Snow Day!

Birthday at Boyne with the Boltons

We continued Hannah's birthday celebration with a trip to Boyne with Sara, Ian, Macy and Lilah. On Friday, we had a great brunch at the Lumber Jack in West Branch and then unpacked at our neighbor's house on Lake Charlevoix.  It was beautiful!  We got changed and headed to Avalanche Bay Waterpark.  The kids had a blast, and tried every waterslide that they were big enough to ride.  Everyone ate dinner there (except for me and Sara), and then rode a few more waterslides before heading home for bed.  Sara and I had a girls night out at Cafe Sante and had an amazing meal!  I can't wait to go back.  Saturday we were up early for skiing.  All 4 girls took lessons - it was Ella's first time and she did great.  Hannah and Macy went out skiing with Unky Ian after we all had lunch at the lodge, and then we had a quiet night.  Sunday we went back to the Lumber Jack for lunch followed by bowling at a very shady bowling alley near West Branch.  Both of my girls napped on the way home!  It was an exhausting, but wonderful weekend.

Birthday for Hannah after Avalanche Bay

Ready to ski, Ella was not a fan of the gear

Breaktime Dance Party

The girls are on mid-winter break, and have discovered playing with each other in their boredom (novel concept).  Tonight, they each picked a song and choreographed a dance party between them.  Ella chose Fight Song, and Hannah chose Roar.  They dance like their parents unfortunately, but I love seeing them play together!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

We celebrated Hannah's birthday this year with a family dinner, and are heading to Boyne to ski and splash to finish the celebration.  I'm so happy to have skipped the big party this year!  Everyone always tells you to enjoy each day, because they grow up too quickly, but how can Hannah already be 7 years old???  We had pizza and cupcakes at our house, and the kids all played so nicely - I think their favorite part was the make your own cupcake station (Hannah's idea). Sugar overload.  Can't wait to continue the celebration with skiing and the waterpark!

Grammy Al has a birthday too, so Ella got to help her blow out the candles

Cupcake decorating - we had Andes mint bits, mini chocolate chips, Sixlets, candy crowns, 4 different frostings, mini marshmallows and tons of sprinkles

Wrapping up the night with books with Mina and Floyd

January Update

This month has flown by!   So many updates, it's hard to know where to begin.

Ella is still the sweetest, and naughtiest, 4 year old.  She is doing great at skating and has decided she wants to be a hockey player and have Jordan coach her team.  She is also still swimming and moved up to Glider last week.  In other news, Ella has occasionally been sleeping past 6:30AM, which is sadly extremely exciting.

Hannah is doing great - how is she almost 7???  Time really does fly.  Hannah started riding lessons a few weeks ago, and says that she wants to get her own pony and do horse shows.  I told her to get a job.  I'm enjoying being back at my old barn and having extra time with Hannah, and hope that she continues to have a passion for riding.

Speaking of extra time, I quit my job and will be working part time at a small start-up.  I am really excited about this opportunity, and the chance to be with my girls more.  I will be able to pick them up every day now, and hopefully achieve better work / life balance.

Here are some pictures and videos from the month.

Picking out new hockey skates

Treating ourselves for lice, only Ella had it, but more is more when treating for lice!

A girl and her dog

Hannah's third riding lesson, and posting like a pro.  She is riding Splash and he is a saint!

Florida 2016

We had another great trip to Florida, and it was a perfect mix of relaxation and activities with the kids.  We saw family, went to two carnivals, went to Boomers, swam at the beach and the pool, and ate a LOT!  Jordan snuck in some golf, and Hannah had her 2nd annual spa day at the Little Princess Spa.  As usual, the trip flew by for us (and I think it dragged on for Grandma Joanie...)  Thanks for putting up with us, Grandma!

Liquid sidewalk chalk by grandma's pool

The last wearing of the puddle jumper, she is now swimming totally independently without them - heaven.

Searching for lizards in grandma's neighborhood - titled Lizard Land by Ella AKA Coconut Island

Annual trip to Candyland Buffet, complete with glitter tattoos, face paint, balloons and characatures

 

 

 

Arts and crafts at Softa and Zaydie's club

Hannah face painted Ella with a marker while we weren't looking

 

 

Ella passed out in the mini cart at the flea market

 

Beach time with Tia Leah

Aunt Beb and Lynne's birthday cake

Boomers!

 

NYE Pizza Party

Jellyfish at the beach

Mermaid Ella - daddy worked very hard on this one

Working on diving at St Andrews