Beautiful Spring

I love Spring! Living in Minnesota, where the winters are so bitter and miserable , it makes Spring that much more pleasant. The kids had last Friday off School. Kiley had a winter camp for church, and Jason was in California for work all weekend, so the boys and Kate and I decided to enjoy the 50 degrees weather and go for a hike. We went on a hike that was slushy, muddy, messy, we got lost and walked around for 3 hours and then when we made it back to the car, with wet feet from trapesing through the mud, we discovered a parking ticket on our windshield, because the meter expired. Might sound like a disaster, but I consider it a huge success. So fun to be with the kids and go exploring and just take time off from our busy lives.

James found this cool hollow tree

Kate was so nervous about crossing over on this log.

But not nearly as nervous as James. I think he has a little fear of heights. So funny.

What a fun day. We are looking forward to going to a warmer climate for Spring Break. We are headed to Florida, where the spring temperatures are 70-80 degrees. We are so excited about our trip, especially since we talked my parents into meeting us there. Yay!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jason

Monday was Jason's Birthday and he took the day off work to get some things done around the house. He requested Peach Pie (his favorite) instead of birthday cake. We had a nice time and we were happy to spend the day with him. (Since it was also Presidents Day, the kids had the day off school too).

Since it is his birthday this week, I have been thinking alot about Jason and how wonderful he is. He works so hard to provide for our family. I know that this is a huge responsibility and that his career is full of stress and sleepless nights. I know that there are many days that he wishes we could just move away to a cabin in the woods and live a simpler life. Tonight he is stuck at the office, working on a project that is due first thing in the morning. He carries the responsibility of providing for our family. These days that responsibity can be seem like a heavy burden. He is so incredibly good to me and so kind. He never criticizes me, he just supports me in everything I do. He knows how easily hurt I can be and he is incredibly sensitive to my feelings. He puts up with my loathing when it comes to cooking and preparing dinner and treats me to dinner out WAY more often than he should. He is my very best friend and although I don't know what I did to deserve him, I am so thankful he is with me in this journey and by my side always.

Will is showing me his "Happy Dance"

I don't have any good pictures of James this week because he has been home sick, with the flu. I think it's back to school for him tomorrow, though.

Tubing at Buck Hill

I know, I know. I go months without posting and then twice in one week. What's with that? I like to think I am finally getting organized and settled in. I am better keeping on top of things now that I am mostly unpacked.

We went tubing on Saturday and the kids (and the adults) had so much fun!

On your Mark, Get Set, GO!

Kiley is in the second lane, Kate and Jason together in the far lane...

And now Here comes James...

And I somehow missed Will while he was tubing down the hill,

and just caught him when he arrived at the bottom...

However, he was so sweet to volunteer to re-enact the whole thing for me...

And back up the hill for more...

After I got a few pictures, I went and put my camera back in the car and joined them. We tubed for a couple hours, then had some hot chocolate. It was a fun evening.

Crazy Hair Day

Last week the boys were supposed to do something wacky with their hair for Crazy Hair Day at school. Kiley and Kate wanted in on the fun.

Will

James

Kiley

It has been a long time since I posted and although the Christmas season is long gone, I just have to post these pictures of the kids acting out the nativity story. My sisters son is playing the part of Joseph, and my youngest daughter, Kate is playing the part of Mary. Kiley and Will are the Wise Men bringing gifts, and James is one of the shephards.

Kate as Mary

Kiley and Will as the Kings

Our Nativity Cast

My favorite part of the story was when Joseph, my nephew Aaron, decided that he should be the one to ride the donkey, instead of his wife, Mary (Kate). The look Kate is giving him of disgust is my favorite picture. Just after this, Joseph fell off the donkey. Priceless. It was quite a moment.

And just incase you didn't catch that look of disgust, here it is as a close-up. I am pretty sure I give that same look to Jason somedays. It's that, "Are you kidding me?" look. You ladies know what I am talking about. Jason knows that look well.

And the fall...

We also had a fun little talent show on Christmas Eve. Kate did her favorite trick. It looked something like this: