The Hochgrabers

2012 Valentine weekend

2012-02-15T06:43:00.007-06:00

2012 Valentine Day

Friday at Laker Preschool Audrey had a Valentine party and made many crafts.

That night Josh and Audrey went to

"Daddy's Sweetheart Dance"

They had a grand march and danced the night away with all of Audrey's friends.

2/14, officially Valentine's Day

Monessa's Audrey had another party, pictures to come.

cute as a BUTTon!!

2012-02-08T13:13:00.005-06:00

Look at those ducks!

Creighton & Nora - 3 weeks old today!

2012-02-06T16:28:00.004-06:00

We're 3 weeks old today!

We are sleeping 3 - 4 hours at a time but sometimes only 2!

We are eating 3.5 oz per feeding.

We go through 96 diapers in 4 days.

We eat up a big container of formula in 4 days.

We go through 400 wipes in 2 weeks.

Most of all, we provide much cuddling time with Mom & Dad!

Audrey Is THREE!

2012-01-25T12:00:00.006-06:00

Audrey is 3!

Audrey started her birthday celebration at Monessa's with a special party!

Monessa makes a cookie cake for her Munchkins and always asks the birthday girl/boy what they want on the cake, and a usual respond is a cartoon character. Not Audrey, she requested cupcakes and cupcakes is what she received. The link below are pictures from her special day with her friends at daycare. THANKS MONESSA!!

http://monessasmunchkins.blogspot.com/

The next day, Saturday, Audrey officially turned three so we started the morning by waking her up with the twins and made flap jacks. Audrey is such a fan of helping me in the kitchen.

Josh was burping Nora and she was reaching for the bottle - kind of cute, she is our great eater!

That evening G&G Hochgraber came to celebrate as well as the Fosberg's to visit the twins and celebrate with us. This time Audrey simply requested cupcakes and she was able to pick them out. PINK of course - favorite color.

Couldn't resist - Audrey loves reading to the babies. Every night we have to bring at least one of them up for bedtime reading.

Explanation needed for picture below:

Often Josh and I work from home and Josh frequently places a pillow between the laptop and his lap. For her birthday we gave Audrey her own laptop and this is what she did with it. She must think laptop = pillow on lap! Super funny.

BIG sister PRIDE

2012-01-25T11:32:00.004-06:00

Audrey - the BIG SISTER!

We have been talking about the twins for months and we couldn't be more proud of Audrey - she is so loving and gentle with them.

Twin Arrival

2012-01-25T10:04:00.003-06:00

January 16, 2012

the TWINS arrived!

Creighton John

4lbs 7 oz

7:53 am

(Baby A)

Nora Ann

4lbs 14 oz

7:54am

(Baby B)

Both Creighton & Nora arrived in perfect health!

2011 Christmas

2011-12-28T15:07:00.012-06:00

2011 Hochgraber family Christmas

Thanks to everyone for making it so special!

Audrey had to try out her new roller blades and why not...it was 40 degrees that afternoon!

Baby's Update We are @ 34 Weeks, 4 to go!

Our goal is to make it to 1/25/12.

Baby A - 4lbs, 3 oz

Baby B - 4lbs, 4 oz

8 and 1/2 lbs together.....and I still have 4 weeks.

Can you believe Audrey was only 4lbs 15 oz!

Baby A cooperated, Baby B was facing the wrong direction.

New cookie recipe FUN night

2011-12-13T21:02:00.011-06:00

Tonight Audrey and I tried a new Healthy Banana Cookie recipe.

It's a "healthy" cookie but it tastes more like a granola bar!

I love to cook, but I'm not a huge baker but I'm trying.

What you need...

3 ripe bananas, 2 cups of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of crasins, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, 2 oz of walnuts, 1/3 cup of applesauce, a 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.

Peel & Smash Bananas

Mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Spoon onto cookie sheet and pat them down a little - they don't spread at all.. AND WAIT!!!

Because they are so nutritious and yummy, Audrey and I had they for a snack before bed!

Baby Update!

We are at 32 weeks! Goal is 36 weeks - January 11, 2012!

Baby A - 3lbs 10oz (25th percentile)

Baby B - 3lbs 6oz (15th percentile)

It's starting to get crazy with weekly doctor appointments, two ultrasounds a week, resting more and just preparing ourselves for their arrival!

Pictures are tough because they are crammed in there, but it's better than nothing!

Getting into the Holiday Spirit!

2011-12-11T13:08:00.012-06:00

This weekend, G & G Hoch came down for a weekend of Christmas activities.

Friday night we started off by going to the Holmes Theatre for a Christmas Concert. Audrey was on her first date with Thomas! I wish I could have taken a picture, Josh was holding Audrey's left hand and Thomas was holding Audrey's right hand. After the show they walked up the aisle holding hands - super cute!

Saturday we baked and baked and baked! We tried a new recipe - as you can see by the picture, the dough was a little sticky! Audrey loves to help me in the kitchen - even if it's helping cut up veggies for dinner.

Grandma and Audrey created a gingerbread house, it will probably be our center piece until Christmas! She loves looking at it while we eat.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-30T19:37:00.005-06:00

Grandpa Dennis came up from Florida for a week of busy Thanksgiving & Christmas festivities - and we keep him busy. We started his first night with the Fargo Parade of Lights - no pictures but a great parade.

A,B, C LEGO's - thanks Grandpa - Audrey loves signing the alphabet and putting the LEGO's in order.

After hosting Thanksgiving this year at our house we took the next morning easy and decorated the house for Christmas.

Then to another parade of lights, but this time in Perham.

Then off to Lake Park, to the Parade of Christmas Trees. Everyone stood by the tree they liked the most and voted on.

Last but not least the DL Parade of Lights. Josh, Grandpa and Audrey walked with the MARCO float/copier handing candy out to the crowd.

Fast, fun packed week with Grandpa!

Skating ....

2011-11-06T20:22:00.009-06:00

.....who knew she could skate!

Audrey went to her 1st skating birthday party this weekend.

Happy Birthday Kennedy & Jackson!

When the girls opened Audrey's presents, she sat by them and was super excited!

Audrey was so excited about skating she asked Monessa if she could take the skates home for the weekend...and of course she had to carry them all the way to the car!

She skated Saturday night and Sunday...looks like we'll have to invest in our own pair.

TriCK or TrEAt WeeKENd

2011-10-31T20:58:00.011-05:00

A little trick or treating............our little PINK kitty cat.

Audrey received skeleton straws from GG Audrey and just loves drinking out of them.

Fall Festival @ ECFE. Audrey played games, made a necklace, had her face painted, and played with a number of friends.

BABES UPDATE: BABY GEAR GALORE! A big thank you to a Susan & Jay and Tom & Debbie for helping us with our baby collection! 2 or 4 of everything is needed!

Even Audrey is just getting ready to help with the babes - she even has her own set of twins to get some practice!

Look at this mess!

2 car seats, 4 bases, 2 swings, 4 bouncy seats, 2 bumbos, 2 infant carriers - all with Audrey's animals or babies.

AND...we still need more!!!

We are growing as a family......

2011-10-18T19:53:00.006-05:00

Audrey painted 5 pumpkins for our growing family of 5.

Baby A & Baby B update!

24 weeks along and all three of us are doing well.

Both babies are in the 44 percentile, weighing in at a whopping 1lb 7oz.

Due date: January 25 (38 weeks) will be here before we know it!

Weekend with G & G

2011-10-18T19:34:00.005-05:00

GG Audrey & G Pat took Audrey to The Children's Museum at Yunker Farm last weekend. She could have been there all day!

Then to the COMBINE!!! Audrey loves tractors and she knows all of the crops - she even knows what Sugar Beets look like....city girl turned farmer - thanks for G Kieth & Daddy!

Uncle Ben & Auntie Cara's Wedding

2011-10-17T21:15:00.004-05:00

Ben & Cara had a big Party in the Pasture! Audrey was a beautiful little flower girl!

let the party begin.....

Congratulations Ben & Cara - we all had a great time!

Introducing

2011-09-15T19:57:00.004-05:00

the BABIES!!
Baby A

Baby B

Today we went for the 19 week check up and after 2 hours of ultrasounds and the consultation with our high risk doctor, a CLEAN BILL of health for all three of us!

Baby A has a heartbeat of 148 and measuring in the 36th percentile, weighing around 10 oz.

Baby B has a heartbeat of 150 and measuring in the 24th percentile weighing around 9 oz.

Nope....we didn't find out the genders :)

Weekend of Play & Labor

2011-09-05T19:48:00.010-05:00

PLAY - A day at Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion. Audrey couldn't get enough of the horses and tractors - she must get that gene from her father.

Who could resist homemade caramel and green apples.

Audrey learning how to separate the chaff and grain - it's a life skill you know!

A little parade watching with tractors as far as the eye can see.

Nap free until the ride home...I don't know who was more tired Mommy or Audrey.

LABOR...picking rocks! Audrey loves riding in the pickup truck. Not so safe for her, but the rocks are down a dirt road from our house.

The project is not completed but it's a great start.

The deer like the plants...next year we are going to try harder to keep them out.

A trick from Daddy - wash the fresh tomato from the garden on this inside of your shirt..then eat it! Dirty to clean in no time.

Dunton Locks Trail

2011-08-24T20:15:00.008-05:00

Tonight Josh and I walked the trail while Ms. Audrey rode the entire path both ways.

Safety first again....

"blow your horn...blow your horn"

Flowers along the trail

High in the sky....

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon we spent the day in Fargo at the Air Show. Marco sponsored a chalet so we had great seats! Lots to see in the air and on the ground.

Safety First.... ear plugs all around, even on Audrey. (She kept them in too!)

and buckle up!

"Smooth tire" Audrey said.

This ones goes to Auntie Katie & Uncle Jeremy - GO Army! They both fly helicopters for the Army. Audrey like to show us her muscles.

FedEx Air delivery in Audrey's future - this was a small airplane.

Then we waited 30 minutes to see the 757 FedEx airplane and this is all we saw - a cockpit and a BIG empty airplane. Audrey had more patience than Mommy!

Last but not least.... up in the air.... the Blue Angels!

Monday with the Mouw's

2011-08-02T21:02:00.004-05:00

Monday night we spent with our neighbors - the Mouw's.

We did a little grilling and tubing. Audrey's first time and she loved it! Again, again, again!!!

A little chilly after a long night in the water.

Thanks for the fun night!

Sunday...Monday....Fun day!

2011-07-26T19:00:00.009-05:00

Fun in the sun! Audrey just loves jumping off the boat and lounging with Dad in the water - for a minute before she says "Dad can I jump again!"

Nothing is better than fresh beans from the garden, no need to wash. Please look away from the weeds, we neglected it for a while.

On Monday, we celebrated Great Grandma Audrey and Grandpa Keith's birthday. We celebrated with a family gathering, Mexican food and cake - great combination.

Audrey enjoys watching the deer in the backyard, especially when the babies prance around.

Starting weekend of Water Carnival

2011-07-11T20:39:00.009-05:00

Another BIG summer event in DL is the Water Carnival and it started this weekend.

We started Saturday morning with DL Fly-In. Audrey enjoyed watching and going into the helicopters and airplanes.

It's starting...she likes shoes and she likes to wear mine too!

Then to the "crashing". Audrey liked standing with Hattie watching the cars go "boom"!

A little dance party Sunday afternoon... Tim does a great job with all of the kids.

Dancing or jumping.. either way she loved it

Ride'em Cowboys

2011-07-06T19:01:00.011-05:00

We spent the weekend in Cowboy town USA - Bismarck/Mandan

with Uncle Ben & Auntie Cara!

We went to the Mandan Rodeo both Saturday & Sunday Night and Parade on the 4th.

Weekend Review

2011-06-27T20:40:00.015-05:00

Our weekend started with the Turtle Fest Parade, but this time we were IN the parade. Audrey loved passing out candy, she would take one piece and hand it out to one person at a time. Special thanks to Chrissy's sister for driving the copier - you did a great job!

"What is in the bag"......"oh Mommy, can I have a sucker, can I have a sucker?"

Our future Miss DL (just kidding!) - just sitting & waving to all of the people.

A few hours of SUN allowed for a little boat ride.

Audrey watering a container. . . Audrey being watered by Dad. . . Audrey watering the lake.

Monessa introduced fishing to Audrey and she loves it!

Beauty Shop @ the Hochgraber's!

Big Night for a BIG GIRL

2011-06-12T12:59:00.005-05:00

Saturday we went to the Hawley Parade, very big parade for small town America! There were a lot of tractors, horses, SIRENS - very loud, TONS of candy - sending that with Audrey to Monessa's for treats, and of course people to watch :)

Thanks for Grandpa Dennis, Audrey has a new car toy to keep her busy!

As for the BID NIGHT....Saturday morning we bought Audrey a queen size bed and she was SO excited to go to bed last night! We were curious as to what would happen at night-would she fall out, run down to us - nope. Next curiosity was in the morning, would she be sitting at the foot of our bed watching us or playing in her playroom - nope the usual, I found her playing in the bed with her blanket and bears. STATUS QUO! I got up at 6:00am and took this picture.

We finally bought blinds and bedding for Audrey so it will start to look like a little girls room!

She knows how to pedal. . .

2011-05-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

But, she doesn't know how to STOP.... I asked where does it hurt!

BAD MOM

]Tonight we had the landscaper and cement contractors out to start thinking of how to add a little curb appeal.

A little supper and then we FINALLY started to work on the outside of the house.

Audrey was helping me rake the leaves, clean out the flower beds, and pick up sticks.

We also got the patio furniture out and the dock put in too, busy night!

Weekend of Celebrations

2011-05-09T22:05:00.009-05:00

Little celebrations occur in our lives everyday, this weekend we had many tiny ones, starting with having a family tractor ride. I had never ridden in a tractor before!

A celebration of Audrey able to build a "castle" out of GRASS - something we really don't have at home and running freely without a jacket on.

Celebration - I think not. . . The scary thought of Audrey driving a tractor before a car in only a few short years. I believe Josh started driving tractor at age 5!

The little celebration of Audrey reading to the family.

The celebration of Josh and my birthday and mother's day - big family funny hug.

The celebration of ice cream cake - who doesn't love that :)

Last but not least and most importantly. . . the celebrations of mother's all over. . . Happy Mother's Day!

Easter in TN

2011-04-27T21:26:00.012-05:00

The ENTIRE Hochgraber and Mateja family went to TN for Easter - thus the reason for the 10 passenger van. Audrey did great on the plane, thanks to G&G who played with her the entire time.

We had to check out the helicopters that Katie (Chinook) & Jeremy (Blackhawk) fly for the Army.

You know a typical Easter Sunday. . . Semi-final Predator game. They won and WOW was it loud!! Audrey had a great time. She keep saying "go predators go".

Everyone likes hunting for eggs, even Fiona. Like Audrey's basket!

We went to the Clarksville Easter Egg Festival: kids everywhere, a scary bunny and bouncy house.

We went to walk a Bat Cave but a bat BIT someone a few days earlier, so just a walk in the park instead.
Audrey got just a little air on this swing. . .

A tired little girl in O'Hare, but bright eyed for the final flight home.

No, it's not a lake, it's still the flood water north of Fargo.

Why she loves the FARM

2011-04-12T21:35:00.011-05:00

This past weekend we went to the FARM and Audrey just loves it.

Below she wanted to wear her hat & "farm coat".

G&G know she will get dirty there so she has special clothes to go play and get dirty.

It was MOVING weekend so Uncle Ben and Audrey used the tractor to move large items.

It was also Josh's Birthday, so Audrey and I made a little craft for "daddy's office - Marco".

Easter is around the corner so G&G had Easter Eggs colored before Josh and I even woke up!

Started with the Fridge!

2011-04-03T19:13:00.001-05:00

This weekend I realized the fridge had become an art gallery and they are all beautiful, but I thought we should start decorating the playroom with her art.

Kill two bird with one stone, decorate the room and get a clean fridge back :)

Before:

Get the tools out

Audrey's art up and finally something on the walls!

Next weekend, finish painting the play furiture.

A little R&R with reading (one of Audrey's favorite things to do)

AFTER!!!

(Josh calls it boring now!)

The weather still feels like Christmas time so we decided to make a gingerbread house that I bought - AWHILE ago :)

Yes, Audrey decided to place all of the same colors in a row - like mother like daughter.

Heart Walk Bake Sale.

BTD is having a bake sale and Audrey helped me bake Carrot Cake Muffins and Blueberry Muffins. I found super cute star muffin tins to place them in too.

I opened the door and saw this. . . video below as well.

All in one day!

All my favorite little things

2011-03-31T19:56:00.004-05:00

Today was my birthday so this morning Audrey and Josh surprised me with a gift bag full of all of my favorite little treats (I love but try to avoid :) and a few cute books to read to Audrey.

Another little favorite of mine is to see Audrey smile and have fun.

Click on the blog below to see what fun she had today with Monessa and her Munchkins!

http://monessasmunchkins.blogspot.com/

T-Shirt Night @ Zorbaz

2011-03-30T21:00:00.007-05:00

Every Wednesday is T-Shirt night @ Zorbaz and when you wear one you get discounted food and drink. So we threw Zorbaz shirts over our dress clothes and had cheap pizza and beer - milk for pumpkin :)

Audrey likes to take pictures, can you guess how many she took?

Audrey missed G & G so we tried to call them. No luck so we called Dad - even though we just left him :)

Answer: Three pictures

Menu, herself & Dad

A little hard work never hurt anyone

2011-03-28T21:01:00.006-05:00

For the past week, Audrey has been earning her keep at home and at G&G's house.

A little trenching with dad. Water, water, everywhere!

Scooping snow off the deck.

She was super cute, she would scoop it up and toss it over the side. . . just like dad.

A moment to rest.

Will work for haircut

Even hard work completed on a relaxing weekend at G & G

MORE scooping . . but much more fun at G&G's.

There are always chores on the farm.

A moment to relax and then right back at it. . .

All of the hard work make a tired little girl.

Wednesday PLAY night with Mom

2011-02-02T20:45:00.001-06:00

Wednesday night is Mommy & Me night. Dad curls with his friends so AJ & I get to play and play we do....

The night began with a cheesy smile - she knew how much fun we were going to have :)

1. Feed the dolls, animals, babies, etc. . . .

2. Play "house" - tonight we had a picnic.

3. Dress up like a princess.

4. Play "horsie" - she is brushing its hair

5. Last but not least. . . Harvest the corn with the GREEN tractor.

Another fun night at home playing with Mommy.

Princess Party for our Princess

2011-01-30T21:35:00.004-06:00

Another Hochgraber Birthday another GATHERING :)

We had the Hochgraber group to our house for Audrey's Princess birthday party.

We played games and opened too many presents.

Another Year . . . Another Check Up with Dr. Brian

2011-01-26T20:19:00.006-06:00

We are very fortunate in that Audrey has not been to the doctor since her 1 year check up, but today we went in for her 2 year check up. Everything looks good!

Height: 33.75" - 48%

Weight: 24.2lb - 16%

Like many of you know, there is A LOT of waiting at the doctors office, so we were singing and counting trying to pass the time. But, I caught Audrey even getting a little bored too. . .

Afternoon Baking. . .

2011-01-23T18:25:00.004-06:00

While Daddy ran to town, Audrey & I made him black bean Peanut Butter Brownies!

End result. . . Batter around the mouth!

AJ dumps the mix

Mommy & AJ dump in the black beans

AJ stirs, stirs, stirs...

AJ licks the spatula - no raw eggs - it's OK :)

AJ found a drop - she licked that up too.

TWO Today!

2011-01-23T12:31:00.008-06:00

Our little pumpkin is TWO!

From singing the ABC's & counting to 10 to pottying on the "BIG white one", she has grown up so much lately.

We started her special day with 2 candles on her pancake.

more is better. . . according to Daddy!

2010-12-05T20:08:00.004-06:00

It all started out with one or two sprinkles and a chip,

and then Daddy started to coach Audrey.

and the result of the coaching. . .

Then the waiting game.

Two HAPPY FACES!

Parading we will go

2010-11-29T19:48:00.004-06:00

Wind, Snow, heck no . . .

A PARADING WE WILL GO!

We grabbed candy, a copier and of course Audrey and walked

Washington St for the Annual Detroit Lakes Holiday Parade.

First dusting of SNOW

2010-11-21T10:24:00.005-06:00

We woke up to a little snow this morning so Daddy & AJ had to go and play.

4,3,2,1 weeks - the countdown begins

2010-11-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

4 weeks and counting. . .

Walls are painted in the bedrooms.

Here's AJ in our bedroom.

Texture and LOTS of sanding occurring in the bonus room.

(picture below show you how much I LOVE the sanding - DUST EVERYWHERE)

Audrey's old room will now be our mud room.

Through the opening upstairs will be two bedrooms.

The opening at the bottom of the stairs is the master bedroom and bath.

The outside is almost done.

We're just waiting on gutters and lights to be installed.

In the spring we will receive the cement walkway, driveway and ALOT of landscaping.

Trick - or - Treat

2010-11-02T21:00:00.021-05:00

We took Ms. AJ trick or treating to a few of our friends houses and met some friends along the way. Woof woof!

Monday was Patty's Halloween Party
Bobbing for apples, pin the hat on the scarecrow, pumpkin carving, sack races
. . . I'm tired thinking about it all.

Fashion Show for Grandma

2010-10-27T20:42:00.006-05:00

Tonight we Skyped Grandma H & AJ had a little Halloween Fashion Show.
Patty has a number of costumes so I asked if we could bring them home to show G&G.
I had three but AJ was done at two.

Before winter hit yesterday AJ played in the dirt and watched "Hunter and Boys" -as AJ calls them - clean up.

Rainy day = A day of lessons

2010-10-24T21:08:00.007-05:00

1. AJ saying her full name: Audrey Jean Hochgraber

2. Planting a evergreen in a pot - we are going to use it for AJ to decorate this X-mas.

3. Playing the piano and taking a break to give Mommy a scary look!

4. Sitting in her big girl boaster seat. (we've been placing the high chair up to the table so it's really not that big of a change - but now no more monster high chair in the way :)

5. Pull ups in the bonus room - we had to get some fresh air.

6. Daddy subtly showing/telling Mommy she has a problem.

Friday night AJ & I & the Ritchies went over the Petsinger's for Pizza Friday. AJ & Hattie played with the puppy and the "nay's".

Mommy & AJ Date Night

2010-10-20T20:46:00.005-05:00

At the library.

Audrey just loves to lay on her "tummy" and read away. I believe this was her 5th or 6th book she did this with. She even put the books away when done "reading" out loud. I had to keep reminding her we were at the library.

And of course, just like at home Audrey loves to put together puzzles and sing 'A, B, C', 'A, B ,C' over and over and over again! Again, had to reminder of being quiet.

House Update: Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Insulation, Windows, New Driveway, Roof - check!

Tomorrow - sheet rock and siding.

favorite snack passed down to Audrey

2010-10-10T20:31:00.011-05:00

My favorite snack is Apple & Peanut Butter.

I cut it in half and load it with a ton of PB.

Audrey always asks for apples so today I loaded her up too.

We took another ride today.It was so strange, no leaves on trees but beautiful out!

I'm not sure if you'll notice the difference,

but a number of trees came down on Friday.

Drive home thoughts

2010-10-06T20:24:00.006-05:00

Each day after work I drive home and think of family time, peace & quiet, what am I going to make for dinner and recently I added, "What did they get done?" to the list.

Today -

a roof, windows and a second story was completed.

On the agenda for tomorrow -

Open up the addition to the existing house.

Excavating - a few trees will be taken down in backyard to open it up. Here is a before:

And - like usual - when they dig we find more rocks.

Evening Stroll

2010-10-04T20:48:00.006-05:00

An evening stroll with the neighbors.

We took a walk around the block and met up with some of our neighbors -

just soaking up the nice weather.

A little house update -

The opening is going to be the master bedroom window.

There will be one directly above it for a kids bedroom.

Tomorrow they are going to work on the upstairs.

The siding is off, they are getting ready to start framing up the attached garage and bonus room above. But, they are going to finish the bedroom first.

Opening will be a 6' X 2' window that will be placed above the bed.

To the left will be the master bathroom.

MEG & her CAMERA to the RESCUE!

2010-10-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to MEG again - Cute pics of Audrey!

We needed an updated photo of the family for the Fire & Ice program so

'Meg to the Rescue'.

Within a few minutes Meg came to our house

and we stated playing with the leaves in our backyard.
More to come - she only took a few hundred!

Who needs a sWinG SeT when you have lumber

2010-09-27T21:17:00.004-05:00

At gymnastics we have been practicing walking and jumping on and off of the balance beam.

Audrey will be ahead of the class due to the practice we had tonight.

We even remembered to have her put her arms to the side :)

Our Pumpkin HOLDING Pumpkins

2010-09-26T20:41:00.011-05:00

This afternoon we took a BIG trip 5 miles to the Maple Hills Orchard.

Daddy & daughter lesson for the day - "this is the tassel... the ear... the leaves...the stock, ect" Super cute. We have corn close to our house and every time we drive by AJ yells out "CORN!" (it actually sounds like "dorn!").

Audrey thought she was super girl today - she tried to pick up a number of pumpkins, so the one that she actually carried we took home - the pumpkin was 3.5 lbs.

But, before taking it home, we had to draw on it with markers and then paint it.

And, now we have a new center piece for the kitchen table.

Small town Fall Festival

2010-09-25T20:51:00.004-05:00

A little early morning jaunt took us to Lake Park to their Annual Fall Festival.

We. . .

bought some old chairs from a church at the flea market, rode on the barrel ride, danced to a group of fiddlers, ran through the craft fair, saw some old cars, a "nayh" (or horse to the rest of us) drawn wagon, went to a few "garbage" sales as Josh calls them, ate at the local cafe, and finally went home to a long awaited nap.

Great fall morning in upper Minnesota!

Tonight we might have gotten in our last pontoon ride too!

G & G Hooch came for the day!

photo shoot with Meg

2010-09-23T08:01:00.004-05:00

Last night we went to an old barn and Meg took a few shots of Audrey with the headbands she makes.

Meg makes a number of hair accessories, you can pick them up at

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50328405/pick-2-funky-fabric-flower-with-tulle?ref=em

THANKS MEG!

Audrey begins her Olympic training...

2010-09-18T20:43:00.009-05:00

Thursday night was AJ's first day in gymnastics.

How much FUN!
We're so glad we have the opportunity to watch her bounce around the gym.

The other girls in the class were all at least one year older than her, but they are all great role models.

I'm not sure who had more fun in the pit, Audrey or I?

Audrey said, "ALL DONE" and threw the gloves down!

House Update:

Concrete floors and walls in, now another 7 - 10 days of waiting while it cures, and

then the FRAMING begins!!!!

a little vision of what is coming

2010-09-15T20:15:00.003-05:00

Crawl space for bedrooms and bathroom.

Slab and foam for garage.

Tomorrow Audrey has her first day at gymnastics - we'll grab a few snap shots of that :)

SpliSH SplaSH . . . in the mud

2010-09-08T20:46:00.010-05:00

Only a father would encourage and take pics!

ADDITION UPDATE
Digging and footings.

You know - RAKING dirt. I told Josh the rock would not look good next to the hosta's but he insisted.

Mounds of dirt/MUD everywhere!

farming traditions come back for JOSH. . .

2010-09-06T12:39:00.005-05:00

Starting with a trip to Rollag. Josh enjoyed showing Aurdery and I the horse drawn swather, horses in the barn, and old school tractors/equipment. Audrey grabbed a stock of wheat and held onto it for a good hour, it was funny to see her dragging it around.

Then we came home to a farm favorite. . . PICKING Rocks. Tomorrow they will start digging for the addition and garage so G &G Hooch came to help move the plants and pick rock around our house. Can you believe we found all of these in our yard!? Hard work is over, we'll purchase the rest :)

a little progress/move

2010-08-30T20:35:00.002-05:00

Start the day with a BIG bear hug to daddy.

Then the movers came. . .

We were pumped to move all of our belongings back into the garage (especially with the weather coming) until we got hit with the beams still being in the garage. So tomorrow night, garage moving party :)

I'm not doing well . . .

2010-08-22T20:22:00.006-05:00

with this arrangement. We were told that early this week the garage would move, so we had to empty it out. The only "logical" place to move everything is on the back deck and in the front entry way. We feel a little trashy. We at least placed tarps over everything in case it rains.

As Josh stated today, "we need a few cars that don't work in our yard to complete the look."

Week 1 Completed . . .

2010-08-17T12:19:00.008-05:00

It's been so fun to see what can happen in a week. . .

Dig a big hole, fill the big hole, and then a

concrete slab for the existing garage was complete. Now we have to wait 7 - 10 day for it to cure to move the garage.

But, it didn't take long for Audrey and Josh to start playing on it.

New septic and mound . . .

LAST but not least . . . VERY EXCITING . . . Audrey is going potty on the big girl toilet!

Day 1 - TIMBER . . . .

2010-08-09T20:50:00.004-05:00

Day 1 - prepping for the new septic with a lot of tree removal.
You'll notice the red tape around trees - those are the ones that will be going too.

Day 2 - septic goes in - exciting - stay tuned.

Working weekend with G&G Hooch

2010-08-08T21:23:00.009-05:00

A tough Weekend of WORKING on the FARM. . .

I pick & eat

but, I have to take time to play in that black dirt.
Then, I pick & eat - again
. . .

They always put me to work, now I have to mow w/ Grandpa

but... No Picking this time - Just EAT w/ Grandpa
Thank you G&G Hooch - great weekend away from mom & dad!

no camera = no pictures

2010-08-01T21:12:00.005-05:00

We decided to leave the camera on the top of the car, leave it on the side of the driveway, and then proceeded to allow 9 inches of water over two weeks splash on it, HENCE no pictures in many weeks. But. . . we were on the farm this weekend after a wedding and G. Hooch got a few fun pics.

MAJOR Bedhead

Chatting with Auntie Katie from Afghanistan.

Up on the farm - Bubbles & Radishes oh my

2010-06-20T22:11:00.005-05:00

Fresh off the farm - RADISHES - what 1 year old child doesn't LOVE THEM!!!
Dad - give my 2nd radish back.

Great G Audrey was really entertaining AJ.

BUBBLES . . .
G&G Hooch really know how to pick out bubble tools for a great time.

good to be home

2010-06-19T12:49:00.010-05:00

Josh and I had a busy week without seeing each other (first Josh was gone to the cities and then I went to IL for business trip) so it is good to be home again!

First thing on the agenda . . . get a pontoon ride in.

This morning we went on . . .

Did you know that Detroit Lakes. . .
* Had the world's smallest gas station - it measured 3 1/2' by 4'.
* The Graystone building use to be 4 seperate buildings but now it's one.
* The Norby's Building has 4 layers of brick facade.
* The Public Library was built in 1911 with funds from wealthy business tycoon Andrew Carnegie.
* In 1950 there were TEN car dealerships in town.

It was a little cooler than expected, but luckily we have lots of very random clothing thrown in the car. Josh was a trooper, he gave up all of his extra so I could tolerate the wind and cooler temperature.

Running around . . .

2010-06-08T21:17:00.002-05:00

the city park & beach with my shades on

and not a care in the world!!!

Morning Routine

2010-06-03T21:20:00.005-05:00

Audrey displaying great hygiene.

BrUshY, bRusHy!!

Audrey says, "now YOU brush!"

2010-05-10T20:08:00.006-05:00

Mother's Day was another Sunday on the farm with the Hochgraber family.

Mommy slept in - what a great present!

Grandma H found some fun toys at a co-worker's & Audrey sat still just long enough to take a couple pictures!

Happy Birthday to . . .

2010-05-02T20:58:00.002-05:00

the best daycare provider. . .

PATTY

Today is Patty's birthday and her family threw her a SUPRISE party and we were lucky to attend.

Still reading to the kids on her day off :)

Our little Pumpkin . . .

2010-04-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

When Audrey was just a baby we called her pumpkin, but now a toddler, we can call her peanut, like my dad STILL calls me or Amy Bean.

We went to her 15 month check up and everything is great -

developing right on track & tall and thin.

21 lb - 20 percentile

31 " - 70 percentile

Random Pics

2010-04-19T21:06:00.008-05:00

Our little camper! Audrey has her own little getaway. If she gets in trouble, look for this in the front yard...

We are starting the summer projects in APRIL!!! We are resurfacing the dock. It didn't start off pretty, but at least no one will fall through or receive splinters.

FORE, Audrey's starting to swing at the ball.

AJ's first bike ride. Josh and I switched pulling, he gave me the big hills!

Weekend of R&R

2010-04-11T20:33:00.009-05:00

We had a great weekend at home! Nothing too exciting, but a number of fun little pictures.

AJ signs "all done" she now knows please, thank you, more, bed time & is working on "all done."
AJ tickling Carter, Josh turned 31 and needed help blowing out the candle!!

AJ makes a tractor noise, Dillon & AJ, AJ in jail

AJ likes to tap, tap, tap the fuel tank - strange, new trick - tossing wiffle balls, still helping daddy rake leaves

drawing pretty pictures & daddy's dirty gloves - we got the dock in today, soon the boat :)

Bath Time

2010-04-08T21:12:00.004-05:00

It's always fun to give Audrey a bath. Just a few fun pictures. She likes to line the toys up and "count" them.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-05T21:08:00.007-05:00

Dad & AJ raking some leaves - we were bad in the fall and didn't get to all of them. Then AJ got a little tired and came in to read some books.

On to the farm

FORE. . . . Grandpa Hooch will make AJ a golfer with a set her own size.

G & G saved a number of toys that Josh played with when he was a little boy.

Taking a break after sunrise service.

These BOOTS are made for walking. . .

2010-03-06T20:45:00.006-06:00

Had to show you the cute boots Josh & Audrey bought today.

Stay toned for more pictures of AJ getting dirty in these :) Especially at the farm.

This afternoon was so nice AJ & Josh had to find an outside project - what the heck, shovel the DECK??!!

This morning she was playing with her baby toys and this evening she graduated to laptop and cell phone.

Studio 59

2010-02-23T20:01:00.008-06:00

AJ's first little trim. There is not a considerable difference, but it now has a "shape". We are working on the bob look.

Before . . . a little wild & crazy

During. . .

After . . . Tame & Under control

Audrey's 1st FACE FORWARD drive

2010-01-31T20:28:00.007-06:00

It was so FUN to see her reactions as we drove around town. And from the looks and sounds of it, Audrey loved it too!!

I'm ONE

2010-01-30T21:30:00.019-06:00

One year check up:
19 lbs 15 oz (27%) + 29" (47%) = One haPPy heAlthy little TODDLER :)

Newest Trick - WALKING and bending down to pick up items!! She has it mastered!

All of this walking leads to a tired little girl! Between playing with G&G, running around the house, and Grandpa taking AJ for a sled ride she was tuckered out!!

*It also leads to bumps, bruises, and cuts - you'll notice in these pictures she has a pretty bad owie on her nose.

AJ's first BIRTHDAY party with the Hochgraber family.

What Audrey & Josh are learning while Amy is away...

2010-01-23T20:23:00.009-06:00

Amy is visiting family in Alabama this weekend. Here's what we're learning so far:
1. We had fun @ Breck's birthday party on Friday
2. We make a mean looking snowman
3. Audrey can fit a really big pear inside her mouth
4. So can Josh
5. Our house really doesn't clean itself
6. Doing laundry is a lot more fun when you don't have to fold it
7. There is no sound like that of a sleeping child (quiet, that is)
8. Secrets kept from Mommy are not necessarily lies
9. Audrey is probably a better cook than Josh
10. We miss Mommy!!!

The phrase that changed our lives. . .

2010-01-20T07:48:00.006-06:00

"You are having your baby - TOMORROW!"
One year ago today Josh and I went in for our usual appointment at 10:00 am for a 36 week check up. Due to circumstances with the baby's health Dr Deraney decided the best thing to do was have the baby tomorrow at 7:00am.

We were not expecting this to occur, we had 4 weeks left to prepare, plus I thought I would go past my due date!

So Josh and I both went back to work, I tried to pull myself together and get ready to be gone for the next 6 weeks.

A few great memories of the night before AJ came:

1. Working after I got home trying to finish a work project.

2. Calling Meagan and telling her the news. We talked about how prepared or unprepared we were. I told her I didn't even have a hat to bring the baby home in.

That night the Barkers surprised us and came over with a great little gift; a pink and blue hat. Little did we know she wouldn't fit into it for another month. :)

3. Josh yelling at me at 10:30pm telling me to close the laptop and come to bed.

4. Josh and I giving each other a hug in bed listening to the peace and quiet that we know would not be there when we returned with the baby.

5. G & G Hoch beating us to the hospital. Remember they live 1.5 hours away. Grandma did not sleep that night.

Blizzard

2009-12-26T10:09:00.005-06:00

We are still on the farm due to the blizzard, maybe tomorrow we'll be able to go home. Josh and I don't know what we would do without Great Grandma Audrey and G&G Hooch. Audrey has had lot of entertainment from them. Here are a few pictures of all of the fun we are having.

Grandpa Hooch had to get AJ some John Deere toys. A tractor and combine that when you open them up there is a book inside. Audrey likes to roll them back and forth on the table.

Great Grandma Audrey showing Audrey the ornaments.

One of Audrey's first Christmas presents - a book "The wheels on the bus". Great Grandma Audrey gave AJ a little baby doll.

Out in the blizzard yesterday - we had to adventure outside. Audrey is sitting on top of a snow drift.

This morning AJ received a Radio Flyer Wagon from G&G Hooch.

Playing side of the box.

Merry Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T10:22:00.005-06:00

This morning we went out to enjoy the snow before the BIG storm comes. We are suppose to get 12 - 18 inches of snow in the next couple of days, right now we only have 5.

just a few pics from this weekend

2009-12-20T15:24:00.007-06:00

A little walk on pearl. . .
It was super cute to see her crawling on the snow.

Josh being goofy with Audrey.

Eating lots of grown up foods. . .

pineapple, pear, pancakes,

green beans & banana

Sunday at the farm

2009-12-13T20:45:00.005-06:00

Today Josh left for Vegas so AJ and I went up to the farm.

Picture #1 - We had a melt down because I waited too long to feed AJ!

Picture #2 - Minutes later after the food kicked in - just like Mommy, crabby when she goes too long without food in the belly :)

AJ playing for Katie on Skye.

Grandma, AJ and I went for a walk - it was a little brisk, but AJ loves being outside.

SNOW ANGELS

AJ's new game. . .

2009-12-06T15:44:00.004-06:00

Dumping the newspapers off the coffee table

and then playing with them.

AGAIN - with Josh's encouragement. He said Amy "get the camera out for this". . . meaning they have done this before.

Festival of Trees

2009-12-05T13:10:00.008-06:00

This morning we went on a little road trip to Frazee to their Festival of Trees. It's fundraiser for the town and we thought Audrey would enjoy looking at all of the lights.

This tree is for all of the girls that used to bowl together, it was made out of bowling pins, shoes and a bowling ball. . .

Here are Josh and my favorite trees. I chose the tree with chips and gummies and Josh chose the red, white and blue one in honor of Katie and Jeremy!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-29T14:10:00.016-06:00

Audrey was really busy entertaining for Thanksgiving!

First, Grandma Debbie (center in photo below) & Auntie Cindy visited from Alabama & North Branch, MN.
Then we played with Grandma & Grandpa H after eating too much.
On Friday we went to the Perham Parade of lights with the Barkers to get into the Christmas spirit. We had to dress warm so Audrey tried on Mommy's moon boots.
Had Breck Blilie & friends over for Saturday night pizza.

On Sunday, Audrey & Josh went on a play date.

We got into the car...
We went into a building...
Audrey got pretty tired.
And that's all you need to know for right now, b/c it's Christmas time!! :)

New discoveries every day

2009-11-12T19:24:00.008-06:00

STAIRS - We learned how to climb up the stairs today - no thanks to Josh's encouragement.

DISHWASHER - Audrey was walking around the dishwasher then she began to pull the rack in and out, in and out. Josh had to grab the camera.

2009-11-11T11:11:00.015-06:00

AJ is. . .

1. Crawling everywhere - she finally discovered the rest of the house.

2. Getting her top two teeth in.

3. Waving to everyone.

4. Pulling herself up everywhere.

5. Loving to look at books, she reads from left to right and turns the pages. Grandma Pat is so proud. It's in the nightly routine. :)

6. Cruising along the sofa and coffee table.

7. Learning the word "no". She reaches for items on the table or plants around the house, we say no and she listens!

8. RUNNING in her walker. She can take off a toe or two if you are in her way. We race around the island.

9. Liking to play with toys that have moving parts or make fun noises. Shiny jewelry is always a hit too.

This is for you Grandma Pat!

2009-11-11T10:20:00.000-06:00

A few photos that Josh took on his cell

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

(I know the qaulity is bad, but fun photos.)

Audrey waiving bye bye to the Jeep.Audrey now stands up and lets up know she is ready to get out and play!!

All dressed up for the PARTY

2009-11-02T20:16:00.006-06:00

We went to a great Halloween party on Saturday. All the kids were dressed up and even some of that parents. Audrey was a duck, Josh was a brake pad sales man (shirt is from 8th grade traveling basketball) and I went as a soft ball player (I wore Josh's 7th grade baseball uniform). - it's almost embarrassing to say that Josh still has these items :) Audery's costume was NEW!

AJ looked so cute crawling around with her tail up in the air.

Audrey loves to stand and walk.

Waddle, waddle, quack, quack :)

Hochgraber Family Photo

2009-10-25T12:49:00.003-05:00

Another Check-Up

2009-10-23T08:16:00.006-05:00

Audrey had her 9 month check-up and she doing great.

Height: 28.3", 76 percentile

Weight: 18lb, 4 oz, 41 percentile

Who needs fancy toys, rough paper at the doctors office kept her entertained for 30 minutes while we waited for Dr. Brian to come in :)

A few family photos

2009-10-21T20:27:00.005-05:00

This past weekend we went to the farm (G&G Hooch) for a little family reunion, Katie & Jeremy were home from Germany and Ben & Cara too!! It was so great to see them together - Katie had never seen Audrey in person. While we were all home G&G Hooch lined up a family photo session so we took a few of our little family too. It was great timing, Audrey turned 9 months today.

2009-10-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

BIG Weekend. . .

BIG Ten tailgating Purdue vs U of Minnesota. . .
Side Story: Poor Audrey, we were walking and she kept loosing her left shoe. So after the third time, I continued to look down to check for them. I noticed her shoe was kicked off again but this time her sock was off too. Funny thing is, it was 30 degrees and 16mph winds and she didn't make a fuss about it. Josh ran back and found the shoe and sock, I could not believe someone would not have stopped us, she has a shoe and sock on the other foot!

BIG Bear Hug

BIG girl car seat. . .
While in the cities we picked up AJ's big girl car seat. I took her to daycare in it this morning (of course backwards still) and she still sang me a song and played with her keys.

Viking vs Packers . . . who will win?!

2009-10-05T12:57:00.004-05:00

AJ received this shirt from a customer of Josh's.

UND Homecoming

2009-10-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went up to Josh's homecoming - good old University of North Dakota.

We went to a parade, took over the Sig Ep house, and tailgated before the game.

A few of the kids AJ played with at UND. We really had the Sig Ep house rockin'!

AJ, Mason, Dillion, and Jack

AJ loves sitting on Josh's shoulders.

Don't you love those pictures that you take while holding the camera :)

Freedom . . .

2009-10-02T08:51:00.007-05:00

I know you might think we are crazy but for the past 8 months we have been swaddling Audrey. She loves it, when it's bed time, we lay her down and she even places her arms down by her side.Last night we gave it a try and gave her FREEDOM - no swaddle! She did great. She woke up once and Josh found her face down and her head wedged in the corner of the crib. He turned her around, placed her in the middle again and this is how we found her this morning. Even when she was swaddled it is always fun to see where she is at in the morning.