Memorial Day Camping

Can you guess where we went this weekend?

Here are a few hints:

1. Long Hikes on Pebble beaches

2. Windy shores

3. Birch Trees Everywhere

4. Waterfalls requiring winter wear

Yep, we went up to the North Shore on Lake Superior. Our second trip and we got to see so much more.

From my perspective, there is almost always a silver lining, no matter the hardship.  Despite the cool and windy  conditions, the silver lining for us was virtually having entire parks to ourselves, which allowed for some great shots.

We had fun also testing out the new camera, so here are some updated photos of the kids/family.

Natalie's desire to smile for the camera waned at about mile 12.5 of the weekend, but can you blame her?

Silver lining of long hikes? Sleeping children and dog for the entire 3 hour ride home. What a great weekend.

Waiting for the Green

I haven't posted, waiting for some big moment, specifically hoping for Spring.  Unfortunately, Spring has been a bit slow to come this year; however, the best things come to those who wait - right?

   

 

 We were all beginning to go a little crazy with cabin fever.

Passing the time with science experiments, both educational and tasty.

Better late than never - Spring. Has. Come. ...and I don't want to come inside :)

10 Years and Counting

To celebrate a decade of marital bliss, a snapshot in time from each year

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

(This was a hectic year....the best photo I could find)

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Looking forward to so many, many more.  

Glad Pask

This weekend was fun. No work, only a small amount of school, good food and even some time spent outside. Truly, we cannot complain.  

So, to share our fun, here are a few pictures of our Easter weekend.

Happy Easter!

 

 And this last photo is just funny. Linnea is learning how to take a photo remotely, but forgets to smile ;)

Where are you Spring??

According to the calendar, the first day of spring was just last week.  Surprised? Us too.

  

Unfortunately, this is what spring looks like for us.

Despite the fact that we are FINALLY out of the single digits this week, some of us are still a little sad....

Aside from the snowy surroundings, the kids school spring program was eye opening in more than one way.  At the end of the program there was a portion titled "Cardboard Testimonials", each child had written on one side a problem, concern or event that was meaningful to them, with the other side showing how God had answered their prayer.  It is amazing to see the world through your children's eyes and to notice what has impacted them.  Recently our nephew was sick with a lung infection and had to be hospitalized.  We had discussed this with the girls, they had prayed, and since then he has fully recovered.  

Then Linnea walked up onto the stage:

....and we realized how impactful Alden in the hospital had been.  One of the hardest things about living in the Midwest is the distance from family. Having Linnea up on stage remembering a cousin she has only met once, affirmed that while we're far away from family, they are close to our hearts and we are where we are supposed to be.  

Of course, both girls were involved in the singing as well

Despite the snow and ice, since Spring Shows are happening, spring has invaded our home as well.

We are clinging to the hope and promise that spring is indeed on its way.

Enjoy your spring days -hopefully our next photos will include grass!