Who missed their daddy?

Just one more picture. The kids missed their dad this week. Can you tell?

Prom

Matt has his prom tonight. I thought I would share a few pictures of him, the "princess" Brooke (as Sam so fondly calls her), me...the proud Aunt, and the girls, Molly and Miss 'Kenzie. Too bad it's only 40 degrees here. Poor Brooke suffered through a few outdoor pictures by the birch tree. It is tradition after all.

Jack's Soccer Schedule

Soccer season has started...Yea!!! Jack is on the Grizzlies and they play on the far end of Click Road (fields A, B, C, and D). His schedule is as follows. Games start at 5:45:

April 30 (B)

May 7 (C)

May 12 (A)

May 19 (B)

May 21 (A)

May 28 (B)

Better luck next time...

The bad news: Mark did not pass his welding exam...this time.
The good news: He is working 2nd shift in Saginaw and can practice at the local facility during the day time hours (under their supervision) to prepare to take it again, hopefully in a couple of weeks. He was very close but needs a bit more practice and guidance. We are certain that passing this test is not a matter of if but a matter of when.

Congrats Boys...You did it!

They did it!!!!
The boys got a taste of trampolines last summer and decided they "needed" one. Well, after checking the price tags, we told them they were on their own....start saving. Well, with the jumpstart of some gift cards from Christmas, they managed to earn what they needed to get a new trampoline. They worked hard and saved every dollar that came their way (or was found on the bathroom counter when dad cleaned his pockets). They are proud as can be....and so are we.

Sam, Jack and Gabe

Megan and Molly

A special thanks to Grandma Elaine, Papaw, Matt, Uncle Mike and Aunt Chrissy who made this happen today. And to Gabe and Megan for helping break it in.

Here's the Birthday Girl...

2 Years old! She is now the proud owner of a wardrobe better than her mother (nothing new there), a tea set, a new bike, and of course, what's a birthday without a baby doll.

Big Girl

Miss Molly Jane will be 2 tomorrow. She is getting so big...and showing the signs of the 2's as if someone flipped a switch. For her birthday, we redid her room with the "big girl bed." She's doing great with it. It only took one night to get her to stay in it. I was amazed. Next step, the potty. In addition to the new bed, she welcomed 2 with her first hair cut. Auntie Carol trimmed the bottom baby hairs and she sat through it great. Anything is tolerable as long as a good Tootsie Pop is involved. The girl does like her sweets. Here are a few pics. I'll post more after the celebration tomorrow.

Wish him luck

Mark got word today that his welding exam will be next Wednesday. Any of you that would be willing to cross a finger or two for him, we'd really appreciate it. He has been practicing diligently and has a really good feeling about it. It's been a long time coming.

For those of you who don't know, this test will determine whether he can bypass the 5 year apprenticeship program and go straight for his journeymans card with the Pipefitters Union. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. In laymans terms, he'll go straight to doing what he loves and getting a much better paycheck for it. Sadly, he'll still be on the road a lot but at least he'll be doing work he truly enjoys, while making a better living and building a better pension.

A final farewell to winter...

Well, it is Spring finally. I enjoy winter but really....

At last, the swing set is unburied, the bikes have been tuned up (and seats raised several inches), and even the squirt guns saw daylight...a bit of a stretch maybe for April but it's hard to resist the glowing faces of 2 shirtless boys that have clearly been couped up inside for WAY too long.

I love this time of year. It seems to bring out the kid in all of us. I neglected my "chores" in exchange for some much needed fresh air. After an extended weekend of lovely weather, I came in this evening and was forced to face my poor neglected house. Eek! Time for a glass of wine...

Avalanche Bay

While we didn't go on "vacation" for Spring Break, we were treated to a day at Avalanche Bay, the indoor waterpark at Boyne Mountain...and boy, was it a DAY. We spent 11 hours and had an absolute blast. Jack and Sam got brave and tried both the tube and body slides...and Matt even talked them into "surfing." Matt spent the day mastering tricks at the RipZone, the surf simulator. If I get it figued out, I will post video of Matt, Jack, and Sam at the RipZone. Molly joined us after daycare (and a much needed nap). She was a riot - no fear. She did the slide in the kid pool at least a dozen times, belly flooping everytime. Here are a few photos from our "Arthur Family Fun Day." A good time was had by all. Thanks Grandma and Papaw!

Sharing

Good evening. As I sit here, enjoying my quiet house, iTunes and a long awaited glass of wine (or two...but who's counting), I am thinking about how amazing it is that I can share everything these days. The internet is unbelievable!

• I have kept in touch with close friends and family (and reconnected with some old as well) - with minimal postage...though I do like a good piece of mail occassionally.
• I have shared photos of my kids when they were just hours old - really...how cool it that?
• I have opened of the doors my delightful little small town gift shop ~ ParkSide North Gifts~ to the whole world (well, at least the continental U.S.)...again, how cool is that?
• And now, I can share my thoughts and adventures along with an occasional gripe and belly ache.

One last time...how cool is that?

Happy Spring!