Trip to Indianapolis

A much anticipated event for us this winter was going to spend the weekend with Aunt Shari and Uncle Stephen, Alivia, James and Josiah during mid-winter break. We left Friday at noon and made it down in 4 hours. The kids did great in the car and for once we didn't question our decision to drive to Florida later this year.

We started our visit with a trip to the Indianapolis Children's Museum which is always a special treat. They were having a special "members only" night which meant there was a lot smaller crowd than there usually is.

First stop, digging for dinosaur bones.

Our future executives hard at work in the Barbie exhibit. This was a new exhibit and one that we've never had the chance to see. The girls were especially fascinated by the fun activities.

Josiah, trying his hand at fashion designing. :-)

What a little doll! He had fun exploring with curiosity as his guide.

Our little diva showing off her moves on the runway.

It won't be long and Elizabeth WILL be chauffering her brother and sister.

I think we all feel safer with Daddy in the driver's seat.

Two little buddies who enjoyed every minute they had together.

It's not a visit to the museum without a ride on the carousel.

Stephen and James. This was James' first ride on a "moving" animal.

Josiah enjoying his mommy time.

The boys' way of relaxing.

and the girls'.

I think your baby needs some ice cream, Mommy.

On Saturday we were able to relax and play at Stephen and Shari's home. On Saturday night, the Gray's cousin came to babysit and Stephen and Shari treated Eric and I to a wonderful dinner out. It was fun to visit without hearing the word "Mommy" once, because we hear it a lot with 6 children running around. :-)

Our return home was unexpectantly delayed by a snowstorm in Michigan so we enjoyed having an extra night together. Unfortunately Bryan woke up Monday morning with a case of the stomach flu which made our trip home long and interesting to say the least. :-) We're home and on the road to recovery and enjoying all the wonderful memories of the past weekend.

Daddy and his daughters and Mommy and her son

Ready for a night at the Daddy/Daughter Dance.

What a special Daddy these girls have! They all had a super time!

A Valentine pancake breakfast because this probably isn't going to happen on Monday morning.

Mommy also got to have a fun night with the son of the family. We've had 4 years of preschool in our family and every year there is a V.I.P. night where the kids are asked to bring a special person who doesn't get to see the preschool very often. Eric has always gone because it seems that I am ALWAYS at the preschool. However, apparently last time I made a comment about how sad I was that I missed the ice cream. My little man remembered that and would not be convinced that there was any better choice than Mommy to be his date! I love that little boy! We had a great time together.

Cutting out his Valentine craft.

Helping with the calendar board.

Surrounded by his friends.

We're so thankful for opportunities to watch our kids interact with their friends. They have grown so much and continually amaze us with all that they are learning. Have a happy Valentine's Day!

Blizzard of 2011

After being cooped up inside with illnesses the last two weeks, it was great to get the kids outside and into some fresh air. With the large amount of snow we got over Tuesday evening, there was a large pile of snow at the church across the street which served as a great sledding hill and provided a couple of hours of fun over the weekend. Enjoy the pictures.

Great job, Ash!

We just have to work on the landing.

Another spill.

Another try.

And another spill. And yet, she just keeps going.

Looking pretty good for having spent 5 days this past week in bed with the flu. It's so nice to see that grin again.

Have a great week!

Family Fun and the Firestation

Thanks for the many comments on the last post. Grandma did meet Jesus on January 17 and we know that she is happy and free of pain. I'm so thankful that my aunts were able to show her my last post just a couple of days before she slipped into a coma. In spite of the difficult circumstances, the funeral provided a time for many of her family members to be together to celebrate her life and it meant that we got to enjoy some time with Shari and Stephen and their family as well.

Our little man enjoying the Ipad. Fast-forward 30 some years and this could be his father.

I'm so thankful for any time we get to enjoy Shari and Stephen's precious kids.

"Josiah Boone." Fortunately I snapped the picture in the seconds that he tolerated having it on his head.

So thankful to have special time with family, even the crazy ones who love to beat us at our favorite games.

While we were occupied with games, the kids took over the basement and the Wii. Bryan enjoys having someone his size to play with!

Especially the ones who would rather dance than put their full effort into beating him.

Last week, Bryan's class headed to the firestation for a lesson in fire safety.

Future fire fighter? He will need to grow a bit first. The helmet weighs just about as much as he does.

Bryan put great effort into his smile. That is our problem lately. There's a little too much effort!!! :-) We are so thankful for our wonderful preschool. It's a bit sad that this will be the last year that they will have a Tower student. Kindergarten screening is in 1 1/2 months. Hard to believe that my baby is almost 5 and will be starting "real" school in the fall.