Anniversary Getaway

Our 8th anniversary is next week and we had one night to celebrate in the midst of Eli's crazy schedule.  Grandma Horn graciously came up to stay with Caleb overnight while we took the baby and went up the shore.  We stayed at Grand Superior Lodge and it was incredibly relaxing.

If you're thinking that bringing our infant along for our anniversary getaway was an odd choice, we wholeheartedly disagree.  We were enthralled to have Kai with us!  It was the first time since he was born that we had him all to ourselves without Caleb demanding our attention.  It was amazing to soak him up, snuggle him close and delight in him with undivided attention.  Our hearts were full and happy with this baby along :)

One of the benefits of getting married in the off-season is that for years down the road you can get great deals on places to stay for your anniversary!  Few people are traveling in March, and certainly not to cold destinations, so we've discovered that we can usually stay at nice places for reasonable rates on our anniversary.  We never realized what a perk it would be to get married in March!

our lovely room

view of the North Shore from our balcony

So happy to be here!

Our sweet boy turned 4 months old on our getaway too.  He is calm and content and happy and delightful!  He's beginning to squirm around more, he's starting to tolerate tummy time, he's an overall good sleeper and eater, and he completely lights up when we talk to him.  We can scarcely believe it's been 4 months already!

we let him be naked for awhile so we could admire his rolls :)

Moose Baby!

An Open Letter to Winter

Dear Winter,

When we heard that you were coming, we prepared excitedly for your arrival.  We pulled out coats, boots, hats, and mittens from the basement so we could don them on our way out to meet you.  We pulled out blankets and flannel sheets so we could snuggle cozily into bed knowing you would whistle to us through the windows.  We pulled out hot chocolate and marshmallows and brought our mugs to the front of the cupboard so we could warm ourselves from the inside knowing you would dazzle us again with your snowflakes and icicles amidst the white canvas outside.

Yes, when we heard that you were coming, we prepared excitedly for your arrival.

And then you came.  You came with much zeal this year, banging on the door and dropping 28 inches of snow during the first week of December.  At first we appreciated your grand entrance because it was rather remarkable.  We also appreciated the beauty that you brought, particularly with Christmas around the corner.

Yes, you came with much zeal this year and we appreciated your initial arrival.

But then you chose to stay in full force.  It is one thing to stay as a quiet and accommodating guest and quite another to take advantage of your hosts during your visit.  Perhaps our welcoming party was a bit too encouraging to you.  Perhaps our willingness to clean up after you made you feel a bit too comfortable and brazen.  Either way, you have continued dumping snow and delivering freezing temperatures to the point that we have begun to regret welcoming you with such open arms.  We know that you have always felt particularly at home in Northern Minnesota, but regardless, we must be blunt: Winter, you have overstayed your welcome.

I don't mean to be brusque, but Eli had to snowshoe to work this morning because we couldn't get our car out of the driveway/alley yet again.  (In case you didn't know, people don't put their sicknesses on hiatus just because you decided to have another party - in other words, Eli still had to get to work somehow!)  Furthermore, your little white lies have led to our complete frustration.  You said that you would deliver another 6-9 inches of snow over the past two days.  You then proceeded to deliver 15 inches instead - and we don't believe for a minute that you didn't actually know what you were doing!

Winter, it is time for you to go.  Yes, we are aware it is only February.  Yes, we are aware that you are usually allowed to stay at least another month, sometimes two, here in Northern Minnesota.  But we are pulling the plug.  You have overstayed your welcome this time and we must insist that you depart.

We only hope that Spring will come with such bravado as you did.

Sincerely,
The Horns

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baking cookies while braving the snowstorm

"Wait, we got how much more snow?"

our backyard this evening

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Although Eli had to work a 24-hour shift today, I had two little Valentines to enjoy this year :)  They do things to my heart that I cannot explain and they continually expand my understanding of love.  I know I am blessed beyond measure to call them mine.  Here are my little Valentines!

"Oh, Mama, let me show you my love by grabbing your face."

"Yes, Mama, I know you love me.  Let us count the ways!"

"Oh, Mama, let me show you my love by shoving my finger in your mouth."

"Yes, Mama, you can be my Valentine too, and I'll seal it with a kiss."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Caleb's Airplane

I found this little airplane yesterday and Caleb is in love with it.  He's barely let go of it since - he even slept with it last night!  He has loved helicopters for awhile because we see them flying to/from the hospital all the time, and now he also loves airplanes because we flew to Michigan over New Year's and he discovered how exciting they really are :)  He says "ana" for airplane (and helicopter), and it's usually said with gusto!  

Caleb has been flying his little airplane since acquiring it and it's fascinating to watch his imagination develop.  He only recently discovered the world of make believe.  It's very exciting!

We are completely fascinated as Caleb explores the world around him.  He's a curious little boy who is usually intrigued by his discoveries.  Watching a person grow and develop is entertaining and astonishing.  It truly is.  We find ourselves filled with awe and wonder on a daily basis!