Fun Family Moments

The kids and I are just finishing up our week long mid-winter vacation.  It was a wonderful and relaxing week filled with both quiet moments and crazy chaos.  All of which included FUN!  Aron took Friday off to join us for a trip to Grand Rapids.  Our original plan was to hit a couple museums and maybe the ice skating rink prior to checking into our hotel for an evening of swimming.  However due to another Michigan snow storm, our time of departure was delayed.  We still managed to make it to the Grand Rapids Public Museum which was #1 on Russell's priority list.  He had already checked out their website and knew exactly what he wanted to see.  Being a history buff, he was most interested in the Civil War exhibit and the Titanic exhibit.  Sloane's priority was the antique doll room and the carousel.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.  Afterward, we headed to a Japanese steak house for a delicious dinner.  Russell and Sloane were completely entertained by the chef cooking our meal right before our eyes!  The flaming volcano was a hit!  We ended Friday evening at our hotel with swimming and movies.  We awoke Saturday, had a filling breakfast, and headed to my grandparents where we spent the day with the entire family having winter fun!  The snow was perfect all day long making us feel as though we lived inside a snow globe.  The kids used all their energy sledding and throwing snowballs, but were sure to refuel on hot cocoa, chocolate cake, and ice cream in celebration of my grandma's birthday.  Now, I must say...  I am ready for spring!!!  The snow can melt, the sun can shine, and the flowers can bloom! 

Anxious to see the Titanic!

I spy something from A-Z in the museum.

Driving the trolley.

Sloane's favorite - the antique doll room that hold over 500 dolls.

Russell's favorite - the Civil War exhibit.

She would have stayed on the carousel all night.

Checking out the old streets of Grand Rapids.  Look who found the Gun Shop!

Checking out the view.

Snowball fight!!!

We love the snow!!!

Get Uncle Keith!

Warming up with cocoa.

And LOTS of whipped cream!

Hanging out in the basement.

EXCITEMENT!!! COMMITTMENT!!!

Aron and I have been debating whether to run the Chicago Marathon on October 13th.  After MUCH deliberation, we decided to take part in this once in a lifetime event!  Today was the big day.  Registration opened at 1:00 p.m. and thankfully I had the day off because (due to a high volume of users) it took 2 hours and 20 minutes to get us both registered!  Last year the race sold out in 6 days so I did not want to wait.  Aron and I have also managed to get some friends on board.  Aron's best friend Gregg has committed to the challenge, as well as my good friend Maria!  Not only will I be adding this to my marathon list, but I will again be teaming up with the American Cancer Society's Team DetermiNation to raise money in memory of my Mom and to support the efforts to end cancer.  So...once again, this summer will be filled with lots and lots of RUNNING!!!!!!

You Win Some, You Lose Some

After two weeks of medaling at his wrestling tournaments, Russell was confident that he would continue to bring home the bling.  Unfortunately, Russell has gone home empty handed the past two weeks.  He has moved up a weight class which means not only stronger competitors, but more competitors.  He does not however, go down without a fight.  Yesterday, he won his first match in overtime.  He came extremely close to winning the 2nd, but during the last 5 seconds his opponent earned one more point.  The final loss was tough.  His opponent had obvious strength over Russell.  Russell refused to let the boy pin him and had to repeatedly move quickly to get out from under him.  At one point, Russell reached behind him with two hands, grabbed the boy's head and flipped him over his head.  When the time finally ran out, the other wrestler had more points.  After shaking hands, Russell stormed out of the gymnasium.  I found him huddled in a hidden corner of a hallway crying.  My heart broke.  He looked up at me and said, "I quit!  I'm no good!"  Fortunately, a few of his teammates found us and sat down by Russell quickly cheering him up.  These young boys had the words that I did not.  What a great experience for all of them.  Besides wrestling, we kept busy last week with Valentine's Day, BB Gun League, a birthday party for a friend, and our usual stream of activities.  Check out the pics:

I was able to stop in for a brief peek at Sloane's Valentine's Day party.  She was playing the game Valentine, Valentine, I love you.

Aron took Russell to his second BB gun lesson coordinated by the Cub Scouts.

He spends 30 minutes learning gun safety and 30 minutes of shooting practice.

Between all of our activities, the four of us met up for a quick treat at Krispy Kreme.

While the kids played at gymnastics open gym, Aron and I enjoyed a dinner out with friends.  I love my Heidi!!!

Russell had the lead the entire match until the last 5 seconds.  He's improving soooooo much!!!

The Winter Blues

This time of year is difficult.  Beginning in January my mind wakes each day thinking about two years ago. Last week was particularly difficult since it was the two year mark since we brought Mom home from the hospital.  I've been edgy, short on patience, and down right blue!  Then I came across a quote that said something along the lines of, "No one can take your happiness.  You have to choose to give it away."  With that, I have been focusing my energy on a positive attitude and cherishing all of the special memories I have.  I also began training for my next 1/2 marathon in April.  The early morning runs and talks with my running partner is the best therapy!  In addition, a bonus day off due to a snow storm was just what the doctor ordered!  A little extra play time with my two favorite kids always makes me feel blessed.  So as winter winds down and the sunshine shines brighter, I will remember my mother's advice... "This too shall pass, Honey.  This too shall pass."

More pictures of our fun!

Our weekends continue to include Russell's wrestling tournaments.

I love watching Aron and Russell talk strategy.

Sloane and I stay busy between matches with lots of games.

Russell brought home another 3rd place medal.

Sloane celebrated the 100th day of kindergarten!

SNOW DAY!!!  This hill is a great workout!

Taking a rest after several back-to-back flights downhill.

Russell kept going even after a collision with another sledder.

Recouperating at Krispy Kreme.

There's nothing a little cocoa and a glazed donut can't fix!

After over an hour of shoveling and snowfort building, we enjoyed cocoa at home.

What's New

We have been keeping busy with all the kids' activities.  We run from here to there all week watching them enjoy all the fun that growing up has to offer.  Today we lucked out and got a snow day due to the snowy, icy, slushy mess outside.  I'm using today as a "catch up around the house" day!  Here's a few pictures from the last two weeks.

Russell had his first win at last week's wrestling tournament.  He was beyond excited!

Once Russell felt victory, he couldn't let it go.

He landed in 3rd place and was thrilled to receive a medal.

Sloane keeps busy at the wrestling tournament by coloring, eating snacks, and napping on the bleachers.  It's a looooooong day!

Russell's cub scout den visited the local firehouse for a tour.  He came home with stickers, safety books, and autographs!

At the end of each month, parents get to observe dance class.  Sloane continues to enjoy her weekly lesson and is already excited for the recital in June. 

This past weekend, the kids stayed with my dad and Cindy along with her two grandsons.  They came home with plenty of fun stories to tell.  Thank you Dad and Cindy!  Aron and I enjoyed a fun night in the D!

Sloane LOVES to play on my phone!  She captured this crazy moment of the two of us!  Love her!

Russell the Wrestler!

With Aron's history as a wrestler, Russell was hardly going to find an escape from the sport.  Fortunately, the apple doesn't seem to have fallen very far from the tree because Russell LOVES the sport.  When the opportunity arose this fall to sign him up for a winter wrestling club in a nearby town, Russell was anxious to begin.  He practices 4 hours a week and Aron is there coaching and rooting him on the entire time.  Yesterday, was Russell's first wrestling tournament.  Aron and Russell were out the door by 6:30 a.m. and heading to weigh-in at Howell High School.  Sloane and I met them there a few hours later in time to see the first match.  My stomach flipped and flopped as if I was preparing for a marathon.  I had never attended a wrestling meet before and had no idea what to expect.  Then to imagine my child in the center of it all, duking it out...  I was a nervous wreck!  Well, I quickly got over being nervous and was cheering loudly on the sidelines. Although Russell fought hard and showed good technique, he did not have a win (this time).  He was such a great sport!  Aron and I were very proud.  Most importantly, he had fun and so did we!  Tournament #2 is next week.  

Welcome 2013!

We have had a busy start to the new year!  We rung in 2013 with an exciting neighborhood party at the local Bounce House.  The kids had a blast running, jumping, eating, and making lots of new year noise!  January 1st unfortunately brought the flu into our home, but thankfully only I suffered.  After being completely wiped out for 5 days, I am back and feeling great!  Our 2013 calendar is filling up fast.  We are excited for all the great things the new year has to offer!  Check out the New Year's fun below!

The girls flying down the BIG slide!

Precious sweeties!!!  Love them!

Most of Russell's pictures are a blur... the boy never stops moving!!!

Some wrestling fun!

The gang!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Party animals!

Pizza, ice cream, and cupcakes!  Plus lots of party favors.

The crazy parents!