The Lord is my Strength and my Song!

We were blessed to spend Easter with my Dad, the boys' Papa (Gran is out of town). We had the best time together and never stopped laughing at Papa's stories. Charlie had two special outings with Papa where they did "secret" errands.
We really appreciate every time my parents make the drive out here to be with us, especially on holidays. The boys also wanted to thank everyone again for the Easter presents. They received everything from candy to summer clothes! Lucky boys.
We love you Papa and miss you already!!

The boys climb up the playhouse solo now!
There goes the monkey

Maxwell George on Sunday

Our attempt at getting the 3 of them in a nice pic

Tina's boys Max and Linc lookin' good

He will always be Tina's boy, Lincoln Thomas

Kisses all around

Papa and his lil boys

You can't make CT smile for pics these days. Good thing Papa doesn't care!

Easter Sand Buckets

CT found his! Tim's Easter bunny always hid their baskets. My bunny always put our bucket outside our bedroom doors in the middle of the night. Tim wants his tradition to continue and that's just fine with me.

Max and Linc checkin' out their goodies

Aunt Tina reading to the boys

Sleeping Angel. We enjoy the silence :)

Papa's CUBS #6 and 7!

Papa helping the boys with the hunt we had at home with our daycare friends.

All the bunnies hoppin' around

As Papa left the house, all 3 of the boys were crying. What is a mother to do? I sit there with nothing to say because it is just as hard on me as it is for them to see him go. So our 3 year old Charles T says "It's ok Max because Papa always comes back to us". Thats right buddy! How can I not join in on the tears?!

Olsons' Hoppin' Easter Party

The Olson family celebrated Easter on Saturday afternoon together at Tim's mom's house. It was great to see everyone but so stressful due to two lil tots teething. The boys were spoiled with an Easter egg hunt and lots of lil gifts from great aunts, uncles, Nama and Grandma Millie.
Thanks to everyone who "put up" with the crying from the Olson twins and who helped make our Easter a great one!!

Tim and his little sister Heather remembering their Father and showin' their tats of his signature. Jon R. Olson will always be remembered!

Cousin Avery and Charlie hangin out after the hunt

Linc and Max didn't participate in the hunt b/c they wouldn't leave Tim and I for more than 5 seconds! Ugh

Great Aunt Becky got the boys great gifts (trains inside eggs!)

Daddy helping the boys open their gifts.

CLAIRE SANDWICH!

Tim and I had such a great time with our neices on Saturday. We are looking forward to taking the 3 big cousins out together. Charlie had so much fun that he was sweating through his shirt.

Avery and I were counting fingers. She said she has 2. (she turned 2 in Feb) :)

Charlie's workout for the year! The girls had him wore out by running up the stairs and sliding down them. Who needs toys?!

Our American Hero!!

My cousin Becky is our HERO! She is a young American female crew chief on a Blackhawk Helicopter headed to a mission in Afghanistan for the next 12 months. We are so proud of her! She left Easter morning from St. Cloud with 17 other soldiers. Dad, Christina and I drove up there that morning to kiss, hug, and pray for our Becky! Driving home we talked about how "real" this experience was for all of us. As my dad said, you read about it in the newpapers, see it on T.V. but you can't possible get that "feeling" unless you are there, watching your loved one leave. We witnessed a newly engaged couple kiss good bye, dads hugging their small children for the last time, and parents giving their last piece of advise to their child before they got in those helicopters. I get choked up thinking about that morning again.
We will be sending Becky care packages throughout her stay there. She has requested snacks and teddy bears from her Uncle Tim and Aunt Linda, and a whole list of things that her cousins are in charge of. We have asked Becky to make a list of soldiers that don't receive mail so that we can send them things as well. Anyone interested in helping with this project Please let us know.
Most importantly your prayers are needed for Becky and all the other American soldiers that are away from home right now (Tim's lil sister has a brother in law stationed in Japan).

O God, we know you care about each of your children, around the globe. We praise your loving kindness, your merciful grace. This day we lift to you our troops. So far from home and family, they do their best to serve with faithfulness and honor. Hold them tightly, Holy One. Give them courage. As they endure harsh conditions, loneliness and great danger, let them know your nearness. Help them feel your love, and comfort the families left behind. Also, we pray for the end of war. We pray for your strength, your wisdom and your reconciliation. That the serving men and women of every nation might be at home, wrapped in their families, we seek your peace, here on earth, as in heaven. Creator, bless us all as we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Sargent Becky Z with her cousins Christina and Melissa and Uncle Tim

There she goes (on the left)

She is on the right, getting her chopper ready to go

This is something I will never forget, saying "see ya" to my lil cousin right before she flew away.

And there they go...

(Becky is in the 1st Helicopter)

May the good Lord bring you home to us. We love you so much Becky!

Every Cowgirl Needs A Horse!

Kids' Museum + Lunch + "Rio" movie = SOPHIE'S 3rd birthday celebration with Aunt Mel and cousin Charlie!! We had an awesome time with Sophie, Izzy, Uncle Tim and Aunt Faye on Saturday's day trip to Sioux Falls. Sophie turns 3 on April 22nd and yes it feels like yesterday when Tim Jr called to tell me that she was born! She has cheeks that I want to bring with me everywhere and a smile that melts your heart! I am so glad that Charlie and I could start her birthday celebration off on the right foot. Lil Soph is a cowgirl and I found a book for her called "Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse" and it was too perfect for her. Miss you already girls and can't wait to share more fun times with you both!

Uncle Tim racing to the end (Faye captured this pic and the next)

YEAH That's me! I have to say my big brother didn't make it as far as me! Gettin' old stinks bro!

Charlie, Izzy and Soph's turn

As fast as Cheetahs on the race track

Uncle Tim, Charlie and Izzy building towers

Charlie at the ball machine - it consumed the whole wall

Diggin' for dinosaurs

A lesson about caterpillars/butterflies

Water table - everyone's favorite

Gone Fishin'

Parasailing through the mountains

Presents and Pizza!!

Nanny Nama

Fun times with Aunt Heather, Uncle Ben and Nama last weekend! Most of the fun times were had by the adults but the boys were happy to see them the following morning. We appreciate Nama babysitting for us while we went out for an awesome dinner alone!! Thanks a bunch Nama - the boys love their alone time with you!!

Aunt Heather and Uncle Ben playing with Linc

Saved by Auntie Heth

Charlie showing off his impressive building skills

Nama on twin duty

Nama with her grandsons plus the cool dude shades

"I DON'T DO SEUSS"

(Papa does not read Dr. Seuss. "It doesn't make any sense!") Papa called Gran at 8am Thursday from work and told her to pack the bags and they would be on their way here. It was a great surprise for all of us. Charlie got done SKYPING with Izzy, Soph, Uncle Tim, Aunt Faye, Uncle Tate, and Aunt Jess AND then the garage door swung open! Charlie, Max and Lincoln had a wonderful time with their grandparents and visiting with Uncle Terry on Sunday. Papa and Gran are now on their way to see Izzy and Sophie in Vermillion. It is a great thing for all of us that they don't mind driving!! Can't wait to see you guys again!! Love you!

Our visit to Falls Park outside Mankato. The water was rushing!

Max and Mama

Most of the crew on the bridge (Dad behind the cam)

Papa and "Booker" Papa actually said he needed a break from reading this weekend! Max kept piling the books on his lap and then gives you that irresistible look so you can't say No.

Grandma keeping Lincoln out of the water

Soul Mates for Life

C.T. and Lincoln collecting acorns and snakes with Grandma

Very scary stairway but awesome view

Proud Grandparents with most of their grandsons (Can't forget Big Mak)

Dad and Max on a stroll around the water

Even though Papa's neck is not 100% he still climbed in the fort with the boys

Linc's partner in crime, Gran

Grandma always makes time to do crafts with Charlie when she's here

Making butterflies with Max

Uncle Terry and Linc drawing faces