Nickle Dickle Day

Waconia's hometown celebration was held on Saturday. Nickle Dickle Day is a one day celebration which includes a 5k/10k race, kid's 1/2 mile race called the Tickle, car show, craft booths, entertainment, food, etc. Dave ran the 10K and the kids' ran the Tickle. Lots of fun activities and tons of walking. Whew.

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

This is the story of what happens when your 4 year old falls and smashes his face on the ground.

Over a year ago, Noah (the child with the perpetual bruise on his head) fell somewhere and hit his face on the ground causing trauma to his upper teeth. At some point after that, one of his teeth turned a gray color indicating that the tooth had been injured. The dentist looked at it and said not to worry about it because there was no abscess and it wasn't bothering him. In August at his check-up, the dentist noticed that an abscess had formed and she said that the tooth needed to be removed....great

An appointment was made at the oral surgeon to remove it using the help of laughing gas and Novicaine. Let's just say that wasn't the dentist's most brilliant idea. He was far too traumatized about that idea. He refused to open his mouth, even after getting the laughing gas. The surgeon and his team struggled with him for a while trying to administer the Novocaine. The last straw for the surgeon was when he injected his own hand with the Novocaine. He had to leave the room after that. lol

SO, the next step was to put him completely under and remove it that way. Yesterday, we had our appointment at the day surgery center. This was a much better experience. They specialize in kids and were so good with him. Noah was actually ok with the whole idea after we told him when we got there. We were very worried because he basically freaked out after we told him the first time before oral surgery. The procedure only took about 10 minutes but including prep and recovery time, we were there about 3 hours. The space in his mouth where the tooth was will remain open until his permanent one grows in, about when he is 6. Until then we have to get used to his new "look". As a bonus, he had an early visit from the Tooth Fairy last night. Did you know she leaves double the amount when you have your tooth pulled out?? She probably figures that helps overcome the pain and trauma more quickly.

Before surgery

In the recovery room.

Popsicles would make me feel better too

After

The Strei Family has entered an entirely different sports world. Flag Football. Benjamin is playing in his first league consisting of 1st grade boys (but open to girls as well). For many kids this is their first time on the football field. The coach acts as the quarterback so basically they just have to run down field and get open for the ball. Even though it's flag football, it's a little rough. I wonder which section of Target sells athletic cups......

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

When the summer started, the kids and I made a huge list of all the things they wanted to do on their summer vacation. We posted this list and checked the items off as we completed them. As you can see, there were lots of fun things we did (and some that we not on the list). Others will have to be saved for next summer.

x-Go swimming
x-Slip & Slide
x-Edinborough Park
x-Bike rides
Picnic at Lions Park
Waterpark
x-Frisbee golfing
Make a tree house
Visit every park in Waconia
x-Go to the Carver County Fair
x-Go to the movies
Play tennis
Play badminton
x-Squirt gun fight
x-Play lacrosse
x-Run through sprinkler
x-Enter biggest cucumber contest at the fair
x-Telescope at Baylor Park
Camp in the backyard
Camp at a campsite
x-Go hiking
x-Go to Twins game
Explore a cave
x-MN Valley Wildlife Refuge
Go to the Horse Races
x-Demolition Derby
x-Car Races
Find a good climbing tree
Library reading program (we didn't get there one time!!)
x-Vacation at Larson's cabin
x-Music in the Park
x-Hatch butterflies
x-Canoe to Coney Island
x-Grandpa's boat & tubing
x-Sleepover with friends (only took 2 times to accomplish this)
x-Work on 4-H projects
x-Meet Nikki's baby goats
Gale Woods (mom was there a lot, kids never made it)
x-BB Camp
x-4-H Camp
x-Play softball/tball

Go Noah!!

Today while Dave was working on the van in the garage, he took off Noah's training wheels to keep him busy. He asked Dave to come down to the street to help him. He held the bike and pushed him a couple times and AWAY HE WENT!! It's not a perfect technique by any means but he's doing it. They went around the block and came in to surprise me with his new talents. They are now at Target purchasing a kickstand for the bike. Enjoy this video clip!

First Day of School - Round 2

I was starting to think Noah might spontaneously combust with excitement waiting for this day to come, the first day of preschool. It finally arrived and he his smile couldn't be bigger. He's going to Trinity Preschool 3 afternoons a week. Good for Noah and good for mom too. HA!

Noah, are you excited??

In front of his locker

He's going to have a great time

First Day of School!!

After a summer full of adventures, it was back to work for the Strei kids this morning. It's the first day of school!! Who is more exited, the kids or mom? I think it's a pretty close tie. Benjamin is a 1st grader in Mrs. Gustafson's class and Lauren is a 3rd grader in Mrs. Barron's class (although Mrs. Fawcett is her teacher for first trimester because Mrs. Barron is having a baby). Noah will start preschool tomorrow. If he can wait that long!!

Benjamin

(trust me, I tried to fix those socks and he wouldn't let me)

Lauren

At the bus stop. Don't you love the look on Lauren's face