Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Whoo-hoo! The kids and I are on mid-winter break!!! That means a week full of fun for us! We began the week with a visit to the Hands-On Museum in Ann Arbor this morning. We met my best friend Heidi there along with her adorable two little ones, Luke and Stella. The kids had a blast exploring the 4 floors of scientific wonders. I feel so blessed to have this week to be a full-time mom. I have fun planned for everyday so be on the look-out for lots of blog updates!!!

Checking out the water in motion station.

Rock Climbing!Russell and LukeStella and SloaneMaking bubbles.Walk-On Piano? More like Jump-On!Building block arena. Thought my dad would get a kick out of this station - Amateur radio club!

Did Winter Arrive?

We woke up Saturday to a beautiful white covering of snow! I can't believe I am saying this, but I was so happy to finally get more then an inch of snow. Russell and Sloane have really missed winter this year. Each day one of them will ask about sledding or snowman building or snow forts. So despite the -2 wind chill, we headed outside for an hour of chilly fun! Now if we could just get a little bit more for a snow day :-) Wishful thinking I know!

Aron got his exercise pulling the kids up and down the street on a sled. You could here their giggles throughout the neighborhood!

Happy Birthday Dad!

The kids and I ventured north this weekend to see my dad on his birthday. It was a relaxing weekend for me - thank you Dad for letting me sleep in - and a fun weekend for the kids. They both enjoyed play time in the snow including sledding and slipping on the ice. Russell had tons of fun playing with Keith's old Transformers and Star Wars toys. Sloane always enjoys playing with my old Strawberry Shortcake dolls and now we have found my Barbie Dolls! I am amazed at how many things Mom had saved from Keith and my early years.

Not a lot of snow, but more then we've had in Royal Oak and just enough to have some fun in!

The kids received bath paints last Christmas and I had stashed them away and left them at my parents'. Sloane was thrilled when she found them this weekend! Russell couldn't resist but get involved with the messy stuff. What a hoot! I laughed so hard watching them have fun in the tub.After bath time, Sloane was ready for cuddle time with Papa!

Splish Splash What a Fun Birthday Bash!!!

Despite the cloudy, cold, and snowy weather outside, the kids and I enjoyed a day of fun in the water! Our good friends, Zeke and Casey, turned 6 today and invited us to a birthday celebration at the Warren Community Center. What a blast - and hidden treasure - how did I not know about this place?!?! After pizza and cake we headed into the splash zone for some wild water adventures and even a little relaxation in the lazy river. It took approximately 5 seconds for Russell and Sloane to get soaked from head to toe! They were in the water for nearly 2 straight hours. Do I need to even say how tired they are now? Both are currently crashed out for a Sunday afternoon nap. I may be heading that way myself when I finish this post.

This is my kind of shower!

Who can get the most wet?
Slip and SLIDE!!!

Water dancing.

Zeke and Russell get ready to blast us!

The fun never stops!

Sloane and Casey - all tired out and ready for a cuddle.

Finally... A Little Bit Of Snow

Friday finally brought us a little bit of snow and we woke up today with just a little bit more. Not enough to slow traffic, but just enough for the kids to be excited! We headed outside today for some fun in the thin layer of white fluff. Russell was determined to make a snow fort, but after an hour of filling buckets with snow we only had about a one foot tall hill. We are hopeful that more snow will arrive soon (did I really just say that).

Sloane was perfectly content filling up buckets.

Russell relented to playing Star Wars in the snow.

He most certainly has a wild imagination!

Another Year Older

Aron celebrated his birthday on January 2nd. The kids and I surprised him with a Red Wings cake and tickets to see a game. No matter who's having a birthday, the kids always know how to have fun - especially if cake is involved! They even insisted on singing, "are you 1, are you 2, are you 3..." all the way to 36!!!

Hmmm... I wonder what he wished for? Does it still count if you only blow out one candle?I had to include this photo. Mac LOVES Sloane's room. He is always curling up under her table or on her bed. He even lets her dress him up. I guess even dogs like to celebrate the new year!

2012

Last night we welcomed in the new year at a bowling party with our neighborhood gang. We had 20 people bowling, eating pizza, and yelling "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" After bowling we headed home, put the kids to bed, and rang in the real new year with a bottle of champagne and a toast with our good friends Tracy and Dave. We are very hopeful for all that 2012 has to offer and feel blessed with such a great family and group of friends!!! Cheers to all this new year!

Antonio and Russell hanging out at the bowling alley.

Is it a strrrrrrike?!?!

Sweet and stylish bowler.

Zeke and Russell watching the scoreboards.

Sloane gives Casey a hug (more like a squeeze).

Can you see my top score? K earns 187!!!

Our family!