Free at last Free at last

So after almost 8 years of changing diapers in this house we are DONE!  For the last week I have put Derrick in underwear during the daytime hours and the last 3 days he has gone without any accidents!  I could not be happier!  We still have some night time issues with a couple of the boys but after 8 LONG years of diapers for the most part we are free, and yes its freedom!  I guess that means I have 3 big boys now. 

First Live Concert

Tonight we took the boys to their first live concert.  Now most parents take their young children to Elmo or Wiggles but not us.  I don't know if we are the coolest parents or the worst parents but for the boys first live concert we took them to a bar to watch a rock and roll band.  Two of my students belong to a local band called Staind Glass and they were playing at Max's Grill.  Staind Glass plays a combination of their own music they  wrote and 80's Rock (Very Good!!)  Our table was right in front of the band so we actually thought the boys would freak out because of the loud music.  Instead they loved it and the two youngest were actually bobbing their heads to the music.  We had to leave during their break but before we left Kaden went and got all of their autographs!  Very cool experience for the family and Andy is more determined then ever that he now wants guitar lessons too! 

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Ever since Andy was born (which was already 6.5 years ago) I told myself to write down the many things my children have done.  Over the years there have been so many times that I have laughed and cried for various reasons with three boys that are four years apart. I am also 100% positive that there will be MANY MANY Bahl Boy adventures in the future.  I regret that I have not taken the time to write them down to share with them and each other in the future.  I have followed some friends' blogs for awhile now thinking what a great way to keep track of these wonderful family stories and share them with friends/family.  So here we go....... no longer living in regret and taking a chance to celebrate my family! 

Now time for looking back.  As 2010 comes to a close I can't help but think of all the wonderful memories we made in the last year including:

-In January we welcomed another niece to the family- Paige Determan.  We love her to pieces! 
-Nate and I went to Fargo to a Bon Jovi concert!  That was a great time!
- For the second year in a row Nate and I went with friends to Laughlin, NV! Always an amazing time and a much needed break from winter and the kids!
- Katie graduated from Grad. School in May.  What a relief to have reached one of my goals and have my Master's degree.  I don't know who is more relieved though me or the family. 
-Nate and I went to 4 Twins games at Target Field. Andy and Kaden also got to go to one.  The one with the kids was very expensive though because when they would get bored (which was a lot) they went for  a walk with Nate and a 100 dollars later they would return. 
-In June Matt and Val got married.  The boys had a great time dressing up and being a part of the big day. 
-Kaden got his first stitches after he got beat up by a girl! 
- Over the summer we took on a major project and added on a master suite, toy room, central air and another patio area to our house.  It was a lot of work, a lot of mess, a lot of money but SO SO worth it! 
-Over the summer we also spent our time hiking, swimming, going to water parks and some fishing. 
- We took our "big" family trip to Duluth this summer with Sam, Chad and Natalie.  We all had a wonderful time together and great memories were made! 
- Andy left Kindergarten behind and started first grade this year.  There has been such a big leap between the two (mostly in the social issues that have come about- he actually asked us about s-e-x this morning...YIKES!) and Andy is doing very well in school.  He loves math and is learning to read.  (He is such a nerd like his mom---I LOVE it!)
-Andy is also very involved in sports (golf, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or any type of sport)
- Kaden started Preschool last year and is also doing well.  He also LOVES school he jumps out of bed on days he goes to school
- Derrick is growing so fast...it is so hard to believe he is the baby (and he is 2.5).  He is such a fun mixture of his two brothers.  The best present we ever gave him was two older brothers.  He idolizes them!   

It has been such a joy watching my boys grow into the individuals they are becoming and I can't wait for the many adventures that are ahead!