The Robole Family

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Dru's Birthday Party

Dru's birthday party was the day after her actual birthday. She chose a Barbie theme as you can see. Lots of family spent the evening with us to celebrate with her. We had pork sandwiches followed by cake and ice cream. She loved all of the wonderful gifts she was given. Six is pretty awesome!

Her Barbie cake

Opening gifts with some moral support from her brother

What else is in here?

Her birthday pose

I love the glow of the candles, all six of them

Dru's 6th Birthday

Dru's birthday fell on an off school day for her so Julie and I took the day off to spend it as a family. I made an appointment to see Santa as well. They gave him their wishes for Christmas, Dru wants a Barbie, and Leo wants Lego "guys" or minifigures. After visiting Santa the kids went on some rides. They surprise me each time we go when they try things they were scared of before. I am quite sure she enjoyed her birthday and is thrilled to be six!

A little chat with Santa

Santa is so good with them

He took a photo to show off their outfits :)

Swings

Bumper Cars

Drop Ride

Notice who's in the second car?

Monday, November 25, 2013

Miss Olivia Grace

The second weekend in November Dru and I went to Texas to meet my cousin Amy's first born. Olivia Grace was born at the end of August and so I was really itching to get my baby fix! She is so adorable and sweet. She was such a trooper with us hogging her all the time. We were able to spend time catching up with Amy and Jeff as well as getting lots of snuggle time. I asked Dru what her favorite part of the trip was, she said "Holding Olivia!". I am so thrilled for Amy and Jeff, they are and will continue to be wonderful parents. Scroll down for the cutie pie :)

Dru waiting for our time to board

Dru watching over Olivia

Such a little mom

She loved holding Olivia's hand

Riding around town

Thanks for letting us visit!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Halloween 2013

Halloween was really fun for everyone this year. The kids did really well going up to each house by themselves and Leo actually wore his costume this year!! We had to remind the kids to say Trick or Treat and Thank You at each house though. They were just so excited. They went a few blocks before calling it quits. They hauled in plenty of candy and fell asleep on the way home in a post sugar crash.

This year Grandma Lois and Yvonne were able to join us for Grandma Sue's favorite soup. We look forward to it all year long. Here is a photo recap.

Mama was able to join us this time!

Dru hammered colored tees into her pumpkin

Leo decided he wanted to do it too

Julie's pumpkin :)

At Leo's daycare party

At the daycare party

a cute pose

Annual spooky dinner on Halloween Eve

(Mummy hot dog, bloody fries, finger carrots, blood orange, and a spider)

Halloween night

(Football player and Spanish dancer)

Trick or Treat, Gpa & Gma!!

Out after dark, it was a bit chilly

Monday, October 21, 2013

MEA Weekend Mini Vacation

Julie decided to book a few days at a waterpark in Owatonna over MEA weekend. It was a perfect set up for the kids. Dru even got to a point of being able to go down the slide without a floatie. Leo went down the slides at least 50 times. He loved what we called the "butt" one. The other one required a tube. My parents joined us on this little adventure and even grandpa went down the slides a bunch. We brought some dive toys as well so Leo got some under water practice.

The water park had two big slides, a kiddie slide, a zero entry area with fountains, a basketball pool and a "lazy river". I put it in quotes because it was more of a lazy oval. Leo was apparently not tall enough for the slide but we didn't realize that until a lifequard pointed it out. They let him continue sliding, thank goodness. We stayed in a family suite that was the closest room to the pool and arcade. We were able to bring snacks, drinks and breakfast food to have in the room. There is a restaurant attached to the hotel so we utilized that a few times.

We spent a few hours at Cabela's which is a huge outdoorman store next to the hotel. The kids enjoyed seeing the animals and fish as well as testing out the tents and ice fishing houses.

I think this trip was a success!

Having fun!!

Riding the double slide with grandpa

Kiddie slide

zero entry area

Weeeeeeeee!!!!

View of the big slides

Goof ball

Hippo kisses

Grandpa John was having fun too!

Leo driving in the arcade

Apples and Park

Now that Dru is in school, Leo and I get to spend some quality time together. A few Tuesdays ago we spent the day taking a road trip. My mom also joined us this time. We called my friend Jody and asked if we could stop by. Luckily she was home! They have an apple orchard and a really cool swing. She even let us take some apples home with us. It was a perfect day out so when we left her house we went to a nearby playground at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. After leaving the park we had lunch in Hudson, WI and then to pick up an antique desk for the kids in New Richmond, WI. Once we finally got back into town it was time to pick Dru up from school. I really enjoy the time with Leo, and will definitely be sad when they are both in school next year.

Picking apples, with a twist

Leo in the orchard

Can you tell he liked this swing?

At Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Friday, October 4, 2013

Weekend in Iowa

Last weekend the kids and I went to see my Grandma in Iowa. It usually takes about 3 hours to get there but in this case it took almost four. There was road construction from Lakeville to Albert Lea so most of that stretch was down to one lane. It was also VERY dark out. We arrived safely and I sent the kids to bed.

Saturday morning was cold and rainy so we spent much of it inside. I did force them into a bike ride but with the weather it was a short one. After their nap, I took them to a park. They love the merry go rounds and Dru loves to push them more than ride them. Each park we went to (4 in 2 days) had one. We had fun playing, swinging and climbing. I was able to see Dru conquer the monkey bars. It was fun to watch and she is proud of herself. We played GO FISH a bunch of times with Grandma Lois. I think she enjoyed it as much as they did. After the kids went to bed, I beat the pants off her in Yahtzee and Farkle. Ha!

Sunday morning I brought them to another park in the morning, we had lunch and then headed out of town. We made a quick stop to see my great aunt Ruth and to play at another park. I took a different route home, so the long drive home was not quite so painful. It was nice to spend a relaxing weekend with my grandma in small town Iowa. Leo said in the car on the way home, "Next time we come to Grandma Lois' can we stay longer?". So sweet.