More Holiday Photos

"helping" Daddy shovel

Christmas at the Frericks

Drew and his loot

Such excitement over his gingerbread house

Away he goes!

The Holidays

The kids in matching Jammie's on a loud couch
The snow friend Santa made with Rudolph's carrot

Drew at Mimi and Papa's on Christmas Day

Drew's new "Raccoon"

Joey's Christmas present...um, boys?


We had a busy, but fun Christmas. On Christmas Eve we started the night at Aunt Wendy and Uncle Mark's in Eden Prairie. We enjoyed the company of the Thonander side of the family. From there we headed to Winsted to hang out with the Haekenkamp's. It was snowing all day and night. Scott enjoyed cleaning out the driveway 37 times! The driving was slow, but we made it to all our destinations safely.

Santa came to our house. Drew was beyond excited! Santa left a snow friend outside and lots of fun inside. We spent the rest of the day at Mimi and Papa's house.

Sunday we headed over to Grandpa Ron and Grandma Luna's house to celebrate with them. When all was said and done, Drew got practically EVERYTHING on his wish list. He is one lucky boy. We feel very blessed to have the people who surround us in our lives!

So hard to wait!

Drew has been taking the gifts from under the tree and trying to determine what is inside. He'll say, "It's kinda hard and shaped like a trapezoid, I think it's a race car!" and so on. It is really cute how he is analyzing them.

Mommy was upset that Drew got a really bad (think hair helmet) haircut last week right before Christmas and our trip. By a stroke of fate (and Facebook) we found the only stylist who we have ever gone to more than once! She used to be at Kid's Hair, but left on maternity leave a year ago. We have tried many places waiting for her to come back. This fall they finally told us she wasn't coming back. When I posted my disappointment in Drew's latest cut on FB, an old high school friend said I should try Sanya at Great Clips and that she used to work at Kid's Hair. Well guess what, it was OUR GIRL!!! We were so excited to find her! And even more excited that she made Drew's haircut 100% better! She remembered Drew right away. She even remembered that we used to walk to Kid's Hair. Turns out Kid's hair wouldn't let her come back. Long story that is complete with a lawsuit. So from now on she is going to call us if she is going to another place. Mommy could not be happier, it was a great Christmas gift!

Time to go save Simon, the kids have him locked in their room. Papa and Mimi's cat Thomas has always let them play "house" with him. Well Simon is an old grumpy cat, not a kitten. I'm surprised they can even get him in their room with out being attacked!

Happy Holidays to all!

Drew was on the couch and he said, "Mommy, I love you. Happy Holidays!"

He said

Last night Drew said that when he grows up he wants to be a teacher and teach his preschool class.

And speaking of growing up...He says he has 2 whiskers on his leg and 1 on his chin, because he is getting old.

Drew's version of Jingle Bells...Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, it's all fun and it's OK, Hey, hey, hey, hey , hey.

Poor little sick kid

Drew woke us up at 1am to vomit all over Daddy. That set off a long night. The worst part was that Drew had had garlic toast for dinner. The smell was terrible! He was sick many times in the night. By 10:30am we decided to call the Doctor's office. They were concerned that he hadn't gone potty since 10pm the night before. He was dehydrated, but not dangerously so. The Doctor said if he didn't go potty by 2pm that we should take him to the hospital. Drew decided then and there he had to go potty. He said he didn't want to go to the hospital because he didn't want to go to Heaven. Poor Guy. He is extremely thirsty and it is hard to get him to sip when he wants more and more. She called it a "gastrointestinal virus".

We had to miss a Holiday party and babysitting Cousin Zackory overnight. He is now sleeping and hopefully we are on the upswing.

We did make it to the Holidazzle parade on Thursday. Drew loved it. We have gone every year since 2006. We also made it to the Macy's 8Th floor exhibit. It was Drew's first time. We definitely plan to go next year! New traditions. Love it! Hopefully next time Mommy will remember to bring her camera!

Joey and Dylan spent a lot of time at our house in the past week. Uncle Erik was sick too. Drew enjoyed having playmates at all hours. Yet they fight ALL the time.

We are hoping to have an "in house date night" tonight. Let's hope everyone gets and stays healthy!

Poor Simon!

The Cave
The cat they trapped in the cave

Came out Growling MAD!!!

Joey and Drew caught Simon and took him into Joey's room to play. When I went in the check on them they had Simon trapped. He will probably not go near those kids for awhile! Anytime they get close, he darts after them. We'll see how long he can hold a grudge!

Monster Truck Show

oh oh Superman!

One of Drew's favorites- He won the free style.

Drew and Daddy had lots of fun at the Monster Truck show this past Saturday night. They decided to go to the pit party which was from 2-5. They then had to hang out until the show started at 7:30pm. Luckily for them there was plenty going on to keep them occupied. They stayed for the whole thing. Drew was up until almost midnight! But he was talking a mile a minute about all the stuff he saw.

He woke up Sunday morning bright and early at 7:30am and wanted to call Joey so they could go to Sunday school. He was exhausted by the end of the day Sunday. He said he was hungry so we stopped at McDonald's on the way home from Mimi and Papa's. The poor kid could barely keep his eyes open to eat a little bit.

Unfortunately he also woke up with a cold on Sunday that is still hanging on. He had to miss school yesterday. His teacher sent me an email that said his friend Owen was asking her all day when Drew was going to get to school. So cute!

Drew ate his toast into the shape of Idaho

Drew's art work. Also included 5 day old TV and door of entertainment center. He could have at least used washable crayons.


It is amazing how fast time flies. Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is right around the corner. I forget to write on our blog and so much happens in a week. Could also be a sign of old age. So we will go backwards.

Today Drew wrote on the wall, the TV and the E. Center while dinner was being made. Drew pretty much cried through dinner because, "you yelled at me!" When asked why he would do such a thing when he knows better, he responded, "I just really like crayons." He was mostly upset because I turned off "Max and Ruby" as part of the punishment. It was half of a black crayon that he found somewhere. So far no luck in getting it off the wall.

Drew had fun going back to school yesterday after a week long break. He was happy to see Brynn back too since she was gone the week before break also. He painted a picture of Shaker number 9. I knew what it was before he even told me. I'm getting good at this.

Monday Drew and I hung out in Eden Prairie. We visited Lake Place and spent some time at the mall.

Sunday we went to lunch with Papa, Mimi, Grandpa Bob and the rest of the clan. After lunch, Jenie and I went to a bake and take holiday cookie class. It was our first time and very enjoyable. We each went home with 10 dozen yummy confections too!

We had a great Thanksgiving. We started with breakfast at Kirk and Kari's. We had lunch at the farm and dinner at Mom and Dad F's. Drew did get a little nap in the car between stop 2 and 3. Drew and I then spent the night at Papa and Mimi's house. Mom and I were at Target at 4:05am. We got all the deals we were hoping for and more! We hung out at Target for a long time! We even had a Starbucks break after shopping. PS Thanks Nina and Noelle for letting us bud(or is it butt?) in line! We then went to Kohl's. What a zoo, but it was a good zoo. Our final stop was Sam's club for a pizza for lunch. Papa did a great job caring for Drew (and Joey).

Drew has stayed in his bed all night without calling for Mommy (or Daddy [after the first night]) for 7 days. He has earned a reward. The first night we started to earn stickers on the calendar for a reward, He called Daddy. When he was told the next morning he did not earn a sticker, his response was, "But I didn't call Mommy!" Boys. He had been waking us up between 2:30 and 3 am most nights.

Yesterday Drew was playing in the cat tower. He says, "Mommy, this is a great way to use my imagination!"

Drew wanted to get Daddy a Christmas gift when we were at the mall. He told me what he wanted to get. When we got home it was the first thing I wrapped so Daddy wouldn't see it. When Daddy got home the first thing Drew did was tell him he got him a Vikings shirt for Christmas! Daddy asked Drew what color it was. Drew turned to me and said, "What color is it Mommy?"

Back to school

On Thursday Mommy helped out in Drew's preschool class. What a crazy day! It was really fun to see what Drew does in school, but Mommy would go crazy being there everyday. It was chaotic! Drew was the line leader for the day. He is so proud when he is a "star helper". They also celebrated his Birthday. He wore the crown the whole day. Last year he wouldn't even keep the crown on during school.

After school we went through the drive thru at McDonald's. The wonderful man who is always in the window called Drew by his name. It was written on his crown. Mommy asked Drew how the man knew Drew's name and Drew replied, "Because we come here so much?" Sad, but true.

Drew had his 4 year check up. He is 40 1/4 inches tall (50%) and 35 pounds (45%). Overall healthy. The nurse was impressed with his vision test because Drew would saw AN apple and A house. Apparently he used the correct form of "A" and "An" for the whole test. We have never talked about that so who knows where he learned it. They took blood and checked his cholesterol which was 168. Good news, since Mommy's has been high her whole life. Daddy's is OK.

Last night we went to the Mall of America to have "Bubble Gumps" for Drew's Birthday. They sang to him. We then went on a couple rides. Drew was mad because by the time we got to Lego land they were putting away the Lego's for the night. He kept saying,"I am not happy!"

Today Mommy and Daddy gave blood while Drew hung out with Mimi and Joey. Then we went to an open house at Otten Bros Nursery. We saw Santa. Drew asked for a packer garbage truck for himself and a new camera for Mommy. What a guy! We did some crafts and went on a horse drawn wagon ride. Drew is now napping.

And now he's 4!

Do I look 4 now?

Drew had a wonderful Birthday! We celebrated with a party on Sunday at Mimi and Papa's house. Drew picked the " Hot Wheels" theme. He insisted on NO balloons. Not really sure why. He also didn't want to go to Sunday school the morning of his party because "Sunday school is boring." He claims they watch the same video every time.

Drew received lots of fun and noisy toys! I think he got every board game made for preschoolers. He loves them all! He also added to his collection of trucks. He loves all his "loot".

On his actual Birthday, Drew and Mommy went to the Mall of America. They give you a free all day ride pass for your day. He also got a coupon book with some free offers, like a cookie and dippin dots. Drew took Mommy on the swings for her first time on the ride. The first time was OK, but after the second time, Mommy had to say NO MORE! Next time Mommy goes to the mall she'll have to take Dramamine first! We played in Lego land, had lunch, did some shopping and some wandering. Drew got to pick everything he did for his special day. His first pick...No nap. For dinner Mommy, Daddy, Drew, Auntie Mandi and Joey went to Chuck E Cheese. The day ended with a warm bath. To be 4 again.

This past weekend was also Papa and Grandma Luna's Birthday's. Happy Birthday!

Last week we got Drew's first school pictures back- so cute! We went to the Children's Museum- no TV cameras this time. Had Drew's preschool conference- He's doing great! And enjoyed life. Time is going way too fast.

The rest of the week

Daddy went to school with Drew on Tuesday and stayed to be the Parent helper. Scott and Drew both had a lot of fun. Daddy already picked a day in January when he plans on going back!

Drew got to hang out with Auntie Mandi, Joey and Dylan while Mommy, Daddy, Auntie Jen and Uncle Erik went to the Wild game on Thursday. Drew had a good time. Auntie Mandi had a good laugh when Drew told Joey about his "Situation" at school that day. The "situation" (Drew's word) he was referring to was when he threw a tantrum after school. Mommy had a hard time getting him in the car and he was trying to run away in the parking lot.

Which leads to another issue we have had this week. Drew is not sleeping well. He has been waking up in the night and getting up at 5am. This happened 3 or 4 times in the past week. It is not fun for Mommy. And it makes for a cranky Drew. He has been napping good, but it is a struggle to get to that time of day. Not sure if it was the time change or something else. Last night he was worried something scary was going to get into his room. Maybe we are dealing with nightmares or night terrors. I don't know, but I hope we get past it soon!

Today Drew and Daddy went up north with Grandma Luna, Grandpa Ron and Auntie Lisa. They went up for a memorial service for Uncle Don. Drew was excited to go through Duluth and hopes that Grandpa will allow them to stop on the way back. He has been talking about the ships he saw in the lake when he was there in August. He thinks they are still there. They will be home sometime on Saturday, so Mommy is having some home alone time. She is bored!

Drew has been counting the days on his calendar everyday to see how many days until his Birthday. As of today it is only 10 days! What happened to our baby?!? The good news is Drew says he will still be Mommy's baby even when he is 100! She will hold him to it!!!

Halloween

We had a great time on Halloween. Scott and Drew went to breakfast to start out the day. We went to a costume contest at the Wayzata Bay Center in which Drew won second prize and took home a $50 prize. We followed that with some trick-or-treating around Wayzata. We then headed into Hopkins to see Grandma and Grandpa. Drew fell asleep in the car after visiting Hopkins just as we hoped he would. We ran a few errands during "nap time". When Drew woke up he fed the Lindstrom pets and we carved our pumpkin. Or Mommy did. Drew picked the design. The Fritz's came over for pumpkin shaped pizza and then we hit the streets. Drew and Zackory had fun going door to door. But they are boys. Anyone who opened the door, they tried to go in the house. They started arguing over who's turn it was to ring the bell, so most houses probably got a few rings. They also became masters at getting more than one piece of candy per stop. *Note to neighbors: Just because short cuties say, "well, I like that kind too" doesn't mean you have to give out more candy.

Zackory pooped out before Drew. After a short stop at home to warm up and check out his loot, Drew went out for round two with Daddy. We ended up with 80 costumed characters at our door. The problem now is that Drew is not ready to get rid of the pumpkins!

Preschool Pumpkin Parade

Drew and FriendsJoey, Drew and Brynn

Joey's Performance

Dylan, Joey and Drew waiting patiently

at church for trunk or treating

Joey and Drew playing Play doh

Today was Halloween dress up at preschool. The kids did a little parade and then sang some songs. Joey's class even got to perform on the stage. The kids seemed to enjoy it.

Last night we went to church for their "Trunk-or-Treating" event. The kids played games and then went outside to collect candy from cars in the parking lot. Thankfully the rain held off for the event!

Sunday

Drew or "Big Papa", as he called himself since he was wearing Papa's shirt as a paint shirt, painting pumpkins.
Drew & Joey painting pumpkins

Dancing machines at the Medina

Mandi and Dylan?

Drew the UPS man.

Today Drew went to Sunday school with Papa and Mimi. After church we went to Mimi and Papa's for lunch and pumpkin painting. In the afternoon we headed to the Medina for a kids Halloween dance. For the first 20 minutes or so the kids danced and had fun. After that Drew and Dylan were tired. Drew was mad because Daddy wouldn't take him downstairs to Robert's to play pull tabs. Robert's is where the softball guys hang out after their games. When Drew goes with them they usually play pull tabs. That was the first thing he wanted to do when we pulled into the parking lot.

Drew had two days with no naps and three days of lots of Halloween fun. Mommy is looking forward to tomorrow when we can relax and get back on schedule! Drew is looking forward to tomorrow because Mommy said we could go to the party store and pick a theme for Drew's birthday!!

Halloween Parties

Joey Anna
Drew won the costume contest for his age group

Costume contest for ages one to three

Cookie decorated at Lund's Halloween party

decorating cupcakes at Cub Halloween

Today we started out at Cub food's for a little Halloween stuff for the kids. We moved across the street to Lund's for their fall festival. They had face painting, balloon art, samples galore and cookie decorating.

Then we moved on the the Hopkins American Legion. They had games, food and a costume contest. Drew had a VERY busy day with no nap. By the end of the day he was exhausted. He was in bed by 7:45, which is on the early side for him.

Drew in his UPS costume won first prize.

Children's Museum & Edinborough Halloween

Drew turtle
Daddy and Drew shopping

Halloween Party

Pictures from the Children's Museum 10/20/09

Edinborough Park Halloween party 10/23/09

Apple Orchard 10/18/09

Uncle Bruce helping Drew

Drew grew

Little angel

Best we could do with the 4 munchkins

Climb aboard!

We went to the apple orchard (with hundreds of other people!)
The weather was nice and the kids had fun!