Machinery Petting Zoo

Our library hosted a machinery petting zoo. We met our triplet friends J, E, and M at the library so we could go see, touch, climb on, and learn about trucks, and other machines. This was a hit with the kids. they loved to climb up, pretend to drive and learn about all sorts of different trucks that the city and county use to take care of our community.
K was especially fond of the street cleaner and when the truck driver started to spray the crowed, he laughed and laughed and got all wet. He loved it. E loved it too until she got wet but since it was such a nice day, she dried quickly. After our visit with the machines, we headed into the library for some reading fun and we ended our visit with checking out some library books which is one of our favorite things to do!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dinner with Friends

5 Year Old Divas

5th Birthday Fun

What a day to remember. The kids 5th Birthday was jammed packed full of fun and memory making moments. The day started off with the kids crawling into bed with their daddy. He told them that they looked like five year olds. This got them going right away. A asked how he could tell that she looked 5 and then decided that she was going to examine herself in the mirror to figure it out. She looked herself up and down a few times in the full length mirror. It was a precious moment. I of course had to inspect them from their ears all the way down to their toes to determine if they were 5 and they all checked out!
Soon after all the inspection and mirror checking we Had a request for some sausage and pancakes with candles for breakfast. They were so delighted to get their pancakes with 5 candles in them. We sang Happy Birthday to them and they quickly blew out their candles.
We then headed to the zoo to meet some of my college friends and their kids. It was a beautiful day and such a great day for a zoo outing. We saw lots of fun animals/fish like grizzly bears, sea otters, sharks, sea turtles, wild boars, bison, tigers, zebras, and ostriches. The highlight of our zoo trip though was seeing and feeding the Giraffes. It was so cool and I was amazed at how up close we were to the Giraffes. We even noticed that they have long and very pretty eyelashes. The kids were thrilled that the Giraffe ate crackers right out of their hands. It was so fun and such a great memory on their 5th Birthday. After lunch with our friends and a ride on the train at the zoo we headed home. Since it was their Birthday, I decided on the way home we would stop at the Gas Station for an ice cream treat. We even picked one out and surprised Daddy with it.
Later in the day we met Grandma Mary, Jane, and Uncle T out for some Birthday dinner. Grandma stopped and got balloons on her way and these were each tied to their chairs when we arrived. It was so special and cute. The kids loved it. Grandma Carol sent each of the kids a music card and K got one that was his favorite Madacasgar. When he opened the card he just smiled from ear to ear and then he let a giggle as it sang one of his favorite tunes from Madagascar. He then told us that that card was "hiwarious"!
For the mama, today was bittersweet. It actually took me by surprise how bittersweet it was. I long for my babies but I love how big and independent these kids are getting. This age is nice because they love to cuddle but yet they can do so much for themselves. I kept looking at my watch all day today and thinking about where I had been just 5 years prior. I will never forget that birthday and how it changed our world forever. Tonight as I tucked the kids into bed, I prayed with each of them asking God to keep them safe and help them to learn all the important things they need to know about being five. Each of the kids really enjoyed me praying over them and it was a nice end to such an important day to all of us.
Jon and I are very proud of kids and the past 5 years. It is hard to remember the early days but after talking with Grandma Carol tonight on the phone, she reminded me what it was like back when I had three babies. What an accomplishment all of this is. I would say that in the past five years we have had many moments where three were quite the challenge. To be honest, I can't remember "how we did it" but I do know that both Jon and I agree that we would not change a thing. We love what we have and these kids rock. Here is to another, happy, fun filled 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 plus years of memory making family fun. May God continue to bless The Erickson Five!!!!

Birthday fit for a King and some Queens

We actually did their Birthday Part(ies) last weekend as Jon was in town and it was a good weekend to have family come to town. We did a separate kid party and adult party and we had so much fun the whole weekend.
First we started out at the Little Gym and this was a party with all their friends. We had 18 kids total at the party and the kids had a blast. Both Jon and I along with the other parents had fun watching the kids pretend they are dinosaurs, jump on the trampoline, play with balls, a parachute, and walk the balance beams. My kids had great big smiles on their faces the whole time. They loved it and so did we.
After their gym time they were taking into the party room for cake and presents. Here is a video clip of the kids singing (shouting) Happy Birthday to A, E, and K. The funny party is that everyone had their hands over their ears but yet still screamed really loud.


They got a lot of really nice things and they were so grateful for all of it. Jon and I were really glad that we held the party at the Little Gym because they did such a great job for the kids and it was so relaxing for all of the adults. It truly was a great time and one I am sure the kids will always remember.

Bithday Eve

Tonight as I sit here on the eve of A,E, & K's Birthday, I can't help but reminisce about five years ago and how uncomfortable and anxious I was at this point in time. It is a bittersweet to me that they are going to be five years old already. They are such little people now and it amazes me how I can remember when I was five and now my kids are going to be five too.
They are such special little people who are loved by so many people. It takes a village to raise triplets and a village of people is what we have. These kids are such a gift from God and I continue to thank him and praise him for all he has given us. Some days are hard and parenting is tough but in the end it is the best thing that I have EVER done. I love all of them all the same but yet so differently. They are great kids and I know we will continue to be proud of them for so many years to come. Here's to the fives and all the fun and joy they will bring to us!

Popsicles

Now that the warm weather has arrived, the kids have been into eating Popsicles. This makes me smile because I remember as a kid LOVING to eat popsicles in the summer. The kind that we have provide jokes on the sticks. However, you cannot get the answer to the joke until they eat the popsicle. They always come running once they have eaten to hear the answer to the joke. They laugh everytime at the joke but most of the time they do not get it. It is cute to watch.
Every year at this time I always smile at how much fun the summer is going to be. Every year it gets easier for us and this summer is no excpetion to that rule. These kids have become so independent but yet they still need us for some things. I LOVE THAT! I can already tell that Five is going to be a fun age!

Boys will be Boys

Last night after dinner, the kids saw some of our neighbors outside so they wanted to go out and play. A has not been feeling all that great but after a 2 hour nap and some dinner I figured it was okay to go out. The kids love to run around the neighborhood and play while I chat with all our fun neighbors. It is great for all of us.
Last night a little boy showed up in the neighborhood. He was 4 and his Grandma lives near us. K and this little boy became fast friends. They were playing ball together and with in 10 minutes they were tackling each other and rolling around having fun. I even overheard this little boy at one point tell K "that hurt so we need to play more gentle"! WOW! I was amazed at how they took to each other and I was happy that K had a boy his age to play with. Just a little while ago the door bell rang. I was surprised because it was so early on a Saturday. It was K's little friend and he wanted to know if K could come out and play. K is still sleeping but I am sure when he gets up he will be thrilled to go out and play with his new friend. So fun.I have always had a little guilt in my heart about K being the only boy. I know I have no control over this but I feel sorry for him at times when his sisters are playing "dolls" or "barbies" and K does not have a playmate to do boy stuff with. Three can sometimes be a crowd around here when they are trying to play and often it is K that is left out because he is a boy. K also hates that he has to sleep in his own room all by himself. One night he was crying to me and begging me to have a baby so it could sleep in his room. This caused me to tear up and then Daddy came in and told K that he was breaking his mama's heart. We all laughed at that.
For now K will have to get his"boy" fill with his friends. He does not seem to have a problem making friends. Last night as we headed inside to get ready for bed, K turned around and waved and said "Bye Friend"! So cute.

One of those Days

Today was just one of those days. Crazy busy as usual with the added stress of a sick little boy. That seems to be a recurring theme lately with my little buddy. He has had more than his fair share of illness lately. Amazingly, his sisters who he plays with, sleeps next too, and sometimes even shares cups, with have both remained healthy. It has always been strange to me how one kid can get sick and the others stay so healthy. Of course, I am always thankful when this does happen as it is the worst when you have three sick kiddos at once. I think we mind finally be on the mend with K but only time will tell.
This past weekend was chuck full of Birthday parties and fun. It all started on Saturday with our friend party, then lunch at the American Girl Bistro on Sunday, followed by a dinner with our family on Sunday night. I promise to post about it soon but for tonight I need to head to bed. You never know when you will get that middle of the night wake up call that someone needs some more Motrin or just a snuggle because they feel lousy.
Here is to sleep and good health!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Watermelon Time

Wordless Wednesday ~ 1st Sprinkler Running of the Year

Mother's Day Tea 2009

Since this happened clearly almost two weeks ago, I am a little behind but I thought it was worth blogging about. The kids had a Mother's Day Tea at school again this year and I always enjoy going to it. It is so much fun to watch them sing (sometimes yell) and so sweet how they are so proud. Above is the picture of the three gifts I got from the A, E, and K. These are so sweet and another benefit of triplets is three times the gifts on Mother's day tea at school. These are sitting on my window sill and they make me smile every time I look at them.
I really enjoy after their serenading because then I get to watch them interact with all their friends from school. They LOVE school this year. We will not get to be in this program next year due to a new school schedule so we are bummed out. The teachers have even made comments about how well this class seems to get along. It is nice to know when the teachers enjoy the class too. It truly is another sign that the fives are approaching quickly when the kids talk about their friends at school and they fill us in on what is going on with everyone. Sadly this week will be our last for this program and the kids will be so bummed out. I guess we will just have to keep having play dates all summer long with their school friends.
Above is the class with their teachers too. So cute. Below are two video clips of the kids singing. Enjoy.

Mommy Has a Lovey

This week was junk pick up week in the city that my parents live in. So this is a great time to get some junk out of your house and put it on the curb for pick up. It is amazing how many cars will drive through the neighborhood looking to pick up junk. I guess one person's junk is another person's treasure.
My dad took down a few boxes I had up in the garage rafters. In those boxes were my childhood baby dolls, stuffed animals, and my oldest and dearest childhood treasure. My lovey or as I used to call it my "blankie"! I showed the kids and as you can see it is not in very good shape. The kids said "that is yucky"! So true. I was so attached to this blankie as a child that I think I was well into Junior high or high school before I agreed to put in a box and up in the rafters of the garage. I loved this blankie.
I put the blankie in the van tonight so I could take it home and take a picture for the blog. My dad could not believe that I would take that blankie anywhere. He told me he was going to give Jon a call and give him a warning that I was bringing home the blankie. We all laughed because my parents know how much this blankie used to mean to me and I am sure that the minute I announced that I was taking it home they thought I was going to keep it. First let me say that I am not cause who knows what has been all over that blanket that has been in the rafters of the garage for 15 plus years.
However, all this blankie talk reminds me of a story from a few years back. I think I was pregnant with the triplets and my mom was over helping to pick up and clean out the house in preparation for the babies. After I retired my blankie I soon acquired a sweatshirt that filled its spot. I guess I am in need of that "lovey" in my life. My mom took my old ripped and nasty sweatshirt and threw it away. I did not say anything because I figured it was just time to let it go. However, after my mom went home, my sweet sweet hubby decided to go out into the garbage, retrieve the sweatshirt, wash it and then he gave it back to me. My heart melted and I was thrilled that he saved it. I do not have that sweatshirt anymore. I do not have a lovey for the time being. However, I have new found love of A's lovey. It is a lot like my old blankie and it would be the perfect blankie. However, A does not like to share. Sometimes in the morning she will crawl in bed with me and let me feel one corner of her blankie but that is very rare.
So for now I will remain blankie-less. However, you never know when the next sweatshirt/blankie/lovey could pop up! Cause I am a lovey loving Momma!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy Mother's Day 2009

Green Ash Dedication

This past weekend, we headed to GG Del's town to plant a tree at the High School in honor of her. It was a great big Green Ash tree and such a tribute to GG Del. The local paper and radio station showed up to catch the news on it.
It felt great to do something in honor of her. We then were able to visit the cemetery where she rest next to my Grandpa and my cousin. We visited with her best friend Millie and my aunts and uncle, and cousins too. It was a short trip but a good one. I just wish we lived closer to this tree so we could watch it grow. It will be fun to go back and visit though and see the new life this tree brings. We planted the tree at the high school because GG Del used to be a hall monitor and cafeteria monitor there up until the end of her life. She loved her job and she took it very seriously. She would talk about her "kids" all the time. After her death, we learned that someone dedicated pencils in her honor to all the kids at school. So cool.
So here is to the Green Ash tree that will stand tall for many years to come. I know GG Del is smiling down on this tree with much approval.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Pretend Garage Sale

MS Walk 2009

(The picture above is the Erickson Five with their MS Walk shirts on that we had made last year!)

This past Sunday was the 2009 MS Walk and this was the 11th walk that myself and my team Walkin' Maniacs participated in. It was another successful day and I honestly think this year was the best weather we have had yet for this walk. It was 70 and sunny with a light breeze and this is my favorite kind of day.
I was able to raise $2700 this year and I am thrilled. With the Economic times we are all in I did not think I would reach my goal but I have some very generous family and friends that support me in this event year after year after year and to them I am so grateful.
While Jon and I were sitting in the VIP tent (this is reserved for top fundraisers) after the 6.5 mile walk, we met the president of the Minnesota MS Society chapter. It was such a pleasure to meet her and she was so grateful for all we do year after year after year. I also received and email from her the day after the walk to congratulate me on my fund raising and thanking me for all my efforts. It was nice to get that.
I will continue to do this walk every year. I am bound and determined to see a cure for MS one day and I know that my contributions will not only help to find that cure but also help people like myself who are living with this disease every day.
So big thanks to my Mom and Dad who drive us around, cook for us, watch our kids, and just overall support my efforts with the walk every year. Jane who is there right along with my mom cooking and helping and pledging my self and team mates. I would like to thank my team who continues to support me in this year after year. To Jon who makes the walk as much of a priority in his life as it is in mine. Thanks for being such awesome people. I love you all.

Here is to the MS Walk 2010! Go Walkin' Maniacs!!!

Baseball Fever

(This post was written by Daddy Jon)

Last night we all went to a major league baseball game. Nicole got two tickets from work (3 rows up from the first baseline) and we bought 3 additional tickets (family zone in the upper deck). We had decided K & I would sit in the 2 seats while the girls sat in the 3 upper deck seats (girls wanted to sit with mommy and when K realized how close he was to the action, he didn't want to move....until later in the game, when he missed his girls and wanted to see them). We all sat together before the game (and before the seats filled up). Our night began with high fives from the mascot. The kids were so excited they got to see him up close.
K used his usual charm to impress everyone in the seats around us and got to know the two girls in the seats next to ours (regular season ticket holders). They showed K how to go down to the fence and put his glove out in order to try and get a ball from the bullpen catcher. They would take K down there each time but he never was able to get a ball. In the 8th inning there was a foul ball that didn't go into the stands, K ran down to the fence with glove out wishing with all his might that he might be the one to get the ball, but it wasn't meant to be. The ball boy threw the ball to a middle aged woman in the first row and about 10 seats down from us. K turned around and came back to the seats. Then the woman who got the ball turned around and wanted K to come towards her. He had no idea what was going to happen and then she put the ball in his glove. Shear amazement was on K's face. He was utterly speechless (which tough to do with K). He just marveled at the ball, standing there, looking at it and holding it tight. (I took this picture with my cell phone right after K got the ball, he does not look very excited in this picture but he was very distracted at the time. He was on cloud 9!!!)

Bottom of the 8th inning, N, A, and E came down to the lower section and sat in open seats in the 5th row. He was so proud to show the girls his ball.

K had such a great time, he was just so happy to be at the game, he kept asking me all kinds of questions about the game and telling those around us that when he gets older, he is going to be a baseball player. "I am really good, and I can hit the ball really far". As soon as we got in the van to drive home, we had to call Uncle T and tell him about "The Ball", and then all three fell fast asleep.

It was a night filled with hot-dogs, sprite, cracker jacks, snow cones, cotton candy, lots of questions, and most importantly laughs and a whole lot of memory making fun with the happiest little baseball fans on earth.

Daddy the Money Machine

The other day at lunch A was telling us that she was going to buy herself an American Girl doll with all the money she had in her piggy bank. Since her bank consists of mostly pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, we knew that she was no where near ready to buy herself and American Girl Doll. Jon took this as an opportunity to teach the kids about money. Everyone went and grabbed their piggy banks and that is when the lesson started.
I am not sure what the kids took away from the table that day but they sure had a good time counting out they change. When I was a little girl, I clearly remember the first lesson I had in money. I asked my parents for a new pair of ice skates and when my dad told me that to buy a pair of ice skates I would need a truck load of pennies I remember just being so amazed!
I wonder if these kids will remember their first lesson on money?!?!? One thing is for sure, A knows that she needs to save up a lot more money before she can buy herself an American Girl Doll!

Wordless Wednesday~Triple the Triplets

A Sore Throat

This past weekend K got sick with a fever and he told me the bottom of his mouth hurt. After 24 hours of a fever and not feeling so good we thought it might be a good idea to get him checked out. Much to my surprise, he has strep throat. Poor little guy. I guess it is very contagious for the first 24 hours so we have been bracing ourselves to see if it will show up in someone else around here. So far so good.
The girls slept over at Grandma Mary's on Saturday night. K was supposed to sleep there too so Jon and I could have a date night but since he was not feeling so great we decided it was only fair to keep him at home in his own bed so we went out for an hour and then brought K back to his own bed.
After we found out it was Strep on Sunday, Grandma decided it would be best to keep the girls away. She had them all morning and then they were invited over to Sue's house for the afternoon. Sue likes to read books to the kids when they are there so on Sunday she was reading them a book. She was so impressed that they were sitting so still and listening so well. Then her daughter kristin took this picture...both girls were sound asleep. We all had a good laugh about this one.
The good news is that K is feeling much better and life is back to the norm around here. Now if we can all just hold out and stay healthy!

4 Going on 14!

Grandma Mary was over one morning last week watching the kids so I could go to a much needed Doctor appointment. One of K's little friends was going to come over to play that morning and the friends mom was fine with dropping him off while Grandma Mary was here so he was still able to come over. Grandma reported that E picked out a fancy outfit and then E asked Grandma to fix up here hair. She was all dolled up for the day.
Soon after E was finished prepping for the day, Grandma announced that K's friend had arrived. She said A tore down the stairs with her hair a mess and E tore into the bathroom, jumped up on the stool checked out her teeth and then her hair and then tore downstairs to say hi to K's friend. Grandma said it was all she could do not to laugh and little miss E. WOW...we are 4 going on 14 in this house. I had no idea it started that young!

Bunk Beds

Jon and I decided awhile ago that it might be a good idea to get the girls some bunk beds. We were just so tired of trying to squeeze two beds and all their other things into their room. So last week after finding a good deal on C-list we have bunk beds.
The funny thing is that K was more excited about the bunk beds than either of the girls. He has slept up top a few nights since we have set them up and he loves the bunk beds. It is a sure sign that one day we might need to get him his very own set of bunk beds. The girls have been taking turns sleeping on the top bunk so that has been working out nicely. My only complaint is that the top bunk really makes it hard to make the bed!
It feels great to have some more space in the girls room. For lack of having a good picture here is one from the factory. Our beds came with the underneath trundle/storage piece as well and we really like this option. We can use it in the future as an additional bed or as we are using it now for storage. It is nice to have.

Wordless Wednesday~Bulldog Fans