The Nielsens: May 2013

Great Wolf Lodge

The first weekend in May we went on a mini-family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge. We had a blast!!!! I'm already working on trying to go back!

Inside the water park.

Our room, the wolf den. Next time we go, we'll skip the themed room. You're hardly in your room much, so not worth the extra money. But for our first time, we wanted to spoil the kids.

Out to dinner at a burger joint next to the resort. We liked the place, and they give a discount if you show your wristband.

Top pic is of the boys while taking a break from swimming. The bottom pic is of Clifford's feet. They took a beating in the gigantic wave pool.

Our attempt to take a family pic (Pete plans on photo shopping the two together)

Treating the boys to some ice cream

Killing time in our room before bed

A few weeks ago Clifford's class had a Publishing Party. Parents were invited to attend, and kids were given the chance to show off the books they created. Pete was able to get off work early to attend with me. Clifford's book was so creative, and definitely showed off his creativity. It reminds me of the books Pete made when he was a little boy himself in school that we recently came upon (Clifford has them in his room and loves reading them). So proud of Clifford!

"Dad vs Zombie" by Clifford Nielsen

Twin Day

Recently the school had "Twin Day". Clifford and Kristjan decided to dress alike. Such sweet boys!

Clifford's 2nd Grade Music Performance

Clifford on his way to his music performance

Me with my big boy :)

The entire second grade class

The little girl next to Clifford is Alexis. From our observations of the two together at school, we're pretty sure she has a little crush on him. She's a cutie. Very spunky :)

Cub Scout Walk-a-Thon

In the middle of April, boys participated in the Cub Scout's annual Walk-a-Thon. They were to raise money for the pack. Sadly, we're all really tired of fundraising, so we didn't put much effort into this one (back around Thanksgiving time, boys sold over $400 worth of candy bars for the pack. So we're not too upset with our lack of efforts with this one). The walk-a-thon was during the week I was sick, so I didn't attend. Pete said it was pretty boring. All the boys did was walk around a track. BUT because this is the last year for the guy who's been in charge doing this, Peter has now been recruited to be head chairperson for future Walk-a-Thons! When they came home that evening to share with me the night's event, Pete said he's already decided to change it up. Rather than walk around a field, he'd rather see it be a "hike-a-thon". Hmm...we'll see. Pete has great ideas but the other leaders in the Pack are a bit unorganized and don't necessarily like change. Anyhow, from the sound of it, boys had fun. Pete took a total of four pics from that event, all of which featuring Clifford turned out blurry. But you get the idea...

Howard's Baptism

One sunny Saturday morning shortly after our nephew Howard turned 8, we drove up to visit him and his family, and to watch him be baptized. Peter and I are very proud of him. He is such a sweet boy! It was wonderful to be invited and to support him.

Kiddos enjoying some pizza for lunch. I love Howard's smile in the second pic!

Kristjan LOVES his Mama Mickey. (This pic of him sitting on her lap shows just how big he's getting!)

How many adults does it take to pull a tooth out?! Kristjan desperately needed to have his loose tooth come out, but it was taking so long for it to come out on its own, and the permanent tooth was already coming in behind it. Mama Mickey helped hold Kristjan while Pete worked on pulling it out. Even Aunt Dee and Papa decided to get in on the action.

Kristjan, who is oh-so dramatic, cried and screamed while Pete worked on pulling his tooth out. Poor Lewis. This was his reaction to all the commotion.