Lots to do this Long Weekend

We always look forward to our 4-day break over Memorial Weekend and this year was no different.  We packed up Friday and headed west to spend a couple days with Aron's family in Saint Joseph.  The weather was a bit cool so no swimming in Lake Michigan or splashing in the Whirlpool Fountain, but we found plenty of other places to explore.  After a relaxing Friday, we headed out for some fun on Saturday.  Aron's Dad met us for lunch and then took us to Hidden Ridge fun park.  The kids had a blast driving go carts, playing mini golf, hitting balls in the batting cages, and bouncing on a trampoline.  From there we headed to Aron's relatives' cottage on Lake Michigan.  We walked the pier and enjoyed the beautiful sights of our beautiful Great Lake.  Saturday night we enjoyed family time with Aron's mom and two brothers.  The older Carlson men showed Russell how to play the board game Axis and Allies.  Russell had difficulty falling to sleep because as he pointed out, "his mind was too busy thinking about strategy."  He is definitely our history buff.  After a good night's sleep, we headed downtown Saint Jo on Sunday for a visit to Curious Kids Museum, a ride on the carousel, and a walk through town ending with ice cream!  We made the trip home Sunday evening in order to be home for the annual Royal Oak Memorial Day parade.  Russell marched this year with the cub scouts.  He looked so grown up!  Sloane had some excitement as a spectator when Fox 2 News decided to interview the kids.  Myself along with the rest of the family, would like to thank all of our service men and women past and present!!!  We are truly grateful!

 

Put-Put Fun!



 

Walking the St. Jo Pier

 

Evening with the Carlson boys.  Wings game on while playing Axis and Allies.

 

Exploring Downtown

 

Look closely...  This is not an ordinary statue.  This is a man dressed as a George Washington statue.  He would stand, walk, sit, and motion to the people walking by.  We loved it!

 

Downtown Art Exhibit - Planes, Trains, and Helicopters!

 

Fun at the Carousel

 

Hanging out at Grammy's House

 

Parade Time!

 

News Interview

 

Our Little Scout

Has spring FINALLY arrived?

After a VERY cold and wet start to spring, I think things are beginning to look up.  We can not get enough of the bright sunny days and fresh air of outside!  Getting homework done is becoming more and more challenging.  After being stuck indoors for so long, I can't say no to the outdoors!  It looks like the coming week will be bringing even more sunshine!!!  Hip hip hooray!!!

Ducks have found a new home at our neighborhood park due to the flooded grounds.  The kids followed the ducks around for more than 20 minutes.

After two weeks of cancelled games (flooded fields), we finally are on the field and having fun in the mud!

Sloane is loving being part of Team Purplicious!  She is one ferocious player!  Watch out!!!

Russell is back with the Pirates and doing AWESOME!!!  I love seeing his athletic growth.

His favorites position, goalie!

Diva Run

Last weekend I flew to Myrtle Beach to see one of my closest friends, Maria.  We ran our 2nd Diva 1/2 Marathon together.  I finished the race at 1:56 and in the top quarter of racers.  Once the race was over, it was nothing but rest and relaxation.  The weather was not hot, but we were able to walk the beach, sip Mai Tais poolside, and hear the ocean as we slept.  Ahhhhhh...  What a marvelous girls' weekend away!

The first thing I did after checking into our room was pull back the blinds to check out the view.  Wow!  I could look at this for hours! 

Amazing views and calming sounds.  Can I go back tomorrow?

Diva runners ready to RUN 13.1!!!

Fun Family Moments

During the month of April, our school had a mother/son laser tag outing and a daddy/daughter dance.  I unfortunately don't have any pictures of Russell and my fun at Zap Zone, but I must admit it was one the best nights of my life!  We played two games.  The first, Russell and I were on opposing sides.  It was hilarious to run, hide, jump out and attack one another.  The second game we chose to team up on the same side.  We both walked away saying, "let's do this again sometime!"  More recently, Sloane and Aron went to the daddy/daughter dance.  Sloane was excited for weeks and could not wait to curl her hair, put on fancy clothes, and get her dancing shoes ready!  Aron enjoyed spending an evening with his little girl while catching up with some of the other dads.  We feel truly blessed for these special moments.

Pretty girl all set to go.

Daddy and daughter (puppy too).

The "rat pack" (as Aron referred to them).

Sloane's 6th Birthday

Sloane turned 6 on April 24th!  We always let the kids choose what's for dinner on their birthday.  After a lot of thought, Sloane chose the Rainforest Cafe.  Why she chose this restaurant had nothing to do with the entertaining atmosphere filled with awesome animals.  Her mind was only thinking of one thing...  Dessert!  Months ago when we ate here, she saw surrounding tables celebrating special occasions with a volcano cake.  Her sweet tooth had not forgotten!  Sloane was also able to celebrate her special day a second time with an all girl party at Build-a-Bear Workshop.  What fun!

Tree Frog and Sloane

Giving the A-OK sign surrounded by rainforest fun.

Volcano Cake!!!

Getting ready to build some new friends at Build-a-Bear Workshop.

Some of the cutest girls ever!!!

Pizza party (and cake) at the food court.