And so it goes.

We just returned from conferences and I cannot express how proud I am of Kylie.  It always amazes me what a teacher(I am usually doing this when I sit down with parents) tells about at conferences.  Most parents are surprised at how polite or quiet or helpful their children are at school because they see a different person at home.  Children really do a great job of being good kids at school.  And this just proves it.  We found out just what a great job Kylie does at school.  She loves to read.  Kylie is approaching mid-first grade reading levels.  She writes fluently and is excellent at math.  But what I am most proud of is how her teacher talked about her being a positive leader, helper and a very kind person.  Nice Job Kylie!

Addison amazes me everyday.  There are so many silly things she does that all I can do is enjoy and laugh.  She has to be one of the most independent little creatures out there.  I think the most ridiculous thing she did lately is faking that she wants to give her sister a kiss and gets her with a right hook to the face.  Every time!  She is crazy!  She also loves kicking the ball around.  Looks like she might be a little soccer player.  Her favorite activity lately has been going on walks in the stroller.  Last night I was out for an hour just cruising the neighborhood.  She just chilled out.  Talk about decompression time.  She is also very into being read to.  Her favorite books right now are 'Who Stole the Cookie', Brown Bear, Goodnight moon, and a farm book. She is talking but really seems to like to listen more.  Her favorite words are yes, this, that, please, Kylie and no(which is more a violent head-shaking with an open mouth making the 'O' sound).

I am playing a lot of hockey.  The skills are returning (with help from the weekly schooling at the park from my younger brother) and the legs are getting faster.  We were invited to play in the Red Bull Hockey tourney in the cities at the end of Feb.  We went undefeated at the local Red Bull event in St. Cloud.  Myself, my brothers John and Dan, and local Craig really had fun.  Dan and I went 6-0 on the weekend.  It was inspiring playing real rink hockey again against some good teams.  It was what hockey should be.  A lot of fun!  

I am getting back into lifting weights.  I have set some goals in hopes of regaining some of that mid twenties strength I once had.  However the body is much slower to recover but it will come(at least that is what I tell myself).  I am also getting ready for bike season.  

Kristi is still busy at work.  Her store is doing well through the turmoil of our economy which is good.  And she still enjoys it.  Which is also good.

Until next,

mark