Fish Tacos

I have been loving our fish dinners this Lent. I don't know why I don't use some of these great fish recipes more often throughout the year.  I have already made these fish tacos a couple times this year and Erik requested I make them again for tomorrow's dinner. 

Click Here: Fish Taco Recipe for the recipe that I originally found on Pinterest. It is so simple and very tasty!! We usually have sweet potatoes and apple or grapes with these tacos.

Edinborough Park

Oh man has it been a chilly March! I feel like we've kept Thomas cooped up most of the month so last Saturday we decided to try an indoor play area a cousin of mine recommended, Edinborough Park! Man, what a neat place for families, especially during the winter months.

We started out in the toddler play area. Thomas spent most of the time observing other children but eventually decided to try out some of the equipment. This was a very crowded space, I can't wait until Thomas is old enough to use the "big kid" play space.

His first trip down the slide, with a little push from daddy.

We then moved on to the indoor gym. This was like heaven to Thomas. He LOVES balls and I tell you there were balls bouncing everywhere!

Erik managed to catch Thomas long enough to take a picture but it wasn't long before he was chasing other kids trying to find a ball to play with.

Thomas probably would have enjoyed the gym the whole time but all the basketballs and big kids running around kind of made me crazy. I'm sure the big kids were annoyed by the baby getting in their way. 

 We'll definitely be returning to Edinborough Park but maybe during the week when it's not so crowded. They also host concerts and story telling for kids during the week. I picked up a schedule and hope to get Thomas to a few before baby arrives.

Thomas' Top Ten (Books)

I am so excited about Thomas' interest in books. He prefers being read to but also likes flipping through pages on his own. It's so fun to watch him pull books out of his bookcase one at a time until he finds one that looks interesting to him. I am willing to guess we read/look at books 60-120 minutes most days. Nothing makes me happier (and more tired) than holding my sweet baby boy while reading him a story. He went through a stage of wanting the same few books read over and over but he is starting to choose new stories. This is exciting for me! A. I was getting tired of reading the same books many times a day. B. He is learning all kinds of new facts, ideas, words, etc. from these new favorites. I wanted to compile a list of his favorites and was determined to come up with his Top Ten. Choosing those ten was difficult, he has so many favorites! I'll have to document his Top Ten frequently so I always remember which books he liked at different stages.

I had to give him a "hand" holding up all those books. ;)

 

10. Moo, Baa, La La La by: Sandra Boynton

9. Jamberry by: Bruce Degen

8. Sheep in a Jeep by: Nancy Shaw & Margot Apple

7. Colorful World by: DK 

6. Baby Beluga by: Raffi

5. Fifteen Animals by: Sandra Boynton

4. Bear Snores On by: Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

3. Thomas' First Birthday (A Shutterfly book made by me)

2. Otis by: Loren Long

1. Trucks by: Fog City Press

Auntie Stephanie Comes to Play!

We were so happy to have Erik's sister, Stephanie visit for a couple days. She came Wednesday afternoon and left after dinner last night. Thomas loved playing with Steph and soaked up all the extra attention. Stephanie stayed home with Thomas while Erik and I went to my 30 week OB appointment and I was grateful for the opportunity to get groceries without my little "helper." We hope she can come back soon and maybe stay a little longer! 

Yesterday was a beautiful day, we got out for a little sledding in the fresh snow before it melted. By the time we came inside everything was slushy and wet.

 The water running from the downspout was pretty fascinating to Thomas.

It wasn't long before Thomas was trying to figure how to get a drink of that cold water. We had to take his soaky wet clothes off in the garage and hang them in the sun to dry.

My dad was in town for a meeting and was able to come play for the afternoon. He was patiently waiting for Thomas to wake from a nap. After sitting quietly next to Thomas' crib for a few minutes he starting taking phone calls and had a "coughing spell." Had Thomas just gone down I wouldn't have been happy about this but he had already been sleeping for three hours, it was time to wake up!

Grandpa was able to stay for dinner but had to head home shortly after. Thanks for the visit, come back soon! 

Auntie Stephanie also had to leave after dinner. Her stay was short but we sure enjoyed it.

These two like to make "funny" faces! Thanks for the visit and all your help, Steph!

Happy Birthday, Nick!

Two weekends ago we had our friends, the Torgussons, over to celebrate Nick's birthday! It's always nice to get together with this family! We've become such great friends but don't see nearly enough of each other. 

Erik is obviously setting a great example for Thomas, Sadie seems to be enjoying her foot rub!

I love watching Sadie and Thomas play together. Sara and I are hoping they grow up to be really, super duper, great friends. ;)

I think we're in luck! :)

Nick had plenty of help blowing out his candles!

 Thanks for coming over to play, Sadie!

Thomas walking Sadie to the door. He was sad to see her leave, he stood in the window waving good bye until they drove out of sight.

Erik thought Thomas needed a little bed time treat...he tried sour patch kids for the first time. No sour faces for this big guy, he loved them!

The Anderson Inn: Our week of over night guests!

Last week was a busy week for us! I feel like I spent most of the week washing and making beds! And I loved it!

Sunday night we had my aunt Paula, two of her granddaughters, Molly and Meredith and my sister Hannah. Paula was taking Molly and Meredith back to Park City for two weeks and Hannah went along to help out! Monday morning Thomas got to play with his cousins before it was time to help them get to the airport. 

Molly and Thomas were up bright and early, in time to send Erik off to work. We had gotten about four inches of snow so Erik had to shovel his way to his car. 

I wish Thomas could get together with these cousins more often! Molly (3 years old) has experience with one year olds (little sister Meredith) and played so nicely with Thomas!

It took a while but we got all the kids fed and dressed and they even had extra time to play before packing up for the airport.

Molly had a hard time finding "big girl" toys at our house but the teething rings made nice "jewelry."

Quick cousin pic before getting bundled up for the car ride.

Monday night we had a surprise visit from my brother Drew. He was running errands in town and was able to stop by for dinner and some Thomas time.

We appreciated Drew coming over to tire out Thomas before bed time!

Thomas did a lot of giggling and showing off for uncle Drew!

Two handsome boys!

Before we know it, its Wednesday and Erik's parents are here! They were leaving for vacation Thursday morning and came down the night before to spend a little quality time with Thomas.

Thomas was sure excited about their arrival!

Thomas was a little under the weather but he still had a good time with Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks for coming to visit, have a fabulous vacation!

Next thing we know, it's Friday! Erik was going out of town for a guys weekend with some buddies so my mom came to stay with Thomas and me. I was extra happy to have her around because as it turns out, Thomas has his first ear infection and a cold. The poor guy is miserable.
My grandma Janice, aunt Lisa and uncle Marcel are also in the cities for the weekend so grandma Janice decided to stay at our house on Friday night.

Lucky for Thomas, between the two grandmas he got in lots of snuggling. They were both willing to read his favorite truck book over and over and over!

Saturday morning, uncle Marcel came over and played blocks with Thomas.

Saturday afternoon my mom stayed home with the sick baby and I got to go shopping with Lisa and grandma. It was so nice for me to get out of the house! I know my mom would have loved the afternoon at the mall but she was gracious enough to let me have a little break. Thanks, mom!! She and I did get out for a little shopping on Sunday afternoon when Erik returned from his guys weekend. He was excited about a little Thomas time himself! My mom stayed with us until this morning and I am so grateful for all her help. It was nice to have her around, especially while Thomas wasn't well. We were sad to say good bye but on the bright side, Thomas seems to be much better! Which is good because tomorrow we get more company! Erik's sister Stephanie is on spring break and will come down for a couple days, Erik's parents return from vacation and will stop by for a quick visit and my dad is also in town for a meeting! Guess I better wash up the beds again! :)

Friday (afternoon) Football

A couple weeks ago, Erik played in a flag football game for his work. Thomas and I were so excited to be there to cheer for his team! 

Thomas got to watch most of the game with Erik from the sidelines but whenever Erik had to report to the field Thomas would cry and say "bye bye." 

The game got pretty intense, notice Erik's turf burned knees from an impressive diving attempt at a catch in the end zone. 

 Erik is a versatile player, he seemed to play a different position every time he went in.

Yay! Daddy's team won! I'm bummed I missed out on the team photo. It was such a fun afternoon for Thomas and me! It took Erik a few days to recover from the big game. His knees are still healing and bruises are slowly fading. 

Thomas' auntie Stephanie happened to be in town with some friends and made a quick stop by our house for a little Thomas time. We had a nice dinner before it was time for her to meet up with her friends again. Thomas was pretty goofy during her visit. These are their "funny" faces...

Fun with Family in Frazee

Let's backup a few months...Erik hunted for two weekends in November but had to go home for work during the week. Thomas and I decided to stay with my parents the week in between instead of driving back and forth two weekends in a row. It is always nice for me to stay at "home" because I get so much extra help with Thomas. Plus, it's nice to hang out with family!

My grandma Bette hosted a birthday celebration for all the family members that had birthday in Sept, Oct, Nov and December. It is so nice to be with aunts, uncles and cousins that we don't see often.

Thomas especially enjoyed playing with his cousins, Lily and Grace.

 

My brother Mathew turned 16! I'm so glad Thomas and I could be there to help him celebrate. 

We also squeezed in a day trip to North Dakota to visit my Grandma Janice. I'm so glad we made time for that visit. It's always nice to catch up with Grandma and help with a few projects around her home. Plus, Thomas had a great time! Great grandma must have told a funny joke. ;)

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

It's our first Christmas "home" since we've been married and it is Thomas' first Christmas. It is absolutely "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Doing a little Christmas baking with my favorite sister-in-law! She does the hard part, I sort out all the broken pretzels. 

We spent Christmas Eve with my Daggett side of the family. This is usually the night we talk about all year long.  The Daggett's have quite the traditions. I wish my pictures were more telling of all the fun that goes on.

Lauren and Hannah are excited about what the evening will bring, even more excited to be spending it with their best man.

 

 With faces like that how could they not make the "nice list."

My night will be perfect as long as these two are around. 

 Erik and Thomas checking out the advent candles.

 My dad lit up the walkway with flaming logs and fire pits. Thomas thought they were pretty neat.

Just one of the three dinner tables. Is there anything better than sharing a beautiful meal with family?

Ho Ho Ho. Look who showed up!

Phew! He made the nice list!

 

Thanks for the cake pans, Santa!

Thomas met Santa for the first time, not quite sure what to think!

Rob, Tanya and Thomas.

My favorite God daughter, Lily! Such a sweetie pie!

Sisters!

Late night snacking.

After Mass on Christmas morning we headed to Fargo for Christmas with the Diemert side of my family. My aunt Lisa and uncle Marcel do such a lovely job of hosting. Their home is beautifully decorated and the meal was fabulous!

Who will win the ugly Christmas sweater competition?

 The hosts: Lisa and Marcel, I mean Santa!

Thomas found Santa's jingle bells.

After a quick visit with Santa we jumped back in the car and headed to Erik's parent's to celebrate Christmas with the Anderson's.

I love this pic of Thomas and Peter!

Uncle Bruce and Auntie Mary helping Thomas find his stocking!

By Christmas night Thomas has mastered unwrapping presents.