Eagle Watching

We drove up & down the Mississippi River this morning in search of Bald Eagles. Due to our very unusually warm temps this winter, our bald eagles haven't come this far south. With the snow and colder temps this past week, we decided to go on a hunt! We finally found a handful of eagles at the Fulton, IL lock & dam. It was a beautiful day to watch them too!

Our Little President

Maddie & Will's kindergarten class held a presidential election this past week. All students were given posterboard and a sheet of paper to use for their presidential campaign.

Posters: Maddie wanted "something pretty" while Will still loves his trains.

Maddie's campaign statement: I would be a great President! I love my friends and want to do special things for them.

Will's campaign statement: If I become President, be ready for a fun ride!

So, Wednesday afternoon, Maddie runs out and announces that she was elected President! Congrats to our young President! Matt & I jokingly tell everyone that the students were allowed to vote for themselves, so there must have been one kid who Maddie sweet-talked into having her vote...she would be the tie-breaker (Maddie - 2 votes, all other students - 1 vote each)!

Guys Night Out

While us girls had our "Girls Night Out - Spa Time", the guys had their "Guys night out - Rodeo". Will was so excited! He got dressed in his cowboy hat and bandana and was pretty bummed that he didn't have any cowboy boots to wear with them! He really didn't have a clue what would happen at the rodeo, he just knew that it was a special night for him with Daddy & Grandad! When he came home, he was so excited and wanted to tell me everything! Unfortunately, it was past 10 and he needed to get to bed. His storytelling continued when he woke up the next morning - I am guessing that he would love to go again in the future.

Amana Colonies Waterpark

The kids had a 4 1/2 day weekend this past weekend, so we took advantage of it! We had promised the kids a waterpark getaway sometime during the winter months as a part of their Christmas present. I was able to find a great deal at the Amana Colonies waterpark/hotel. We left Thursday after the kids got home from school. Nearing Iowa City, we stopped for lunch at a new Jimmy Johns. Matt had heard that they were having a grand opening special, so we were able to feed all 6 of us for $5! We love it when God gives us blessings like that! We then drove up towards Cedar Rapids - making a few stops along the way to find a few letterboxes.

We arrived at the hotel around 5. After checking in, the kids couldn't get in the pools fast enough!

We swam until 7:30 then went back to our room to get ready for bed. After the kids were in their jammies, we headed to a nearby city to grab a late dinner. I think the kids will always remember eating in a restaurant in their jammies! As is usually the case for bedtime while traveling, it was a bit crazy...but the kids soon drifted off to sleep!We let the kids sleep in the next morning (all were finally up by 9:30). We ate breakfast in the room and the kids watched TV - a rare treat for them! After breakfast, we all changed into our swimsuits and headed to the waterpark. We were very disappointed to find that the waterslides weren't open (short staffed). We were told that they would open around 3 pm. We had planned to stay at the waterpark all day (we brought lunch with us from home), but discussed changing our plans due to the waterslides not running. We decided to stay and play for a few hours, eat lunch in our room and then head to the outlet mall a few miles down the road. While we played, we had the waterpark mostly to ourselves. For a short while, we were the only ones there! Soon, a few families joined us. It actually worked out great, even with the waterslides not running. We played on the Millrace for over an hour - just jumping from one "log" to the next (Katie was the only one tall enough to reach the ropes). I loved watching the kids become more & more brave as they practiced!Another favorite was listening for the bell - which meant that the water bucket was about to tip over!! Here are Maddie & Katie getting soaked!If they planned it just right, the kids loved sliding down the small yellow slide just as the bucket was tipping!Of course, the favorites were the waterslides. There were 2 slides - green (longer & slow) and red (short & fast). I don't know how many times we ran up the set of stairs...but it was enough to get a very good workout! We did lots of races...even giving the green slide racer a 12 second head start. I think the girls' smiles show it all.We had a blast all weekend! Matt & I were very happy to see how the kids did on our first water outing as a family. We look forward to trying out more waterparks over the next few years.

Girls Night In

While the boys went to the rodeo...we girls had a fun night at the Hart Spa! We started our night by having dinner delivered (thanks to Daddy for bringing dinner home!). After eating, we started our spa night with facial masks and foot soaks.
We then did pedicures & manicures...followed by a little make-up. The girls were very excited to dress up and have a fashion show to end our night.

February Happenings

What a crazy winter this has been! Along with unseasonably warm temps, we've had very little snow this winter. We've only used the snowblower 3 or 4 times - most of those times out of laziness and not necessity! We haven't even gone sledding! It has been a crazy winter for sure!

All this to say, the groundhog says 6 more weeks of winter...I really can't say I believe him! Here are my groundhogs, ready to go to Chick-fil-A for their Groundhog family night dinner!
For Valentine's Day, I put together my annual "love dinner" for the family. This is a tradition that my mom started many years ago. We get out the fine china and crystal, light the candles and enjoy a fancy dinner at home - with the people we love the most! This year, I surprised the kids on the 13th (not the 14th!). With the 14th being a Tuesday, we wouldn't have time for our special dinner due to our Awana meetings at church. When the kids came home from school, they found this waiting for them. I loved hearing the excitement in their voices!
I love these pictures - it is a nice reminder that every once in a while they get along with each other (esp. Katie & Will)! I also love any picture of my children sleeping - they are so peaceful when they sleep!