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.

Making the Most of March

After the beautiful 60+ degree weather we had one week ago, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring!  It seems to be delayed a bit after another snowfall this weekend.  The kids don't seem to mind as much as Aron and I.  They enjoyed another day of playing in the snow and found plenty of fun things to keep them busy in the house.  Only two more weeks until Easter and spring vacation so we will keep our fingers crossed for rising temperatures in Michigan.  If not, we will have fun hunting for eggs in the snow!

Mac turned 9-years-old on March 6th.  We spoiled him with extra treats and a new squeaky toy.  He greets us at the door almost everyday with the new toy in his mouth.

Russell and I have had Monopoly spread out on the family room floor for almost a week.  Every time he earns money, he sings a little tune of "I am a billionaire!"

Sloane picked out Shrinkie Dinks on our last visit to the craft store.  She enjoyed watching them change shape in the oven.

Russell's bedroom has turned into a WWII battle zone.  I LOVE his imagination!

Aron took Russell to Bass Pro for a visit and it looks like a young Davey Crockett got a BIG one!

Russell has taken to texting Aron from my phone.  He is so serious when typing his messages. 

Shamrockin Showcase!

Today was Sloane's day to show off for us at her gymnastics showcase.  She was so excited for us to watch and cheer for her as she tumbled, twirled, and hopped.  She even insisted that I paint her finger and toe nails prior to her performance.  Once the crowd was seated however, she became nervous and chewed her nail polish right off!  You would have never known she was nervous as she completed her routine with a full grin.  What a brave girl!

Afterward, we were able to take some photos.  Sloane loves twirling on the bar.

Balance beam fun!

Ta Da!

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!!!!!!