Streit Family

A Move, A Horse, and Summertime

2010-06-08T13:12:00.008-05:00

I have no excuse for my failure to write posts...We have officially moved to Fairmont now. We loaded up and made the trek down on May 14th. We are currently living with Matt's mom & dad as our house will not be done until Fall. I absolutely can not wait to have a space to call our own again! Don't get me wrong, both hosts (Kate, and now the Streit's) have been more than gracious and welcoming, but I am ready for my own space! The move did bring us some sunshine, and warmer temps than we have experienced in a LONG time. I love it. Still no job for me, but continue to look. I do love my time home with Allie but I'm sure she is getting sick of hanging out with mom and is longing for some playmates her own age. Ours days stay full with a long morning walk around Lake Sisseton (with a coffee break 1/2 way-Matt's office is just a block off the path), lots of playing and coloring, and tons of time outside! We have also retaken up golf, 3 rounds now in the past 3 weeks and after 17 years of not golfing, I have quite enjoyed it again! Below are some pics of little miss Allie...

Her first experience going in a sprinkler. She loved it! Hope she loves swimming lessons just as much as she starts next week! We're hoping for a little fish who loves the water!

Here she is driving her tractor. She has adapted quite nicely to farm life, and is forever dirty. If we are outside and she "disappears", we can always find her in one of the flower gardens or at the edge of the field playing in the dirt!

And here she is with her favorite toy of the moment: "GoGo". She rides her pony ALL over the house, and often insists on wearing her tutu when doing it. She is definitely a character!

Well, I guess that is our lives in a nutshell. I promise to be better at this as time goes on. I'll update the house progress and post pics also!

March 7th, 2010

2010-03-07T18:00:00.004-06:00

To update, we are still living with Kate and Kenzie. These two little girls are loving each other like sisters, couldn't ask for a better helper. Our plans for moving are...moving along with no pun intended. I signed off on the final design plans just the other day. Now begins the fun part-picking out all the little details. For all those who know me, I'm not a big decision maker so this ought to be interesting!

Miss Allie is about to be 18 months old on March 9th. She is all girl, and very strong willed at that. She knows what she wants and she doesn't want to wait for it. She is definitely a ham though, always doing something to make us laugh. Favorite activities include reading...she can't get enough, playing with her babies, riding her "motorcycle", and of course she is talking up a storm...

This is our "little Madonna". Very chic! She's been rockin' around the living room all afternoon!

And last but not least is Jasmine...taken by our very own Allison. Not sure how she figured out how to turn on the camera, point and shoot, but it turned out very well!

And a last little note to Matt...Happy 3rd Anniversary! Thanks for everything. Can't believe we were in Mexico tying the knot 3 years ago...look at all the memories it has brought us since! Love you!

I know...I know...An Overdue Update

2010-01-24T16:07:00.005-06:00

I know I have no excuse for the fact that I have not updated this in months. But we have been busy...keeping up with a one year old, traveling through snow storms for the holidays, working full time, making house plans and moving arrangements...Yes, I have finally found a free moment to update our lives and pics of Allie while she is currently intrigued with the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (I'm so excited about that too since I love that movie!)

Our holiday were good, and it was nice to be able to spend time with both families. I am however looking forward to next Christmas when travel time doesn't make up most of the weekend and we don't have to worry about storms quite as much!

House plans are coming along. Final drafts are nearly complete and I have even started working on choosing colors, appliances, and all the other small stuff! I've been told no last minute decisions so I'm getting an extra big head start!

Other than that, things are good. Matt got to go to the final regular season Vikings game with Nate, he is ice fishing this weekend. I have a girls shopping weekend planned with Kate the beginning February. The rest of our time has been spent hanging out with Allie. She is a riot now...so many new words and always has a smile and a giggle. At her recent 15 month check up (which was a month late so she was 16 months) she weighed in at 21 lbs and is 2'7" tall. Still lean and mean but has an attitude or "allitude" as we like to say. She definitely has a strong willed personality and knows what she wants! Below is a little compilation of the pre holidays and the holidays.

Getting ready to go Christmas shopping with mom. I think we got just about everything done that day!

Hanging out at home on a snowy day...doesn't she look like she should be on the slopes in that outfit?

Her new "Rudolph" nose...yes it lights up and she loves wearing it , not only at home but just about everywhere we go.

The new red (original) Radio Flyer wagon. Sure can't wait to move to the farm and ride in it all summer long! Hopefully Grandma is ready for lots of walks with me!

Opening a Christmas present at Grandpa & Grandma's house.

Now, time to get ready for the big game. GO VIKINGS!! And yes, I promise to update this more frequently!

What the Sophisticated Shopper Wears

2009-11-11T17:51:00.004-06:00

We definitely have a girl on our hands. She is in all sense of the word, girl. She loves to dress up, and play with makeup brushes. And her newest accessories include my scarves and of course purses.

And what outfit isn't complete with matching shoes? At the age of 14 months, she already owns more shoes than her dad! Sad, I know, but true!

October 2009

2009-11-07T19:03:00.004-06:00

Happy Belated Halloween! I'm sorry this has taken me so long to post but it has been a very busy month. We hope ya'll had a great holiday and are ready to gear up for our fave Turkey Day!

Matt and Allie carving pumpkins. Allie wasn't much help as you very well can imagine!

Our little lady bug.

We Sold the House!

2009-09-20T14:57:00.004-05:00

Well, we did it! We finally sold the house. In just 3 short weeks, we will be moving out of 5714 Main Street. I have very mixed emotions about this of course...it's our first house...it Allie's first house...we've put a lot of hard work into the house...and of course Matt keeps asking if we can move the garage with us. I don't think its so much about the garage as it is the fact it was built with the wood from his grandpa's old corn crib. A lot of memories! Of course, I am also excited to move. To start with we are moving to the Welch compound. It is so nice of them to let us stay there in transition while we begin the process of finding the perfect house...I'm excited to hang out with Kate on a more regular basis too. I'm also excited to actually begin looking for the perfect house. Is there such thing? Guess we'll find out! I appologize now if this gets to be put on the back burner. Packing takes a lot out of a person! I will do my best to show Allie and the process...

But until next time...

PS: Allie had her 1 year check up on Friday. She weighed in at 19 lbs 3 oz & was 2'5" tall. That put her in the 25th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Lean and mean!

Dad, Wanna Go For a Ride On Our Harley's?

2009-09-14T19:12:00.004-05:00

Allie is one lucky 1 year old. For her first birthday, our group of close friends all went in and got her her very own Harley. She is so proud to be able to ride with Dad now.

We can't begin to thank Kate, Ryan, Drew, Dana, Josh & Brenda enough. This was by far a very special gift and love what great friends you all are!

HaPpY 1st BiRtHdAy AlLiE!

2009-09-08T20:47:00.004-05:00

Miss Allison is 1 year old (well she will be tomorrow, but I wanted to get this posted)! I cannot believe that a year ago today, Matt and I sat through The Dark Night in the theater (yes, it was a long movie and I didn't get up once to go to the bathroom...what a trooper!) then hung out at home like any other Monday night. I always pictured the whole wake up in the middle of the night rushing around because it was "time". I wouldn't change Tuesday September 9th, 2008 for anything...Now our baby is going to be the BIG 1 on 09-09-09.

Allie, It has been a fantastic, wonderful year. We love each day with you and watching you grow into such an independent little girl. Your smile is precious and your laugh is infectious. We love you to pieces and look forward to watching your grow even more!

Mom, Dad, & Allie with her 1st Birthday Cake...It was a giant cupcake to go with the cupcake theme of the party.

Hmmm...not so sure about this sugar mom...you've never let me have it before...

Maybe I do like it...or is it just the wax candle I like?

Ok Mom...I guess I do like this stuff. Can I have more of it?

Here Daddy...have some...its REALLY good.

Oops, sorry, I missed your mouth!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY MISS ALLIE! WE LOVE YOU!

An Afternoon at the Park

2009-08-09T21:19:00.003-05:00

We spent a while down at the little park a block from our house today. Allie has so much fun down there. Wish we were having a better summer so we could enjoy doing it more.

We hope everyone is enjoying their summers!

I Wanna Be a Farmer

2009-08-09T21:05:00.003-05:00

We have some of Matt's old tractors from when he was a kid. These by far, are some of Allie's favorite toys.

She is constantly crawling over to them and pulling them off the shelf. She loves the combine the most and will sit quietly forever (well maybe 10 minutes, but that seems like forever!) playing with it and pushing it around.

Guess she wants to grow up to be like her grandpa!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-06T21:40:00.004-05:00

We hope everyone had a very Happy 4th of July. We were lucky enough to get sunshine and warm weather. Thanks Streit family for a great time!

Can someone open this water for me? Its hot out here and I'm parched.

Hey...there's a strap in my face. If you want me to leave this hat on, you'd better turn it the right way and buckle this thing.

Hammin' it up for the camera.

Sturgis Or Bust

2009-07-06T21:30:00.003-05:00

3 Boys 1 Harley

Who's gonna ride it?

Are they gonna ride it...or just wash, wax, and admire it?

Hanging out with friends & family, drinking cold beer on a warm afternoon, and wishing there were 3 bikes can only lead to one thing...

2 boys on a Harley...Sturgis watch out!

(good thing all 3 didn't try to get on there!)

Summer 2009

2009-07-06T21:07:00.004-05:00

So sorry I have been horrible about updating this lately! We have been quite the busy family and I just haven't been doing much. Our business started in May when they finally took my Dad in for triple bypass surgery. Allie & I got to spend some time down with Mom, Kim & Brent in Rochester while he was in. Stressful time but Allie's big smile and happy personality kept everyone (including other families) occupied. Thank god for that! Surgery was a success and Dad is feeling much better...just bored!

June brought us graduation parties...afternoons with old and dear friends...deck building parties...

June also brought us our big decision to put our house up for sale. Allie & all her toys are creating a space issue & we really just want to get out in the country somewhere with some space for Matt and Jasmine of course...farm boys should never live in the city! We have been cleaning and finishing those last minute projects. The sign officially went up last Monday. There were 2 showings last week right away & another 2 scheduled already for this week. Keep your fingers crossed that it will go quick!

Miss Allie has had a few big accomplishments of her own...She can pull herself up (well maybe with a little help, but almost on her own). Here she is watching Daddy fix some siding on the back of the house. And her biggest accomplishment to date is her new crawling expertise. We're really in trouble now. She never sits still!

We hope everyone else is having as fun of a summer that we are! I promise to keep this more up to date in the days and weeks to come.

Allie's First Twins Game

2009-05-04T19:21:00.003-05:00

Sunday morning Allie woke up bright and early. She knew it was the day we were gonna head down to the cities for her very first Twins game! Right after she ate her breakfast, she took out her Twins baseball and started to play!
We got to the Dome early...wanted to relax and enjoy the warmth that just a few short miles south of us actually had! We met up with Uncle Nater and our friends Mike and Lizzie, hung out on the plaza and watched all the crazy Twins fans.

Allie was pretty good through most of the game. She didn't eat much and didn't sleep much since there was so much going on, people and noise everywhere.

After the 7th inning when the Twins didn't feel much like winning (why do they always lose steam and WHY can't they ever win when we are at the game???), Allie decided she had had a long enough day at the ball park and that she needed a nap!

What Is This Stuff?

2009-04-13T22:16:00.003-05:00

What is this stuff? I'm having fun hanging out in Grandpa's yard, sitting in the grass, playing ball with Jasmine.

HMMM...I supposed I could get used to this. Its fun to grab and stick in my mouth. Is it as good for me as those brussel sprouts you make me eat?

No...I'm thinking not.

Spring has Sprung

2009-04-13T21:38:00.011-05:00

SOOOO Happy that Spring is FINALLY here. Of course that doesn't mean too much up here in Northern Minnesota where there are still snow piles in the backyard (sure wish they would go away so we could clean up after a Jasmine filled winter!

But that does mean we get to start wearing our cute spring clothes and experiencing so many new things that we couldn't do in the winter...

Easter weekend took us to Southern Minnesota to visit the grandparents. Allie experienced quite a few firsts (and from the looks of it so did Shawn...nice shades...they fit you well!)

First Talegating Party...of course it was right after the first trip to the Channel Inn for lunch...

Our first visit from the Easter Bunny...doesn't she look like she is having so much fun in that basket?

Her first pretty Easter dress and white MaryJanes...too bad she drooled all over the front within seconds of putting it on...

This is just the first of many "firsts" as spring and summer approach. We can't wait to share them all with you! HAPPY SUNSHINE DAYS!

Good-bye Grandpa Pete

2009-03-25T21:07:00.000-05:00

I am so proud that my little Allie got a chance to meet her Great Grandpa Pete before he passed away this past Saturday. I wish she could have known him like I did...kisses on his bald head, Saturday Band Wagon , peanuts & red licorice, and Friday nights at the Moose Lodge ("I'll have a fill-et mig-non red please"). There are so many great memories of him and I can only hope that Allie gets to spend time and know both her Grandpa's as I knew mine!

We love you and miss you Grandpa

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

And we hope you have a very Happy Birthday Grandpa Stanley!

We would also like to say that we are glad you are feeling better Grandpa Dick, and are so glad you are at home now! We hope to see you soon!

Goin' Swimmin'

2009-03-07T11:09:00.001-06:00

We took Allie for her first swim last night and I don't think she really knew what to think about the whole thing! Our friends Phil & Amber, and their two little girls Madeline & Ella are up visiting for the weekend and invited us to join them at the Edge waterpark. Allie did well, at least no crying, and even got to go down her first waterslide! We're looking forward to this summer when we can take her out swimmin' more often!

Allie LOVES Green Beans

2009-02-20T20:49:00.001-06:00

Allie is finally starting to enjoy eating her fruits and veggies. So far, there isn't a thing we have tried that she doesn't like (except cereal...she does not like the cereal). Her favorite though, is green beans. She can't seem to get enough of them. She will grab the spoon out of my hand and try to dish up more. She cries when I have to take the spoon out of her mouth, even to get more on it. Lets hope this trend continues and she doesn't become a picky eater like her mom!

Is It Spring Yet?

2009-02-13T16:31:00.000-06:00

Its been a crazy week weather wise. Of course part of that is because the weathermen "scare" us with "impending" storms...most of which never come. Anyways, all the rain this week really made us get spring fever. We hope it comes soon!

Happy Valentine's Week

2009-02-13T16:22:00.000-06:00

Allie is all girl. This week especially. Grandma thought that we wouldn't just celebrate Valentine's day, but Valentine's week. Well, that means a special outfit each day of course! Here is just a sampling of those outfits. My fave is the top one. Its hard to see but there are lady bugs all over the pants and the shoes actually look like lady bugs!

We wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

This One's For You Heather!

2009-01-22T21:17:00.000-06:00

Well, January is half over. Where does the time go? I got reprimanded today for not updating lately so here are a few random shots I've taken the past few weeks, just for you Heather! We had our 4 month check up last week...yes 4 months...amazing! Allie weighed in a whopping 12 lbs and measured 25 1/2 inches long. Her weight for age percent is only 25, height for age is 75 and her weight for height is below 0. She just "petit"! We have started feeding her cereal now...doesn't like that too much. Also tried out the activity jumper...she's a little short for it and can't touch the ground...I'll have to get creative with a pillow underneath it or something! Our newest accomplishment is rolling over. She giggles when she does it and its so cute. Allie is such a happy baby, always smiling and laughing! We can't wait for the coming months to watch all her new milestones!

PS ONLY 31 DAYS TILL SPRING TRAINING!! GO TWINS!!

And The Season Is Over

2009-01-04T19:22:00.000-06:00

And they lost...Need we say more...Allie is already learning that as Minnesota sports fans, we are destined for a lifetime of disappointment. Time to put away all the Vikings gear and really start wearing the Twins gear! The countdown began earlier in the week but now it is really on!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T18:17:00.000-06:00

Celebrating the new year brings us that much closer to the start of baseball season! Only 45 days till pitchers & catchers report to spring training, and only 53 days till the rest of the team has to report. We're SOOOO excited and can't wait to take Allie to her first game! Go Twins!

I'm Getting So Big

2008-12-31T18:11:00.001-06:00

Allie is getting so big. She is 16 weeks old now and we're guesstimating she weighs about 10.5 lbs. We will find out how much she really weighs and how long she's gotten at her check up on January 14th. She is also starting to cut a tooth. Oddly enough, it's the upper right one, not the lower ones like babies usually get first. Even the dentists I work for said they were surpirised by this, but it's not entirely unusual! Allie gnaws on her hands excessively and you could fill Lake Superior with all the drool, but she's not too fussy so we are thankful for that!

What's Under Here For Me?

2008-12-28T16:01:00.001-06:00

Christmas is finally here and I'm already snooping under the tree!

It's Beginning...Part 2

2008-12-13T12:29:00.000-06:00

Of course, getting dressed up once for Santa wasn't enough for Mom. Both Grandma's gave Allie some Christmas outfits so we had to model a few more of them. Of course, the top one is her Christmas dress. There are little tights to go with it that have trees all over them, but they are just too big on her yet. Then it wouldn't be her first Christmas without an outfit stating just that. Don't ya just love the reindeer hat to go with it?! And of course "who needs santa when you have grandparents?" She has plenty more outfits to wear throughout the holidays but a baby can only take so much of mom changing her outfit every 10 minutes!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2008-12-13T12:05:00.000-06:00

Allie started off the holiday season with her first trip to visit Santa. She just wouldn't smile for him (but looking closely, he didn't smile much either). I guess not smiling is much better than screaming and I don't think she will be scared of him forever. I had totally pictured Randy from "The Christmas Story" all excited to get to Santa, then losing it and screaming his head off.

Go Bulldogs!

2008-12-13T11:54:00.000-06:00

Allie has become quite the regular at the DECC this winter. We have Friday night season tickets for UMD Bulldog hockey. Every week (well when there is a game of course) we bundle herup in her snowsuit and her maroon & gold bulldog stocking cap, strap her into the Baby Bjorn and take her with us to the game. So far she has been SUPER good. She tends to sleep for most of the game but when she is awake she would much rather face forward and watch the action instead of cozied up to mom! And we always have to make sure she's got a little bit of pink showing somewhere...usually her pacifier...otherwise its pretty hard to tell that she is a girl! We're trying to condition her now to sporting events so she is good when we take her to her first Twins game! Only 3 months till spring training!

Allie is 12 Weeks Old!

2008-12-02T16:22:00.000-06:00

Allie is getting so big! We can't believe she is already 12 weeks old. Of course we had to take another "care bear" picture. It's fun to see how much she has grown over the weeks. She is eating like a champ and growing like a weed. Jasmine loves her and even though it looks like she is biting her hand off, she is really only licking her to death...usually its her face, not her hand, she must have had some formula on there!

Turkey Day

2008-12-02T16:10:00.001-06:00

Turkey Day was a lot of fun...Allie had so many people who couldn't wait to get their hands on her. Here she is chillin with Uncle Nate and Grandpa Steve. I think they were watching Grandma Vicky box on the Wii...not sure who she was boxing though! Jenn had quite a few Vanilla Bulldogs and was VERY happy by the time we starting bowling on the Wii...drinking must help her bowling game, she got her best score ever. And Matt was just plain worn out...too much turkey and beer!

Watching the Vikings

2008-11-23T12:17:00.001-06:00

We have a REALLY happy Allie today. She is doing what she loves to do every Sunday...watch the Vikings with Daddy. They always get dressed up in hopes that they will help the team win. Today she is extra happy as the team is already winning 14-0 in the first quarter. Lets hope her laughing and "cheering" help them win today!

I've Grown

2008-11-05T10:56:00.000-06:00

Allie had her 2 month checkup this morning. She now weighs 8 lbs 7 oz and is 21.5 inches long. She is still "petite" for her age but eats like a champ so no worries!

8 Weeks Old

2008-11-04T14:32:00.001-06:00

Allie is 8 weeks old today so thought we'd do another "Care Bear" picture. She is definitely getting bigger. Tomorrow we get to go in for her first shots and see how much she weighs! Everyone keeps asking and I really don't know so it will be exciting to find out!

Allie's First Halloween

2008-11-01T10:50:00.001-05:00

Allie didn't really dress up, but she did get this cute "Peek-a-Boo" onesie. Her little hat looked like a ghost. Can't wait till next year when she can dress up a little more!

The Devil & The Angel

2008-10-31T08:37:00.000-05:00

Allie went from being a little "devil" to being a little "angel" all in a matter of minutes. Not sure what she was so mad about...Daddy must have pinched her (just kidding!). But she sure does look peaceful sleeping and sucking on her fingers!

Down on The Farm

2008-10-22T22:45:00.000-05:00

It's harvest time and I made my first trip to Grandpa's farm. Of course I couldn't come help without being dressed like a farmer. Here I am in my new jeans & John Deere t-shirt all. Dad took me for my first tractor ride...maybe next year he will let me drive it!

My First Road Trip

2008-10-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday I got to take my first road trip! We traveled 6 1/2 hours to Madison, WI to attend Mike & Lizzie's wedding. I was so good in the car and pretty much slept the whole way except when I got hungry. The wedding was also alot of fun and I met a lot of really cool people. I can't wait to go back down there to visit all of them!

Allie is 4 Weeks Old Today!

2008-10-07T16:02:00.001-05:00

Can't believe Allie is already 4 weeks old. Time has definitely flown by. Here she is next to her new Care Bear in the hospital and again today. As Uncle Nate said - she finally caught up!