During that time span, the usual comings-and-goings have occurred, but there have been two things of note.  First is a big change for Zach and Alex – rather than having a nanny, they now attend the preschool/daycare at my office.  Some mornings are a little tough and they definitely miss seeing Debbie all the time, but they are really having a great time with their new friends and teachers at the “school at Mommy’s work.”  They do a lot of fun things there – they even had a petting zoo there this week and learned to make ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s a couple weeks ago (I was a little jealous).  And best of all, I’ve even gotten to have lunch with them a couple times – it’s really nice having them so close!

A family portrait with Minnie and Mickey

The other big event for us was a special trip with Grandma Pat and Papa Bob: Zach and Alex’s first visit to Disney World. We had a great time – the boys are already talking about our next trip to see Mickey. They particularly enjoyed the character meals, where your favorite characters walk up to your table for pictures and autographs.  My favorite moments of the entire trip were when Alex got to meet his beloved Eeyore and Zach, his dear Pooh Bear – it’s that magic, seen through the eyes of two little boys, that Disney is all about.  We of course took a ton of pictures to capture all the fun, and you can find them in the Disney World – May 2010 photo album.

Coach Daddy, Alex and Zach

In other news, the Preschool Sports season has started again for the 3- and 4-year-olds. The kids played soccer (or some chaotic version of it) for the first two weeks. They’ve got team pictures next week and then move on to teeball in July. Zach and Alex are the Green team again, although they’d be quick to tell you it’s the Dark Green team, not the Lime Green like last year.  And best of all, they have “Coach Daddy” on their team, as Joe is one of the team coaches; Joe is loving the opportunity to be involved in their sports!  Pictures from the season so far are in the May – June 2010 photo album.

In addition to all the Disney pics, here are all the other photo albums from the past few months, since I have lapsed on posting them:

• March – April 2010 – Karen’s birthday, fun in the kitchen, a day at the zoo
• Easter 2010 – egg hunt, Easter gifts, egg decorating
• Target Field – April 2010 – Joe went to Game #3 at the new park with our friend Phil
• Kwo Ue’s birthday party – a great day with friends
• May – June 2010 – playtime at Chuck E Cheese, Joe’s birthday, Father’s Day and Preschool Soccer
• Twins Game – May 2010 – date night at the game with Phil and Heather

Zach, Teacher Becky and Alex

It’s September, and as in most households, that means it’s time for school!  Cole started in 9th grade this year at his junior high (yep, you read that right: he’s a freshman already!), while Zach and Alex started preschool.  As you can imagine, Zach and Alex were just a little more excited about going to school than their big brother – but then, they didn’t have homework looming over them like Cole did.   The little guys really had a great time at school.  They played with cool toys, read a story, sang some songs and even had a popcorn snack (does it get any better?). They had so much fun that they were totally worn out and quiet the whole way home.  We don’t have pictures of Cole’s first day (for which I’m sure he’s grateful), but we do have pics from Z&A’s first day in the Sept – Oct 2009 photo album.

Also in that photo album are a couple of pictures we took when my cousins Angie, Josh and Aubrey came up to visit us and go to the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” – the State Fair.  I think Angie and I had both planned on taking more pictures than we did, but somehow we were too busy eating all the yummy foods on a stick.  We don’t have many pictures to prove it, but we all had a great time. They hope to come back another year if for no other reason than Josh needs to get his deep-fried pickles again (my faves too)!

The July – Aug 2009 album also has some new photos, including some food fun, a trip to the zoo, a visit to the BP Fire Station for their open house, and the cool Star Wars ships Z&A earned with potty training.