My lack of blog posts lately has been quite intentional. We are committed to getting our basement done ASAP, so every spare minute has been spent painting. Here is an exceptionally blurry photo of the boys' accent wall... Mind you, this was my compromise to their plea for neon splatter painting! (Classy style, eh? :) ) The rest of their walls are a calm soothing "Summer Lake."

And as long as I'm on, here is a glimpse of Bella and Jake before they left for the Daddy/Daughter dance on Sunday. :) My girly was in her glory! Dressing up and Daddy... her two very favorite things!

Suffice it to say Jake and I had a SpECtAcULaR trip to Charleston. We had a blast together and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I hope to share more sometime soon. For now I am off to wake my boy and head out with two of my very best friends on our annual haunt. :) I can't WAIT.

Whirlwind of a month!

Before this month was even upon us I knew it was going to be a busy one. Just flipping through my planner I would think- "Uff... That April's going to be BUSY!" And here we are! Three weeks of the month have flown by already. :)

This past weekend we got to spend a very fun weekend with very good friends in the Dells. Yes, I do have pictures. No, I don't have them ready to post. Sorry.

This week is muy exciting for the Madre and Padre of this household. :) We are headed on vacation-- Just us. :) The kids will be in the wonderful hands of all four grandparents who are tag-teaming while we are away. It's been a long time since we traveled together and I'm brimming with excitement! :) I'll share more next week.

I was hoping to have the basement all painted before we leave, and am realizing that just isn't going to happen. Lanman only naps up to 3 hours a day. I'm aiming to sneak down there tomorrow and finish the first coat in the hallway/kitchenette. That leaves the bathroom, the boys' room and a final coat in the family room/hall/kitchenette. Bella's room, the stairwell and first coat family room are DoNe. :) Slowly but surely we will conquer that space!

I'm off to bed. Have a great week everyone!

Dear Little Schiester,

Lanman Jon Mason!
Get used to hearing that, my little man, because after the stunt you pulled today I have a feeling it's coming often!
Today, while mama was working on some stuff on the computer, you meandered off from the bedroom. I was not alarmed, as you had been toddling off to bring me books and toys. I actually thought perhaps you had found one lone interesting toy and were spending time with it. When I called you, I heard a mother's sure sign of trouble... SILENCE.
Knowing that you have mastered our door handles I jumped up and ran. I knew you couldn't be too far and I hadn't heard the front door's tell-tale "whooshing" sound. So I started calling you, "Lanman?"
(nothing)
"LANman?"
(nope)
"LANMAN?!"
I ran from our room to the laundry room, checked the doors, the kitchen, under the kitchen desk, back to our closet the big kids' room, all in about 10 seconds and you were gone. NOT a TRACE.

(Settle down, Mom, it ends good.)

I stopped. Took a deep breath and was about to head for the basement when I nearly jumped out of my skin, you stinker!

There you were, laying ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER!
YOUR HEAD ON THE CANDY DISH LIKE A PILLOW!
LEGS CROSSED AND A SILENT SMILE ACROSS YOU FACE.
LIKE I WAS RUNNING AROUND LIKE A CHICKEN WITH MY HEAD CUT OFF IN PANIC SIMPLY FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT.

(suspicious egg-shaped foil in shreds around you...)

ugh.
So I did what every good mother would do.
I grabbed my camera and turned AWAY when I laughed at you.

Love always(you stink pot),
Your Mommy


P.S.In case anyone else is reading this besides Lanman... my patient Sister-in-Law helped me put this up in our basement FAMILY room last week.

Hugging my babies tight.

I follow a number of blogs regularly.
Most of them are those of family and friends.
After all, I started this blog to keep those we love up-to-date on stories and photos of the kids.

Some of the blogs I read belong to people I don't know, or didn't. After you read glimpses of a person's life for a number of years you feel as though you do know them.

Tonight I was reading the post of someone I don't "know," who shared the loss of two families.
Both lost a child unexpectedly in the past week.
Pictures of the child were posted.
Funeral arrangements.
I spent more time than I realized scrolling back and reading about the families. Posts just the day before were normal, everyday occurrences, much like I share on this site.
Not much to note- just life.

But what a gift it is.
These days that I get to see my babies smile and laugh and share stories of what happened on the playground.
I get to hear them tell me about what they had for lunch, how fast they biked home and the new kid in their class.
I get to hold them as they sleep, watch their little chests rise and hear their soft breath.
I get to remind then to eat their veggies, wipe up their spills and resweep the floor.

Most days I wouldn't look at these as blessed opportunities. And by Thursday I may not take the time to reflect on it all. But right now I am trying to imagine an unexpected loss like these two moms are living and it sucks the air right out of me.
I don't know what tomorrow will bring.
I don't hold my kids' futures.
I know the God who does, and I trust Him with it all.
And I'm off... to hug and hold my babies.

My first review: Read and Share DVD Bible: Vol. 1

I recently agreed to join the Book Review Blogging Team for Thomas Nelson Publishers. I like that the reviews can be done on my own timetable and to start out I picked a product I knew I could get through rather easily... A Children's DVD. :)

I received the "Read and Share DVD Bible Volume 1" and first watched it with my 18-month-old. The DVD is made up of 13 Bible stories told in 3-minute segments. The animation is basic and moves slowly, which seemed to really help keep my toddler's attention. I thought we would just watch the first couple stories, but he was captivated for seven stories before he toddled away. The DVD incorporates lots of small animals which grabbed his attention and kept it. I know that at this point he doesn't follow the Bible stories being told, but he is hearing them and that is important.

The stories that are included on this DVD are:
1. The Beginning
2. Adam and Eve
3. The Flood
4. Abram
5. Isaac and Rebekah
6. Jacob and Esau
7. Rachel
8. Home Again
9. John the Baptist
10. Jesus is Born
11. Jesus Tempted by Satan
12. Jesus Loves Children
13. One Lost Sheep

After watching the DVD I think children ages 18 months to 5 or 6 years-old would most enjoy it. That being said, our older children, ages 7, 9, and 11 all watched the DVD the entire way through and really liked it. :)

Check out the entire Thomas Nelson site for books, DVDs, Bible studies and other tools to help you in your walk. I will share these reviews periodically. Feel free to share your feedback!

For Sarah... :)

Yes, I am blogging two days in a row.
And I am outside!! Love it!
This will be a really quick photo update as BL will start momentarily, but...

Here is Noodle last Friday night at the 4th, 5th and 6th grade Honors Music Night... He was a little expressionless, but his Mama loved every minute of the show!

Here is Lanman during his "De da Puppy?" antics...

Here is Bella's soon-to-be room! My SIL and I painted it today--- All but the ceiling. :) Weird shot, I know, but I wanted to get all of the colors in... It's aqua, pink and green.

And here is a bad cluttered shot of the stairwell/family room... Green and tan! I love colors!

In which I update you on sweetness, cuteness and my randomness...

Well, spring might NOT be here. It's been awful cold since I last posted, but we did NOT get the 6-12 inches of snow they threatened we would. A few flakes in the sky is all it turned out to be, and a happy girl am I.

Most know (via the facebook world) I celebrated my birthday last Friday and I just have to share the sweetness of my kids. Noodle made me a CD of all my favorite songs. Jake explained the process he went through to choose them... "No, I don't hear her sing that one very much... YEAH-- She loves that one!" Oh, my heart was a puddle. :) Doodle (bless his sweet little heart) had a package on my bedside table for three days before- But it was strictly labeled.. "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL THE THIRD!" The night before he told me I should open it as soon as I opened my eyes "'cause it might come in handy in the morning." He spent his own money on a bag of fresh ground coffee! :) Sweet boy!! I make a huge deal of how delicious it is every morning. :) Bella went to the local Kwik Trip and bought not one, but TWO chapsticks for me. And one for her. How cute is that?
I love 'em (the kids. the chapsticks, too, I guess).
What a treasure!

Jaker and Noodle are off on a three day field trip together.
Well, them and the rest of the fifth grade class.
It's at an environmental learning center about 30 minutes away. They spend two nights and three days there. It's a neat experience! Today they "worked" at a rebuilt Indian village... Grinding wheat and a couple other tasks and learning about the first inhabitants of our area. Tomorrow morning they do a high ropes course. :) The rest of us are doing great. I know some who hate being home alone with the kiddos, but I really don't mind it one bit. Somehow it's more relaxed. I'm not sure why as Jake brings no demands for schedule or big meals... It's just the change of pace, I guess. We got homework done really quickly, Dawson ran two errands (big boy!), Jake's grandma stopped in to love on the kids a bit and we got to invite her for supper tomorrow night. We played Countdown and Apples to Apples (Both wonderful Dahl favorite games from a wise game-picker-outer )
Then off to bed and down-time for this mama. :) Loved our night, kiddos!

I have to share a new Lanman antic. This kiddo is personality plus. He came running into the dining area when Grandma was here and showed us a little puppy he had in his hand.
Suddenly whoop--- both little hands tucked together behind his back and he rattled off, "De Da Puppy?"
I just looked at him at first, not quite sure what he was doing, but before I said anything,
POP! His hands came out from behind him with the puppy, "DE DA PUPPY!!"
He did this over and over as Grandma and I shook with laughter...
"Where's the puppy?"
"There's the puppy!"
The funniest part were his short little arms both tucked so properly behind his little back. :)
Maybe you will all have to see it to understand the cuteness.
Of course he wouldn't do it for the camera!
I'm glad laughter is good for the soul. :)

In other news, the painting has begun! I've started a lot of places, actually and hope to reign it in. The basement is mostly primed. One of Ellie's walls is mostly done. The stairwell area needs one more coat. I painted a four foot section of the tan in the living room...
It makes you sick, doesn't it! I am a great starter and am working on getting a bit more organized in it all. The color-lover in me loves to see it all. Now tomorrow I'm going to finish priming and finish the two "almost done walls."
Scouts Honor.
But for now I'm off to that big ol' bed. :) I'll sleep... like a king.

Spring is here!

I'm playing catch-up today on the blog!
It is with great joy that I proclaim spring! :) Yay!
It was a drizzly day here today and I was once again thankful for my job as a mom that didn't force me to venture out. :)

Though I adore spring and the rising temps, I have to admit that it stresses me out a bit.
See, with it comes mud.
And three outfits a day for the big kids. :)
And a yard that now also needs attention.
And laundry and meals that don't stop needing attention.
And regular bath nights.
And that landscaping project we abandoned with the snow.
And the pull to enjoy the weather and be outside!
Which isn't bad... just "more" somehow.

I do try to throw the "more" aside.
And enjoy the laughter.
And the time the kids spend outdoors in the fresh air.
And the walks I can take with a toddler who is still content in the stroller.
And the birds that are back with their songs.
And the quiet hum of movement in a small town.

I look forward to green as the trees bud out and the lawn perks up!
And the many fun trips in store for our April and May!
And friendships that are budding!
And our basement's full usage-- "You can paint by the weekend!" I was told this morning! Praise the Lord!
And organizing, dejunking and containerizing. MMmmmm!
And Garage. Sales.

Ahh... Life IS good.
Bring on the mud.

The end of the season...

Jake had the privilege of coaching a great group of boys this year as the R-P Trojans head coach. The season has ended and he now hands the reigns back to HIS coach, a Minnesota Hall of Fame coach whom he respects greatly. My husband loves basketball, and he loved the young men he got to work with. They had a GREAT victory in their second to last game. The team they faced had an amazing season. They beat the Trojans during the holiday tournament by over 30 points and were ranked number one in our sub-section. To me, one who admittedly knows little to nothing about the game, that meant defeat.
But not to my husband.
He told me they could win.
He's a "half-full" kind of guy through and through.
He loved his team.
In his eyes they could do it.
And they did.
They won by ten in overtime.

Though their record wasn't flawless they had many victories along the way and I can say with confidence that Jake enjoyed the season. And the opportunity. And the team.

And I'm proud of him.
And thankful I'm his.

A Travelin' we did go!

The first week of March brought an eagerly anticipated arrival to our family! Ryker Allyn was born to Jake's brother Jon and his wife Cori. They live in the Tetons, so March 10th Lanman and I accompanied a proud Grandma out west to meet our newest nephew/cousin. Lanman was giddy!

He was a trooper on the plane! It was his first flight, and though he's a pretty easy-going fellow, I was a bit nervous. He likes to just be laid down for his nap, and I could just picture a full-out fit being thrown from a tired tot. We were afforded an extra seat between us on the long flight both ways, so he had room to boogie and did really well. He was very social, so every around us was greeted with a "Hi!" and he reported on every nap-taker within sight-- "Nigh, Nigh," "Nigh, Nigh," He would shout and point. :)

Once out there we got to love on the baby and whip up some meals. Lanman got to play with his older cousin. Well, invade her space anyway! :) They'll play together better when they're a bit older. :) The weather was sunny and warm for the most part, so we brought the kids out in the snow a couple of times. Lanman wasn't sure WHAT to think about that!

We loved getting the chance to meet you, little Ryker! Thank you so much for letting us invade, Wydaho Dahls! Here's a glimpse of sweet baby...

The cuteness oozes. And other randomness.

This morning Lanman took Bella's hand held mirror and toddled around with it. He looked into it lovingly and pronounced, "My ME!" He then showed each one of us "my ME!"
His "him."
Aww.
We oohed and ahhed at his cuteness and inflated his baby ego just a bit.
So much for not spoiling the baby.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jaker brought out the big guns and let me in on a secret trip he's put together for JUST US... to Charleston, SC at the end of April. Telling me I get to travel is like telling a dog he gets to have a dino's femur. I CAN'T WAIT!!! Details are still being worked out, but I am brimming with excitement and wish it was tomorrow. I suppose we have to finish basketball season before we celebrate making it through. :) I can't wait to spend hours and hours alone with Jake, to relax together and explore a city we've never been to. :) A foretaste of our empty-nesting years-- Lord-willing! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In basketball news, the regular season is done and the Trojans are slated to play Houston ( a team they beat earlier this season) on Friday night in Sub-sectional action. At this point when they lose they are done. They'll actually practice four times this week. That's just a couple days less than in the entire month of February with three games a week and a snow day! :)

Well, I best start heading the kids toward bed. They're all reading. Oh, what joy (Also what a contrast to the wrestle-a-thon that took place moments ago...).
A happy first week of March to you all. :)

Catching up...

Well, here we are. Two weeks have flown by since I last wrote and in usual form, we've been a busy crew.

Jake has coached six games since then and has just one remaining in the regular season. Who knows what tournament time will bring!? It's truly gone well and he's loved working with the team. For the most part it's going very well on the home front, too. That being said, I think it's fair to say we're all ready for it to be done as four months is a long haul. :)

Lanman recently sat through his fourth, but most major haircut. His eyes look even bigger and the resemblance to Noodle is startling. Bella also got a three-inch cut. Big news there is that from here on out she is going to a salon. :) It went OK, but I will never attempt a trim again, no matter HOW simple it looks to be! I am fine with being a barber to boys alone.

We enjoyed a weekend visit to Grandma and Papa K's over Bella's birthday weekend (known as Valentine's Day to the rest of the world). We celebrated with a GoRGeoUS princess castle cake and big ol' fashioned family canasta party. The cards were good (for some) and the food abounded, as usual! :) We took advantage of the long weekend and didn't come home until Monday. It was SO nice to get away.

Friday the 20th brought on the 5th grade musical, which Jaker helped direct and Noodle had a role in as Abraham Lincoln, and the MC... interviewing some of history's great leaders. He also had an Emmy-winning vocal solo. :) Here he is LIVE with Betsy Ross:

He had a big cheering section as Mom and Dad made the long trek over- just for the DAY- and Grandma Joyce, Great-Grandma Esther and Uncle Josh also came to watch him perform.

Our little lady celebrated turning SeVeN with her friends at a fun-filled Friday evening birthday party. We decorated cookies, Bedazzled tote bags and made mini pizzas. (Here she is with the top of the castle cake which we saved for the party, and Yes, she is wearing her Laura Ingalls Wilder dress. Every girls gotta have a party dress!) It was a fun evening that resulted in one pooped Mama!

Progress has begun again in the basement- WHOO HOO! We have friends staying with us as they do construction in town and in return for staying here they have finished wiring and insulating... and dare I say SHEETROCK is going up as I type! Our garage has been busting at the seams storing all the things that basement will soon hold! Our kiddos, Lord willing, will be in their own rooms by summer! Organization will once again have domain in the Dahl House! A garage sale will be had like none other in Rushford history! (And this chick will be rejoicing!)

Our most recent news is a sick Lanman. He started with a temperature Friday that stayed very high throughout the weekend. A Monday morning trip to the pediatrician diagnosed a very yucky looking throat. Not strep, thankfully. He's on the mend now, for which we are all thankful. Healthy Lanman = Much better sleep!

Well, I am being summoned by the little man. Naptime flies so quickly. Wishing you all a sunny day!

Dear Lanman,

I tend to talk about you a lot on here. When you look back I want you to know I love your siblings just as much as you... It's just that I spend my days with you and you are changing so much that there is so much to share.

Have I told you that you've stolen my heart? You are precious from head to toe and I wouldn't trade places with anyone in this world to give up my days with you.

Today when I was getting you changed and dressed (which you still throw fits about) you pointed at my shirt and with those precious brown eyebrows lifted asked, "A dat?"

Which I totally knew meant, "Mother dear, what is that drawing upon your shirt?"

I told you it was a daisy.

Which you repeated back to me like a little mockingbird.

Since we started making animal noises you have always insisted a dog says, "Ahhh, Ahh, " a tongue hanging-out panting sound. Which I think is fascinating, because to you they do-- They don't bark at you, they lick and pant at you. Today when we read you changed it for the first time and shook your head "no" when I made your panting noise. Then you "yipped." And seemed to age a year before my eyes. Like the first time Noodle said "Elmo" instead of "Elmy."

Yesterday I got out Bella's doll stroller for you to play with while we were in the garage. When the phone rang I whisked you and the stroller in with me. I talked and before I knew it you were coming out of the bedroom with a doll saying, "baby," and putting her in the stroller. How do you know that? We've never had this out before! You walked all three blocks to school to meet Daddy and your siblings with both hands pushing that little pink stroller. Through puddles, through mud as if it were your mission to get that baby to school. I picked you up to cross the first street. When we got to the next intersection you stopped and lifted your arms. How did you figure that out? When your baby slid down in her seat you said, "Oh oh! Oh oh!" (your favorite phrase) until she was righted.

I want to remember every little stage you pass through. I want to bottle you up and keep you forever right where you are at today. The other kids, too. I am so thankful for you all.

I love you, my sweet Lanman.

Forever,

Your Mama.

A Week of Firsts

Lanman had a landmark week of firsts. Yes, some were long overdue, but here are the highlights in photos:


A good cupboard climb! He hasn't really gotten into cupboards much, but had this one emptied out and enjoyed his little cubby.













One day I was spending time in the kitchen and thought a fort might keep Lanman occupied and happy. He loves to find little spots to hang out in. Though it took a little food to bribe him in it at first, he thought it was pretty funny and giggled each time he got settled in. (Notice the blur... wiggles of excitement!)













His first beater-licking! Mmmm...
He thought this was most delightful and wanted "Mo? Mo? Mo?"













And my very favorite, his first "play-in-the-snow-time" with Bella. He LOVES to be outside and the warmer temps this weekend have given us all spring fever. :)

Ahhh... a busy Monday is behind us.
I cleaned like a crazy woman today. I apologized to Lanman, assuring him that tomorrow would be play day. I had him "help" as much as a 15-mo-old can. He caught up on sleep with a couple good naps and tonight the house is feeling much better.
The laundry is finished and ready to be put away in the morning.

Jaker had his fourth victory in a row tonight and is hopeful for tomorrow night's game. Due to weather postponements there are 12 games in 25 days during February. Talk about a race to the finish! :)

Knowing this was ahead I snuck him away for his birthday Friday night (Thanks to his mom taking the kiddos- Thank You, Joyce!) to a whirlpool suite. I really wanted to have a hot tub installed in our back yard, but instead he got to relax in the whirlpool and the hot tub, he got to watch a movie in its entirety and sleep in in the morning. Ahhh... A little R&R for a well deserving coach, husband and daddy. :)

We got to spend Sunday with great friends at the same hotel (actually the room next door!)-- Swimming, EATING, watching the BOWL and catching up. We love the Poppes. :)

Our evenings are full lately with games, of course, but also with homework, reading, practicing of instruments (piano for Bella and Doodle, percussion for Noodle), football tossing (Doodle), and the chore list I come up with during the day! :) (It's usually pretty minimal- There's no time for a long list!)
The big kids love to read with their headlamps before bed, so we leave time for that and before I know it there's our evening! We make a habit of a family game night or two throughout the week (Mama's orders). :)
I'm off to bed.
Have a great week, one and all!

We're halfway there!

To the end of basketball season, I mean.
Tonight the Trojans beat a conference foe, Kingsland, for the second time. Yeah, Trojans!
The kids and I stayed home as it's hard to do away games on a school night. Let me back up a bit... It's hard to do games with a wiggly 15-mo-old. Period.
Tonight we got to listen to it on the radio. I felt like we were gathering for a "Fireside Chat." Though I'm sure FDR's addresses didn't cause his listeners to break out in a sweat like I did during that game.
Ugh.
A "good game" to me is when Jaker's team is winning by 20. It's good! I can sit back and enjoy it. I smile. I like it. *(see below)

Lead changes, being behind with 5 seconds to go, one point victory margins?
That is not good. It is tense, nerve-racking and blood-pressure altering.

Tomorrow is my favorite coach's big day. 36! I distinctly remember celebrating 26 with him in our rental house in Sand Creek. Ahh, the memories. I've got a surprise under my hat and will share it after the fact so nothing sneaks back to him. :)
Have a wonderful weekend.



*When my heart is not involved, I admit I like a close game, but when my husband is coaching or the Packers are involved... please see the above definition of "good game."

"He-yo!"

Our little man's newest obsession is hiding. He is hilarious.
He climbs into small spaces and waits, wiggling with excitement until you acknowledge that you have found him.
Then he shouts, "He-Yo!" (hello) and giggles.
OH, he giggles.

These are my very favorite parts of the day. :)

The Reason We Are Here

Sometimes it's still hard being in a new community. We visited Chetek this past weekend and it still feels like home. It's comfortable. We know most everyone we ran into on a "big hug" level. :)

Today I was reminded in a tangible way of why we are here. For family. For relationships. To brighten the day of a great-grandma with a short drop-in visit. I hope he remembers the love in her eyes. I know I always will.

Promised Photos

Tonight I am finally dumping photos onto the computer that I took prior to Christmas! Aye yi yi!! No excuses. Just haven't done it. So here is my wonderful family- like a month ago. :)


There is a reason Jaker is hiding behind the little man in this photo. He has led three of our four kids astray and soon after I took this for HIS sake, I threw the camera at him and stripped my baby of that purple filth. :) Go Pack.

Noodle's ELEVENTH birthday party. The sledding crew! Yes, my 63-yr-old dad was one of the sledders (With Bella in the back left).

Lanman and one of his very favorite toys thanks to Auntie Cori and Uncle Jonathan! The kids (OK, and Jake and I) put him in the bed of the truck and zoom him to and fro. He squeals with delight and says, "Mo, Mo, Mo."

One of my top five "heart-warmers" as a mom is watching my kids read. When they are reading to a younger sibling I turn to mush. I caught Doodle reading his assigned story to Lanman during homework time one day. Melts a mama's heart!!

Trembling with excitement!

The Dahls are headed north early tomorrow morning to spend a weekend with dear friends. It looks to be a busy two days, filled with visits here, there and everywhere and we are giddy over each stop. Our food contributions are prepared, and packed in a cooler in the van. The kids' clothes are packed tight. The camera and books, diaper bag and doughnuts from grandpa are ready to go by the back door. I even loosened the laces of the kids' shoes and have them lined up and ready to go!

The coach is at a far away game and left hopeful for a victory. I'm eagerly watching the ten o'clock news to see the score. Our departure time is set for 6:15 (In hopes we actually roll out at 6:30...) and I set out THREE coffee mugs- My usual two and one for Jaker as 5:30 will come quickly for him I'm afraid. *** They WON!!! Just saw the score!! ***

I know I am terribly behind on photo updates. I aim to post pictures early next week. The pics of Lanman are sure to just be a blur as he is in turbo tornado mode lately. Digging in plants he never blinked an eye at before. Unloading the DVD tower. Reaching above his head for handfuls of pencils to poke his eyes out with... (I jest.) Who needs to work out? My gym membership has huge brown eyes and a devilish grin.

The big kiddos brought home perfect report cards today. All three of em'! There was a lot of hugging and happy dancing at the Dahl house. What a great privledge I have to be their mama. Then reality set back in and I yelled out task after task until they begged to go to bed. But hey, they're going to play all weekend and see paragraph one... We're almost ready to go!

Which reminds me that I need to pack up to head out. Have a fabulously freezing weekend, Midwest friends. Californians? Alabamans? I don't even want to hear about it! :)