Bolstad Family

Bye Disney

2011-04-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

On the last trip across the lake, Andrew said, "Thanks Mom and Dad that was the best trip ever."

On my last trip across the lake I said, "thank goodness we all wore good shoes!"

Disney 2011

2011-04-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Andrew doing the hula at dinner and inside of Bruce at Epcot.

2011-04-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

2011-04-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Genevieve was so nervous to meet the princesses.

Disney

2011-04-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

7 days ... Extra bonuses included throwing up at a character dinner, pink eye, pool water reaction for Genevieve, and paying lots of money for food.

2009-12-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Of course our daughter couldn't wear anything warm when it is 15 degrees out, but at least she wasn't in a swim suit!

Santa's Village

2009-12-19T19:02:00.001-08:00

We pushed on through

even though it was only 12 degrees. Woot Woot!

Genevieve at swim

2009-12-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

Genevieve has definitely come into her own! She isn't bothered by the water in her face and thinks she can swim by herself! rock on girlie!

Halloween

2009-11-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

We are back! Halloween was fantastic. The kids had a ball between the neighborhood pumpkin carving contest and the actual night. However, to begin the season we must start with pumpkinland!

Bay Beach

2009-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Bay Beach is an amusement park 10 min from my parents home.

The rides are only 10 cents. We spent 3 evenings there. Fun stuff!!

The Zoo

2009-08-10T13:38:00.001-07:00

Genevieve had her first zoo class. We had so much fun and learned a great deal about many animals. After the class we road the zoo train and fed some animals. Great Day!

Tales from WI

2009-08-10T13:35:00.001-07:00

The night before the DMB concert we met some of our few favorite friends from college. We had a great time-everything from singing in piano bars to 3 AM pizza. Love you guys.

Cottage

2009-08-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

The cottage was fantastic. We had a little time for R& R. Unfortunately, no boating or skiing this round-maybe next year.

Vacation 2009 in Wisconsin

2009-08-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

While at Grandma and Grandpa Bolstad, we hunted frogs, played at the parks, and swam in their pool.

2009-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Genevieve's fourth Birthday!

Genevieve's 4th!

2009-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

My little girl celebrated her 4th bday with 12 of her closest friends:) We had everything from jewelry making, runway modeling, dance party, pinata, and of course cake!

Santa's Village

2009-07-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

We saw Santa out wondering. People were sparse and lines were null! The kids and I had a great day-only to meet Dad for dinner later that night-awesome, awesome day!

It's a Bear!

2009-07-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

While in the Notch, we stopped and saw a bear with her cub! We spent an hour chasing it down:) She was on the cliff and we were on the ground-not to worry.

Franconia Notch

2009-07-07T06:28:00.001-07:00

We stopped and hiked in the Franconia Notch

on our way to Littleton!

Andrew's 6th Birthday

2009-06-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

We had his bday at Camp Ketcha. He had an incredible time with his friends. We hope they had fun too.

cheerleaders

2009-06-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

As always, we have our cheerleaders. Not sure, but I think they are friends.

Baseball

2009-06-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Andrew had the catch of t ball history today. He caught a pop fly! We were so proud of him! Go Andrew Go!

ssssssssssssssssnake

2009-06-06T17:39:00.001-07:00

Andrew had field day at school. We were very impressed. The gym teacher was amazing. They had rotations of activities such as parachute games, water games, bouncy houses, slides, chase games, and of course sparks ark-and my son wore a snake-yikes!

Genevieve's big day!

2009-05-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a fantastic day! Genevieve performed her big dance number! She looked beautiful with her bun and crown. Although, the ladies were a little crazy about the bun size, it was definitely worth the cuteness!

Waterpark in VT

2009-04-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Another must do is the Aquatic Center in VT. It is a perfect little waterpark for the little guys. We had a ball. Andrew loved the lazy river-although small, it worked for us. He loved the current taking him as he swam underwater.

Genevieve's favorite was crawling around on her hands blowing bubbles, but became upset when the water got in her eyes!

April Vacation

2009-04-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

April vacation was fantastic! We traveled with Scott to Vermont, New Hampshire and Mass. Although getting to VT was a challenge, once there, we had a great time at the Science Museum. The kids made everything from fog to bubbles, played in a water maze outside, hiked around a pond, and made there very own mini kites. The museum was amazing-I must do if you are in the Dartmouth area.

fashion show

2009-04-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

One long rainy day we decided to have a fashion show. Genevieve and her friends decided to dig out all the clothes. However, before we could have a fashion show, we needed a curtain and a red carpet ( a camera too!). Let me say-the music was thumpin' and the girls knew how to twirl!

dance

2009-04-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Another parent watch week-and she did fantastic. Typically, she has issues when I am there-not this time. My little peanut is doing great!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Another Annual Heartwood Event! Each kiddo received 10-15 eggs during the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Rainy Days

2009-04-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Another rainy day in Maine-this time we made the best of it.

Kindergarten Musical

2009-03-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

2009-03-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Although he was nervous, Andrew did a fantastic job

singing through the seasons. He had a solo in which he played an instrument! We had no idea -he said he was too nervous to tell us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

2009-03-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Beach Party

2009-03-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last year we had a tea party for Genevieve. This year we did the beach party. We had 9 little girls and our token boy. All those kiddos and they were perfect. Fun times!

2009-02-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Skiing at Mad River Glen, VT

Winter Fun

2009-02-07T16:20:00.001-08:00

Genevieve Dance/dress up

2009-02-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

BBall

2009-02-07T16:11:00.003-08:00

Andrew was on TV for the half time show! He needs a little practice, but we're still proud of him.

Christmas

2009-02-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas was fantastic. My family came out and we had a nice quiet week. The kids were blown away by all the gifts are grateful for everything.

Jukado

2008-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Andrew received his first stripe on his belt. The ceremony is taken very seriously. There is a special way to walk to the Doshu and when the award is given all the students shake hands with the recognized student. He is very proud of his accomplishments as well as Gi (the outfit).

Polar Express

2008-12-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Via lottery we won tickets to the polar express through the White Mountains of NH. The train ride took us through the mountains with hot chocolate in hand, past the wolves while singing xmas ca roles. When we reached the North Pole, we had a med. sized walk to Santa's House. The Polar Express book was read to us then Santa appeared. He gave the first gift of xmas -a silver bell to everyone.

Macy's parade inflation ceremony

2008-11-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

All the inflation ceremony was amazing! 100,000 people in this little area. The balloons are netted while inflated for obvious reasons. I can't tell you the size of these things.
That night we got to meet Mayor Bloomberg who was walking around wishing people a happy Thanksgiving.

buzz was a new float this year

Macy's Parade

2008-11-29T09:59:00.001-08:00

The Parade in action.

Macy's Parade

2008-11-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

OUr hotel room was on the 30th floor, which was too high for us to see the floats so we ventured outside. There was an estimated 3 million people there. We moved through the crowds to get up to the fence area. We could see pretty well, but there was a secure area right in front of us that only "special" people could go. This area served hot chocolated, coffee, and pretzels free to the viewers-not to mention, we could actually see the walkers, bands and touch them if we wanted to get arrested:) . However, Scott was persistent and a security guard asked how many in our party and asked us to meet us at the gate. We were allowed in to the secure area, which was amazing. (Picture of the security guard with G and I) We were up close to everything-never again will that happen. The parade reached us at 9:30 and lasted until 11:30-12.

Macy's Day Parade

2008-11-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Genevieve fell asleep after the craziness of the morning. She was exhausted! We left to our hotel, which was right behind us, just before Santa came out b/c the lobby was small and it took an hour for others to get in the elevator.

Family Pics 2008

2008-11-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:11:00.001-07:00

After 5 parties, 3 presents from the Grandma's and Aunt Jane, we (the parents) are happy that this holiday is finished!

Genevieve at Dance Class

2008-10-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Genevieve at "watch week". Grandma and Grandpa Bolstad got to see her. She is definitely a girl!

apple picking

2008-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Genevieve and her class went apple picking. We learned not to pull but to twist the apples off so they grow back next year.

Story Land

2008-09-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Sunday was our last day and the kids were holding on strong. We ended our minivacation at story land-a theme park dedicated to books and stories. The pics were of nursery rhymes, the clock was about the story Heidi. We got to meet the Heidi's grandfather and see her house in the mtns, and Genevieve got to take a carriage ride to Cinderella's castle. It took her a little while to hug Cinderella-as she was very cautious-not Andrew however. The kids were fantastic. The parents were happy to see the bed at the end of the weekend. Thanks Tukeys! We had fun.

Last Summer Hoo Rah!

2008-09-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

We went on a weekend trip with another family in our neighborhood-the Tukey's. We had an amazing time. We began our adventures on

Friday on the Kancamangus Hwy in the river beds. We stayed about 2 hours and climbed and played. The kids were soaked as usual. Later that evening the kids went to the little water park in the hotel. Sat. we went to Santa's Village and spent the entire day there. We found out Andrew wanted a remote control car for xmas. Genevieve wanted a mermaid. The kids and parents were wiped!

Around the World Party

2008-09-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

Trailer Park Party

2008-09-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood had an Around the World party without kiddos, which consisted of 3 houses. The first was a frat party, the 2nd was the bachelor/bachelorette party (hick style) and the last house was the shot gun weddin'. Each guest had a new name and a part to plan in the weddin'. Scott was Big Sexy and I was Sylvia the mother of the groom. Our food consisted of "moonshine", cheese puffs, twinkie cake, pulled squirrel, and funyans. We had a sensational time.

Genevieve's First Day

2008-09-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Genevieve's first day of preschool went well. She was exhausted by the end.

First Day of Soccer

2008-09-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

He was very hesitant the first day, but when the games began he jumped right on in. He loved his uniform or "costume" as he called it-even at 8 AM.

Andrew's First Day

2008-09-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Andrew's first day was fantastic! He knows 7 kids in his class, 4 of which are boys from preschool. His teacher, Mrs. Wescott, has been teaching for 37 years and seems excited to have the kiddos. The only issue Andrew had was

on Friday- he was upset he didn't get to go to school or ride the bus (and I was worried:) .

Genevieve's bday

2008-07-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

Genevieve had a wonderful party. She had 9 kiddos join us with their families. We had a mermaid party, which comprised of pool play, mermaid races, bubbles, digging for shells, and of course pin the tail on the donkey. Each kiddo got to decorate their own cupcake to eat. She was soooooo happy-and love the new toys too.

Thank you Aunt Jane and Uncle Greg

2008-07-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

The kids walked into this big package today!

Andrew's Trophy

2008-07-29T10:59:00.001-07:00

For playing t-ball, each player received a trophy!

Scott's Birthday

2008-07-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated on Friday b/c Sat. Scott went to Las Vegas for dealer show. The kids had fun decorating the cake and the house. Andrew made dad a bday necklace and Genevieve blew her horn.

Genevieve's First Dance Class

2008-07-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

All she said afterwards, "I want to go again, can I go?"

Beach bums

2008-07-19T11:56:00.001-07:00

Vacation Pt. 2 Mass/Conn

2008-07-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

We ended our vacation at six flags in Mass. We spent two days there-the first was having fun on the rides. The second day was playing at the water park. Andrew found cheap tickets from the lunchables he loves so much. We ended the trip in Boston at the fireworks. Apparently they are one of the best in the world. I know they are the best I have seen. We got to see the entire thing from our balcony, but all I could think of -kids flying off (it was gated, but who knows). While in Boston, the kids ran through foutains, played at the park, went to the Children's museum, ate ice cream, and walked the freedom trail. WE can't wait to go back!

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick Canada

2008-06-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

Reversing Falls

Hopewell Rocks

While staying on the Canada side during the dedication ceremony, I happened to find a NB tourist guide. I saw these amazing sites, and activities that were one of a kind, and Scott booked us another night outside the US. We went to the Hopewell Rocks, which were amazing. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world-over 50 feet. When the tide goes out, you walk on the ocean floor-or mud. As you can see the kids had a ball even though the weather wasn't very nice. When the ocean tide is in. the rocks are essentially covered-it is hard to fathom unless you personally see it. The ride was amazing-picturesque and unique. The other pics are the boats bottoming out due to the tide going out. If one ties the boat too tight, the boat hangs off the dock, rips the dock apart or falls, smashing the boat. More importantly, on this trip Andrew learned to swim. He can now cross a pool without assistance. He went down the hotel waterslide and could swim out without help. It finally clicked-so proud!

The last event that we partook in, besides sit in a car for 3 days, was the reversing falls in St. Johns, NB. Although foggy, another amazing thing to see. The whirlpools were rushing-almost cartoonish b/c they were so massive. It was incredible to see.

Madawaska, Maine

2008-06-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Scott took us to the dedication of the most Northeastern city in the United States in Madawaska, Maine. His dealer participated in the dedication by donating a significant portion in order for the monument to take place. We had a great time. The bands, the park, and of course the hot dogs were wonderful. As you can see the kids had a great time dancing, and we were proud of Scott for participating. Our souvenir on this trip was donating a paver towards it. We will forever have all of our names as part of the one of the four corners in the United States.

Kid Fun

2008-06-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

We purchased a little above ground pool and put it next to our driveway- since we don't have much room in our backyard:) It was a pain to set up, but worth the multiple smiles. Genevieve is a fish; Andrew is a daredevil!

Bike Week with Kids

2008-06-22T18:38:00.001-07:00

During our visit to bike week while Scott was "on business", we went to White Lake State Park where the kids had a ball playing in the sand, swimming and people watching. As the following pics show, bike week isn't necessarilly appropriate for all, but those of us of age, sure had a great time. Scott asked a HD employee about a babysitter and the motor clothes manager with two kids the same age as ours requested to stay with them. She was amazing-kept the kids up too late, let them eat, and watch tv, while we got to go to the broken spoke-the world's largest biker bar. It was definitely entertaining. We saw some amazing bands, but my favorite was Lex Grey-very Janis Joplin like. While in Laconia/Meredith, NH, Scott and I had our palms read. Whether or not you believe in it, let's just say Scott and I will be old, happy, stable people possibly with a third child who retires on water:). I want to believe her-let's just hope she is correct and she isn't a hoax, because I really liked our readings:) Laconia and Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee is definitely a must see for anyone who loves water, mountains, and Norman Rockwell lifestyles. Just don't come during bike week for quietness:)

Laconia Bike rally

2008-06-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Laconia Bike Week

2008-06-22T18:27:00.001-07:00

Andrew's 5th bday video

2008-06-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Lisa and her efforts, we can show you the pics of Andrew's 5th birthday. No music; that's my next step. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T18:05:00.001-07:00

We didn't do anything special, but be home, play and eat lobsters.

Andrew, Courtney and Genevieve's Excellent Adventure

2008-06-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

While Scott was working for the Laconia rally, we went to Conway, NH, a quaint town, with lots of physical as well as adventurous activities. The kids went on a train ride , played at the water park and went tadpole hunting in the lake below Cathedral ledge. They

stayed up too late, ate poorly, and laughed hysterically.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Bolstad

2008-06-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

We loved the presents and scones!

Happy Birthday Andrew! We had Fun!

2008-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Andrew's 5th Birthday

2008-06-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

Andrew was beyond excited for today. The 20 kids had an unbelievable time AND were absolutely wonderful children. We had the party at the Children's Museum. Our party was the only one there. By the time cake was eaten, all were exhausted.

Andrew's Graduation

2008-05-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Carter and Andrew sat next to each other and clearly had a great time. I cried, not sure why, but everyone was so happy. He gave Genevieve a flower, they sang songs and each child had a special good-bye message from his teachers.

Genevieve's Big Bed

2008-05-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Andrew's First Parade

2008-05-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Although it is difficult to see, Andrew was in his first Memorial Day Parade. He waved his flag through the entire event!

Go Andrew Go

2008-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

After minor frustration, scraps, and bruises, Andrew rode his bike without training wheels. We are so proud!

The King and Queen

2008-04-27T06:15:00.001-07:00

Genevieve is getting a sticker for going potty on the chair.

Andrew and Genevieve talked me into taking them out to BK when Anne was on a hiking weekend with her friends. This also help cut down on cooking, cleaning, finding the pots and pans, and learning how to turn on the stove.

Scott's Summer Toys

2008-04-26T16:48:00.001-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa's visit

2008-04-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Party
Andrew and Genevieve were so excited to see Gr/Gr Bolstad. They planned a birthday party just for Grandma. Happy Birthday Grandma! We missed you!

Vermont minivacation

2008-04-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Vermont was very interesting. We found out Genevieve has motion sickness so she threw up the last 30 min of the drive. Not too bad. We were greeted by our friends who took us out to Pizza Putt a fabulous place for kids. There we discovered Andrew's hidden talent for the claw machines (like the ones in toy story). He successfully acquired 4 stuffed animals from them. As he said, "I am a natural." That he is. We we spent our first full day at Shelburne Farms where the barn looks like a castle. The farm was not entirely open, but we did get to see horses, llamas, sheep, and donkeys. Andrew fell in the mud, well, combined with other animal bi products- 10 times. We did visit the local laundry mat. The second day we went to the ECHO museum. Genevieve and Andrew got to explore the waters and animal life of Lake Champlain. We, of course, went to Ben and Jerry's -yum! and visited Stowe. We ended at Wilkens Harley DavidsonVery Fun!

Lobstah

2008-03-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is how we buy our lobsters or lobstahs. There is a market down by the port and we buy them alive. Andrew now wants one for a pet, but he quickly learned that wouldn't be the case as we boiled them to eat. Genevieve was scared that one was going to crawl out of the bag and pinch her.

Happy Easter

2008-03-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

After 3 Egg Hunts, Easter was very quiet. We began the festivities on Good Friday with a night egg hunt in our neighborhood, followed by a Harley egg hunt where Genevieve was scared to meet the bunny. Andrew asked if the bunny was a person in a costume (he saw the zipper and clothes in the back of the bunny). We ended with just the family on Easter Sunday.

SKI JUMP

2008-03-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

While watching for Andrew inside, I vaguely saw a group of children following in a line. Noticing it was Andrew, I watched more precisely not expecting them to stop. When I realized they had stopped at the jumps, my heart began to stop along with 5 other mothers. We couldn't believe the ski instructors were taking our 4 year olds over the jump! Andrew did it perfectly. Rock on Andrew!

The first photo is him coming over the jump (It's difficult to see him unless you enlarge the pic).

The second is him coming down and the last is the completion and going back to the group.

Last Day of Skiing

2008-03-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

I asked Andrew why he doesn't like to turn like the other kids do when going down the hill. He replied, "because I like to go super fast, they don't. Turning makes me go slow."

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa in Milwaukee

2008-03-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Andrew sleeping with his new Easter gift from Grandma and Grandpa Bolstad.

still snow as of 3/19

2008-03-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Aunt Jane and Greg

2008-03-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today we came home from haircuts to a package for the kids! They were extremely excited. Thank you Aunt Jane and Greg

Andrew Skiing

2008-03-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew is carrying his own skis. He is in the red and blue coat today.

Andrew is learning how to turn on the merry go round. The first lesson he didn't make it a foot. Look at him know (red coat by himself).
The ski instructor is guiding them in.

Andrew is going up the chairlift to the top of the Mtn

Ski Andrew Ski

2008-03-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Andrew is coming down the mtn 2nd after the instructor. Amazing what they can do with little kids.

Circus Day

2008-03-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

During circus week at preschool, Andrew performed as Amazing Andrew the tight rope walking tiger. His performance lasted maybe 5 secs, but it was the best 5 sec of the day. We were proud parents.

apple face

2008-03-11T09:33:00.001-07:00

Genevieve Rocks

2008-03-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Genevieve loves to dance and dress up. Here is a just a snapshot of Genevieve in her third outfit of the day and it is only 9:00 AM

Ocean in Winter

2008-03-08T07:05:00.001-08:00

By the shore, lobster boats continue to trap. Genevieve and Andrew climb on the rocks attempting not to fall-but, at times, both pushing their luck of skill.

Andrew and Genevieve

2008-03-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

Silliness

Tea Party

2008-03-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

Four 2 year old girls were invited. The party consisted of dress up, ring around the rosie, making fruit loop necklaces, painting flower pots, freeze dance, and searching for jewels.

Andrew Skiing

2008-03-04T18:18:00.001-08:00

Andrew demonstrating his ability to turn without falling.

Winter Carnival. Andrew and Genevieve both participated in the ring of candy race at King Pine.

Andrew coming down the mtn (yellow coat) all on his own. He has mastered stopping and turning without help; the instructors surpassed our expectations. He truly loves to ski