Thanks Aunt Faye and Uncle Tim!

While Tim and I completed the climb, the boys were in Vermillion for a weekend sleepover.  They had an awesome time with their cousins, aunt, and uncle.  They were able to visit a nature center, and the big surprise was a trip to the CIRCUS!  The boys have never been to the circus before so that was such a nice gift.  We picked them up in Worthington and we were able to have brunch with Papa and Grandma too.

Thank you Tim and Faye for giving us a weekend together and for cherishing our boys!  

Max, Grandma, and Sophie checking out Sophie's bday presents

Papa and one tired Lincoln

Izzy and her Uncle Tim - quite the pair

Thanks Uncle Tim and Aunt Faye!

Max didn't want to leave his uncle but I think Tim was ready for a nap.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY SWEET SOPHIA MARIE!  We love you!

BIG CLIMB 2013

WHY climb 95 flights of stairs?To find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Funds raised through Big Climb for Cures support life saving blood cancer research and help blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.
HOW did Team Linda do?
Our team raised $1850.00 BUT donations are still excepted until May 17th so you still have time!  We don't have the team's time but we did find our race times - TIM 23minutes 04 seconds and MELISSA 33 minutes 44 seconds.  We hope to finish faster next year but we are still very proud of this accomplishment.
BUT HOW?!
I can't tell you how hard/easy it was for each of us individually but I can tell you that I started and finished the climb with Tim's older sister Emily.  We talked each other through it, both have colds and runny noses.  They say exercising releases endorphins and puts you in a good mood.  We were definitely in a good mood when we hit 95 flights, crossing that finish line with Linda watching over us.  In the stairwell, there were pictures hung of all the people that are fighting or lost their fight to blood cancers.  At just the right time, Heather saw her mom's picture, that gave her the strength to continue.  This is a small hurdle compared to what the patients need to climb so YES we will do it again and again.

Before the race, ready to climb

If you look closely you will see Linda's picture hanging in the middle of Tim and Emily.

Heather and Tim rounding another corner

There she is, with her funky reading glasses on, cheering on her family

WE DID IT!  woohoo!

So incredibly proud to call this man MY husband.  He continues to make the most of everyday for both his parents.

Holding strong

and the day wouldn't be complete without Ben's humor 

Linda and Jon's kids with their spouses

We had 11 people join us this year and hope to double that next year!

It was an incredible experience that we won't forget.

Congrats Nancy and Art!

April 6th Tim's Aunt Nancy married Art in one of the most beautiful ceremonies we have ever witnessed.  The night was so much fun, including a Mariachi band, lots of laughs, and tons of introductions!

"I DO!"

Ellen, Nancy, and Art

Ellen, Emily, and Heather

Such a great night!

Ellen and her main squeeze Nick

Quite a few of Art's family thought Tim was the in-law and I was Heather and Emily's sister.  :)

Art's mom, Rosa (95 yrs old) loved the band and couldn't help but dance.

Week #15 "Firsts"

Charlie and I's first INSANITY workout!

I am trying to conquer 2 months of INSANITY and Charlie helped me get through the 1st one.  He is my #1 fan!  (appreciate the bright pink/purple cheeks)

Week #14 "What home means to me"

What I love most about my house is who I share it with!

Wherever I am, as long as I have these guys, I will be home

Week #13 "In Motion"

Grandma Millie dancing with Tim at Nancy's wedding

(amazing Mariachi Band)

Easter Celebrations 2013

#1 Olson Easter on Palm Sunday.  Tim took Max and Lincoln because Charlie and I were in the Hills.

The boys had a great time and came home with a ton of eggs filled with goodies.  

#2 Uncle Tim, Aunt Faye, Izzy, Sophie, Aunt Tina, and Jason came to our house for Easter weekend.

We went to the St. Peter egg hunt on Saturday - super muddy and cold but the kids enjoyed it.  The adults had a great night out while our sitter watched all 6 kids.  I have to share one interesting text we got during our night - "I just want to let you know that Sophie put a reeces pieces up her nose.  We got it out after a while."  Leave it to Soph to save herself a "treat" for later!  haha

OLSONS' EASTER

Grandma Millie won't ever be too old to get on the floor

Max, Karlie, Claire, Linc, and Avery with their full baskets

Ellen entertaining the kids as usually (I'm sure Nick had the others)

Tim and Grandma

HAGGAR/OLSON EASTER

Dying our eggs

Charlie couldn't do enough and was very bummed when they were all decorated

"May the eggs be with you!"

Aunt Tina and Jason at the toddler hunt with Max and Linc

Mom and Charlie waiting for Soph and Izzy to start the big kid hunt

Finding their treasures

Check it out guys!

So excited to have cousins join them, but we missed all our other ones too.

Crazy Uncle Tim and Max

Charlie is trying so hard to master the jump rope

Aunt Faye playing soccer and directing bike traffic

Tim, Jason, Linc, and Charlie playing football

Easter morning hunting for our baskets that the darn Easter bunny hid well!

Charlie was so excited about his kite and books

The Olsons - Easter 2013

The Haggars

Uncle Tim, Max, and Izzy

Aunt Faye and Max

On our night out! - Oh BOY!