Friends

What I awoke to find one morning, Olivia reading to her sister.

The girls have either been getting along like best friends or at each other's throats.  I try and savor the moments they are in love with each other.  The new thing that started over spring break, was Olivia sleeping with Mia in her bed.  Neither Andy or I quite know how or why it started, but it went on for almost each night.  Andy informed them once school resumed it would stop.  So they each slept in their own beds the night before school started back up.  We went into check on them that night and found Mia, this time in Olivia's bed.  I told Andy to just let it go.  They're both sleeping and not ending up in our bed in the middle of the night anymore so we should be celebrating.  We'll let Olivia deal with Mia in the middle of the night instead.

Violette, Mia, Noelle, Max with Zane on top, and Olivia

We also were able to have some terrific friends the Roehrigs visit us for an afternoon during spring break.  They are a wonderful family that live a little too far from us.  The children are all close in age so they always get along so well when they get the chance to play together.  Natalie and I enjoyed time chatting with each other, while Andy and Tom enjoyed discussing whatever it is, that men like to talk about.  A walk to Jimi Jo's for ice cream culminated the visit.  We have been to Jimi Jo's way too many times since they reopened!  It was great to see the Roehrigs again and we hope we can do it again soon.  Actually a baby blanket was left at our house, so I think that means we have to drive to Adrian for a visit soon to return it!

Olivia and Taner battling it out with the "force."

Olivia continues to be a social butterfly making friends wherever she goes.  Taner is one of her new friends this year who only lives a block away.  They spend a lot of time hanging out together.  

If a Tree Falls in the Woods....

We arrived in Alpena while making excellent time.  We even stopped briefly at the outlet mall and I scored some jeans from the Gap for under $7.  I couldn't pass them up.  After checking in the hotel, we decided to drive out to the property to make sure the barn was still standing and there was no vandalism.  We were fortunate to find no evidence of vandalism, and even more fortunate to find that when a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, that it just misses the newly constructed barn.


It was a little close for comfort, but we are soooooo thankful there was no damage. 

We didn't spend much time at the property this trip up.  It was rather cold and we didn't have much we officially wanted to get done.  Although, Andy did manage to get most of the floor on the second level.  We were content to just be able to get away for a few days as a family and do things we wouldn't normally do.  The first morning we woke up to meet my dad's cousin Scott and his family at Big Boy for breakfast.  John and Esther were gracious enough to get us a gift card to Big Boy for Easter since they knew we'd be heading there since it's Mia's favorite.  It came in handy as we ate a delicious breakfast and had great company to visit with.

We did our usual trip to the shipwreck museum as well as getting ice cream at our favorite place up north, since they sent Mia a coupon for a free cone for her birthday.
 

Something we've never done and I haven't done since I was probably Olivia's age is a visit to the Besser Museum.  They have all kinds of art and historical artifacts from the area.  The museum does a great job to add some children's interactive areas and scavenger hunts.  I can remember as a child thinking it was very boring, so it was nice to see them trying to cater to the youth a bit more.  They also have a planetarium, but they only have shows on Saturdays.
 

Olivia standing next to a totem pole learning about Native American beadwork and trying some patterns out.

Mia just had fun cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
 

Strutting her stuff in front of a peacock, is Miss Mia.
 

Posing by some of the sculptures outside of the museum.  It was super windy so hard to keep the hair out of their faces.
 

Now one in front of the eagle.

We also made a stop at the Stoney Acres Winery and let Olivia buy some of their sugar free Shipwreck Soda.  It's a great little small town winery for anyone ever in the area.

 

One trip to Big Boy was not enough. 

We had dinner at the Courtyard one evening, which was delicious, but Mia was apparently tired by the time we left.  Our last dinner out was at Big Boy too.  They even seated us at the booth right next to the window so we could stare at the Big Boy statue while we ate.  We were saddened to learn that the other Big Boy in Alpena closed down.  Now they are down to one Big Boy in Alpena.  Hopefully a great new restaurant opens in the old restaurant because it's a great location on the river.
 

Another view of the tree.

We enjoyed a lot of time at the hotel too.  Numerous trips were made to the pool and hot tub.  I would recommend Days Inn Alpena to anyone looking for a place to stay up there.  We had a great trip and can't wait to go up again, we're just hoping for warmer weather next time!

Easter

Easter morning brought with it a search for the girls' baskets filled with goodies from the Easter Bunny. 


Mia found hers behind the green chair in the living room filled with goodies she loves, and a special book for her birthday from the Easter Bunny.

 

Olivia finally found her basket on the third attempt of looking in the playroom closet.  She was thrilled to find a new pair of Keen sandals and a Nancy Clancy chapter book.
 

Since it was also Mia's birthday, Andy had to give her the annual birthday spankings.
 

The birthday girl all dressed up for church to rejoice in this special day.  It's hard to see in this picture, but she has a ribbon on that says "Birthday Girl!"
 

Both my beauties ready to go.  I even did their hair.  That happens on rare occasions. 

 

Digging into their baskets from Aunt Jen at Nana and Papa's house after eating too much food at the auditorium. 
 

Mia, Olivia, Jennifer, all piled atop of poor Robert.
 

Olivia posing with some goodies from Nana and Papa.
 

Mia showing her eggs she found on her egg hunt.  It was another blessed day with family, but we left sooner than usual so we could hit the road and make it to Alpena at a decent hour.  We had a great Easter and were able to realize all we've been blessed with.  We hope the same was true for all of you.

Hoppy Birthday Mia!

Not only is today a blessed day to celebrate that Christ is risen, but we also get to celebrate the birth of Mia.  She turns 4 years old today!  We held her small family party at our home yesterday, so she could have her own special day, and then enjoy Easter too.


Her greatly appreciated Cinderella baby doll from Nana and Papa.

Jane and Mia scoping out all the gifts.  Here Mia is holding her new princess tutu from Aunt Jen.

Grandpa holding his newest granddaughter, Naomi Grace!

Blowing out her candle on her cupcake.

I of course was slow with my camera.  There aren't many photos from her party.  No pictures of the great spread, which included Mia's favorites, guacamole, strawberries, green grapes, raspberries, and blackberries, in a fruit salad, goldfish crackers, Snyders of Hanovers honey mustard pretzles pieces, cupcakes, birthday cake ice cream, and chocolate peanut butter pie, were some of the featured items on her menu.  After she delved into about five helpings of guacamole, and everyone else was stuffed, the guests headed their own way.  She got many treasured gifts, but was thrilled to be able to have all her family in attendance.

Licking the frosting off her candle.

Testing out her new karaoke microphone she got from Andy and I.  Let's just say, Andy was not aware of this item and already is waiting for the batteries to die.  Olivia is enjoying it even more than Mia.

So, today is now Easter, and our meatball's official birthday.  Spring break also falls this week and Mia wants to go to Alpena for her birthday.  Who could deny her, her birthday wish?  The Easter Bunny came this morning, (a future blog post will include pictures from Easter) the family is enjoying cinnamon rolls for breakfast before they get all dolled up for church.  After church is brunch at the auditorium with Andy's family, followed by a quick stop at Nana and Papa's to see what the "Esther Bunny" brought the girls, and then it's north bound to Alpena.  We're staying at Days Inn for a few nights since the camper is all winterized and it'll be cold.  The girls will be able to enjoy some swimming at the indoor pool, free breakfast, and hot showers, plus Mia can eat at Big Boy.  That was her biggest request.  Happy Easter everyone!

Moving On....

As most know, my dad and Patty have another home in Alpena that they plan to retire to.  Their plan is to make the big move the summer of 2014.  My sister and I have been suggesting they start trying to market their house in the mean time.  Selling a house in our area is not something that happens over night.  Then again, I guess it can.  A coworker of my dads approached him about looking at their house.  His family had been wanting to move for a few years, but not found anything they liked.  Well, they fell in love with the house, agreed on a price, signed a purchase agreement, had an appraisal, and had one month to get out.  My dad and Patty had over 21 years of "stuff" packed into that house.  Another part of our "March Madness" has been helping them go through items, pack up, and have a huge sale.  They still aren't moving to Alpena until next summer, so they're renting a small upstairs apartment of a house only about two blocks from us.  They had to get rid of A LOT to make it all fit.  They plan to take some stuff to the Alpena house soon, but mainly buy new furniture for up there.  I think that is wise.  Patty married into a difficult time when she automatically gained two teenage stepdaughters, but she lived in Jane's house.  The furnishings have remained the same and the decor for the most part.  I think that made it easier on Elizabeth and I, but it's past time that she got to decorate and furnish a house of her own.

Mia and I have been going over and using the hot tub at their house a couple of times to get the most out of it while they still have it.  They are completely moved out now.  The official date they needed to be out was April 1st, but it's all done now.  I could get emotional about seeing the home I spent the majority of my childhood in going to a new family, but I'm choosing not to.  My memories remain and a terrific new family is now getting the opportunity to make their own memories there.

Lounging in the tub.

Trying to get a photo together.

Olivia was also chosen for the second year to have a piece of artwork on exhibit for the Elementary Art Show.  Above she poses with her princess protrait.  She continues to be an up and coming artist.  We're proud of all her talents.

March Madness

March Madness has a complete different meaning in our household than most.  We are not avid basketball fans, actually I enjoy watching basketball much more than Andy.  March seems to be a month where swim season is ending so there is a lot going on with that, plus new things starting.  It's been super busy, but we've been enjoying ourselves throughout it.

Andy and his beautiful dates ready for the "Date With Dad" held at the Doyle Community Center.

Friday, March 15th the girls got dolled up for their annual night out with Andy.  They started the evening with dinner at Trios, before dusting off their dance shoes.  They had a terrific time from what I heard.  Of course, I always want to secretly sneak in and watch all the fun. 

I on the other hand was thankful I could even manage to snap a couple photos before they left, because I was busy the entire weekend with a High School youth retreat called Kairos for Holy Angels.  We had 54 students attend and it proved the be a fun event.  It was a lot of hard work and a learning experience for all involved.  We held it at Camp Fort Hill, which brings back many fond memories from my school days.  I was grateful they didn't make me sleep over since I had my young ones at home, but it was a late night and early morning all weekend.  It was definitely worthwhile, but boy am I glad it's done.

At school we've also been having "Spirit Days."  One such day was "Career Day," where everyone got to dress up as a career they might want to do one day.  Dr. Olivia Feyes, head of Pediatric Surgery was on call that day, next to her starving artist mother.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but I even had paint on my face and arms with a paint brush tucked behind my ear.  Of course I had to run to the grocery store on my lunch hour that day dressed so beautifully.  Mia has recently changed her career goal for all those following her aspirations.  She no longer wishes to be a chicken nugget.  She now desires to be a butterfly when she is older.


I also snuck out of the closing ceremony for the youth retreat to attend a baby shower for my sweet little niece Naomi.  Jared's Aunt Joanne figured that after six children she deserved some new items, so she held a small shower in their honor.

The shower date happened to be on St. Patrick's Day as well, so here is a cute picture of my girls and I dressed all in our green.  Jane wanted in on the photo which is completely fine, because I claim her as one of my girls too.

A cute picture of Jane snuggling on Elizabeth.

I got some quality snuggle time in with Naomi.  I'm so glad she doesn't make strange.  (A little inside humor for my northern family)

Naomi making goo goo eyes at Olivia.  She truyly is precious and a very happy little girl.

Jared's cousin Anne holding the guest of honor.

March continues to march on around here.  Sadly it's unaware that it's supposed to be spring, but time keeps flying by regardless so the next thing you know, it'll be summer.  Here's to hoping April is a little more laid back for us all.

Godparents of Everleigh Marie

Sunday, February 24th, Andy and I were honored to become the Godparents for Everleigh Marie Morrisson.  I know, scary thought that someone intrusts us with such responsibility, but we were thrilled.  It was a mad dash weekend since Andy's swimmers had their big conference meet.  We left Saturday evening from Battle Creek, and made the trek to Charleston, IL.  We awoke the next morning ready to go to church and see this miracle be baptized.

Sarah, Keith, and Everleigh

This was actually our first time meeting sweet Everleigh.  She is such a joy, and for the most part a pretty contented little girl.  Little might not be the correct word.  She is adorably pudgy.  Not at all like I remember her big sister being at that age.  It was a super quick trip, but we enjoyed our time to the fullest.
 

Melaina needed in on the picture opportunities as well.  She is destined to be one terrific big sister.
 

Here we are holding our Goddaughter.  Can you believe Andy even wore a tie?  Two days in a row acutally!
 

Melaina, Olivia, and Mia all hanging out before we left for church.  They had so much fun playing with her.

After church we had a delicious brunch at the country club.  It was so nice being able to see most of Keith and Sarah's family as well.  Andy grew up with Keith so his family is like a second family to him.  Sarah's parents are terrific too.  The few times I've met them, they made me feel so comfortable and are great people.  We hit the road after brunch to make the long drive home.  Of course, since we happened to see a Cabela's in Hammond, IN, we had to stop. 

We can't wait to be able to see our beautiful Goddaughter and the rest of her family again, and hopefully soon.

Oh, and for those of you waiting on pins and needles, my niece finally has a name.....Naomi Grace!