Where do I start??

that is the question...

where to begin on the past two months

heavens...approaching three months...

well

I can't even begin to think of where to start.

So instead of trying to explain it all

I am going to just pretend that I never took 

a blogging hiatus 

and start with the

here 

and 

now.

 two beautiful concert girls
a few weeks ago the Natalie and Amelia
performed wonderfully in their first grade music concert

They were so proud and excited to showcase
what they have been preparing for all year.

Even though we were crowded in a hot gym
we loved every moment.

I will admit to a few choked-up nostalgic moments
on my part...where did my little girls go??

And this little one is finally big enough to play.
Talk about loving every moment.
He eagerly awaits soccer night every week.

I am amazed by his ability to just join in,
listen to his coach
(which is proof that he can listen and follow directions when he wants to)
and have a great time running around the field.

His sisters have played for a while but are not in love with soccer.
Sam, though right now...would play every night if you let him!

Last but not least...the reason behind the blogging break.

We have been busy updating, cleaning and showing...
and our reward for our efforts....

yep..
we are moving...
someday into a brand new house...
that won't be ready until the fall.

where are we going in the meantime...
starting in late June..
some of you know
but since the kids don't yet...

I'll leave you in suspense.
Hopefully it won't take me another three months to get back to you.

Here is to "approximately 10 days left in the school year!"
hip-hip-hurray!

4 on the 4th!

A perfect day in so many ways!

A special golden day for our golden boy..

The annual trip to Perkins for sprinkle pancakes with whip cream.

Birthday wishes from friends and family

Handmade notes and cards from loving sisters.

boy toys...abound...

a perfect day...

a 

little

demanding

intense

and loving

a 

funny

exhausting

energetic

and intelligent

a 

heartbreaking

picky

truck loving

mama's

a 

dynamic

one of a kind

lovable

big

boy

how we love you so...

Happy Golden 4th Birthday Amazing Super Sam!

 

 

 

Celebrate!

Another year...

now you are 7!

quite hard to comprehend...

our beautiful girls.

full of life

full of love

model students

enthusiastic learners

voracious readers

sensitive

overly dramatic

intelligent

caring

always growing

both in physical and mental form

blessings

trials

and rewards

oh, how we love you so...

Happy 7th Birthday Girls!

 

Frosty Fun

Since it has been exactly a month since my last post

I guess its about time I share something from our lives.

Lately the days are filled with the normal routine.

Even though there is nothing really out of the ordinary going on

our days seem to fly by and the "to do" list continues to grow.

At this particular moment in time everyone is happy and healthy.

Though with a family of five that can change at any moment...

I hope I did not just jinx myself.  :)

Yesterday the temperatures rose above deadly to just frigid.

So off to the nature center's Frosty Fun Festival we went!

First event-  the dogsled races

Look how eager these dogs are!

 

 Ok it wasn't really a race...

but more like a thrilling ride!

 Next up-  ice golf

 The level of difficulty dramatically increases 

when you can't even stand very well on the course.

 

Break time in the snow hut.

 Third event-  ice bowling with a frozen chicken

 As you can see Sam is a natural.

For your entertainment-  kicksledding

 It is sad when your daughter laps you.

 Some events require speed, others strength...

this one is all skill-  ice towers!

 And for the victory lap to top off the festival-  a sleigh ride

pulled by...

Santa's Reindeer!

We hope your weekend was also filled with family fun!

Holiday Festivities

Now that we have had a day or so to recover

I finally made it to the computer to view, upload and share

our holiday shots.

Merry Belated Christmas to all

and we hope that your new year

brings happiness to you.

The Annual Hunt

Time once again to gear up

spot the perfect tree immediately upon arrival

wander around aimlessly making sure there isn't a better option

trip over many tree stumps

brush snow off of prickly limbs

continuously readjust mittens and hats for the perfect comfort level

repeat the mantra "I am not going to carry you." all through the paths

freeze our cheeks

waddle in our boots

squint in the sun

admire the fresh snow sparkle

laugh, run, hide and play...

all what make's this year's hunt a perfect day....

Fall Fun...Finally!

I promised myself that I would get these photos posted before Christmas came...

and went....

Thank heavens for daylight savings time.

I am up this morning doing laundry, labeling photos and uploading to this post.

What an extra hour can do for a person!

Oh...and did I mention I am up by myself?

How glorious is that?

he-he  : )

Amelia Smiles

Sam Fun

 Natalie Giggles

 Amelia Art

 Natalie Design

 Carving Party

 Natalie

 Sam

 Amelia

 Ariel

aka Amelia

 Rapunzel

aka Natalie

 Blue Monster

aka Spider Man

(maybe next year, Sammy)

 The gang

 The end!