Where is Mike when we need him?

Isaac went over to the neighbor's to watch as the movers loaded their things into a moving van. Somehow, Isaac tripped and hit his head on the moving truck, requiring stitches. And guess who was on call at the hospital?
Mike is always at work when a crisis strikes. Good thing, huh?

Mike was actually in surgery in the OR when his wife called with the urgent message that she was bringing Isaac over to the ER. The head surgeon excused Mike from surgery to go to the ER and take care of Isaac's injury. How cool is that?! We were totally surprised to see him. After Mike stitched up Isaac's head, Isaac chose to stick around and watch his dad work for a while.

School Forest Field Trip

I was lucky enough to find a babysitter for Lucas and Ariel so I could chaperon Isaac's field trip. We went to the school forest, a 300 acre property the school district owns. The field trip just happened to fall on the most beautiful day we have had this year.
For Christmas, Mike got Survivor Man DVDs which have been a big hit with Isaac. Isaac is fascinated with this guy who tries to survive out in the wilderness for 7 days. Isaac has learned the top priorities for survival are shelter, food and water. During Isaac's "free time" on the field trip, he and a few girls in our group worked on building this shelter. I was laughing to myself as I watched Isaac work with these girls. His priorities were making a shelter that would provide protection and warmth. The girls wanted to make sure it had windows and shelves to hold things.

This is a tree that a woodpecker has been busy working on. It was fun to spend time with Isaac and watch him interact with his peers.

Hunting for eggs

I think because Wisconsin is typically so cold during Easter, the grocery stores host egg hunts in their stores. This year we went to two. This one started at 7:30 am. I got the family up and out of the tent just in time. They served donut holes and juice before the hunt began. Ariel was a little timid of the Easter Bunny.

Ariel insisted on wearing Isaac's sunglasses. It was a little silly looking so early in the morning.

After the grocery egg hunt we did another with some friends at the elementary school.

Ariel unfortunately has no fear of playground equipment and will try anything.Ariel's tantrum. She was opening and eating candy as we were trying to hide them.

camping in the backyard

Mike was not able to get off work for the kids spring break but did get the weekend and the beginning of the next week off. He decided he would take the kids camping in the backyard so they could still make it to school. They loved it. The nights were around 20 degrees. I did not feel comfortable with leaving Ariel out there all night and carried her back inside once she was asleep. I did not feel like joining them. I need to use the restroom about 10 times a night while I am pregnant.

Poor Lucas slammed his fingers in the sliding door while we were roasting marshmallows.

Happy Anniversary

Eleven years

tea party

Teaching our kids to be great Americans! Fun to see so many other people involved and concerned with what is going on in this country.

Ariel at an Egg Hunt

Easter 2009 from Mike Marion on Vimeo.

Happy Easter

Grandpa's visit

Grandpa treats the kids to the "courtesy" cups of root beer at A&W.

Grandpa made a special delivery of some books from Grandma for the kids.

Grandpa's first experience with a rope tow.

It was a fun family outting.

Family Home Evening

Last night we went to play ball for FHE. Lucas tried rollerblading. Ariel pushed around her dollie. The rest of us played horse and shot baskets. Still very cold here and looking for ways to get energy out. Someone needs to tell Wisconsin spring is here. This week is spring break and I think it is 14 degrees outside right now.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

We had a good time during our stay here. Flying back home was another matter.