Bye-bye

Winter

A Fitting End

Well, it seems Winter may indeed be finished in the Northland. The ski hill closes in three days, so we took advantage of the warm and sunny weather and got out for a family ski. This was my first time out with the boys and it was GREAT! Kevin has been skiing with Alex all winter, both with the Courage Duluth program and on their own. This was their 16th time out this season. I now realize how much fun I missed out on. Alex was eager to go and had no hesitations on his travels down the hill. Using the nifty tether system keeps him in check but also feeling in control, as well as standing and shifting his weight on his own. He also loves the chair lift, so it all fits together nicely. I have so many great memories from growing up on the ski hills of my home town that it makes me very happy to be starting Alex on a similar road. Now Spring can truly arrive...

Easter's Present

Spring in Minnesota.

Here we are this year, the family Kinney. If you look with your imagination you can also see our cat who came along for the ride (Beeswax, our cream tabby). Mom kindly took this photo. Alex got a barber haircut last week, it is fun for daddy to now have a twin. Lucky, as always, is busy hoping for a treat. The Easter bunny was kind, with lots of treats and even toys. A sugar coated good time was had by all. Now bring on the real green grass!

Easter's Past

This photo is from Easter 2004 when Alex was 8 months old, and Alex, Mom, and I all had the same haircut. Also, Bunny was just born. We celebrated his fourth birthday yesterday. At age 4 Alex understands the Easter celebration best as "Bunny's Birthday Party". I'm sure this will change in time, although the links between the Christian holiday and bunnies and baskets may always be tough to explain.

Oh No!

My lazy butt is now busted. I have Not had my "Grand Opening" yet of my blog, but have leaked the word here and there. I just checked my dear friend Shereen's blog, and there I am on her links section. I'll get you for this, my pretty! Well, actually it is the boot in the butt that I needed. I thought the idea of a blog was cool, and started it under cover, but then started being rather nervous and avoidant of the whole idea. I mean really, would anyone actually want to see what I have to say? And what if they hate me, or like me too much, or think I am weird??? Yeah, maybe I should just quit getting out and just hide in my little house. NOT.

So, here I am with the blank screen again. I am finally over my illness, known as The Grunge in this area. A cold-like, flu-like illness that just seems to hang on forever. I got out of one day of work and then had a few more cruddy days on the job. By the weekend (I usually work seven days at a time) I was feeling good enough to work a double, then worked another at the beginning of my week off. Then came Easter. We went to my Mom's near Minneapolis. She had the place nice and springy with Easter eggs and bunnies all over, and we had a good and mellow visit. Alex loves his Grandma (actually all of his grandparents) and it is a delight to watch that relationship grow. The only weird thing was the 10 inches of snow on the ground, with more coming down every hour. Not very springy outside. Also I discovered the best ever dog park in her town. 7 enclosed acres with a pond, and a pavilion with heat lamp for the two leggers.

And now, spring begins back at home in Duluth. We still have 3 feet of snow in many areas and sheets of ice cover the sidewalks, but the melt is starting. Soon it will be wall to wall mud. But also time to open windows, get out and see the greening, and if I am lucky get out for a little boating. And time to get in the habit of adding to my new blog! Note to self: should really set a date for that grand opening...

Sick Days

I knew it was coming and it arrived. Illness. Me, and Alex too. He did not go to school yesterday and today was Saturday. These have been a loooong few days. It's the kind of illness that just leaves you feeling cruddy, but like you should almost be able to save the world anyways. Or at least an entire species. But instead you just hang around. He could have almost gone to school yesterday, but the schools generally frown on children coughing and dripping all over. Plus, as soon as he got up he said in his little voice, "No school. No school, Mama. I stay home..." How could I resist? So, stay home we have. All day. Two days in a row. It is about 10 degrees out so not even good for light hiking. But it hasn't been a total waste. We did bust out some new toys and learned new games. Lots of snuggling and commiserating. And Kevin was valiant as ever, taking over at just the right times. It's been some good down time, just Sunday to go. I think the little guy will be well enough for school on Monday, and I can get back to saving the world. Or at least doing catch-and-release on few rabid dust bunnies.