Indoor Rock Climbing

While mom and Elsie were at the ballet, dad and Alstan went rock climbing. Alstan was very excited to tell the girls about how he overcame his fear. He had climbed up the wall and into a little cave type area. However, when it came time to get back down, he was a bit nervous. He overcame his fear though, and climbed down by himself (after a little coaxing). Good job Alstan!

Cinderella

Elsie went to her first ballet. Cinderella was being performed at the Overture Center in Madison, so we invited a few aunties to join us for Elsie's first live performance. She doesn't sit through movies very often, so there was a chance that she might get board. She watched the whole thing though, and said she enjoyed it! Mom was very happy about that... and can't wait for the next opportunity.

New Goggles!

Alstan & Elsie were so excited about getting new goggles they both wanted to take a bath right away to try them out. If only they got new goggles every bath night!

Madison Zoo

It was a bit chilly, but we made it to the zoo! This is how mom treats the kids after their annual physicals.

Let it Snow?

This is how we spent Jessie and Alstan's first day of Spring Break!

Chill'n with Her Alphabet Book

Elsie could spend all day looking at pictures of when she was a baby. Yeah, mom could too!

Campfire to Snow Fights

So, yesterday we enjoyed our first campfire of the year. It was a tad chilly, but still a great day for cooking over the open fire. Today we played in six inches of fresh snow.

Laundry Helper!

With the basement remodel started, we are back to using a laundry mat for a while. Elsie begged to come with mom and ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought she would. (It is early, that may change by the time we get our basement done.)

The Basement Remodel is Started!

Kite Flying

With the nice weather over the weekend, we were able to do some kite flying. Alstan was able to give it a try on Sunday,  while Elsie was playing at a friend's house. The next day they both went out, but of course, mom forgot her phone that time so we didn't get photos of Elsie flying her "Frozen" kite.

Taking Baby for a Walk

This doesn't happen very often. Elsie and Alstan were playing dress up together. Taking Elsie's baby for a walk outside was part of the deal.

Spring is Here!

Fifties and sixties all week will do wonders at getting rid of all the snow. It also did wonders at lifting spirits and getting us outside! It's time for picnics and playing at the park again.

Bowling with Grandma & Grandpa Van

Grandma & Grandpa Van stopped to spend a day with us while they were on their way back to South Dakota. For some extra entertainment we thought we'd go bowling at the local lanes. 

Happy 6th Birthday Alstan!

Alstan had his first birthday party with a friend this year. He asked to have three friends come, but two of them had other plans. He had a great time anyway!

Sledding

The weather has been too cold to be outside much. We decided we had better take advantage of a day in the twenties to get in one more day of sledding. Now we are ready for spring!

Birthday Party

The kids were supper excited by the idea of having their shared birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. They loved it!