Sunny Florida

We had a fantastic Spring Break last week. We took the kids to Florida. The weather was perfect, and we visited each of the Disney parks, spent a day at the beach and a couple days, just lounging in the pools at the resort. This vacation, as you can see in the pictures, was all about Kate. Jason and I took the kids to Disney World before Kate was born and when Kate (who is a huge Mickey fan) found our photo album of Disney World a few years ago, she asked with a sweet little sad voice, while staring betrayed at the picture, "Where's Katie?" So since that question we have been telling her that we will someday take her to Disney. Last year, she got smart and asked her daddy when he would take her to meet Mickey. He told her he would take her when she is 6. Well, we decided that since we had a good tax return (Thanks to the relocation) we better do it now while we have the money. There are many vacations I would much rather do, but we figured we better get this trip out of the way. Next time is my turn to choose the vacation, as I am not a huge fan of Disney World. But we enjoyed being together and mostly, we enjoyed that my parents were able to come spend some time with us in the sun. Here are some of our favorite pictures. I know they are mostly of Kate. She wanted to meet every character we saw, and she wanted her picture taken constantly. This is the place where dreams really do come true. For Kate, anyway... Just look at that huge smile in every picture. It was well worth it.

Okay, the part of this trip Kate was looking forward to the most, (other than meeting Mickey, that is), was the visit to Epcot where she could visit a mini Japan. She has been fascinated by Japan every since they studied it in school and she kept asking to go there. Jason told her that at Epcot there is a mini Japan and he would take her there. Well, while walking through one of the shops in "Japan" these sweet ladies asked Kate if she would like to try on a Kimono. She was thrilled and they were so sweet and took so much time with her, even fixing her hair up in a flower. That was very fun for Kate. She was so excited to tell Grandma about it.

Well, the rest of us had some fun at Disney too...

Now I can start saving for MY dream Vacation...

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.