Downtown Mpls Fun

Last Saturday morning we headed downtown to let the kids run through the skyways and see what kind of fun we could find. We thought we would take the train down ... but due to some early signs of crabbiness ... we drove.

As you can see from the photos, we found lots of fun! We first stopped at Panera to grab some coffee (for the adults of course), and a muffin. The first stop was a HUGE success. We even got to use the bathrooms - I am pretty sure that was a highlight of the day for Amy and her new potty training skills.

Then it was off to find our way to the IDS tower. In one of the attached pictures, you will see the kids laying head-to-head on the water fountain in the middle of the building. The water actually falls from several stories up, so it looks like it is raining on you if you lay down and look up at it. The kids LOVED IT! They could have spent all day there.

Next up - Target Field!! That's right, the new baseball park that is located just behind the Target Center. It is awesome. They were hosting a Gopher baseball game that afternoon, so we got to see the stadium in action. It was great. The photo of the two kids in the giant glove is from the stadium. The workers couldn't believe what a popular photo attraction that thing was. It was perfect. We debated buying some $2 tickets just so we could get in and walk around ... but we didn't. We figured we would save the fun for another day when we can actually watch the Twins play.

Although the kids loved it, I am pretty sure Arik loved this stop the most. The stadium is awesome.

After that long walk (and yes, both kids walked the entire way), we made our way back to the IDS Center for some lunch. A quick stop at Potbelly, and we were headed back to our house for naps. Whew! What a fun morning! Enjoy the photos and the rest of your week.

Como Zoo in March

Who would have thought that we would spend the day outside at the Como Zoo on March 7th? What a beautiful day. Although I wish we would have gone to the MN Zoo instead, it was a fun morning. Check out the smiling faces on the giraffe statues!

We walked through the Conservatory first, and were pleasantly surprised to see the koi fished moved to the sunken garden. They are usually in the other one! Matthew was super excited to see the snakes at the other inside exhibit before we headed out to see the big animals.

It's ironic, as a child, I couldn't have cared less about the Conservatory. I thought the plants and the flowers were boring. I couldn't wait to see the animals, and collect those weird plastic figurines that were molded before your eyes in the machines that smelled like they were on fire.

Now, I feel the exact opposite.

I find the gardens to be beautiful, and the animal buildings ... well ... too small to house the animals that live there. It is unfortunate. Maybe it is because I am bigger, but the buildings seems to get smaller and smaller every time we go there. Overall, it was a good day, but I think we will hit the MN Zoo next time.

3.6.10 The First Tooth Is Lost!!

Hooray! Another milestone in the Hanson household has been reached - Matthew has lost his first tooth!! The look on his face says it all. I was brushing his teeth on Saturday morning when I noticed how loose it had gotten. One little tug and it was out!

I don't remember ever having teeth this small. It was so tiny in my hand!

We put it under his pillow, and the tooth fairy was kind enough to leave him a shiny silver dollar! He was thrilled. He told Arik he was going to buy some boards at Home Depot (so he could hammer them, of course). Then he told him he was going to get a snowblower ... and then it was some new orange cones. Ok, so he doesn't totally get the concept of money, but his heart was in the right place. That money is destined to help him buy something he really loves :)

Enjoy the picture. It makes me smile every time I see it.

Potty Girl

I am sure this post will come back to haunt me, but the pictures are so great - I just couldn't resist. Amy is working hard on her potty training. Not so much because she wants to get out of diapers and pull ups, but more so because she is dying to wear her "big girl" underwear. Whatever works, right?

She actually asked to sit on the potty this afternoon, so here are a couple of photos to capture her effort. Good job Amy!

It won't be long now!

Happy New Year!

Although I am a few days late in getting this posted, I wanted to wish all of our followers a Happy New Year! I am looking forward to all of the new experiences 2010 will bring to our family.

Arik and I spent New Years Eve day without the kids. Our daycare was actually open, so we dropped off the two monsters and had eight hours of fun by ourselves! We had a leisurely breakfast at Bryant Lake Bowl (our fave), and chatted about both our personal and financial goals for the year. There are a lot of things we want to do in 2010, so it is going to come down to some good prioritization!

We spent the evening with our friends Kirk & Beth Studdiford, their kids, and another friend of theirs with a couple of kids. It was great. The kids played so nicely together, and they actually stayed up to ring in the New Year (New York style .. of course). We finally got them in bed at 11:30! Whew! I can't believe they made it that long.

On New Years Day, we lounged around the house for most of the morning, and then headed over to the Hansons to see Duane and Ruth in the afternoon. I can't believe how long it had been since we last saw them. They had never seen Amy in person - amazing! It was fun to catch up. They gave the kids some great books, and Rod even had a fun present for Duane. Check out the pictures above. I think the kids enjoyed it as much as he did!

Again, from our family to yours - we wish you a Happy New Year. May 2010 bring you the challenges that you need, and the rewards you deserve. We look forward to posting fun (and usually funny) things out here throughout the year, so stay tuned to Hanging with the Hansons!

Christmas Day 2009

Having spent the night in Woodbury, getting to Christmas celebration #3 this year was a piece of cake! Snow? What snow? When you only have to drive a couple of miles down the road - a half a foot of snow is nothing! We spent most of Christmas Day with the Bonellos.

It was another fun filled day with lots of food and lots of presents. I think the highlight of the day was the kids making a snowman with Rocco and Meg out on the deck. Check out the photos - it was awesome!

Again, we couldn't be more thankful for the time we get to spend with our families during the holidays. We love it as much as the kids do.

We are looking forward to a wonderful new year, and can't wait to share bits and pieces of it with all of you! Stay tuned to the blog for the latest and greatest Hanson fun! Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve 2009

Here are a few photos from our Christmas Eve celebration with the Hansons. Diane made her famous meatballs, mashed potatoes, and lefsa. It was awesome. The kids were so excited to sing Christmas carols with Rod at the piano before opening gifts. And then ... there was chaos... Everyone got great gifts. We are so thankful to live close to our families so we can celebrate with them every year.

Due to the weather, we actually spent the night in Woodbury this year. It was fun. The kids had a blast, and it was fun to have breakfast with everyone the next morning before heading off to Christmas celebration #3!!