Corbett Family

Crazy driver!

2012-02-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

Maiden Voyage Outside

2012-02-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

So, the girls got to drive the Jeep and Silverado in the house for a couple days and then it warmed up just enough to take them for their first spin outside. Yahoo!

Christmas with the Corbett's

2012-02-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas day the Corbett's side came over to celebrate, hang out, and of course...open more presents! What a fun time!
How many times did you help put the puzzle together, Kari? ;)

We told them that it was time to put the toys away. I'm not sure who was more upset about it...Lilija or Grandpa Mikers.

Wee!

2012-02-12T13:26:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning

2012-01-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

"Santa" brought the girls big trucks for Christmas...and we decided to let them drive them in the house for the day. Yes, I'm serious. If you don't believe me, watch the video below this post. :)

Calah's Dolly

When we asked Lilija what she wanted for Christmas she said, "A unicorn and a horse." Santa took care of the unicorn part, and we got her and Calah matching Wells Fargo horses. Check, check!

Me and my big girl!
On the count of three, let's all start singing our favorite Lion King songs! Ready? (People won't stare...just do it!) One, two, three...
The nativity calendar. This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions! My Nancy Nan made this for Andy and I when we were little. The people are made out of the old school clothes pins and she painted their faces and made these adorable outfits. I think Andy and I used to fight over putting up the Wise Men. It's been so fun to see Lilija and Calah have that excitement over the calendar...AND they're learning the Christmas Story! In the words of Lilija, "There was something special about Mary. She was growing a baby soon! Her husband Jofes was with her." Close!!

Christmas morning

2012-01-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

A few more Christmas Eve pics

2012-01-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

I spy with my eye...a deer with a red nose, a puppy in a dress, and FIYO! Oh wait, that's just the Yule Log...

Christmas Eve - Part 2

2012-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Santa made a visit to our house Christmas Eve. I know that's a little early, but it works. Last year Lilija hid under the kitchen table, but right after he left started talking about how "Santa is my best friend and next year I'm not going to be scared. I'm going to give him a BIG hug!" We've been listening to this story for the last year! We were really curious to see what would happen...Who could that be? Santa??It IS Santa!Let the reactions begin. Lilija is under the kitchen table...again.Calah starts freaking out because Lilija is freaking out...Lilija's next spot? Her little table in the kitchen! She kept saying, "Just bring the presents over here...just bring the presents over here."I thought that maybe Calah would handle it better if I tried to take her over to Santa. Guess not.We finally got her to come over and open her gift, but she would not look at him.Bye, Santa! And what will the story of 2012 be?

Christmas Eve - Part 1

2012-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

We met at Mom and Dads for an early dinner before heading to Meadow Creek for the candlelight service, and then over to our house for appetizers and PRESENTS! It was an awesome day!

Calah in a Bucket

2012-01-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Nativity Song to the tune of the Mary Had a Little Lamb

2012-01-10T20:03:00.001-08:00

And this is what happens

2012-01-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

I was working on dinner and it got a little quiet...a little too quiet...so I peeked around the corner and found this:

Do Re Mi

2012-01-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

Making cookies for GGs

2012-01-10T19:45:00.000-08:00

Lilija was an awesome helper with making Molasses Gingersnap Cookies for GGs (our traditional Christmas present). Fun fact...we gave Grandpa a small wrapped present that said "His" which had one cookie in it, a package to Grandma that said "Hers" that had 3, and then a large package that said "Theirs" with the rest of the cookies. Right after Grandpa opened his, he asked where the rest of the cookies were at. After he opened the large container he tucked it away and didn't even offer to share them! When we asked about learning how to share in school he said that apparently he didn't learn that...or wasn't at school that day! Too funny!

Piano lessons

2012-01-10T19:44:00.001-08:00

The faces of Lilija

2012-01-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

We have been working on trying to get Lilija to smile for the camera. It's a work in progress...

Cowgirl Calah

2012-01-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

Sisters

2012-01-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

Snow and adventures with Britta

2012-01-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

I had to run a few errands and decided that it was just going to be easier to have our sitter, Britta, watch the girls. It's amazing how much faster you can be without maneuvering two kids in and out of car-seats! I got a little "alone" time (to Rainbow and Target..thrilling!) and the girls got to play outside. Win-win! Britta took some pictures of the girls and sent them my way. Thanks, Britta!

Cookies with the Katies

2011-12-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! What a fun day! The girls and I headed down to Elko (northern Iowa...ok not really but basically) to make cookies with a couple of my old co-workers. It was chaotic but that's to be expected with Katie A, Katie W, me, Ing, Lil, Calah, and two puppies...and sprinkles! Fun times!!

Lil and IngKatie W, Lil, Ing, and one of Katie A's neighbors - who was an awesome helper!Katie A. and Me

Matchy-match!

Daddy and his girls

2011-12-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2011-12-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

And the turkey process begins. Well, it actually began at about 9:00 that morning, but now Rog and Carl get to sit outside and watch it. We've grilled it (and by "we" I mean Rog) the last couple of years, but tried to smoke it this year. Um, yum!
Finished product! Delicioso!
Some of the fixin's - baked corn, mashed potatoes, and stuffing muffins!
The girls - Meg, Trish, and me

Lil and Jack. She was pretending to be a puppy (a normalcy in our house) while Jack smiled.

So, apparently I'm out of the loop. A major game has started taking over the world! Words with Friends or something like that. #1 - my phone is not that fancy. #2 - I don't like spelling games. If it weren't for spell-check I wouldn't make it through the day! Rog (sitting in the chair) and Andy (on the couch in the background) are playing each other on their phones. I, on the other hand, can call people with my phone...
*Awe*

A quick list of the things I am thankful for:
1. my hubby and girls
2. family and friends
3. my Heavenly Father
4. our home
5. being able to go camping in Grand Marais
6. having a back yard
7. having a job that I really enjoy
8. Caribou (coffee - not the animal...well they're ok too but just not on my top list of things to be thankful for)
9. my iPod
10. naps :)

What are you thankful for?

Surprise! It's a piano!

2011-12-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

Piano!

2011-12-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

I've been asking for a piano for a long time, but really started dropping hints about 6 months ago. Subtle little hints like sending home links to free piano's that I found on Craigslist. So, with a few days to go before my birthday I asked Carl if he knew what he was getting me. He said no. I thought, wow, my hints haven't been strong enough! The next day I found another piano for free, sent him the link with a subject line that said, "Me likey! Hint. Hint. Hint. Hint. Hint. "And yes, I think "hint" was used 5 times. So, that night I again asked, do you know what you're getting me? And he said no. I think it was about this point that I may have allegedly said something about, "You haven't gotten the hints?!" and some other super sweet comments.

The night before my birthday we were eating dinner and Carl asked Lilija what the next day was and Lilija said, "tomorrow is Mama's birthday! We get to sing the Happy song! It goes a little something like this (insert Lilija singing Happy Birthday). Guess what Mama? We got you a brush, blowdryer, and a card!"

Now, I thought this was hilarious! This wasn't the first time that Lilija has told the other person what we were getting, and I had mentioned that a new blowdryer would be nice.

That night I told Carl that I was totally going to use that trick for Christmas and tell Lilija that we were getting Daddy socks! I didn't know that Carl was already one step ahead of me...well multiple steps ahead of me and had found a piano, hired a mover, and found someone to come out and tune the piano, and told Lil about a brush and blowdryer knowing that she would say something about that to throw me off the trail. Sneaky and incredibly awesome!

Wonder Pets Ride - Wee!

2011-12-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Mall of America

2011-12-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Nana and Calah Girl
This is one of Lil's favorite rides. She's an animated child anyways, but watching her talk about this ride is hilarious!
And of course, with all of the awesome rides...you must do the quarter carousel ride. Fitting I suppose because on a trip to South Dakota...North...one of the Dakota's...when I was a little girl we went to a show where a guy was wrestling an alligator. Andy and I apparently threw a fit because we wanted to go on the little carousel ride. Oh, how life comes full circle...

Under Water World ROCKS!

This one is for you, Leif! Look at the dragon made of LEGO's! Crazy!
I have not been on any type of amusement ride in years! You would think that a kids ride would be a little lame, but I was laughing hysterically on this. It really whips you around! It was one of the highlights of the weekend for me. Lilija just cuddled right in and giggled the entire ride. :)

The boys go hunting and the girls go shopping!

2011-12-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

I love the beginning of November. The air is still crisp, there are some pretty trees with colors aglow, and it means DEER HUNTING is almost here. Now, I have never gone deer hunting, but it's been a huge part of my life. The only deer hunting season that my Dad and Grandpa have missed was the year that I was born. Due Date, October 30th - actual arrival date, November 10th. Sorry about that one Mama! Fast forward 20 some years and Carl enters the picture and a new tradition is born with him going hunting! Andy meets Tricia and she joins the shoppers (but would happily go hunting too!). Fast forward a few more years and Lilija and Calah join the party! More shoppers! And next year, a new baby Freeman will join the party! (Side note - yes, I said Freeman...as in Andy and Tricia...not as in another one for me and Carl.)

Friday: Albertville
Saturday: Mall of America
Sunday: Worked on Mama's bookshelves in their basement (looks SO nice!)
Monday: Back to Albertville

Whew! What a great time. I know I say this a lot, but I'll say it again - I love my family!

My Ducting Unicorns

2011-12-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

When I first heard Lilija say that she wanted to be a "ducting" unicorn for Halloween I thought she was saying a naughty word. I was thinking vinegar might be in order until she started bobbing her head around and then I realized...ohhhhhh...you want to a be a con-ducting unicorn! There is an episode in the Little Einsteins where there is a conducting unicorn that directs a band with his horn, and Lil wanted to do the same thing. So nope, not a naughty word at all!

Side note -tonight during bath she told me that when she grows up she wants to be a "Tea Party-er." When I asked her what that was she said, "You have lots of tea parties."

Ducting Unicorn

2011-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Time for Pumpkins!

2011-12-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tricia!!

2011-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

We had a family dinner at GGs to celebrate Tricia's b-day! Oh what fun and WHAT GREAT FOOD! Funny...the celebration was for Trish and the entire family was there, but I only got pics of the girls with Bapa, GGs, and me and Trish. I know Mom, Andy, and Carl were there...and Doolie too! Whoops!What's better than warm trippleberry pie? Getting warm trippleberry pie fed to you while sitting in Bapa's lap!
So sweet! GG and Lil on a tractor ride. I remember GG giving me the same tractor rides when I was her age. Awesome memories!

Hay Ride at Berry Hill Farm

2011-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Berry Hill Farm

2011-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is in the air, music is playing, the lights are on the tree, and I'm updating the blog with Halloween! *sigh* Maybe I'll have my Christmas pictures up by Labor Day?!

Anyways...we started going to family farms with Lilija when she was just a baby to pick out pumpkins, get apples, see animals, etc. We've gone to a new family run farm every year and this year it was Berry Hill Farm in Ramsey. What a fun time! They had lots of animals, a huge corn maze, and the best tractor ride!

And one more for good measures

2011-12-01T18:40:00.001-08:00

Place: Living-room
Background: Carl and I are sitting on the couch in the living-room and we hear the girls open a drawer in the kitchen.
Me: "Girls, get out of the drawer!"
Lilija: (pulling Calah by the hand into the living-room) "Mama, here is your child. She was in the drawer."

Oh boy...

Another funny Lil quote

2011-11-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

Place: In the car
Setting: Driving home from a friends house, we took a small detour to look at some Christmas lights. Lilija keeps asking why more people don't have the Christmas lights on. We keep telling her that most people don't turn their lights on until after Thanksgiving.
Lilija: "Maybe if I tell the people to turn their lights on then we'll see more lights. HEY PEOPLE! TURN ON YOUR LIGHTS! Why didn't they turn on their Christmas lights? Oh, I bet they didn't hear me with the window up, huh?"

Halloween cookies!

2011-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

I love traditions, and this one was borrowed from my sister-in-law's family (thanks Trish!). They grew up using a Cookie Monster recipe that has now been passed on to my family. The girls are getting better every time we make the cookies. Well, Calah just likes to play with the sprinkles and eat the cookies, but Lilija is becoming quite the artist!

The progression of cookies

2011-11-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

Pile o' leaves

2011-11-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

...and a pile of leaves was never safe with the sisters around...

Pontooooon!

2011-11-14T20:07:00.001-08:00

Alright, I was just going to post the pictures...but thought I should probably tell the story. First there's a couple things you should know.
1. This was at the woman's retreat from Meadow Creek (so awesome!)
2. I finally got Meg to come with! It was so great to have her with!
3. Don't mess with Candi and Beth with pontoons or ping-pong. They turn into competitive 16 year old girls. I may have made some other comparisons that weekend...I'm sure Candi or Beth would be happy to share.

Alright, so it was a windy day and we knew that there would be a pontoon race. Last year the same race happened and Beth won. Beth also won ping-pong that year.

Fast forward a year...

So again, it was a windy day. Really windy. We left in our pontoon first, and then a few minutes into our leisurely boat ride we hear the other pontoon approaching, driven by Beth. We know that the race is going to happen!

Across the lake they see a canoe. What a great finish line we decide! And off we go on the race across the lake! In the mean time the canoe, already paddling in pretty good waves, had made their way left while we were still aiming at the previous point because we were going straight. Our pontoon was in the inside and Beth's was on the outside. All of a sudden Beth backs off and cuts behind us! With all of the ladies just giggling away! We very quickly realize that our finish line is still the canoe and they are going to try to beat us!

So image this if you can. Two very old style pontoons filled with giggling ladies driving are heading for the canoe (with two younger ladies in it). Beth's pontoon passes the canoe on the left and ours passes on the right. And then we realize...oh no...the wakes from the pontoons!!

Just then we see the two girls get hit by two huge waves! Thankfully they managed to keep the canoe upright! I mean, we would have circled back. :)

PS - Beth may have won the pontoon race, but Candi dominated ping-pong.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Redding!!

2011-11-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

Robert and Carl's mom, Sherri, have been engaged for a little while now and decided to just set a date and get married...in about a week! It was a wonderful wedding! Both sets of kids provided something special to really add to the day...Carl and I surprised them with flowers (every bride needs flowers!) and Robert's daughter Kara and boyfriend Kyle (spelling...and I hope the right names!!) provided a special song. It really was incredibly special and we wish you both all the happiness in the world.

Robert and kids, welcome to the family!

Carl, his mom...the bride to be, and CalahCarl, Calah, and me
The little kids: Lilija, Robert's son Erik, and Calah
Robert's daughter Lea
Robert's oldest daughter, Kara and her boyfriend Kyle
The bride and groom
Exchanging rings...
Yea! Way to go!

A beautiful day for Como Zoo

2011-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

Carl, his mom, and the girls enjoyed a beautiful September day (yep, I am a little behind!) at Como Zoo. Fun times had by all!

The story of the day

2011-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

It was amazing that Jo was able to capture some great shots with what she was dealing with.

1. It is NOT supposed to be 80 some degrees the first week in October.
2. It shouldn't have been that sunny.
3. We have a 3 1/2 year old and a 1 1/2 year old. (I could end the list right there!)
4. We took the pictures at their favorite park. Yes, I know this was asking for a little bit of trouble (or a lot) but there were so many stunning places to take picture there, so I rolled the dice.

Here's a great picture that illustrates the photo shoot. This is the biggest smile that Lilija had the entire time, and of course it's going to happen when Calah is just about done and wants to get down. :)

More family pictures

2011-10-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

Lilija quote

2011-10-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Place: At the kitchen table
Background: Carl and the girls are eating Honey Crunch n' Oats cereal for breakfast
Lilija: (very expressively) "Daddy, this is my favorite cereal EVER!"
Carl: (chuckles)
Lilija: (seriously) "Daddy. That was not a joke."

Family Pictures

2011-10-10T20:01:00.001-07:00

We had family pictures taken last week at the Lion's Park in Coon Rapids. What a great spot, and Jo did an amazing job - as always. We're waiting for all of the pictures, but she sent us a few as a sneak peek. So precious!

Jo Girtz Photography

Haircut time!

2011-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

How to eat popcorn

2011-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for fiyo!

2011-10-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Cousin Jeff and his wifey Brandi decided to take a little drive from Colorado to MN to experience Grand Marais. Hopefully they'll make it an annual trip!Me and Brandi
Justin made the trip up last year, and this year he brought one of his buddies, Nick. At least I'm pretty sure that's what his name is! Anyways, they were both pretty hilarious...and "Nick" made a series of video's out on the rocks with a pterodactyl and other kids toys. He said he was going to add them to You Tube so if I can find the link I'll add it here. Super funny stuff!
Yes, spread the peace. Or at least offer them a smore.
Me and Meg-Meg
FIYO!!
Carl and Justin
We were looking for garbage trash, space trash, and shooting stars. Meg, Rog, and I saw something enter the atmosphere (we called it space trash...or garbage trash) and it was probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. It streaked across the sky above Lake Superior and had a long tail. I didn't see a shooting star all weekend, but that made the trip!
I think I see it. Nope, it's just a satellite.
Meg, Me, and Meg-Meg

Grand Marais

2011-10-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Skizzle - the best thing ever. Seriously.

2011-10-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Raise your hand if you've ever had a Skizzle. For those of you that aren't raising your hand, you need to add this to your Bucket List. It's really a pivotal moment in your life. Let me break-it-down for you. If an elephant ear and a raised sugared doughnut had a sweet little baby, it would be a Skizzle. Thank you World's Best Doughnuts.

Hanging around the campsite

2011-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

15 - 2, 15 - 4, and a pair for 6

2011-10-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hughie's Taco House

2011-10-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

Instead of cooking our first night, we decided to go out for dinner. Um, yum! Love those puff tacos!

Gordy's High Hat

2011-10-09T13:11:00.001-07:00

This has become our new lunch spot on the way up to Grand Marais. If you haven't tried it, you should!

Grand Marais - Are we there yet?

2011-10-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Grand Marais - Daddy and his girls

2011-10-04T19:40:00.001-07:00

I'm finally caught up to Grand Marais. So I'm only what, about a month behind. Sheesh! There are so many fun pictures to post that it's going to take a while and this tired girl needs to go to bed, but before I do, I have to share my favorite.

GG's and Calah

2011-10-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Mama and Lil

2011-10-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Grandmarais and Calah

2011-10-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Simply Lilija

2011-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

It is almost impossible to get Lilija to stay still for a picture or smile so you really have to be quick with the camera. These were at the Lion's Park in Coon Rapids - one of our favorite places to go with the girls. And no, the top picture is not Lilija in "time out!" To get to the park you have to cross over a bridge and Lil loves to throw leaves, twigs, wood chips, etc on one side of the bride and watch them float to the other side. So, that's what she's doing...looking for her leaves!

Let's see...where to start with the Lilija update...she's 3 1/2...and that should tell you a few things. Tee-hee. She is super smart, very funny, strong willed, trying to assert her independence, creative, and curious. She loves art (painting, crayons, or making sticker collages), singing songs about Jesus, and running - and she is FAST! She's also our little performer. She'll pick up a microphone and announce, "Welcome tooooooo the Mommy and the Daddy sing...the ABCD's!" (with hand motions and in an announcer voice)

And with the dramatics of performing, come the dramatics of being a 3 year old. *sigh* Sometimes it seems like it's training all day "Lilija we don't talk like that, use your nice words, you don't do this or don't do that." But, then you have those special moments that just catch you by surprise. Last week I was tucking her into bed (and Dolly, Fish, Bear, and Blanket) and she just reached up, gave me a hug, and said, "You're a great Mom." Makes the heart just melt.

Another Lil Funny

2011-10-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Place: Kitchen
Setting: GG's (Grandma and Grandpa Molin) were dropping off the trailer and had stepped into the kitchen to say "hi."
Lilija: (to GG's) "This is my best sister Calah. She likes to eat crayons and scream."

Lilija Quotes

2011-09-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been slacking again. Where does the time go?! Maybe by November I'll have Grand Marais pictures done! Tee-hee! So yes, I haven't had time to do Lilija's GRAND post; however I do have time to list a few of her recent comments. Enjoy!

Place: In the kitchen.
Setting: We had just come in from playing outside.
Lilija: "I love getting clean and dirty. That makes me hilarious!"

Place: Livingroom
Setting: I had just gotten done tickling Lilija and Calah.
Lilija: "Ha! Ha! (laughing) You just tickled my arm cups!" (armpits...arm cups...it works!)

Place: Livingroom
Setting: I got a beach ball from work and it's become a new favorite toy...until Lilija poked a hole in it. I decided to try to fix it with some packaging tape and it worked!
Lilija: "Yea! You fixed it! Now Daddy won't be grumpy!"

Place: Lilija's room
Setting: I was reading her a bed time story and in the book there's a picture of a Mommy and Daddy kissing under the mistletoe.
Lilija: "Look! It's Mama and Daddy kissing just like when we were born and you were married."

Place: Lilija's room
Setting: We were reading a bed time story about Minnesota. She was asking about where Grand Marais was and then asked where Leif and Kale live (in Nisswa). I told her they lived in the middle of the state and pointed it out on the cover of the book.
Lilija: "It takes a long time to get there huh? I ask 'are we there yet' 'no' 'are we there yet' 'no.' Right?"

Simply Calah

2011-09-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time for an update on the girls. Tonight my focus is Calah...simply because her pictures are next in the folder...and tomorrow will be Lilija's turn. I hope you enjoy!
Our sweet little Calah Girl is such a gift! She constantly has us on our toes and is very strong willed. And I mean VERY strong willed. I know that it will make her a great leader someday, but it sure can make things challenging now! She is curious about everything - how does it feel, how do I get this open, how does it sound, how does it taste? This leads to phrases like, "Calah! We don't eat ! She is also fearless and doesn't quite understand the concept of pain. Lilija was this way too, but Calah's pain tolerance is even higher. Again, this makes things very interesting! Like the time I was picking up the toys after bath and came around the corner to find Calah sitting on top of the kitchen table drinking a juice box. Or wanting to jump down our concrete stairs (I was holding her hand but she dove right off). We have our challenges - but she also gives great kisses, has a sweet giggle, loves to smile, twirl, and run. As her song says, "Calah Ann Corbett, I love you my girl! We'll hug and we'll dance! We'll laugh and we'll twirl!"

Here are some other highlights:

Said "Amen" after night time prayer on 08/22
After getting vinegar in her mouth for the first time (Note: This is typically a great form of discipline. It doesn't hurt me to do, doesn't hurt them, and vinegar is great for their digestive track.) she signed "more," opened her mouth, and said, "please."
Is starting to run...and is FAST!
Loves to play with the TV remotes. She has recorded all sort of interesting shows, and even said "mote" (while pointing to the remote) before she said "Daddy."
When you say "let's go" she will run to the closet and say "shoes! shoes! shoes!"
Loves to put the cowgirl hat on and ride the rocking horse.
And she makes the most hilarious duck noise. She doesn't say "quack" she actually makes the sound. It's outstanding!

Love,
The Corbett's

Andy turns 30!

2011-09-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

Very rarely do I post pictures that aren't involving the kids in some way but these pictures were too fun! Andy wanted to go camping for his 30th b-day and Grandmarais and Robert were able to watch the girls which meant - we got a night out! This was the first night that we had actually spent away from home without the girls since Calah was born (for those of you counting, that is 15 months). Anyways...Andy picked this great state park near Zimmerman and got a bunch of his buddies to go. We were able to spend one night, and it was a great evening! Awesome times had by all!

Happy Birthday Bro! Welcome to your 30's! It's going to be a great decade!

Sisters - Be nice!

2011-09-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Random family get-together

2011-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love when you end up putting a family get-together at the last moment. Although with our family, all you really have to do is say "popcorn" and we're there! What a fun night!Andy and DoolieAndy and TrishLil and Bapa - Oh did this picture give me the giggles!! It was quite the silly night!"Look what I can do!"
Nana reading a book to Calah while GG listens. How sweet! Oh, and where is Grandpa Molin and Carl? Carl was in the kitchen making popcorn and Grandpa was supervising. :)

Keri got dunked!

2011-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

I found out with a couple days notice that my cousin, Keri, was going to be baptized in a lake up north. We decided to surprise her and make the drive up early Sunday morning. Seeing the look on her face when we got there was well worth the drive! And it was awesome to be a part of such a special occasion. Excited to go spend time with her cousins!*Awe*Daddy and Calah GirlKeri - beforeKeri - duringAnd after. How awesome!

Horsey has the flu

2011-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Or at least that's what Lilija told me. I was in the kitchen making dinner and heard Lilija saying something about the flu. Not a good sign. When I walked around the corner I found her, horsey, blanket, and pillow in the play crib. What a good little mommy!

Wagon!

2011-08-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Calah, Lilija, and Erik

Grandmarais and Calah

2011-08-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Calah had just eaten a piece of chalk, so Grandmarais was telling Calah to stick out her tongue. And lucky me! The camera was ready to capture the moment!

A riddle

2011-08-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

How many kids can you fit into a plastic bin that is also filled with toys?

Playing outside

2011-08-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

Calah and Reid

Reid

Me and Calah Girl

Cousins...but more like sisters. :)

Frogs

2011-08-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

You'll see the sandbox "mud pit" in the next series of pictures. One of the things that happened when the sandbox was filled with water is these two frogs came swimming to the surface. We tried to feed them bugs, but apparently they had stage fright.

The frogs have been discovered!

Two frogs. Can you see them?

Frog with a bug on it's head. Classy.

Leif and Lilija playing in the mud

2011-08-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

What is better than playing in a sandbox? How about filling it to the top with water and having a mud party?!

Calah on the move

2011-08-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Keri and Toby

2011-08-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

*Awe* Love you guys!

Play time with t he Wooden's

2011-08-22T19:46:00.001-07:00

Are we in October? Nope. Just having fun with the cousins in June! Lilija is the white Power Ranger and Kale is Spiderman. And little Miss Calah is about ready to rip Kale's mask off. She apparently didn't like the idea of dress up time - or maybe she just doesn't have a thing for Spiderman...

Look at those curls!

2011-08-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl Lilija

2011-08-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Do you see the hat? She had just taken it off, but note the horse as well. I think this one is Maximus...or it could be Bullseye. All of her horses are named one or the other. (Thank you Tangled and Toy Story series.)

Cowgirl Calah

2011-08-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Calah Girl is in LOVE with this hat! It was Auntie Tricia's hat until the girls found it when we had the garage sale back in June. It's been a popular source of entertainment ever since! Ye-haw!

Lilija Funnies

2011-08-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Kids say the darnedest things. Yep, they sure do! Here is a compilation of some of Lilija's recent quotes. Enjoy!

Place: In the car

Setting: Carl and I were bantering back and forth about something (nicely…not arguing)

Lilija: “Daddy, be nice. Mama, be nice. Okay? You need to be nice, because you’re being rude.”

Place: In the “formal” living room

Setting: Carl and Lilija are on the love seat and Lilija is using the Tag Reader with her special books. I am chasing Calah around the living room and through the kitchen.

Lilija: “Sssh, Mama. Try to be more quiet. I’m trying to concentrate on my book, okay?”

Place: Our bedroom

Setting: Carl and I are folding laundry and are talking. Lilija and Calah enter the room…

Lilija: (grabs Calah’s hand) “Come on Calah, lets’ go. Mama and Daddy are talking.” (escorts Calah out of our room)

Place: Lilija's bedroom

Setting: I'm in the bedroom with Lilija and Calah and Lilija has just referred to Calah as "he" instead of "she" for about the millionth time.

Me: "Calah is not a he! She is a she! She! She! She! Why do you keep calling her a "he?!"

Lilija: "Because you make me nervous."

Me: "What did you just say?"

Lilija: (quietly) "You make me nervous."

Place: Bathtub

Setting: I had gotten a play tea set at a garage sale and Lil and Cal are playing with it in the tub. Lilija is pretending that her ducks are coming to the tea party. Note: The role of "Duck" is played by Lilija in a higher squeaky voice.

Lilija: "Do you want some tea?"

Duck: "No, I want some chocolate coffee."

Lilija: "You need to be patient."

Duck: "I want some chocolate coffee!"

Lilija: "I don't have chocolate coffee. I just have the real kind."

Duck: "Ok. I'll have that."

Other cute GM pics

2011-07-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Bapa and Lilija

2011-07-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

Bapa and Lil have a special relationship. It's so much fun to watch the two of them interact, and this was just about as special as it gets. I've have the same memories of Dad teaching me to skip rocks, climb the rocks out to the breaker and lighthouse, be close enough to grab my hand if I needed it, but also let me figure out things on my own. How precious to see my little girl get to experience those same moments with her Bapa!

One really cute moment - she was jumping across the rocks, but if she got to a spot that was a little bit too scary she would say, "Oh-oh Bapa. We've got a BIG problem!"

Hughie's Puff Tacos

2011-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know us, love us, or have been following along in the the blog, you know that our family loves Grand Marais. Even if you're not down for camping, or live in MN, everyone should experience a couple things in this city:

1. A skizzle from Worlds Best Doughnuts
2. An appetizer and a drink on the roof of the Gunflint Tavern
3. Pizza from Sven and Ole's

and a new one to the list...

4. A puff taco from Hughie's Take Out Taco House

I think Carl has been dreaming about these since last summer. The ambiance is fantastic, the service is just as great, and the puff tacos are out of this world.

The first trip to Grand Marais - Summer has begun!

2011-07-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

May. Yeah, May. Do you remember it being cold? I think it even snowed, but still I know that summer is coming when it's time for the first trip of the year to Grand Marais. We spend Memorial Day weekend with Nana and Bapa at their cabin. What a fun time!

First step? Driving pictures!

Daddy and his girls

2011-07-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Purple Cake Monster!!

2011-07-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

The concept - great. The result - kind of hilarious.

2011-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

We thought it would be a great idea to get a picture of the kids with all of the Great Grandparents. Well...it didn't go over quite as well as we hoped.

Calah's 1st Birthday - Time for presents

2011-07-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

A sweet look at Daddy

Big Sister = Big helper

Calah and her new dolly

Trendsetter.

If you build it...they will knock it over.

Hello?

The best part about someone else's birthday party is playing with all of the new toys!

Calah's 1st Birthday - Party people...well some of them

2011-07-05T19:22:00.001-07:00

Grandmarais and Robert

Nana

Bapa

Grandpa Mike, Alissa, and KariMe and CashewMeg and MeScott and Calah Girl

You'll see pictures of the other party people in the other pictures: Grandpa Kruppstadt, Uncle Andy, Jack, and of course...Lilija and the hubby!

Mothers Day - Round 2

2011-06-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Carl's Mom had to work, so we (Nana, Bapa, GGs and us) piled into two cars and made our way down to Edina to get a cup of coffee from Caribou. It was so much fun to surprise her, and I know it made her day! PS - had to throw the car pictures in there too. Calah was her smiley self and Lilija was still vetoing a smiling picture. Oh...and what was grandpa's comment after having an espresso?? "I don't know what I just drank,but it hit the bottom like a rubber ball and it's still bouncing." Goodness, I love my family!

Mothers Day - Round 1

2011-06-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Boston

2011-06-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

I went out to Boston the first week in May for work. It was hard to be away from the family...strange that it was almost harder to be gone for that trip than it was for the three week stint to NC back in October of 2009. Wow. That a long time ago! Goodness. Back to Boston...my hotel was amazing. And when I say amazing, I mean rock-star-status. The bellman were in full garb, carried my luggage up to my room, and even gave me a little tour of the room. And yes, it was big enough to need a tour! Chanel, the store, was in the hotel, along with a gift shop that sold fur coats. A-ma-zing! Plus, my travel buddy, Amber was fabulous! She is on my same team, but works out of Des Moines so it was really fun to meet her for the first time. Definitely kindred spirits!At night when you would come back to the hotel, the sheets would be turned down, pillows fluffed, a rug with slippers at the foot of the bed, water on your nightstand, a tray with chocolate, a quote, and what the weather was going to be the following day. Rock-star.A bath menu? Have you ever heard of such a thing? You could have someone come draw you a bath of your choice (there were three to choose from), and nope I did not spend the extra money to do that. Plus, kind of cool - kind of creepy.Amber's and I were supposed to get to Boston at the same time, but she had a travel nightmare so I ventured out to the Boston Commons by myself. It was a beautiful day and so much fun to see the flowers and to people watch. This statue is HUGE!She finally made it to Boston. After a VERY long day of traveling we went to a restaurant where she was able to eat some fresh seafood. I, on the other hand, had a Stella. Since starting the HCG diet in the beginning of March I've been basically carb free, so this was the perfect treat to end my day. Amber and I in the Boston Commons the following day.Historical fact - Boston Commons is the oldest city park in the United States. Our hotelIs is my turn to go home yet?

She's smiling!!

2011-06-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

Sisters

2011-06-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

Other fun Easter pictures

2011-06-14T18:54:00.001-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-06-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Easter

2011-06-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

One comment before the mass o' postings begin

2011-06-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry. Yep, I've been slacking. Life with a 3 year old, 1 year old, hubby working nights, and all of the other life stuff has been taking priority...as it should. So now that the girls are in bed, the house is mostly picked up, breakfast and lunch are made for tomorrow, and laundry is put away, I have a few moments to do as much updating as I can.

Here's a quick Corbett Family Recap

April 14th I was rear-ended on my way home from work. Car is remarkably ok seeing as it went up against a vehicle 4 times its size, but I hurt my neck and back. Thank goodness for the chiropractor! I just started PT (Physical Therapy) last week and I can tell that it's already helping; however, I also learned that I can't clean my floors on my hand and knees.
April 20th Lilija turned 3 years old! She's working on getting the potty training thing down. Some days are better than others but she's made huge strides in the last couple of weeks. Whew! She loves playing on the computer which she calls paqter (Pah-Q-ter). Other funny word that she mispronounces is pool which she calls the poodle. Needless to say we received some interesting looks at Target when she said that she wanted to play in the poodle.
May 15th Calah turned 1! WOW! She is such a character. She is loud, wants to play with everything that she shouldn't be playing with (TV remotes, opening drawers which have child locks on them, the garbage, and turning off the computer). She is starting to talk and loves to pretend that she's talking on the phone. I thought that Lilija was going to be my loud one, but Calah is going to give her a run for the money!
Memorial Day Weekend we went up to Grand Marais to spend some time with Nana and Bapa at their cabin. I wish the weather would have been better but we still had a ton of fun!
The following week...we had a garage sale. It was huge, the weather cooperated, and I had awesome help from the group every day. It was a lot of work, but it is so nice to have a clean garage, stuff out of the house, and people paid me for it. SCORE!
July 1st??? Carl is still enjoying his job and is really great at it. We're hoping that the state can figure out their budget issues and that he won't be laid off July 1st along with all the other state employees. My thought is this, throw in a couple of mom's that are coupon pros, manage to feed a family of 6 on barely existent income, and they'll tell you how to balance the budget!

Well, that's the scoop! Much love to you all and enjoy the "new" pictures!
Corbett Family

She's walking!

2011-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00