Memorial Weekend 2010

We spent another great Memorial Weekend at the Barta's Cabin in Wisconsin! The weather was absolutely FABULOUS, and everyone enjoyed being outdoors. The kid's LOVED playing in the lake....the highlight of the weekend was the many firsts of kneeboarding for some of the kid's! Cody, Dylan, Seth and Caden experienced their first kneeboarding ride and did an awesome job at it. Nicolas, Lauren and Calli were the old pro's from last summer and did a great job again refreshing their kneeboarding skills. They couldn't get enough of tulling around the lake behind the jet ski and gliding across the water and spending some special time with their cousins...

I have my own special highlight from the weekend....Lynn and I took a stroll this morning (to walk off the our multitude of meals this weekend, HA! HA!) and we had a third partner who wanted to join us.....a black bear cub! Needless to say, we were glad that it stayed in the woods and did accompany us....whew!

A special shout-out to the Dad's and Cody who spent many hours driving the kid's around and around and around and around again...

Thanks for another great weekend, Barta's, the memories will forever be ours to share!

Ride Hard...Never Quit!

Caden has found a new PASSION...BMX riding!

It all started last April when he brought home a flyer from school. The flyer was from Rum River BMX advertising their track for pedal bike racing. He was instantly curious about what he could do since he has a love for riding his bike.....

On Saturday, May 22 he took his first BMX for Beginner's Class. He was even more ecstatic to learn tips and information on how to race your bike. He had an awesome time spinning through the track, catching air on the table tops, cruising around the corners and learning the techniques to master the rhythm section...








Caden received a certificate for completing his first BMX clinic from the Track Operator, Kevin.





We are so excited to go along with this new adventure with you, Caden. We are eager to watch you learn the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Being Your Mom Means...

I will teach you respect and manners.

I will kiss your chubby cheeks and hug you all the time.

I will encourage you to try new things.

There will be times when we don't get along - and that's OK I will always have your back.

There will be things I don't understand but I will try and understand your view point.

I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.

I will make some mistakes along the way.

I will cry when you start school, graduate, get married, have a baby.

And many, many other times.

You may not always like me.

I will show you the importance of family and friends.

I will encourage you to be your best.

You may not always understand my decisions.

I will document your life with photos and scrapbooking.

I will read you stories, play in your blanket forts and have tickle contests.

I will never be too busy for a cuddle.

I will laugh at your jokes.

I will teach you the value of money.

I will brag about you.

And most of all Being your mom means...

there is nothing you could ever do to change the fact that I will love you forever.

Splish, Splash-We're Having a Blast!

Our annual water park family get-together found us at the Water Park of America in Bloomington for the second time. We had so much fun the first time that we had to repeat our family merriment of memories!

The challenging Flow Rider brought about many laughs and dares this time around....Thanks again to everyone for a great weekend and to Papa and Nana for their generous hospitality!

Silly Six!

Our little man is "6" today...we can still remember celebrating his very first birthday. Wow, I guess time flies when you are having so much FUN!!!


We kicked off his start to six with a family get-together at our house. We grilled, opened gifts and shared laughs and fellowship with those who love Caden the most...

Next, we celebrated being six with his friends at Jam Hops Gymnastics. He enjoyed being silly with all his friends...

Everyone delighted in some birthday cupcakes and ice cream...




His generous friends gave him some awesome gifts, he was so excited...




Free time play and games on the floor of Jam Hops...


What a great bunch of friends Caden got to share his birthday with...





Happy Birthday, Dude!
We enjoy your silliness, creativity, smartness and your love.
We are so lucky to have you for our son...

We love you to the moon and back, Caden!