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.

A Few Shots of Fun

We are finishing up our week off for spring break.  No fancy trips this year and not exactly the nice weather we would have liked, but fun was still happening!  The best part about the week was being able to live a nice sloooooow pace.  No rushing from here-to-there and taking each day as it came.  I didn't take many pictures, but we were sure to do something special everyday.  Our outings included a visit to Build-a-Bear Workshop, Domino Farms, Papa's house in Gladwin, the Art Studio, and much more.  What's next... 10 more weeks until Summer vacation!!!

We spent an afternoon at the Royal Oak Creative Art Studio.  The kids walked away asking to go back again sometime. 

Sloane enjoyed painting a tea cup and several small ornaments.  Russell painted an army tank and a goblet to look like something from Indiana Jones.

Russell earned his green strip belt in karate.  It's hard to believe he's been in karate for over a year.

We didn't go down to the game, but we enjoyed family baseball fun at the park.  Russell is anxious to go to Tiger's game this summer.

A Weekend of Easter Fun!

The less than spring like weather is not stopping us from having a little fun on our block!  We woke up Saturday morning with temperatures in the 30's, but by 10 am it warmed up a bit and the kids headed out for our neighborhood Easter egg hunt.  We all had a good laugh when we noticed that the squirrels had beat the kids to about a dozen eggs.  Those little rodents had chewed right through the plastic eggs to get the chocolate!  We continued our Saturday celebration with an Easter dinner with Aron's Dad and Bev.  The kids were spoiled with another egg hunt coordinated by Grandpa and Bevie in our backyard.  After a rainy start, Easter day fortunately brought some sunshine and warmer weather.  We enjoyed a musical filled church service followed by a scrumptious brunch then spent an afternoon enjoying the sunshine outdoors!  The kids and I are now looking forward to a week of relaxation and fun while we are on spring vacation.

Our adorable neighborhood girls!

These boys were born 4 days apart.  It's hard to believe they are 7!!!

The kids worked together while searching for hidden eggs.

Can you see the chocolate in Sloane's mouth?!?!

Easter morning.  All set for church.

Enjoying the sunshine at the park.  Russell built his own fort.

Neighborhood buddies!

Pinewood Derby

Last weekend Russell participated in the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.  Aron and Russell had spent a week perfecting his first derby car.  Russell knew exactly what he wanted down to every last detail.  He insisted on an "army" car.  Camouflage paint, blue windows, and army decals.  It's always fun to see him excited about an activity.  In the end, Russell's car came in third place in his den.  We celebrated afterward with a milkshakes and burgers for lunch.