Celebrating Sydney

Tracy and NiCole were going to be on a motorcycle ride, but we promised to take good care of the kids while they were gone.  It's always fun to have cousins over.  So pizza on the patio it was.

 We were especially lucky to have Sydney for her birthday.  We taught her our traditions and helped her celebrate with cinnamon rolls from Hard Times.

 Delsie was so excited to give her a talking Olaf that she picked out.

 Syd is a beautiful young lady that my girls love and admire.

Conference and DeBruycker Bull Sale

As I have grown older, I look forward to Conference weekend even more.  I love the spiritual renewal and the uplifting messages.  The kids and Brent look forward to the "cinnamon rolls" that I make.

 Grandma and Grandpa Hillman have made the DeBruyker Bull sale a part of their conference tradition.  This year Hudson was invited to go.  It's 400 miles, so 6 hours in the car.  They listened to old country, stopped for treats in Wheatley, and commented on the beautiful scenery of the drive.  I think this is a trip that he'll remember as his way of really connecting and spending one on one time with his Grandparents.

More Egg Huntin'

It was a cold one at the community egg hunt.  There was a little snow on the ground.

It's always fun to go and rub shoulders with the people in our small community.

The girls had heard a 2 egg limit, so they were strict to adhere.

Grandma held her egg hunt on Sunday.  Every year it's a similar format- find a certain number eggs and redeem them for treats like Cracker Jacks, bubbles, and snack size chips.

The turkeys decided to get in on the action.  I think they were just trying to protect their own eggs from being hunted.

Uncle Brent got in on the action and had the kids act like bunnies, chickens, and ducks.  Here he is demonstrating.

German Dresses

Ever since leaving Germany without dirndls for the girls, I was determined to get them some traditional German dresses.  Easter proved to be the perfect opportunity.  We made flower wreaths for their hair and did crown braids.  People would ask if I made them, and for the price, I didn't even consider trying to.

Hudson assured me that he didn't feel left out enough to want a pair of lederhosen.

Cousin Time

Stoke's donuts are becoming a breakfast constant at Grandma & Grandpa's house.  I think it might be encouraged by Dalanie's love to get up early and go with Grandpa to get them.  (Maybe it reminds him of the early morning wakeup calls from her mom.)

 

If you can keep the devices out of sight long enough, they play and have a lot of fun together.  It is getting less and less chaotic to be together as some of the kids are older and can function without a nap.

 Grandpa put together an egg hunt for the grandkids.  As tradition has it, each kid was assigned a color and those were the only eggs they could legally put in their bag.

Hudson was more interested in chasing the chickens . . . what came first, the chicken or the egg?

 Dalanie loves to help all of her little cousins.  You will most often find her walking around with a child on her hip or holding one of their hands.

 Of course, she was the self-nominated one to get the precariously placed egg on the hanging basket in the window well.

 All the daffodils were bursting open with cheery anticipation of spring.

After the hunt, the kids got to redeem their eggs for coupons.  Some coupons were for little goodies, but some were for bowling and pizza!!

Bumpers and ramps got their use with this crew.  Bowling ten frames with all these littles soon lost it's appeal.  But everyone stuck it out so they could get some pizza.

It was a fun time together.  Thanks Mom & Dad!!

YMCA

For Evelyn and Natalie's birthdays we gave them a coupon for rock climbing and frozen yogurt.  It ended up being such a fun way to spend time together.  I'm a big fan of experiences over plastic clutter.  

Our kids had been before, so they showed the girls the ropes- literally.  At first they were both pretty apprehensive, but they started to warm up to it.  Of course, it helps when your belayer won't let you down and helps hoist you upward.

 They cheered one another on and the chant, "Don't stop 'til the top!" was born.

It was fun to watch the progress.  Evenly climbed to the top of the highest wall in the kid's climbing area.

Pretty soon the kids were earning toppings each time they climbed to the top.  Ruby and Dalanie scaled right up the big wall in the main climbing area, several times.  They qualified for 7 or 8 toppings but I think I put a cap on them.

It's so good for kids to accept a challenge head on.  They gain so much confidence and such a sense of accomplishment.

 The proud climbers!

Climbing the Ladder

Cleaning the office, although one of great importance, has become slight punishment (to all those involved.)  It's like pulling teeth to get them to tackle to floor.  I have even bought a backpack vacuum and lighter mop hand to help out, but it's still an overwhelming job.  Whenever possible, they sneak out into shop.  

It's funner there...there are boxes to play in, bubble wrap to pop, rollerblades to wear, and wiggle cars to cruise around on.

 Or maybe it's just climbing the ladder and being able to keep up with your brother.

 Dalanie is no longer content to be the cleaning lady.  She wants to use power tools, wrenches, and work with the guys.

Hudson is good to help show her the ins and outs of row cleaners and firming wheels.

Sigh... It looks like I've got a long life of cleaning the office ahead of me.