the MFB: May 2013 through January 2014

Oh man, it has been a long time since I have done this. It was four years ago that I started this little blog. I know, because my little Bryn is getting big and has recently turned four. I know I should be better at this, but here it is now... Hold on tight because you are getting the past year or so in one post. We left off with Ann and I returning from our trip to Cancun. That seems like ages ago and here is what happened since...

Soon after arriving home, we discovered the winter was going to continue through May. Here is our cheesy girl giving us a great smile.

Kate was soon going to go to Wolf Ridge as a fourth grader. Prior to that she wanted to do some wall climbing practice (as that is one of the Wolf Ridge activities) so her and Jack hit the wall at Lifetime. They did a great job.

What a difference a month makes. The kids are officially wearing shorts and playing in the mud. Ann's grandma passed away in April, so the family made a trip to Wyndmere and Whapeton. Although sad, great to see the cousins.

Kate wrapped up her years at Shirley Hills with some big events. First, she was Yellow Beard in the school operetta. It was pretty fun to see all of the kids' hard work. Finally, she went to Wolf Ridge with her class. Ann was able to go with her. She learned a great deal about the environment and tackled the rock wall AND the ropes course.

Our oldest baby turned 10 in May! She celebrated wit her favorite food: breakfast!

Love capturing Kate's expressions. She is the queen of the dramatic reveal!

The middle child (aka Jack Michael Moch) turned 7 this year. He decided to have a bowling party. He loved it.

Summer slowly creeped into Mound and Bryn was really enjoying it. Here are a couple of pictures of Bryn enjoying the great outdoors.

Kate and Jack celebrating their last day of school. Kate is moving on up to Grandview Middle School (5th grade) and Jack will be a big second grader.

Chere came to visit so Krista, Ann, Chere and myself took in a Lumineers concert (I must recommend everyone going if you can, excellent show!)

Birthday celebrations with Auntie Chere! Great fun at the Twins game and of course a pedicure for the girls. We even made it back to the annual fish fry after the Twins game. It is our 10th consecutive year attending. Wow.

Both Kate and Jack had successful seasons in swimming and hockey. Who knew that you would could go from ice cold temps to sweating beads off your forehead in one day?

We have been spending Mother's Day at Como Zoo with our neighbor family for the last few years. Yes, I know there is no mother in this shot, but she did take the picture. Does that count?

So before summer officially began, Kate had a dance recital. It was very impressive, with a lot of great dancers.

Swimming lessons with Pat Shay! This was Bryn's first summer of lessons with Pat Shay. All of our kids have learned from her. She is the best. Bryn didn't quite take to the idea until about the end of the summer.

Now begins our lake life. We can't say how thankful we are for all of the fun at the cabin. Spending time with both Ann and my family. Here are a few shots from the season...

This picture has to be included... The rope didn't quite make it through the intake of the jet ski. Good thing it came out and we were cruising again in a couple of hours.

And... if we were home, the fun didn't stop!

Ann and I participated in the Most Amazing Race through the Salvation Army. It was so great. We hope everyone will donate to the cause this next year.

Jack squeezed in some baseball this summer, along with summer hockey. Busy guy for not being in town very often.

Ann and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary (at Zorbaz on the lake... where else?)

Jack decided he was a tough guy and wanted to do some pull ups in between trips to the lake... Go Jack!

Kate was the toughest of them all. Ann was quite impressed as pull ups are not her strong suit.

Awesome fun with the cousins...

Glad that tooth finally came out!

Closing down the pool for the summer... It will be missed.

Back to school we go... Kate is a big fifth grader at Grandview Middle School

Jack is a big second grader!

Bryn is a big preschooler in the Teddy Bear Room.

The fall is not complete without a trip to the Incredible Festival at our church. Jack is still a good big brother and takes in the cars with his little sister.

Homecoming 2013! We had a great time walking in the homecoming parade. Go Whitehawks...

The kids and I took in the last game of the Twins season. Man it was cold out that day.

Fall has arrived for real now. Pumpkin selection and the annual pumpkin carving party.

A cheesy pose to go with the final pumpkin carving products...

Halloween has arrived! Here is our little Harry Potter.

His faithful friend Hermione...

And of course the beautiful princess...

Our big girl turns four! She has grown so much over the past year. Such fun and great personality. She keeps the entire family on their toes!

One of Bryn's many birthday parties and gifts included a trip to the Children's Theater. She loved it!

Our gymnast...

Jack was surprised with an early Christmas present, a trip to the MN Wild game (and jersey). He was pumped!

One of Jack's (and the rest of the family's) highlights was attending a college hockey game or two to see Rob play. We have become Bluegold fans quite quickly.

Let the Christmas decorating begin. I had to take a shot of the homemade Christmas decorations. Our wall of great gifts grows each year...

Merry Christmas 2013 from our Little Elves...

Happy 2014! To start off the year, Jack was super excited to play goalie for the first time in hockey. You might say he is addicted. I might say he should play a different position. We will see who wins.