Grandpa Joe, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georginia

Here is how we found the children on Sunday morning!
It brought back some memories of good ol' Willy Wonka!

Floodwaters ~ Muscatine

Here are some pictures from the "River front" in Muscatine. The waters were higher than this in 93, but the river had not crested when we visited last week...

Just after we arrived, we watched a train go by, on the Rail Road tracks...not quite sure how that was going to work for him, but he made it.

The kids are excited to play in the street.

A fun little game...

...and Will wants to make sure he gets his turn too!

But remember...
just don't drink flood water...

you could end up like this:

SOCCER

It has been compared to herding cats. Take a look at preschool soccer!

Gabi gives an elbow jab only when needed.

Nope:

Not Brandon ... another redhead.


Brandon stands guard!

"Brick Wall, stop the ball!"

Will and Isa are in soccer, as well. So our week is:
Monday & Tuesday: Soccer games, either back-to-back or at the same time
Wednesday: Gabi and Brandon practice @6
Isa practice @ 6:30
Thursday: Will practice @6:30
And ... some Saturday games, as well.

Don't forget to eat dinner before heading out and follow up with a nice shower for each of them...
Aaahhh nice weather!

easter pictures...

The INFLUENZA B has left, and we are back into being human again!
That still does not explain WHY I still have my Christmas cards hanging in the window
(behind Will)...
*Note to self: Take down the Holiday cards....oh, and the Gingerbread Wreath on the basement door....that should be it!*

Look at the concentration!!!

They are so proud of their accomplishments!!

Easter morning brought out the best in our nutrition habits! Cadbury Eggs and Peeps for breakfast!

YUMMM!!!!
*Note to self: Trim Brandon's fingernails!*

On Saturday, we went to Grammy and Opa's with Uncle A, Aunt K and Mr. T....we got lots more candy and some really great FUN things ! We also had an Easter Egg Hunt in the lovely 30's...that we thought we were past!
On Sunday, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's with Uncle B, and soon to be Aunt J...and little Peanut! We ALL took nice long naps, slept like babies...it was so nice! OH! Wait, all the ADULTS - except Grandma-....oh, and my 4 children! That's right! I almost forgot!
Well that just means that I TRUST her enough, to LET her watch the children while I get some sleep. Isn't that thoughtful?? I am sure that she now feels special! :)

How to make $30 Valentines...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you are a "PLAN ahead" family, like us....then follow along, and we will show you how you can spend a fortune, AND a couple of hours of "quality time", just to say that you too made home made Valentine's!

Step 1: You will need glue....LOTS of it!! A good estimate is 3-4 bottles per child.

Step2: Cool stuff, like sequins! Lots of those too!

Step3: Get the kids involved! Have your 4 year old cut out there own heart!
~holding your tongue out does improve your cutting skills by 20%!~

Step4: Little dots...LOTS of 'em!

Step 5: Start the assembly process.

Step 6: Ribbon? You will need LOTS of ribbon, especially if you have a GIRLIE 4 year old. A good estimate is 3-4 rolls per year of age for this one!
Oh, and make sure you let her cut it her self ~ she will remind you if you forget!

Step 7: Big Sis can demonstrate the skills needed to apply the GLITTER just so!

Step 8: HAVE AT IT!

Step 9: Not quite enough...add just a little more....yep, just right!

Step 10: Add your finishing touches,
let them dry for a week to 10 days, and then you are done!

YOU DID IT! You have just created your very own--homemade Valentines!
You could go to the store and pay 1.50 per box, and have your mom fill in the names for you...or you can venture just beyond the norm, and have a little fun...and glitter... to last a lifetime!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Piggy-Back Races

I cannot believe how much FUN I was having, and my shouts of "DO IT AGAIN!" This was simple hysterical!!!
The older kids were in charge of giving piggy-back rides to the younger two! The pictures are not the best ...because they move pretty fast when they are falling....but you will get the idea!

1st up..the girls: This doesn't look SO hard...right?? Well let's look and see the process involved :

Call in reinforcements: Brandon you steady Isabelle's head.

Okay..."Isabelle balance yourself-use Will's knee if you need to-Brandon your in charge of the bottom!"

You gotta get down somehow!

Maybe will Will be lighter!

BOYS!!!

This isn't so hard - is it!?

And down they go!!!