February 29th, Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

The actual highest temperature that we saw today was 35F.  That was 2 degrees higher than the estimate, which was nice, since we spent approximately four hours outside at the Viking fest!  We saw no precipitation, but lots of sunshine!

Before we left, Juliet dressed up like her doll, Blaire.

Alice tried to crash the photo.

We left around 9:15, stopping for breakfast at the Potterville McDonalds.

This year we opted to park across the street versus taking the shuttle, and I'm split on whether or not it was an improvement.  We were not waiting in the cold for the bus, but it was muddy and snowy and busy in the park, plus we had to cross a busy street.  We'll see how we feel next year, since both have their drawbacks.

They have improved so much since last year!  This year there were four tents, a trailer ticket booth, more port-a-potty groups and food everywhere!

Everyone loved their capes!  I wore mine for a short while, but having the backpack on my stomach was uncomfortable, so I switched to my coat fairly quickly.

Billy, Alice and I tried out the axe throwing.  Alice was the only one who actually landed a 'stuck' axe!

Mine kind of stuck, then fell.  This was before I lost my gloves. = (

William found the warm spot:

Each of our children had $10 to spend as they saw fit.  William picked a hammer of Thor.  He was happy to show off his skills. = )

Face painting was a little more themed this year.

Alice picked a fox tail, and was excited to show it off.

Emily passed on the face painting and sword fighting.

After three hours in the cold, we were all ready to go. = )

We stopped at Dairy queen for hotdogs and hamburgers, but my memory was faulty* and they don't serve hamburgers (or chicken tenders) at the Michigan Dairy Queens. = 0  So, we settled for some hot dogs and nachos, and then went to Wendy's for those who weren't yet fed.

After walking around in the snow (and mud) for hours, all of our cloaks needed a good washing.  For the most part we just spent a relaxing evening home.

For dinner we had a crock pot beef, potato and carrot meal.  It smelled divine when we walked in the door!

later days

*our first year up here my mom and I went to the Dairy Queen in Charlotte** for some chicken tenders and white gravy because I wanted a taste of home so bad, but all they had were hamburgers and hot dogs and lots and lots of ice cream. = (

**Because the other Dairy Queen I know of in Lansing closes for the winter season.  It is strictly an ice cream place.

February 28th, Eatran Adventure

The expected high today was 27F.  It was very cold and windy, but the sun came out after it snowed lightly for about and hour.

Grace with her sparkly clip this morning!

After taking my sweet children to school, my mom and I embarked on an adventure.  We took the Eatran (a local public transportation service) from my house to downtown Charlotte!

There were two other patrons on the bus when we boarded, but we only made one stop before arriving at our destination.

We had originally planned a Tuesday trip, so we were very disappointed when the courthouse museum we intended to tour was not open. = (  The outside was pretty (and cold.)

We walked down a block or so and had breakfast at the Eaton Place.

We were kept company by a wild crew.

I felt like we were the only pedestrians out wandering the town. We saw some corporate art.

Warmed up by a public fire installation. And we shopped the thrift store until it was time to meet our return bus!

We read the plaque posted in front of a church built in 1886!

The window for the bus is 20 minutes, and they only have to wait for you for 3, so we arrived early and were thoroughly chilled by the time we boarded.  We were the only ones for most of the trip, but picked up one other passenger close to home.

It was very pleasant to not be responsible for driving, and super cheap to ride.  Only $2 for each leg! And I was able to purchase some tokens in advance for a slight discount. = )

Now Billy is ready to take it up to Horrocks and my mom and I have started discussing summer trips with the kids!

For dinner we had fish filets and fish sticks with mixed vegetables.  It was a fun day, but I'm a little worn from all the cold.

later days

February 27th, Roller Skating Fun

The expected high today was 22F.  It was cold and windy, and there was lots of snow blowing around off of roofs and trees.

Today was a mops day.  We had a speaker and a panel, and it was so good.

After mops I had lunch with Billy at Wendy's.  He whined that I went the speed limit the entire drive there, even though we had plenty of time to eat and then relax.  lol

Once I dropped him back at work, I went to Goodwill and shopped for a while.  I bought two new cannisters for flour and sugar.  Both of them will now hold an entire bag of each store, so I will no longer have to keep open packages in the basement!

After school the kids worked quickly through all of their afternoon responsibilities to get ready for skate night!

We were in the car by the time Billy came home.  And made it to the skating rink for the fundraiser before 6! I skated with them this time, and managed to not fall down and bruise my other leg!

Emily was skating with me, but once Clara arrived, she spent the evening with her.

William's class had the highest attendance, so they won the laser tag game.  He was very excited.

After their game, Emily, Grace and Juliet spent their money on another game with Clara and Henry.

It was little kids versus big kids.  (These two pictures courtesy of Rachel:)

At the end Rachel told the instructor to tell them that the little kids one, and the twins were soooooo excited to tell me that they beat the big kids.  I came clean on the car ride home and told them that Emily and Clara actually won.

Now all of the kids are really into laser tag, and I think that might be what Emily picks at her upcoming party. = )

For dinner we had the family pizza special (x2.)

later days

February 26th

Today's anticipated high was 27F.  We may have hit that, I'm not sure, but it did snow all.day.long.

And, I was awakened by the best type of phone call this morning: It was a Snow Day!

The kids were delighted, and I enjoyed a few extra minutes in bed. = )  My dear ones particularly enjoyed lounging around in their PJs all day.

After everyone was fed, and some of my regular chores were tended, I worked on end of year teacher gifts.  Today's objective was to fasten all the panels to the zippers.  I not only met that objective, but also started and finished William's Easter Bowtie!

If we are lucky enough to have another snow day, I will try to finish the bags off.  If not, I will reserved one day of our second spring break to finish them.  If I wait any longer, there will not be time once all the end of year school activities pick back up! = )

Emily, Grace and Juliet all joined me and worked on some sewing projects of their own.  Once I reached my goal, though, it was time for me to go move some snow. = (

It was really thick, but still light and fluffy, so it wasn't awful to clear.  I spent just over an hour doing both driveway entrances, the rest of our car drive, and the sidewalks, plus salting!

The snow is supposed to taper off around 9 tonight, so we aren't preparing for another day in tomorrow.  Though, I definitely won't complain if we do!

later days

February 25th

The expected high today was 36F.  It was cold and windy and a snow/rain mixture, so I have no idea if we even got that warm. = (

This morning Emily had student council, so we had to be out the door early.  Despite this, the kids managed to knock out a good chunk of their 'afternoon' homework!

Emily was on time, and the wait in the car wasn't too bad.  After dropping off everyone else, I headed to Walmart for Easter buckets.  They had a large selection.  They did not have many 18" doll accessories, so from there I went to Target.  I bought Emily's small gift (for her to open at her party) and Swimsuits for Alice and Emily.

From there I braved the VOA for some books, and a few other assorted items.  I dropped off part of Sarah's birthday gift, then headed home to put everything away.

At pick up the kids were ready to get home and work so that they could go to the pancake supper with avia at her church.  Billy and I walked to Charlie's as soon as he got home.

It was a fun day over all.

later days

February 24th

Today the high was 47F!  It was not particularly windy, and we didn't get any daytime precipitation, though the sun was scarce. = (

Meijer & Aldi were on the agenda this morning.  I picked my mom up when I dropped off the recycling at Sarah's.

She treated me to a tasty lunch at Panera.

After dropping her off, I then wasted the rest of the afternoon at the thrift store, buying very little: a couple of books, some stackable Easter buckets and a shirt.

En route home, I stopped by the village office to buy some Eatran tokens. At home I rushed to put away everything from the day's adventures, and then it was time to collect my children from school.

For dinner I heated up the leftover Chinese.

later days

February 23rd

The expected high today is 50F. Billy says were it not for the wind, that he would eat on an outdoor patio. I disagree, but will concede that is not bitterly cold.

Alice and the twins went with Avia to church. The others came with us, but we left about halfway through, because my throat was hurting again. With Grace's recent diagnosis, I thought a trip to the urgent care would be prudent. Billy dropped me off while he, Emily and William went to the nearby McDonald's.

The Urgent Care was not terribly busy, and it took me longer to fill out the extensive paperwork than to wait for the test. The in house swab for strep came back negative, but she was going to send it out for a culture, to be sure. I'm glad that it's just a sore throat and hope that I don't hear from them at all.

We are gearing up to go back to school tomorrow. I'm always astounded at how quickly the week passes. Only 6 weeks left until the next spring break. = )

Billy and I replaced my rear blinker bulb before we left for church, since it went out on our way to the museum last week.

I recorded my car light bulbs and gave the tub a QR code, so that I wouldn't have to guess whether or not I had a particular bulb at home like I did yesterday.

We had sad news from Emily's class today, one of her class mate's lost her mother over the break. There was a fundraiser at a pizza place in Old Town, so Emily and I went to get dinner and pay our respects to the family. Emily did get to see her classmate, I am so sad for the family. It was a lively, lovely celebration of life though!

So, for dinner we had pizza.

I think we've prepared all we can for our regular routine tomorrow.

later days

February 22nd, Aunt Rocky's Birthday Celebration, at Defy

Today the high was a cold and windy 47F.  At least at this temperature, ice and snow start to melt and the mounds cleared from the roadways start to recede. = )

The highlight of the day was celebrating Aunt Rocky's impending birthday at Defy!  They could not wait to get started!

Aunt Rocky and Billy bounced too!

Playing 'basketball' with Aunt Rocky.

I have no idea what happened.

I think Alice was feeling a little off.  She spent the final 20 minutes ore so on the couch watching the TV.  And when we came home she took a nap.

For lunch we went to Chick-fil-a, and while we were there I picked up a gift card for Cali's upcoming birthday!

At home, Emily and I spent some time making (and a lot of time waiting on glue to dry in) her 3D card!  Emily found an online tutorial, so all the crafts she's done lately have been 3D card or displays. = )

It came out super cute.  Once everyone signed it, we got it into the envelope, before I got a picture. =  0  So, we had to open it to take a 'finished' picture, but I think it will be okay.

For dinner we ordered in Chinese.  And we all enjoyed the party favors that Aunt Rocky got for us: Giant Hershey kisses for the kids and beer for the two adults. = )

later days