Isaiah's 1st diorama

In preparation for their trip to the zoo last week, Isaiah's class had an assignment to choose one of 7 or 8 suggested habitat's and make a diorama. Isaiah wanted to use a wolf he already had, so we chose the "woodland" habitat. We cut a branch from a holly bush to make a tree. Isaiah painted the grass and trees. We made a stream with blue paper covered with plastic wrap and lined it with stones. We added a pile of sticks for a beaver dam and made some playdough using whole wheat flour for the bear cave. I was so impressed with his work. It was one of those moments where I realize just how much he has grown up. He doesn't need my help with much anymore. As parents, we all have those moments where we let the kids do something, knowing full well that we will have to redo it when they're not looking, am I right? He did such a great job, there was nothing to "fix" :) I am having so much more fun THIS time around in school than I did as a kid!

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Lily's 1st taste of rice cereal

...let's just say... it wasn't a hit...

happy birthday to me!

My Mom & John sent these beautiful sunflowers! I had a great day! Justin and I got sushi for lunch, Anne watched Gabe and Luke so I could run some errands alone with Lily. Then we ate dinner over there. I am a lucky girl surrounded by so much love! 31's not so bad :)

Last week was Isaiah's Spring Break, although they had to go monday and tuesday as make-up snow days. They were also supposed to have Easter monday off as well, but that became another makeup day. Justin was given the day off because they have been working lots of overtime on some big installations, it was a prefect time to take a breather. Justin and I decided Sunday night that we would keep Isaiah out of school and make a fun day of playing hooky. The weather was incredible! Lots of sunshine, a nice breeze. We did the paddle boats (which we will not do again... instead, we'll try the rowboats, canoes or kayaks). We even did a little fishing - didn't catch anything but saw lots of fish that just wouldn't bite. It really was the perfect family day - so nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of "real life" (laundry, dishes, customers, bills...) and just enjoy each other. Thank you God for the gift of this special day :)

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bowling

Ever since my Mom got us the Wii several years ago, we have enjoyed have Wii family nights where we challenge each other to games of bowling, boxing, Just Dance, etc. It's been so much fun to laugh together and everyone is included. Well, we realized after lots of Wii bowling that the boys had never tried REAL bowling. Justin found out that every Wednesday night it's only $1.50 per game, so we have gone for the last two weeks. Isaiah even got a strike the second time we went!

A visit from Grandma!!!

My Mom came this past weekend for a visit. We had a terrible storm with incredible winds, sideways rain, and hail! A tornado even touched down in other parts of town! Thankfully, we had no problems at our house but it was intense while it lasted! So we didn't get out much, but after the storm it did become sunny and the kids enjoyed splashing around. It's so nice to have Mom around. We love her visits! Only a month until the reunion when we see her again!

another trip to the park

I walked by the boys room last night while Justin was putting them to bed. Something about the lighting and Justin sitting in that little chair just begged for a picture. It was such a sweet moment :)

Isaiah lost tooth #4!!!

Well, instead of a gun, this time Gabe accessor-ized Lily with a purse that Justin's Aunt Penny got her.

LEGO bling

The big boys were playing legos and found this chain piece. Isaiah brought it out and put it on Lily for a bracelet! I thought that was so cute! It gave me the idea to make her a real one, pictures coming...