st. patrick's day {happy birthday daddy!}

princesses on ice

Earlier this month we surprised Kate and Annika with a special afternoon at Disney's Princesses on Ice at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. We were surrounded by thousands of little princesses. I think Jason was a little overwhelmed. The kids are encouraged to wear their princess gear so Annika wore her Sleeping Beauty costume and Kate wore Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

This was our first big show that we have brought the girls to. Some of our friends from work gave us some great advice, watch Kate and Annika's faces when the show starts. So when the lights turned off and the music started both of the girls started giggling and smirking and then Tinkerbell started skating around the rink. I thought that maybe Annika was going to fly right out of her seat. She was so excited! Kate's favorite part was seeing Mulan and Ariel. At one point Annika turned and said to me, "How come they aren't falling down on the ice like me?" Lots of practice Annika, lots of practice!

prayer request

Hi everyone. In the midst of a lovely February thaw we have a strep outbreak at the Bakke house. First Jason, then Annika and now Kate. Fevers. Coughing. No goodnight's sleep for anyone.

Prayers please. Thanks!

dance recital

Kate and Annika had their very first dance recital last week. I knew that Annika would be excited, but I was shocked at how excited Kate was. She was the one that told me after her first dance class that she didn't really want to go back, could she just play soccer instead.

This recital was a "practice" recital for all of the little girls.

I was so proud of my two little ballerinas. (Daddy is still trying to convince them both to be golfers, we'll see.....)

a north shore christmas

merry christmas 2010

Christmas greetings to you all! It’s a winter wonderland here in Lakeville this December. Freshly fallen snow has buried everything in a thick blanket of white. It is definitely a very special time of the year. We’ve been staying very busy here in Lakeville. Life keeps us on our toes and also makes us count our blessings.

Kate and Annika have had a busy year with swimming lessons, summer preschool classes, Sunday school and kid’s choir at church. This fall the girls started their last year of preschool/daycare, another milestone that Jason and I can hardly believe is here. To Jason’s dismay, Kate and Annika asked to start Ballet and Tap lessons this year. They both love it and can’t wait to wear their costumes at their very first recital in January. Even though Kate likes dance class, she still reminds us at least once a week that she can’t wait to play soccer and basketball in kindergarten next year. Yes, I just said Kindergarten. Our baby girls have grown up way too fast. Next fall they will attend Cherryview Elementary here in Lakeville. I get teary-eyed just thinking of it. This past summer we had a little bit of excitement when Kate broke her arm. Our first broken bone. I am sure that it won’t be the last. Thankfully everything healed well and Kate made the best out of having a glittery blue waterproof cast- things sure have changed since I broke my wrist many years ago.

Jason is still working at Century Middle School here in Lakeville. He loves it. He is still running like crazy, completing Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth this past summer, the Chicago Marathon in October and is training for the Rock n’ Roll Marathon in Phoenix next month. I am still teaching first grade, but I was moved to a new building this year due to declining enrollment and budget cuts. Now I am teaching at Lake Marion Elementary and enjoying getting to know my new work “family”. I have also headed back to graduate school at St. Mary’s University again. This time to earn my K-12 Reading Teacher Licensure and work towards completion of my second Master’s degree, a Master’s in Literacy Education. Like I said, we are very busy and blessed.

During our free time this past year we spent time at the cabin, golfing at Uncle Chad’s green house (otherwise known as Ridges golf course), camping, traveling to Michigan and all around Minnesota. Out of all that fun, our favorite evenings were those spent on our patio having campfires with family and friends. We are so very lucky to have each other.

Every Christmas since Kate and Annika were born has been very special, but each year their excitement and anticipation for Christmas grows even more. They can hardly wait to spend Christmas on the North Shore at Grandma and Grandpa Cloutier’s house this year. Listening to the girls recall their memories of Christmases past makes me so excited to see what memories they will make this Christmas and new year. I honestly don’t know how they can remember so much? They are only four and a half years old.

We hope that you and your family will take time this Christmas season to remember that God gave His greatest gift to us on that very first Christmas Day. 
May the wonder of it always guide and light your way, may Jesus always be your joy, your hope, your song. May this Christmas and each day of the New Year be directed by His guiding hand of love! Merry Christmas!

Love, The Bakke Family

Jason, Aimee, Kate, Annika and Ginger (woof!)

www.jasonandaimeebakke.blogspot.com

our thanksgiving {just a little late}

Last weekend we spent Thanksgiving at Grandma Great's house in southwest Minnesota, out on the farm. In what seems to be a regular occurrence, snow and ice found us on our travels. Our truck was covered in ice, but the four wheel drive certainly came in handy. Thankfully we made it to the farm safe and sound.

Thanksgiving at Grandma Great's has changed in the past six years. What has changed you ask? Well, one word...great-grandchildren. What used to be hours of casual adult conversations has turned into a whirlwind of toys, books and playing with cousins hours on end. Grandma Great has ten great-grandchildren. Kate and Annika love it! They had so much fun climbing in the hayloft with their cousins Ashlyn and Connor, playing legos, playing with antique matchbox cars that once belonged to their Great Uncle Paul, playing Thomas the Train with their cousin Cameron, using their imagination and pretending to be pirates with their cousin Brandon and tossing and chasing simple balloons around the living room with all the kids. There were giggles like crazy. We are so thankful for family and fun!

The girls and I (I love how Kate looks so pleased to be snuggling!)

Jason, Kate and Mr. Polar Bear

Great Aunt Barb and Cameron

Jason and his mom, Linda

Uncle Chad, Great Uncle Paul and Jason

Kate and Annika playing in the corn crib (otherwise known as the pig pen)

Braving the cold and ice of southwest Minnesota

Annika was so worn out from Thanksgiving, this is how she feel asleep on Friday afternoon. Good thing that momma likes to cuddle.