Back to School

We have had a very busy week - nothing on the calendar all Spring Break...but it seemed to fill itself everyday! With cousins, chocolate, playing outside on the sunny days, movies, and sickness...we are all ready for a regular routine. Just hope they all stay healthy (Dad has been sick)- only 9 more weeks left! So tomorrow morning our house will be a little quieter....but I'm sure Barney will fill the silence!

Favorite Photo Friday - Daddy

Here is my pick of the week - photos w/ Dad. I love my husband dearly...couldn't ask for anyone better to be married to, raise kids with, and yes, even put up with me! I love pictures of him with our kids. He is such a great Dad. So, honey here you go - your very own post! Love ya!

Candy and Cousins

Our niece and nephew are here visiting for the week. We are having a great time with them. Everyday we have done something fun. Today was the big Anthony Thomas candy store tour. I have always wanted to see it - and so all five kids and I headed out. They are a famous chocolate maker here in Columbus. We found out how the chocolates are made, saw it from start to finish - and even saw who they make it for (Nestle). We couldn't take pictures in the factory itself, but I got a few in the candy store. Even Mia enjoyed the tour - or maybe just the free buckeye candy at the end! The kids tried to convince me that I needed to buy the 225 lb buckeye...it was only $3400. Katy thought we could eat it in a week. Megan said a day. I'll let them settle that argument! Instead Aunt Stacy splurged for Buckeye pretzels and candy bars. They were all happy with that!

Waiting for the tour
The 225 pound buckeye...if I spent that kind of money, I'd want a fresh one!
Mia checking out the candy
Matthew, Max, and Megan looking at the big buckeye

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter a little late. Hope you all had a wonderful day!

Megan showing us her pretty dress!

This is how Mia smiles now...big cheeses Max was excited to get his Tiger Snake Webkinz in his basket!

Favorite Photo Friday - Sleeping

Some of my friends have started their own categories on different days of the week, and I've seen this on several blogs. So, I'm starting Favorite Photo Friday - with a category each week.

This week's photo is sleeping. So if you want to play along...post your favorite sleeping picture on your blog. It can be family, friends, pets, whatever. So here it goes week one! My favorite sleeping pictures are of my kids as babies. There is nothing like a peaceful sleeping baby!

Max - 1 day old

Megan - 1 day old

Mia - 10 months old (on the airplane from Nanchang to Guangzhou)

Is it Spring Yet?

By now I am used to 70's and sunny - whether in GA or TX... It is only 37 with rain, more rain, and much more rain to come. Not to mention the kids have spring break starting Friday. Although I'm looking forward to having them home...how do you keep them entertained in the rain?

Calgon...if only it could really take me away!

Buckinaitis Wins 1st Place!

"Buckinaitis" - named after the Ohio State Football player James Laurinaitis won 1st place for Wolf Cub Scouts this morning! Max and Daddy (ok mostly Daddy) have spent countless hours planning and finishing their Cub Scout Pinewood Derby car. Imagine our surprise when Max won 1st place! He is so excited and thrilled..especially since it is his 1st race! A lot of kids from his den won best overall and other design trophies. Here's some pictures of the big day!

Weighing in...

All lined up and ready to go!

Max with his den leader - notice the long track!

Megan and Max watching the races

Max with his pit crew

Max and Grandpa

Max getting his 1st place trophy

One proud boy!

"Oh Toodles...."

If your littles ones watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...you'll know what I mean. Mia gets so excited every morning I mention "Mee Mouse" - today she litterally jumped up and down and wiped out....I just laughed and she did too.

Today was a first as she was watching with Megan...when Mickey said "Everyone say Oh Toodles"....Mia says "OOooooo Toooooooles" every time. I'm sure her speech therapist will love that one!

And for those wonderting....

No - the kids did not have school today.

****Blizzard Update**** 17 Inches

Well, we are now at a level 3...can't go anywhere or do anything. Remember the snow drift out back this morning? I was right...on the back side it's as tall as Mia! Here's the front side!

We headed outside for some much needed fresh air for sled rides (in the street too) and climbing up the snow drifts. The kids got cold, so we had to come in.

Sledding w/ Dad in the street...the one and only time they are even allowed in the street!

Sitting on top of the "mountain"
"I did it!" - He thinks he climbed a mountain...
Getting ready to go outside.

Blizzard of '08

That is what everyone is calling it! We haven't seen snow like this since 1993 - both Scott and I were in college and Ohio State canceled classes, just as they did today! It's a mess. Level 2 Snow emergency (stay off the roads) most everywhere...with Level 3 (absolutely NO one on the roads)close at hand. It's not stopping anytime soon. 5-8 more inches, and I think we may have at least 8-9 right now. In the snow drifts - they are at least 3 feet. I keep joking about plopping Mia in a drift to see how tall it is...my guess is it is taller than her! Here are a few pictures of our view this morning.

Looking across the street Our patio out back...the drifts are as tall as the deck box
Our view down the street
Max making use of his time inside w/ the Lego SandcrawlerMia helping sort out the pieces....he may be missing some soon
Megan getting ready to Art!

From the Altar to the Door

Most of our friends will know who this group is, although I'm sure a few of you do not. Scott and I bought tickets back in November (and got 9th row seats) for Casting Crowns. They, along with Third Day, are our favorite Contemporary Christian artists. All I can say is what an amazing worship time and music. We both got a lot out of their ministry and vocals. I can't say enough, so if they are coming to your area - you should go. The tickets are cheap - and the reward outstanding.

P.S. A big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for watching our kids!

The Big Pre-K Art Show

Today Mia and I visited Megan's art show. Wow. I had no idea what they have been doing, as very little has come home. Now I know why. They built a rocket ship, people, manger scenes, books, and lots of other creations that were unrecognizable! ha! Here are a few shots.

Mia's job is always to get Megan's lunch box.

Megan's manger scene

The Turtle Class project - A Rocket ship

I got there early, so I was able to sneak a peek at Megan arting away.

I know you're not supposed to take pictures of pictures...but these were on a poster board and I couldn't resist. They are perfect pictures of Megan doing art in her class. (the one on the left is her painting the spacecraft!)

The "person" on the left is "me when I was a baby".

Spring is in the Air!

Yesterday it was 50, supposed to be 60 today. Most of the snow is melted, so I am happy to say Spring is in the air...at least for now. It will get colder and snow I'm sure later in the week. But for now my kids can run in the sun!

I have not taken any pictures lately. I think it is because I am almost 2 years behind in scrapbooking.....and I don't want to get further behind!