A Fun Adventure at Jungle Java!

Jungle Java...Whoever thought up this place must be one intelligent PARENT!!! A coffee shop and children's indoor jungle gym in one?!?! What could be better for parents of children with some major spring fever?!?! We packed up the kids this morning and headed to this new place of adventure. Upon entrance, the kids whipped off their shoes while Aron grabbed a coffee and I a diet coke. We met some friends there so as the adults sat down to sip the caffeinated beverage of choice, the children ran ahead ready to jump, slide, wiggle, and play! What a blast! Check out the pictures!

Sloane making her way through the ropes course.

Russell took a rest on the bridge. (Check out his Diego vest...once he heard this place was "jungle" themed, he insisted on dressing just like Go Diego Go!)

Sloane loved the slides. She flew down them at lightening speed!

Russell learned to do the zip line all by himself...just like Diego!

A PICTURE TO MAKE YOU SMILE!

Sloane came home the other day and wanted to dress up like Cinderella. She only kept the dress on for about 2 minutes and then decided to make her own princess dress using her boa. When looking at this picture, I can't help but smile!!! I love the innocence, imagination, and pure joy she shows!!!

It has been a low key week for us. Aron headed to Battle Creek today to watch his old wrestling team at State Finals. Unfortunately they lost, but he enjoyed supporting the team and seeing his old coach. Now he is off on an annual "guys night" with some TKE alumni. I started the day with a 9 mile run at 7:45 a.m. It was GREAT! I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but it really is a great way to start the day. We spent the afternoon at soccer where Russell scored a goal!!! Yeah Russell!!! He is becoming very focused and is doing great with practice drills. His face lights up when he hears me shouting "GO RUSSELL!" Now, I am just hoping spring arrives soon. I am anxious for sunny skies and park visits!

An Extra Fun Family Gathering!

Yesterday we packed up and headed to the west side for a day of family fun at my Grandparents' home in Middleville. Russell and Sloane had an absolute ball playing indoors and out! Russell went "hunting" with Papa where they explored the woods and even spent time looking for deer while sitting in a real deer blind. Sloane played with Great Grandma's jewelry box and decked herself out in several necklaces and clip-on earrings! They also enjoyed games with cousin Katie, the race car track with Great Papa, and wrestling with cousin Travis and Uncle Keith. The most fun however, had to be sledding! My grandpa had the perfect path ready for us that sent us sailing down the hill at top speeds! Russell and Sloane could not get enough...they continuously climbed back up the hill ready for more rides down! On top of all the fun we endured, we also feasted on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, noodles, pie, and ice cream cake! We left last night feeling satisfyingly full and ready for bed :-) The kids slept the entire ride home while Aron and I enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Russell loved his new hunting hat from Great Papa and Great Grandma!

Sloane was over the moon when trying on Great Grandma's jewelry!

Russell raced cars with Katie and Great Papa

Sloane built bridges with Papa

Katie took Russell and Sloane on several speedy sled rides!!! Snowball fights with Uncle Keith...Russell took one in the face! He loved it!

A Visit to Grammy and Papa's! Yeah!!!

After our fun-filled Frankenmuth trip, we headed north to visit my parents for a few days. Aron had to go to Traverse City for work so the kids and I were spoiled by Grammy and Papa. Grammy had all the supplies for fun and creativity including cupcake and cookie making while Papa had all the supplies for outdoor adventures including sleds and snow (lots of it)! I was spoiled by having extra hands watching the kids and was even able to get my runs in everyday. It was fun to run around my hometown and see my old stomping grounds. While in town, we also visited my brother for dental cleanings. It was Sloane's first cleaning and she took it like a pro! We were also thrilled with a visit from my Grandmother and Aunt Barb who traveled down from the U.P. to see us!!! I do LOVE having a week off in February! It has been a relaxing, restful, and rejuvenating week!!!

A visit to the dentist (and our uncle)!

Russell was the first one in the chair.

Sloane was next and a little unsure about what was going on.

She did great!!!
Only a mom would take pictures at the dentist :-)

Time to make cupcakes! Sloane enjoyed licking the beaters!

Russell enjoyed licking the frosting!

Don't forget the sprinkles!!!

Time for SLEDDING!!!

Wheeee!!!

A visit with Aunt Barb and Great Grandma Sleeper!

On our last day at Grammy and Papa's we made Mickey Mouse cookies! Yum!!!

Valentine's Day in Frankenmuth

I am so fortunate to have an entire week off for winter break so Aron and I decided a while ago that we wanted to go on a "mini-vacation" with the kids in celebration of Valentine's Day. So, we headed north to Frankenmuth where we stayed at the Bavarian Inn. It was a BLAST! This place was so geared to families that it would be impossible to not have a good time. We stayed in a family suite which allowed the kids (and us) plenty of room to spread out and play, however we were not in our room much due to the all of the activities available to us!!! Russell insisted on hitting the kids' pool area first, followed by the arcade, indoor put-put golf, and finally a pizza dinner!!! Afterward it was back to the pool area...needless to say my children have NO fear of the water! We are already looking forward to our next stay in Frankenmuth!

Endless fun at the pool!

Driving into fun at the video arcade!

A play zone perfect for Sloane!
Russell was so excited to play golf! He would have played 10 games straight if allowed!

It's a SNOW DAY!!! HIP-HIP-HOORAY!

O.k. I totally love my job, but I have to admit that every winter I secretly wish for at least one snow day. It is always so exciting to watch the adrenaline rise as my students and fellow teachers watch out the window, silently praying for more snow to fall so that we get a bonus day at home. Well, it happened for the first time this winter. Yesterday the snow began at 10:00 a.m. and didn't stop until this morning. At midnight I learned of my day off so I happily turned off the alarm clock and drifted back to sleep dreaming of a day of fun with Russell and Sloane.

My dream came true!!! The kids slept in until 8:00, ate a yummy breakfast as they bubbled over with talk of snow-filled fun! We started our fun by making a batch of valentine finger jello. While the jello chilled in the fridge, Russell and Sloane began making art projects. Russell drew pictures for his family including a portrait of himself with Papa, Great Papa, and Uncle Keith. All four were dressed in "hunting clothes", carrying a "hunting gun", and watching the "turkey and deer." Where does this child get his imagination??? Sloane was busy drawing flowers, rainbows, and coloring her Minnie Mouse coloring book.

Art time was followed by extensive fun outside in the freshly fallen snow. Russell helped shovel while building a snow pile to dive into. Sloane insisted on keeping all snow off of her hands so she happily pushed her lawn mower up and down the driveway through the snow.

Once their little fingers turned to ice cubes, we headed back inside for game time. We all won a game of Hi-Ho-Cherry-O and Sloane walked away as the Candyland champion. Russell needed a moment to chill-out after the big loss. He is proving to be much like his Uncle Keith when it comes to losing :-) Now they are both nestled into bed for a much needed nap as I get ready to prepare valentine cards for festivities on Friday!

All the Joys of Being a Kid!!!

This weekend has been full of fun around the house! It was a little too cold to head outdoors so Russell and Sloane have been putting their imaginations into over drive!!! The basement playroom was transformed into Sloane's own cooking world while Russell transformed the basement playhouse into his fire rescue center. I was busy helping Russell save the town while enjoying yummy cupcakes and macaroni that Sloane cooked up.

Another enjoyable moment was play-doh time! Russell used various play figurines to create road construction sites while Sloane turned her play-doh into another opportunity to try-out her cooking skills.

The kids also love to dress-up! Today Batman and Batgirl were hot in action flying around the house saving people from bad guys. I am glad they are getting use out of their Halloween costumes!

Aron spoiled the kids with cinnamon and sugar donuts which they enjoyed while watching a movie. Mac even indulged in a donut when Sloane left hers sitting on the couch while she got up to use the bathroom!

An adorable quote:
1. After crawling into bed with me Saturday morning, Sloane squeezed my cheeks, put her nose against mine, and said "I love you sooooooo much!" My heart melted instantly.