Astronaut Barbara Morgan

Astronaut, Barbara Morgan visited Birch Elementary today and the girls and I were able to attend the school assembly.  Later, she visited Dani's classroom and was able to get a picture with her.

 The fourth graders helped Dani's first grade class build rockets .

 Preparing for launch.

Barbara Morgan watching dani's launch of her rocket.
Barbara was supposed to stay at the school to watch the last launch of the Space Shuttle, Endeavor today, but I just learned that they called off the launch due to heater failure.

Easter Day!

 Thanks Grandma for supplying the kids with Easter outfits. 

 Jo wasn't real interested in looking for Easter eggs at Grandpas.  He didn't like feeling the real eggs.  Eventually he gave up and found the toys instead.

 Some of the eggs were "confetti" eggs.  Whoever found them could break them over the head of someone else.  These were more sought after than the money eggs.  Poor daddy was a victim and it didn't come out of his hair for hours.

 Enjoying the outdoors after the hunt.

 Jo showing me every piece of candy in his basket. 

 Taylor got this new blanket and was apparantly cold as she wrapped herself up to go outside.

 Sam got a new kite and had a blast flying it until it got stuck on the roof.  Thankfully Daddy, risking his life, went up to save the day.

Enjoying climbing in Papa's tree.

Egg Hunts

It seems like every Easter Season everyone has an egg hunt.  We try not to go to them all, but we get our fair share and definitely more candy than we need.

 Today we had an activity at the church.  It started with cleaning the building, then a couple rounds of duck duck goose.  A small breakfast was followed by the most important part - the egg hunt:

 Dani searching for eggs with her friend, Kayla

 Jo wasn't too concerned with filling up his basket.

 Sam and Rylee posing for their annual Easter Egg Hunt picture. (Don't you love Sam's face?)

 To finish off the activity, we planted flowers around the church.  The kids loved this part.

The neighborhood also put on an Egg Hunt.

MK Nature Center field trip

Sam's preschool went to a nature center on a field trip.

 Out front.

 Lorelai, Rylee, Sam, Mckade, Jo

 Sam looking at the fish.

 Jo looking at the stuffed fish.

 Jo, Sam and Mckade playing in the "water table."

Who? Who? are they?  Jo, Mckade, and Sam.

 
 Wise ol' Sam

 Our baby owl, Jo

 Friends, Rylee & Lorelai.

 Jo watching the fish.

Sam swinging at Municipal park.

 
 Jo riding the frog.

Sam on the dinosaur.

 
This squirrel sat by waiting for dropped food and would even take it right out of your hand.  He was a little too accustomed to people.

Spring Break

This past week the children have been home for Spring Break.  We used this opportunity to do a little spring cleaning.  The kids had to earn the opportunity to do something fun each day by helping to deep clean one room in the house.  They earned a trip to the library, friends over and trips to the park.  We actually enjoyed two very nice weather days which we have been waiting in anticipation for.  On a side note, Stacey has been summoned to jury duty during the month of April.  While it would be interesting, she's hoping to get by the month without having to go.  So far, the first week will be avoided.

 I have to make a correction from Sam's previous birthday post.  He did indeed get his treehouse thanks to Grandpa and Sheri.  All the kids enjoyed it tremendously when it was inside and made all kinds of forts.  They were real disappointed when it found it's way outside.  Now that the weather is getting nicer we hope it encourages their outside play.   He also got a hangglider, although it was for a little Diego figure.  He still hopes for one that he can fly on.

 The kids helped to decorate a birthday cake for Grandma.  Mark convinced her to have a big bird cake. We were able to celebrate with her during the week.

The girls are super excited to be flower girls in Aunt Kari's upcoming wedding.  Here they are trying on their flower girl dresses.  Congratulations Kari and Bob!  We are also excited for the arrival of their baby in October!