Surprise!

While watching the Olympics last summer, our girls fell in love with gymnastics.  They have spent many hours doing cartwheels and somersaults in our family room.  So it was with much excitement that Craig & I surprised them with a trip to the Big Ten Gymnastics Championships in Lansing at Michigan State last weekend.  Not only did they get to watch 2 hours of non-stop gymnastics, but they got to cheer for Ohio State!  Unfortunately, Nebraska was ranked higher and so performed later in the evening after we left (winning the competition!).   Anyhow, it was super fun and a family day to remember!

 The girls were especially excited at the end of the Meet to be able to meet several of the gymnasts and to get their pictures taken together - This was probably the best part for them!

 

For Better or For Worse

14+ years ago I said "I Do."  I feel like the particular evening this picture was taken was one of those "for worse" times (thanks to a game of Quelf).  :)

Sledding Fun

Here are a couple pictures of us all enjoying the snow a few weeks ago.  A local sledding hill provided us with lots of laughs and giggles!

Disney Memories #5

We spent our last day at Disney World at the Magic Kingdom.  We started our day at Storytime with Belle - an interactive re-telling of Beauty and the Beast with Belle.  It was SO much fun watching the girls.  Hannah was picked to be the Beast, which was a HUGE highlight for her since that meant she got to dance with Belle.  I wish we could've captured that moment forever!

 Another fun activity for all the kids was driving the cars.  Karisa was especially thrilled because she was tall enough to drive by herself.   Don't you see her in about 7 more years - Ahhh!!

 One of my favorite moments of the entire week was watching Megan's face on the Little Mermaid ride on the first day.  We decided to ride again on our last day -   Pictures can't quite capture the facial expressions, but as a parent it was a precious moment!

 Zachary was actually a big fan of the Aerial ride, too!!

 

 At the end of our day we finally met up with Tiana.

 Then one last picture on Main Street before we said our good-byes.

 To end our week, Grandpa surprised the girls with a very special supper at one of the resort hotels with Cinderella, Prince Charming, her Step-Mother and Step-Sisters.

 Grandma & Grandpa even joined in the fun of the evening!

 Karisa was thrilled that she could eat as much fruit as she wanted!

 It was a fabulous week with countless special memories.  Thanks, Grandma & Grandpa!!

Disney Memories #4

We spent our 4th day at Disney World at Hollywood Studios.  We started the day at the Disney Junior show which was fun for all the kids, but especially for Zach & Megan.

 Then it was time to meet Jake... . .Zachary wasn't quite as into meeting Jake as was his Daddy. . . .

 Later in the day we also got to meet up with Buzz & Woody.

 Then one of Zachary's favorite moments of the whole week - meeting "Race Car" & Mater.

 I love this picture of Hannah & Kaylee. . . .enjoying some precious cousin time.

 Although it wasn't a favorite for the kids, the adults enjoyed the Indiana Jones stunt show - pretty impressive!

Disney Memories #3

Our third day at Disney was spent again at Magic Kingdom.  A highlight today was getting to meet quite a few princesses, as well as Mickey Mouse.  

 Here I am riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with the four girls.  This is one of my favorite memories of the entire week - watching Maggie's enthusiasm on this ride.

 And, of course, we had to visit "It's a Small World" again!

 The afternoon parade was also a highlight.  We had front row seats, and the kids LOVED seeing all the characters!

 This was the scene in the car on the way home that night. . . .