2018 - PART ONE — Mandy Senske

If I recap 2018 before 2019 ends, it counts… right?

2018, you were so good to us. All three kids have changed so much, especially Baker. She is getting more fun by the second. I always comment on how funny she is and I truly mean it.

JANUARY: We went to Uncle Luke’s house for squirrel hunting a slumber party. He whipped up some amazing food. We ate, drank, and were happy, per the Senske way.

We also did some baking, they loved it. As for me, I settled on an annual baking day and clean up for the next year. Done and done.

FEBRUARY: We went to Duluth for a hockey game with our family, a kid-free trip, Bulldogs VS St. Cloud and it was so much fun. I wish I could say we went back this year but hopefully we will go again next year. We always try to get this picture of Sean and my brother-in-law, Ryan. We got one a few years ago and it’s still a favorite. Ryan is legit one of the best people we know. He’s the type of guy who has MOWED OUR LAWN without ever being asked because Sean is gone or working too much. I can’t say enough good things about him.

We had a few nice days in February and Sis made sure to document them. She loves to pose people, take pictures, and look at all of them! A camera is such a great gift idea for the 2-3 age group. Buddy started hockey and Sis started skating. When they started, it was rough. Baker was still so little. Sean and I work full time and all of the after work activities, after a full work day and a new baby, was a lot to fit in. We did it week after week and then it started to go more smoothly and they absolutely love it. We did a few open skate days with them, too. Baker was such a trooper through it all, she’s the best babe.

MARCH: Sissy’s First Ice Show! We also decorated eggs for the first time, Baker got in on that too! I’m not really a crafter but it’s more fun with them.

Sean has a 75’ Ford truck and the wires burnt up in it a year or two ago. Sean is an electrician by trade but doesn’t do a ton of mechanic work. He decided to give it a try and got this bad boy running in no time flat. Luckily, the kids were happy to lend a hand.

Our friends have a farm about 20 miles away and invited us out to see the calves. This little guy’s name was Elmo and everyone thought it was way cool to feed him. My friend Dana even lined up her Mama to watch Baker while we went out to see them. She thinks of everything! We feel super lucky that Dana, Ty and Lillian treat us like family. They have welcomed another babe into their lives this year, too! It’s so much fun to have our families grow wide as we age. This season of life fills my cup SO FULL.

Hollis’ BEST DAY EVER! She has talked and talked and talked about the princess dance for the months leading up to it until today. I ask my kids every day what their favorite part of their day was and she still says “the dance!'“, it’s still on her mind and there is one coming up next month! WOO HOO! I know firsthand that Sean is a great date so I don’t blame the girl. Buddy is still a little salty that he doesn’t get to go along. When I was taking pictures as they walked through last year, he tried to run up and join them. I almost didn’t catch him in time!

APRIL: Fly fishing began! The kids and I went out to check it out. The fresh air felt really, really good and it was just an all around beautiful day.

Lastly, my baby sister turned 21! Baker wasn’t feeling the best and I thought I might need to miss it but she perked up by the end of the day with some Grandma snuggles so I snuck away for dinner with one of my favorites.

MAY: We had a jam-packed May. There was a lot of playing. Baker thought she was one of the big kids and especially loved going on walks.

Our nephew, Owen, is Buddy’s idol. They have always played really well together but as they get older he wants to do everything he does. They were the only two boys for a really long time and they have a special bond. Many many hours have been spent on this dirt pile.

Papa Kenny helped us plant flowers this year. Turns out I should have been planting my flowers a little deeper and watering them a lot more than I used to. Who knew?

We went to Wisconsin for Memorial Day, Sean’s family is from there. Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lynette let the kiddos help plant flowers, chop wood and drink coffee together. I always feel like I relax the most when we are there. Everyone is always walking around with a cup of coffee and I adore that smell. We also got to stay with our friends for a couple of nights. Good for the soul.

Congratulations to Harry and Meghan! I got together with these beautiful ladies to watch the ceremony. My friend Alisha hosted a Royal Party and I had to be there. She is so much fun and throws the best parties. Alisha, can you throw me a birthday party? Kidding ;) Kinda.

Auntie Amanda did their first teeth cleaning. I didn’t know this was possible but Hollis loves getting her teeth cleaned more than I do. It’s true. I really love it and I feel like it is so relaxing. Sis asks when she gets to go back all the time. Buddy was good at his appointment but he didn’t love it the way we do.

JUNE: Uncle Justin came to visit all the way from MT! Uncle Lukey came back for a few days and they caught all the fish. Sadly, Baker and Hollis are both allergic to fish but the rest of us love it and the kids are obsessed with all of our people who come to visit. LADIES - Justin (guy with the beard) is great with kids and also single. I’ll leave that there.

Papa Kenny and I were judges for a BBQ and there was a parade the next day. Poor Baker, she had been running a fever. Look at her poor little eyes. Sean ended up having to work and I made a commitment to help with the parade so we did a lot of snuggles. Later that day, her fever broke but it took a few days for her to get 100% back to herself.

Hot tub dates + morning snuggles were on the schedule.

Uncle Russ and Aunt Kalli came up for a pool day. THEY ACTUALLY JUST GOT ENGAGED (In real time, January 2019) and we couldn’t be more excited for them! One thing we really adore about them is the way they make themselves at home and help themselves. It’s always so comfortable with them.

Sean and I are committed to spending more one on one time together. I’m also trying to do more things that Sean loves. The Ginders (SOME OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN LIFE…) got him back into fly fishing while they lived in ND. They have all moved back to Wyoming so we try to make it there a few times per year. We did a guided trip and Adam told me all the things and wouldn't you know, I caught some really nice fish. He’s a really, really great guide.