Our American Tale

The Outtakes: March and April

Some of the photos that didn't make it to Project 365...

  

Climbing at Gymboree... Morning tickles with Daddy

  

Test driving his new wheels at Grandma Bakke's house... Spring training game with mama

  

Swinging on a lovely day... Playing with puppy

  

Sitting in mama's coffee table bowl... Sweetest cheeks ever

  

So serious... HIs new favorite place to hang out while I'm getting ready in the morning

  

Gymboree time!... Trying to climb into his wagon

  

Some crazy post-nap hair... reading at the book store

  

My little queen overlooking her domain... Nap time after a playdate

  

He loves his girl and she is so crazy about him... Pals lounging

  

A new collecting area for toys and sippy cups - the highchair foot rest... Thursdays with the girls

  

Bubbles in the tub... Loving on his girl

Birthday Presents at Home

With all the craziness of the two first birthday parties, we decided to do presents on our own after all of the hoopla. I had a slight problem when it came to presents for Lucas. I kept buying things "for his birthday" but would get too excited for him to have it and would end up giving it to him early. I managed to hold on to a few things for him to open!

More presents, mama?

Lucas's special present was a Steiff teddy bear. I have a special place in my heart for teddys, so I wanted Lucas's first bear to be the best of the best. I hope he loves him as much as I loved mine.

I love that little smile!

We got some other toys for him, a bunch of music instruments from Gymboree, balls, and books and a fun little doctor set!

Daddy, can I get some assistance in the percussion section?

Little drummer boy.

Happy birthday, my sweet boy!!

Dan's Rocking Chair

Dan's parents brought a stack of boxes from his old closet last summer. One item that made the journey from Arizona to Washington was the little rocking chair Dan received for his first birthday. It's been sitting downstairs since it arrived but Lucas only recently discovered what fun it is! He loves climbing on backwards, grabbing the back and arms and rocking himself in it!

April 13, 2012

The Best Decorative Filler

We have a toybox and cabinet full of toys for Lucas in the family room, but some days, he just wants to explore and innovate...

He pulled this decorative bowl off of the coffee table in the living room and first stood in it before he decided it was sized just right for a great seat.

This is why I make sure anything at his level isn't breakable! It has to withstand a busy little boy!

Funny side note - if you notice, Lucas's overalls aren't buttoned. He's been a little tiger during pants changes lately, twisting and wiggling to get away. There are some days where I just don't have the energy to wrangle him to get all the buttons snapped!

April 9, 2012

Sunny Day at the Park

It's finally looking like spring around these parts and we don't miss an opportunity to bask in that long lost sun when it peeks out!

Trip to Minnesota

Lucas and I traveled to Minnesota to be with the family for Grandma's funeral. While it was a sad occasion, it was nice to spend time with dad, mom, Brian and Jackie and the rest of the Bakke family.

We went through old albums as we prepared photo boards for the memorial and I found several gems from my dad's youth.

It seems strange to me that both my grandparents in Minnesota are gone now - that the house my grandpa built where my dad and uncles grew up and where we spent so many summers is now empty. It feels odd that Lucas will only know them through pictures and my own memories. There is such a distinct feel to my memories of my grandparents that I could never do well to describe. I'm glad I savored our visits the last few times we went up.

Sitting around the table the night after the funeral and laughing with my cousins as our kids played together and our parents swapped stories seemed like all the times we've gathered before, yet our family is changed now. We are orphaned to a generation of our heritage. There is life yet in our memories of those we've lost, and they continue on in our life as we hold them close.

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favour and give you peace.

Grandma Bakke

Lorraine Bakke, age 87, of Twin Valley, MN, died Sunday, April 1st, 2012, in her home.

Clarice Lorraine (Skansgaard) Bakke was born February 3rd, 1925, the daughter of Oscar and Ruth (Stolen) Skansgaard in Flom Township. She was baptized and confirmed her faith in Wild Rice Lutheran Church, where Lorraine remained a lifetime member. As a youngster, Lorraine attended Sunny Hill country school in that area. As a young woman, Lorraine helped her parents on the farm as well as caring for her grandmother. On March 17, 1946, Lorraine was united in marriage to Leonard Bakke in the Wild Rice Lutheran Parsonage. The couple first made their home in Fosston, MN, for a short time before purchasing a farmstead in Flom Township. In the 1960’s, Lorraine and her good friend, Olga Stundahl began a painting and wood finishing business in the local area that continued for over 40 years. After Leonard’s death on March 26, 2005, Lorraine continued to live on the farm where she had lived for nearly 66 years.

Lorraine was an active member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church, taking part in circle and ladies aid. In her retirement, Lorraine spent endless hours researching and recording information for the Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery. Over the years, Lorraine enjoyed traveling, working in her yard and caring for her beautiful flower beds. She loved spending time with her friends and family and truly treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to which she was affectionately known as “Cookie Grandma”

Lorraine is survived by two sons, Larry (Susan) of Phoenix, AZ and Lyle (Margit) of Flom, MN; a nephew, Wayne Bakke of Fertile, MN; five grandchildren, Sonja (Matt) Roy, Sarah (Matt) Kjono, Heather (Dan) Nelson, Erik (Mindy) Bakke and Brian (Jackie) Bakke; eight great-grandchildren, Claudia Roy, Meredith Roy, Anikka Bakke, Soren Bakke, Trygg Bakke, Axel Kjono, Mina Kjono and Lucas Nelson.

Her parents, husband and two brothers, Robert and Ingvald Skansgaard, preceded her in death.

     

Lucas and his Great-grandma, July 2011

Goldfish

Lucas had his first taste of goldfish and it appears that he is a big fan.

    

Though, I think half the fun is rattling his hand around in the cup!

March 3, 2012

Bubble Wrap - Fun for All Ages!

Some of Lucas's birthday gifts arrived by mail and, as most parents will attest, the packaging is just as amusing as the toys inside!

Just wait until you're a little older and you can pop it!

March 2, 2012

Moo Cows

Lucas and I were out for a walk one afternoon and headed down to the little farm near our development. Baby Boy was pretty curious about the baby cows and they were just as curious about him.

Frankie was pretty excited to make a new friend.

And after visiting with them for a few minutes, we were on our way with the cows following us to the end of the grazing yard.

March 9, 2012