Family Fun Day!

It was a rare weekend day that Russ had off from work, so we decided to surprise the kids and take them to the Children's Museum. After making a pancake breakfast, we loaded up the girls and headed downtown for some pint sized fun!

Olivia wanted to get the fun started...she really wanted to drive!
Once we arrived and got our bearings, it was off to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood! Olivia found a fun spot on the porch swing!
Lexie found some fun in the vertical maze...it was quite a challenge, but she made it all the way to the top---and back down!
Checking out the scenery.
Olivia tried to go through the big vertical maze like the big kids, but didn't get very far...she was just a tad too small!!!
Next stop was the gravity room....it really did a number on me! The floor was slanted and everything was nailed to the wall/ceiling to match the look---It messed with my head, so I opted to stay on the first floor. Meanwhile, Russ explored with the girls until they reached the slides! It was a tunnel slide, which Olivia wasn't the biggest fan of, so---you guessed it, Russ crammed himself into the slide and slide down...not once but twice with BOTH of the girls! It was quite amusing!

Almost...out...not quite there...
He made it!

Time to dance...retro style! There was a black screen that projected hundreds of colorful images of what/whomever was standing in front of the camera! It was pretty neat, and the girls...and Russ seemed to enjoy it!

Having a blast watching themselves dance on the big screen!

After dancing, it was off to the 'hands on' room! There were tons of different things for kids to interact with and explore. Magnets, trucks, trains, balls, and even climbing nets and slides! Lexie had a blast on the net!
After climbing up the net and sliding down the twisty slide, she was off to try the pulleys. She was concentrating so hard to get her ball all the way to the top before it fell off the platform! She made it!!!
There was so much to see and do...I think Olivia was a bit overwhelmed by it all! She didn't know which way to go first!
Next stop was the "Air" room. Everything Air...Lexie found an airplane...must take after her momma after all!
Olivia didn't want to miss out on all the fun..."scoot over sis!"
After "flying" the airplane, Olivia headed straight for the parachute station. The kids (with help from parents) were able to make their own parachutes out of coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sticky tape and pipe cleaners. It was quite entertaining! There was a cylinder placed above a fan and sucked the parachutes into the tube and out the top! Olivia was quite amused!
"Wheeee"! She was having a blast!
Going back for another turn.
Meanwhile, Lexie was "learning" all about air in a much different way! She went into the wind tunnel/vortex area...the kids were given scarves, leaves made out of materials, other soft items and tossed them up in the air while watching them get whisked away!
The next hands on station provided plenty of entertainment too! The kids made their very own rockets out of paper and sticky tape then placed them on a launching pad...LOOK OUT!
"3...2...1...BLAST OFF!"
Lexie really seemed to enjoy seeing the rocket shoot across the room--with a little help from Daddy!
In the meantime. Olivia found herself sucked into the wind mill display!
Lexie quickly joins her little sister to see what fun could be had.
We had a great trip...and plan to venture back when it is warmer and the outdoor section is opened...and with a change of clothes. The entire 3rd floor is devoted to water play--we just didn't come prepared...and it was nearing nap time!

Military Dining Out

This past weekend the 171st sponsored another Military Dining Out at the Airport Hilton. The last time we went (the last dine out) was shortly after we had Olivia. Needless to say, we weren't able to go early to take advantage of the Hospitality Suite--and we definitely didn't get to say late! This year, Courtney came over early to help with the girls so I could have some time to get ready. We were out the door and arrived in time to mingle before the formal festivities started! We had a great time...but still didn't stay out too late since our 'alarm clocks' don't have snooze buttons!


All dressed up and ready to go!
Quick family photo...thanks Courtney!
One last picture before we head out for a fun evening!

"NO MAN"

It had been a CRAZY work week and unfortunately Russ hadn't been able to spend much time with the girls. We got HAMMERED with more snow so Russ suited up to finish shoveling the driveway. After he finished, I saw him coming up the walkway toward the door with the shovel...then I noticed he stopped...I couldn't see what exactly he was doing since it was dark out so I flipped the light on to see what was going on. Much to my surprise, he was making a snowman. I had to laugh and of course asked him what in the world he was doing---though it was very obvious. He decided to make a snowman (complete with a carrot nose and blueberries for the eyes and mouth) for the girls. I thought it was the cutest thing---but I think he enjoyed it just as much as the girls did!


Posing with his work in progress.
The next morning, the girls were greeted by the snowman out the front window. Unfortunately, Russ wasn't able to see the expressions on their faces since he left for work before they were up, but they love it! Olivia is STILL saying 'no man' and runs to the window to look for it!
Lexie was so excited to see her snowman!!!!

All the King's Horses and All the King's Men....

It was a beautiful Sunday morning...and not necessarily the weather, but Russ didn't have to work, the girls were giddy and the house was full of giggles. We ate breakfast, played for a bit, then started to get ready for church. Once the girls were ready, Russ decided to take them down stairs so I could finish up uninterrupted. Seconds later, I heard a horrific sound---like the house was falling apart. Turns out, it was Olivia---she was on the landing of the steps and slipped and fell down the remaining 11 stairs while Russ tucked into the bathroom to blow his nose. My heart stopped and I think I skipped about 9 stairs on my way down to her! Russ grabbed her, but she was doing one of those 'crying without making any noise' kinda cries. I was terrified. In the 3.5 seconds that passed (which seemed more like 15 minutes) I thought about every possible scenario that could have played out. Was she okay, was she paralyzed, was Russ too hasty in picking her up, did she have broken bones...I couldn't help to think what ever it was, it was all my fault. She finally started to cry--and I mean C R Y...big tears and began to call out 'mamma'. I could breathe again, if only for a moment! She instantly had a knot on her head and of course was very clingy, but she was fine!

Shortly after the fall--but still ready to go to church!
Looking a bit dazed and confused, sporting her shiny goose egg.


"Wha' chu lookin' at?"
Cheese!
Lexie was so worried about her sister after the fall---but quickly forgot all about it once she was able to go to church and "see her friends". Once back at home she was fixated on her puzzles!
She sure does love her puzzles!!!!

One Stitch at a Time

Lexie's school hosts a Spring Fund Raising event showcasing various vendors, baskets, and silent auction. Each class puts together a 'class quilt' to be auctioned off and apparently they are quite the money makers. After two emails from Lexie's teacher begging for help to put their quilt together, I decided to offer my assistance. She provided me with all the materials I needed for the front of the quilt which included a 'block' representing each child from the class...along with fabric to frame each block and additional material to connect all the blocks. Sounds much more complicated that it actually was. I am waiting for Mrs. Henderson to give me the batting and backing so I can finish the quilt...I may just have to bid on it after all of this work! It is coming together nicely so far--here is a sneak peek!

A hand drawn picture and written directions along with the material for the quilt. Each child made a 'block' using their hand print or finger prints during a class art project which was then transformed into some sort of animal.


The block in the center of the quilt which reads : "God made all things-Colossians 1:16" through the center of the rainbow

Lexie's block.
Another block showcasing one of Lexie's friends hand prints as an octopus.

Be sure to check back for the finished product---and to see if we have the winning bid at the auction!!!!

Can they build it....

...yes they can! No, I'm not talking about Bob the Builder, I'm talking about those lovable little ones of mine! They are both really taking a liking to the Legos my mom got them for Christmas---especially Olivia! She loves to build towers then gets the biggest kick out of knocking them over (or destroying anything everyone else has made too)!

Hmm....what was this supposed to be?
Getting taller and taller...perfect size to knock over!
Very focused on her work, while Lexie leans in for another block.
Looking up she noticed me taking pictures...like "hey, what's the bid idea?"
Did I mention she like to sit in the box too???

Would you be her Valentine???

Since Lexie goes to a Christian based private school, they have certain restrictions when celebrating various holidays. For Valentine's Day, they were asked to keep Christian themes in their valentines to be exchanged with their classmates (there goes my idea of using the Mickey Mouse cards left over from last year!). The children were encouraged to make their own...with help from their parents of course! Luckily, we still have Aunt Allie's cricket machine which made our home made valentines much easier to create!


After cutting different shapes, sizes, and colors of hearts using the machine, Lexie helped to glue them on. We used the first Bible verse she learned and was tested on for the message on the cards. I think they turned out cute--but I am a bit biased!
Trying to finish her breakfast, but she was so excited to give her friends the cards she made, she was having a hard time concentrating! "Mommy, I'm so excited for the party at my school today!"

Hope everyone had a day filled with L O V E!!!

A Chilly Good Time

There is just something about the chilly winter weather that puts my girls in the best moods! As much as I am starting to like winter less and less with each passing year, it warms my heart to see them having such a good time!


She is all smiles and loving the crisp air!
This little one has nothing but smiles too!
Daddy scoops up Olivia a whirls her around and around---wheeee!
So grown up looking...