"My Crazy Kids"

Four kids + two kids = chaos By Allan Olson It was a fun but chaotic weekend as we entertained two extra kids – or should I say, our kids entertained them. Earlier in the week we were asked if we could watch my cousin’s kids while they went back to their old house to finish cleaning it out. Since we didn’t have any plans, we readily agreed. They showed up on Friday night with their two kids and some beverages for the adults. We sat around the table and played some games and visited while enjoying a beverage or two, and finally hit the hay somewhere around midnight. On Saturday morning, both my wife and I were awake shortly after 6 a.m. Even on a weekend, I can’t manage to sleep in. After catching up on a show we had recorded, it was time to feed our guests. They left just before 9 a.m., officially leaving us in charge of their two kids, ages 7 and 4. Our plans for the day included taking the kids to a movie. My wife decided that if our kids had saved enough change to tak...

A fun winter weekend By Allan Olson If I would’ve known complaining about the cold winter weather in last week’s column was going to help change it, I would’ve complained a long time ago, because it sure seemed to work. It was another long weekend for the kids, with Friday off from school. I think it is safe to say they had a fun weekend. After I got home from work late Friday afternoon, I discovered the family involved in a cleaning party, so . . . as much as I wanted to nap, instead I joined in and helped out. The cleaning continued until it was time to make supper. While we were cleaning, I happened to look out the back window and, to my surprise, I saw kid tracks in the snow for the first time in several months. Once supper was over, I headed to my room for that much-needed nap. My wife said that I didn’t want to nap this late, but I said, “Yes, I do!” and I did. I napped for about an hour, then got up and watched some shows that we had recorded on the DVR, and went b...

Another winter weekend Selfie – On the way home from school last week, a bored Abigail asked if she could take some pictures with my good camera. I said yes. While driving I noticed that she was snapping some pictures, but I didn’t see the one she took of herself. A couple days later I looked at the photos. I found this one and several more with different expressions on her face. As much as this kid can frustrate me, I don’t think anyone makes me laugh harder! By Allan Olson First I’m going to come right out and say it – GOODBYE, WINTER! I’ve lived in Minnesota all of my life, and I can’t remember ever having a winter that has refused to let go like this one. Last year we might have had ice on some lakes until mid-May, but I don’t recall any days of -20/-40 below zero in March. Of course, five months from now, when the temperatures hit 90+ with high humidity, I will probably be unhappy about that, too, but at least I don’t have to shovel it or worry abou...