MinneSNOWda Update

First off, great news! Corey's six-month MRI was clean - no evidence of any tumors, growth or anything else that shouldn't be there! And best yet, they took his blood while he was "sleeping" and thus we had a fancy-free appointment on Thursday.

Last week, we had a great time in Minnesota over Spring Break. It was like a reverse spring break, because we left sunny Phoenix (upper 80s, low 90s) and headed to Minnesota for snow and cold.

As you can see, both boys love the window seat. Fortunately, they both fit in one seat before takeoff. Unfortunately, the airline is not a big fan of that seating arrangement during taxi/takeoff.

The kids LOVED the snow. Corey made Grandpa play outside with him nearly every day. However, Brody quickly wised up (I mean, it was cold outside) and found that it was just as much fun to sit inside and let Corey and Grandpa throw snowballs at the window. He laughed and laughed, sitting there in the warm house.

Corey and Rob and Grandpa went to the Minnesota Wild game Monday night, and Corey impressed and amazed nearly everyone he met that week with his endless knowledge of hockey. I think even Grandpa was overwhelmed.

We took the requisite trip to the Mall of America, and found Camp Snoopy had become "Nickelodeon Universe." Pablo, anyone? Brody LOVES Pablo, but probably wouldn't sit still for a picture with him as Corey would. Instead, Brody was driving a "big rig." (Daddy did accompany him; he isn't old enough to drive yet!)

Earlier that week we spent time with Gary (aka Joaquin, on Wii) and Melinda (don't ask about her Wii name!) We had some time playing Wii (which we hauled to Minnesota, and it was well-worth the effort, I think.) And we had a trip to the Minnesota Zoo. Not surprisingly, most of the zoo is indoors, and that which is outdoors is accessible by monorail so you minimize your cold-ness. It was a fun trip, but both boys were exhausted after. (And we all enjoyed a midwest treat - Culver's - after the zoo - YUM!)

We spent a lot of time in the Sinclair basement, where we'd set up the Wii and could watch Brody go back and forth on "Ollie." (See him on the yellow thing with red hair.) Brody kept giving Ollie kisses between the eyes. He really loved Ollie! They also have an old style school desk downstairs, and he'd hop up there and read books to himself. Very cute.

My parents drove up for two nights in Minneapolis so they could see their grandboys, and because they'd been kicked out of their house anyway due to reflooring (due to a fridge flooding the kitchen... long story.)

We also got to see "Crazy" or "Cool" Aunt Kristin and her special friend, Johnny. More Wii ensued, and we went to the Children's Museum in St. Paul.

We got to see a lot of our friends while in Minnesota, and when possible, the kids went too. Our friends Rich and Maggie have a new baby. When Maggie went to put her to bed, Corey scampered up to "help" and it turns out he actually read her a book. His reading is really coming along.

Other notable happenings over the week? Corey helped Grammy make cupcakes. Brody kept patting Maddy, saying "Ni Doggy." (We think that's nice doggy.)

When we returned, we had a little scare. After school Monday, Brody had a huge bite on his leg. (See how big? Rob yelled at me for posting, but look at it... wouldn't you panic?) I called poison control, and they gave me advice, but it turned out that by the time "Horton Hears a Who" (a Hope Kids' viewing) was over, it had calmed down and was about half that size. We think maybe it was a reaction to an ant bite. (I can hear my mom now... that's what you get for living in Arizona with all those desert creatures!)

However, all is well here. Tuesday was Corey's MRI, and as I said, it went well. We've been busy planning for Corey's t-ball team (Rob is the coach) and tonight, I went to the Finley Farms' Spring Fling with Corey. (A small carnival.) Corey got to walk in front today during Finley Farms' "Mini-Relay for Life," and he got a purple shirt and I think he was positively thrilled to get all the special attention. Tomorrow is t-ball practice and Sunday, Corey has a birthday party to attend. As always, a busy weekend here with the Sinclairs!