready to load up

 We bundled up Sunday morning to hit the streets of Saint Paul.  We decided to switch the itinerary a bit since we still had the rental car for the day. We might have been overdressed a bit, but aren't they adorable in their layers!

So cute...but not wanting to put his hat on 

 We drove into St. Paul and Caroline wanted to stop at a local sculpture park to take a few fun photos.  She was pretty quick because it was still a bit chilly without full sunshine.

 I wanted to drive down the Little Mekong District in St. Paul.  There was not a lot open due to it being Sunday morning, but I did enjoy seeing their version of Dollar Tree (aka Dragon Dollar).  I made Matt make a loop so I could get the pic.

 We then made our way to Rice Park.  In the next few weeks Rice Park will be transformed into a outdoor skating rink.  The town square will be filled with skaters.  How much fun?!?!

 Caroline had a photo take with Lucy from Charlie Brown.  Charles Shultz, the Cartoon Creator of Peanuts, was born and raised in St. Paul.   Randomly around town you will see Charlie Brown characters.

 When you arrive at St. Paul you will see a very large building.  We could not wait to see what this large building was; St. Paul's Cathedral.  Gorgeous.  Stunning.

St. Paul had beautiful neighborhoods, easily accessible, and lots of walking paths and trails.  If I have to move to Minnesota one day, St. Paul would be my location of choice.

and we are off...maybe

and we are off...

 We left home Saturday headed to the airport to travel to the Twin Cities for vacation.  We have a goal to mark off each state as a family.  I have lost count on how many we have visited, but Caroline has a map in her room that we write the date and location each time we visit a state.  We plan to purchase Wyatt a map this year.  He has officially visited five states in his first ten months.

 Once we made it through security Caroline ran into a little girl that is in her class at school. What a small world?!?!  We were on the same flight and they enjoyed the company.  We loaded up and were ready for take off.  Wyatt took his bottle and passed out with a tummy full of milk.  Smooth easy ride to Chicago...and then...we felt the plane descend and then the pilot announced we would not be able to land due to the snow storm that Chicago was experiencing so we had to land in Green Bay, Wisconsin!  Yep...and guess what.  American Airlines does not have a direct flight from Green Bay to Minneapolis so we had were going to have to wait till we could land in Chicago (which who knows when that would be because of the snow storm).  Planes were diverting to other locations and the Chicago airport was closed for the day!  So...

 After landing and finding the children a play area, and then realizing that the restaurants/food courts were not prepared for a plane to land during that time we soon found out we had nothing to eat other than a few snacks and baby food we had packed for Caroline and Wyatt for the flight.  Green Bay had shut down their terminal and were not expecting any flights to arrive the rest of the day.  Matt immediately called American Airlines to reserve a place for us the next day leaving Chicago (if we could make it back there).  The last three seats leaving at noon the next day were reserved for us leaving Chicago to the Twin Cities, but we were not certain we could even get to Chicago.  Then we decided to change plans all together and drive from Green Bay to Minneapolis.  It was a four hour drive and that is no biggie for us, so we called Enterprise and rented a vehicle and a few car seats. We cancelled the rest of the flight.  They had to unload all of our luggage from the plane while we waited in the lobby.  The workers ordered in pizza for everyone and offered us a piece before we hit the road.  The customer service of Green Bay airport went above and beyond to help with our needs.

 Daddy pulled up with the rental car and off we went!

 Our first stop was for food at Noodles & Company.  I ordered the Alfredo MontAmore, and either that was the best pasta I had ever tasted or I was really hungry.  I would suggest that order to all the pasta lovers.  We had short peek at the Green Bay Stadium along the route and then headed toward Minneapolis.

 We arrived at the hotel at 8:30 with one little boy ready to play!  We unloaded and got a little rest for the next day at Nickelodeon Universe.

Fun Times

 We have been here and there, having fun everywhere!  Here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks...

-Wyatt loves to play in the pillows.  One of his favorite things to do at ten months it to play peek-a-boo.

-Family Day at Camp Robinson was so much fun, with a little cold in the mix.  We needed more layers, but had a great time seeing Daddy's friends.

 -Wyatt and I had fun playing at Everett play center while we waited on our oil change. I am already enjoying our Everett vehicle because of their customer service.  It truly is over the top! It is the little things that count when you have a little one...for example....play centers.

 -Caroline went for her six year old check-up.  She passed all her hearing, reading, and sight tests.  We enjoyed our girl time together at the doctors office.

-Caroline had her first weekend homework assignment.  She had turkey for Thanksgiving that she could turn into her favorite character; she chose to turn her turkey into a Razorback Cheerleader.  When it comes to material and sewing we call MiMi.   Thanks MiMi!

-And nothing like the last mow of the year.  I know Matt was excited to mow the yard one last time!  Both kids wanted to have a picture on the lawn mower while Daddy took a mini break.

Happy Thanksgiving!  See you all after next week.

First Field Trip-Family Farm

Caroline had her first field trip to Family Farm in October.  The children had a fun filled day, and the workers snuck in a little bit of education during the day.  Great place to visit and we plan on checking out the Summer camps for Caroline in months to come.  I had a great day with my girl, and I was so thankful and appreciative to be able to spend the day with her. Below are a few of my favorite pictures from the day...

Caroline's Classmates

Caroline's Teacher, Mrs. Williamson

The girls

Careful...

Loving on the kitten

Loving on the black rabbit

this one was her favorite

Caroline and Natalie

going for a ride

Ready for field trip #2....

School Time Fun

Literacy Day 

 We are in the swing of school and Caroline is enjoying it.  As a parent, I am enjoying East End Elementary.  She is learning, achieving, and being pushed academically.  Her teacher, Mrs. Williamson is a true gift. As parents we all hope for a teacher who will love our child and help our child to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and academically.  She has went above and beyond any expectation that I had, and she is a shining Christian lady.   Below are a few highlights from our month so far...

1)Fun at Mamaw and Papaw's house on Lakyn's computer

 2) Grandparents Day at school

Caroline with Nenaw and P

Caroline with MiMi and Papaw

 3)Caroline and Wyatt snuggling on a Saturday morning. We all look forward to sleeping in now.

 4) Caroline and Wyatt before school.

 5) Look who fell asleep in his sister's lap

 6) Having a little fun in Daddy's shower

 7) Moren Family reunion photo

 8) My life long dream...flying with Matt. We got to fly with Matt this past weekend for Caroline's birthday gift and my bucket list.

Two Excited Girls

She was ready to go!

9) We went for a quick trip to Crystal Bridges.

10) Shopping trip with Lakyn

11) Mr. Barry took us to Briar Rose...oh my!  If you go to Fayetteville area please go to eat breakfast/brunch at Briar Rose.  You do not understand how good their cinnamon rolls are!  Words cannot describe the yumminess that I tasted!  It is based off  Sleeping Beauty, so it has a small entrance door the kiddos.

Check out that cinnamon roll!

12) I hope I never forget this smile!

13) Fun pics at church

14) We took Caroline to the cemetery for the first time for her to see where my Grandpa Norris was buried.  It is always nice to share memories and stories.  My Grandpa Norris passed away when I was on bed rest with Caroline, so she did not get to meet him.  I cannot wait for the day he gets to meet Caroline!  What a joyful moment that will be!

15)  Caroline now dresses herself for school each morning...watch out East End!

16) Check out that grin...love it!

17) Just helping Mommy with a little plumbing.

Happy Fall Y'all!