Giant Scrabble Tile Wall Art

We've slowly been hanging pictures on the wall and I wanted to do something larger with the big blank wall in our living room.  I saw an idea using large Scrabble tiles to connect names and fell in love.  I commissioned my dad to make 5" blocks from pine.  He cut a keyhole slot on the back for hanging.

 On his recommendation, I used a water based polyurethane, which should make sure they don't turn yellow over time.

 I figured out the proportions of the letters and numbers, then cut them out of black vinyl.  I cut contact paper in the same shape as the block and marked the center to help align them.

 I determined the middle of the wall and laid out the screws.  I made a mark every 6" on my level to make it easier to measure.

 Then it was just a matter of hanging the tiles.  I was so happy with how it turned out.

 I always planned to make it a collage wall with pictures.  I still need to fill in with some smaller frames, but this is a good start.  I am loving making this place our own.

Winter Carnival Ice Palace

We ventured to St. Paul on Friday night to check out the ice palace and other Winter Carnival festivities.  There were a bunch of food booths, music stage, and skating rink.

There wasn't a ton to do in Rice Park, but I was happy we got to see the ice palace and some cheese curds!

Brookview Backyard and One Last Vikings game

We had a birthday party yesterday morning for Parker's friend, Mitchell.  It was at Brookview Backyard, a new indoor playground in Golden Valley.  Both the kids had a great time and we will definitely be back.  They have reciprocal resident pricing for Crystal and New Hope, so we can get a 10 punch pass for only $30 and Esme is free until she is two.

 After church we stopped at my parents for lunch and to drop Parker off since he didn't have school today.  We were all decked out in our Vikings gear again for the NFC Championship game.

 The Vikes couldn't pull out a win, but it was still a great ride.  Hopefully we can keep most of the pieces in place and make a run next year. SKOL!

Solo Trip to the Children's Museum

I took the kids to the Children's Museum on Saturday to burn off some energy and get out of the house.  I haven't been solo since Esme was mobile and it was a lot more work, but the kids had fun.

 The water display is still a favorite for Parker and Esme is following suit.  They played so nice, but she got upset when it was time to move on.  We didn't last much longer after we left this area. I guess we may need to save it for the end next time.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

Our luck continued this week when Jimmy won tickets to the Vikings divisional playoff game from Hy-Vee.  It was a chilly, snowy day, so we headed down early to get parking and minimize wait times at security.  We had a decent amount of time to burn, but we got to see warm ups and take some fun pictures.

We had another opportunity to take a pictures with some cheerleaders.  Evan, the one in the middle, was also in Jimmy's picture from two weeks prior.

A couple of hours made a big difference!

 Minnesota native, Adam Theilen, with his wife and son.

Vikings first touchdown by McKinnon.

 Half time show by Walk Off the Earth

 Aftermath of a tough hit on Sendejo.

 Cris Carter revving up the crowd.

 Disbelief after winning the game.  Jimmy was sqautting in this same position with his hands on his head.

 Keenum realizing he needs to go back on the field to run the extra point.

 Keenum leading the SKOL chant.

Here is a video of some pre and post-game moments.  It was the most electric atmosphere I have ever experienced and will be a game we never forget.  SKOL Vikings, lets take those Eagles!