The Funny Thing About Life

Our day started with several faces pressed against the master bedroom window because there was a duck stuck in our trampoline. It ended with Mike in the garage duct taping the back window of my SUV because the hinge randomly broke at the garden center tonight, we were afraid it might come off, and we don't have time to get it fixed right now. There truly is never a dull moment around here.

As we hold on for the sprint that is the final two weeks of school and buckle up for a June that defies the laws of scheduling, it was only fitting that our Memorial Day celebration was completely unorthodox and 100% Vanneste. After a beautiful Saturday and Sunday (more on those later), the Monday holiday was rainy, cold, and windy. Blech!

We, however, did not want to be stuck in the house all day. So early afternoon, everyone grabbed raincoats, rain boots, and umbrellas. And out we went. It was the best decision of the weekend. We came home laughing so hard we were crying. From the wind turning Declan's umbrella inside out, Mike jumping in a puddle so hard that he splashed puddle water into his mouth, or Declan's overly aggressive jumping that caused his pants to fall down, it was just the family adventure we all needed.

Sometimes it has to be okay to get wet, make extra laundry, literally dump a stream of water out of your boots, and laugh together. I told Fiona that it was the rain versus the Vannestes. And that when Vannestes are a team, we rarely lose. I'm not sure she bought it when we started out ... but by the end, even the doubters amongst us had to admit it was a good time.

While not the ideal weather for kicking off the summer, how often do things work out in the ideal way? We love opportunities to take a less than ideal situation and turn it into a fun family memory. It doesn't hurt that Mike and I truly enjoy these kind of adventures as well.

Life in the last couple of days has taught us this: when it rains on the holiday, or you're stuck in a trampoline with your mallard partner quacking what I assume was pretty useless information, you put on your gear, back up your runway, and get the extra air under your wings to take you over the top. And when all else fails, you get out the duct tape.

Fiona's First Theater Performance

I have been beyond excited to write this post. The blog in the last few months has been full of hockey and gymnastics and soccer and Q and D and their activities. Do not for one second let that make you think that the adults in this house are overlooking the talents of one Fiona Grace Vanneste. And now, at long last, I get to brag her up in all the ways she deserves.

Last summer, I did my very best to convince Bugs to do a week-long theater program. She couldn't quite get there and was adamant that she had stage fright and couldn't perform in front of all those people. In the fall, I found a class called "Six Skill for the Theater" that taught kids how to get into character, enunciate, project, and deal with stage fright (and clearly two other skills I don't remember). Fiona was super pumped about it and had the best time. Which brings us to this spring ... when I was able to convince her to participate in the production of Mystery Under the Big Top.

Everyone in her class had a part, but they went through an audition process, got their parts, memorized their lines, rehearsed for weeks, and finally performed for their families this Monday night. Fiona's been rehearsing two hours every week for the last two months leading up to Monday night. She has worked so hard and clearly put a lot of effort into learning her character, her lines, and how to be part of an ensemble.

Sunday, Fiona was a puddle of nerves. Believe me when I tell you that I use the word "puddle" intentionally. It was a disastrous spiral of tears and freak out moments. That stage fright things is tough to overcome - but after a good night's sleep, we were back on track. She was super pumped that Auntie was also making the long drive to S-town to watch her perform. Everything is better when Auntie is there!

Mike dropped her off for her final practice, took #2 and #3 to the playground, and Auntie and I met them there after we finished cleaning up dinner. We connected with Aaron, Beth, and Oliver on the playground as Fiona's friend Ellie was also in the play. Mostly promptly at 7pm, we filed into the school gym for the performance. There was a set, props, and a bunch of costume and prepared actresses. You guys, it was SO good! The plot twist was that Ellie was the villain and let me tell you - Declan did not see that coming. It was a hands cupped to mouth kind of twist!

Fiona was wonderful! She remembered her lines, embraced her character of Boppy the Clown, was so funny, and shined with pride and joy. So did those of us watching her. Mid-performance, Quinn leaned over to me and said "I just want to go hug Fiona so much." After the final bows, that is exactly what Quinn did!! After all the practices, games, and tournaments that Fiona has attended in the last few months, it was great for her siblings to show up as her cheering section.

Fiona's favorite part of the evening ... after the performance, their teacher gave a short speech about how much bravery it took to perform and all the work they put into rehearsal for a "one and done" performance. Then she awarded each of the girls a medal . Fiona wore it for the rest of the night and I ruined her life when I made her take it off to go to sleep. Unfortunately I have strict "no strangulation" rules ...

She brought her medal to school today for her sharing day and it is the envy of both her brother and sister. She's still glowing with pride and cannot wait for her theater camp this summer. Most of all, she did something that she was really scared to do and rocked it. We are so proud of her and love that she has found a thing that she truly enjoys and makes her feel successful. I think Quinn was dead on in the desire hug her!

Mother's Day Weekend

Joke's on you guys. You were all impressed when I blogged four times in the first nine days of May ... and then old habits kicked in. So here we are ... back to the "behind on blogging" state that is pretty much status quo at this point.

We had a nice Mother's Day weekend, which was a combination of busy, relaxing, adulting, and parenting. Saturday morning, we were out the door at 9:30 to drive up to Minnetonka to volunteer with Minneapolis Angels. Our original Ms. A is on the board of this amazing organization that helps and supports the foster care system in the Twin Cities area. They had a "First Night Backpack" event, where they needed volunteers to help pack backpacks with supplies and encouraging notes so kids in the system had something of their own when they are placed in a new home. This was something even Declan could understand and participate in. So I asked them that we do it as a family - as my Mother's Day gift. So we did.

We got to see our favorite people as Ms. A's whole family was there. We packed a lot of backpacks (five motivated Vannestes can get a lot done as a team, you guys. I'm making note!). And Fiona and I had a great time creating several notes to go in the backpacks. We've been wanting to engage in some kind of stewardship that the kids could help with - and understand - and this was the perfect thing. Down to Dec, they could imagine going to a strange home without anything that helped them feel comfortable. It made them very proud to help!

After we were done, we rewarded ourselves with a stop at Famous Dave's. Yum! Then everyone rewarded me with a quick swing through the Minnetonka General Store (and Mike and I covered in great detail that expectation that no one under 10 touch anything. Or breathe. Or basically move). The rest of the day was low key. The kids played outside, Mike did yardwork, I got D's birthday party invitations ready. Then Saturday night, Nanny J came to hang out while Mike and I went out for the third weekend in a row.

We had already put the kids to bed ... but they each found a "very important" reason why they needed to come out and hug J. We had a great time seeing a bunch of friends, asked our teenage babysitter for permission to stay out a bit longer to see our friends sing karaoke, hit up three bars (the birthday boy successfully completed his 12 beers at 12 bars challenge ... in 7ish hours. With dinner), and were home by 11. My favorite part was our friend Aaron sneaking a whiskey from the next door bar into the brewhall for me - so I wouldn't have to have a beer. He was the best!

Mother's Day was also pretty laid back. Lots of the usual laundry, groceries, housework action. I did get to finish my book - and start a new one. And then we had the Pilchers over for dinner. The kids played in the yard, the boys made burgers, brats, and dogs. We sat and enjoyed the sunshine on the deck. It was the perfect way to end the day. It really was ... because we had so much fun that we had to implement the famous Vanneste triple shower to get to bed at a decent time. The fact that I can actually simultaneously get four Vannestes clean never ceases to delight me!

Adults Go Out

You guys ... I'm kinda afraid to mention this - lest I jinx it. But, barring unforeseen catastrophe on Saturday, Mike and I will have gone out together three weekends in a row. That has not happened in 8 years, 7 months, and 19 days (give or take ...). We still so rarely get a sitter that just the act of going out is news in itself. But three weekends in a row?!?! It's like Parents Gone Wild around here.

Last Friday night, we hurried ourselves home from work, handed the kids off to Kallie, and sat in traffic to get to USBank Stadium downtown Minneapolis. Because ... it was finally time for Garth!!! We (re)learned two things: 1) Friday night concerts are rough. We are so done from the week. And the concert went so long. 2) We are not large venue people in general, but USBank Stadium is like ginormous venue. There were way too many people!

Secret third verse (ha! Garth fans totally get this reference) ... it's not news, but you guys, if you have to be downtown, go with Mike. He figured out where we were parking, which was super easy to get to. But even better - we went from massive congestion while walking to our car to basically no traffic. And just zipped out of downtown while others sat in wall-to-wall standstill traffic. Mike Vanneste is my hero. That also could be because he had a blanket in his car and it was cold outside!

Despite all the people and more waiting than our impatient Friday selves cared for, the concert was AWESOME and totally worth it! Best Mike's math can tell, Garth played seven or eight of my "Top 5 Favorite" songs. I may have trouble narrowing it down. I started to write about my very favorite concert moment - but we seem to be spiraling into a repeat of the eight Top 5 story. Mike says that it's hard not to claim Friends in Low Places as the highlight. He's right. Fishin' in the Dark was also epic. Basically it was a great night and eventually I was grateful for all the people in front of us - because dang, we were high up!

The Saturday before that, we took advantage of a visit from Gma and Gpa N and their willingness to babysit in order to go to our friend Josh's 40th birthday bash. His wife had rented out a bar in downtown St. Paul and set up karaoke with a live band. It was amazing and we had the best time! Neither Mike nor I sang on stage, but did plenty of singalong action at our table and on the dance floor. Several of our friends got up there and sang - and let me tell you, the live band was impressed with the musicality of the gang.

Josh has cystic fibrosis and making it to 40 is a really big deal. He gave the most amazing speech that activated the spring allergies in everyone's eyes ... ahem .. and reminded us that growing old is a privilege and to be proud of some the changes that we maybe don't always love. He also asked for a birthday present - that everyone to do something nice for someone else with no fanfare. Just to do it. To spread kindness because the world could use it.

We hope to sneak out Saturday night for just a couple hours to celebrate another 40th birthday here in S-town. And to remind ourselves that this whole crazy life started with two kids who liked to spend time together. Fun fact: they seemingly still do!

American Tetris Waldo Warrior

Sunday night, I was surprised when Bugs walked into the bathroom and asked to change her mind from a bath to a shower. Then Quinn changed her mind too. Come to find out, Mike had put American Ninja Warrior on TV and the gang was there for it! They all loved it - but none more than Quinn. Her eyes almost bugged out of her head, and I'm positive she was making a back up plan in case this chef thing doesn't work out. American Quinnja Warrior, she could be. However, on the list of things that aren't my favorite ... my fearless 6yo's eyes gleaming as she watches someone walk down concrete steps while in a handstand.

Tonight, instead of Ninja Warrior-ing it, we fit our evening together as carefully as one does in Tetris. We had a one hour window where we needed to fit in dinner, a trip to the art show, and getting D to soccer on time. Surprisingly, we did it in a far less crazed manner than expected. We even got everyone showered and into bed on time. Maybe Mike and I are parenting ninja warriors ...

Last week, Quinn brought a note home from school. She played it very straight-faced as she handed it to me and only broke into her sparkliest smile once I read it. One of her projects from art class had been selected for the annual Elementary Art Show - to be showcased at the public library. The open house was tonight and we were so excited to go see her project. The best part ... she had no idea what project was selected. So we basically needed to play Where's Waldo while not actually knowing what Waldo looked like. Luckily Quinn's eagle eyes spotted her project pretty quickly. And in case you were wondering ... Waldo looks like a pink bridge! She's so proud and I can't wait to add her painting to the art wall downstairs.

Mike, Dec, and Quinn headed straight to soccer practice from the library. Yes, Declan is playing and Yes, Declan loves it. Yes, Quinn loves soccer too and No, Quinn is not playing. Sigh. Commitment issues are strong with this one. Dec finally had his first practice last Saturday (after several delays for field conditions and rain). His sweet friend Lydia from preschool is on his team and they could not be more excited. His favorite thing is running and kicking and doing drills and that his ball and his shoelaces are red (almost direct quote).

So there you have it ... ninja warriors, Vanneste style.

The Happiest Kinder Round Up Ever

Near the end of April, it happened. Mike and I rounded up our final kindergartner. I'd be sadder about it if he wasn't so dang happy and so clearly ready. Declan skipped, jumped, or leapt the entire time. He had the entire crew manning tables in the cafeteria laughing as Mike and I sprinted after him, yelling at him to slow down and wait. For those wondering ... he did not slow down. Nor wait.

While Mike and I didn't quite need the education we did when Fiona started (we are now quite proficient at launching kindergartners, thank you very much), we still made sure that Dec got his special Mom and Dad date and got to go through the milestone of the rounding. We did tour each of the classrooms, where he proudly announced that he was Quinn and Fiona's brother to whoever would listen. Then Dec gave us a tour of the school ... because you know he's been around the block there a few times now. 

Since soccer season was postponed because of poor field conditions (the late snow), we didn't have to run right from round up to soccer. So we headed back home to have dinner with Auntie and the girls. As is usual with our round up tradition, Auntie watched the other two so the new Kinder could get the full attention of two parents. She's really come full circle from her days of croup toddlers and her fear of babysitting without Quinn telling her what to do. This time she got all the emotions of pre-tween girls. She thought maybe the croup was easier ...

Dec claims he's nervous for kindergarten, but I'm not so I believe it. His sisters have promised to over-mother take care of him. That, I totally believe. He's probably going to have to peel them off of him so he can do his own thing. He's totally ready to skip his way into the life of a school kid. 

Easter is Dec's Favorite

Declan consistently tells us that Easter is his favorite holiday. This was never more apparent than during children's time at the Easter service when Ms. Jan asked why we were celebrating and a very familiar voice echoed through the sanctuary (at top volume): "because Jesus rose from the dead and went to heaven." Mike and I did a mini fist bump that there was no bunny reference in that response. Whew!

Despite a ton of fresh air and sun on Friday and Saturday, the small Vs had no interest in sleeping in Sunday morning. They may have waited until 7:15 to get up, which was a gift. After Mike and I got up, we turned them loose on the basket hunt. For the first time ever, everyone only found their own basket.

Quinn quickly discovered hers behind the couch and had the best time climbing (and eventually being lowered by her ankles) to retrieve it. Fiona's was in the fridge and she found the fact that everything in her basket was cold quite entertaining. Dec discovered his in the linen closet. He'll tell you he found it in the "pantry that's not the pantry" ... I guess "linen" is not an important concept when one is four.

The treasures in this year's baskets included new soccer gear for Dec (if it ever stops raining and snowing, the season will actually start ... ), a new swimsuit for Quinn (a two piece!), and new summer shoes for Fiona. They also seemed delighted with their baskets. But none more than Dec, who could not have been an ounce happier to have red soccer socks and new cleats with red shoelaces.

We ate a few hard-boiled eggs to tamper down our hunger, got our Easter finery on, and then the kids hurried downstairs to hunt for eggs. The eggs were pretty challenging this year and Q found several of her color required climbing skills. Funny how that bunny works. Once again, their shared egg color provided a clue that told them to "Open the door to where your clothes are dried." They opened the dryer, sifted through the stuff in there, and found a new game called QuickCups. What an adventure in teamwork!

We got to church in time for our favorite Easter caramel rolls, Dec and I sang with the praise choir, and then we headed home to spend the afternoon with Auntie, Gma, and Gpa. We grilled burgers, ate cake to celebrate Auntie's birthday and spent tons of time outside. In fact, the kids got to spend most of the day with their neighbor buddies and they were not sad about it. We even did a second backyard egg hunt just for fun. It was another hot day, this time with no wind - which was great for hiding eggs and not great for cooling off.

After our company headed for home (and a few spirited rounds of Quick Cups had happened), we finally got around to dying Easter eggs. I wasn't sure what we would think about not doing it until Easter day ... but it was the perfect wind down activity. The kids had a blast coloring eggs while I made dinner. After the best weekend ever, it was a low-key evening and early to bed for everyone.