Random photos

Some random photos from our late winter/early spring!

Spring break! But daddy still has to go to work. Rhy likes to hug him first, though!

Jammies courtesy of Papa Bruce. She'll probably wear it until she's in college. !!!

March 12 snow. Bookended perfectly from our FIRST snow (12 inches) on Nov. 12.

The Great Lakes Shipping Season opened...but Lake Michigan didn't look ready for it!

My guy. There may be snow on the ground
but that doesn't stop him from getting in a good bike ride!

My Skating Beauty

We found a pair of roller skates at a local thrift shop for $10. Rhy is SO happy to have a pair! She's been skating all around the driveway this spring!

Papa Staude turns 60!!

We went down to St. Louis in February to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday and Rielle's 1st birthday. They share they same special day! It was great to be there, and my sister threw a great party/brunch. We all contributed photos to make a neat memory book for dad and he really seemed to enjoy the day.

Dad opens his gift—a painted sign with all the stuff we love about him!

With four out of the five grandkids.

The Jamesons! My sister with Rielle, Sydney and Leon.

Birthday girl!

Cousins!

With my sweet little niecelet!

Blowin' out the candles on their cake!

I brought my record player and we played tunes from Papa's "era" all morning! James Taylor, Chicago, Peter Paul & Mary, John Denver and more!

More Snow Play

This is how Nate went to work every day this winter. Even in sub zero weather.

Our back patio.

Our sidewalk. It looked like this for WEEKS.

I went skiing one afternoon while the kids were in school.

Gabriel's 12th Birthday

We did something a little different for Gabriel's 12th birthday this year. His "BIG" gift was that we turned the back room on our main floor into his bedroom. It was previously a pseudo-office/guest room/playroom. When he fell asleep, we proceeded to move his furniture downstairs (without waking him up .... we are GOOD!!!) He was SOOO surprised, and SOOOOOO excited when he woke up to find out what we'd done. We got him a monster lego set and some new sheets for his "new" queen size bed. For the rest of his gifts...we took him shopping so that he could pick out some stuff for his new space. He picked out an awesome CD clock radio that he can also plug his ipod shuffle into...and a new lamp for his new desk. :) He also chipped in on Disney Infinity for the Wii, to the delight of his siblings. Happy birthday, big guy. Don't grow up too fast.

New sheets for his NEW bed!

Peanut Butter pie was the birthday boy's request.

blowing out the candles!

Snow Play

Lots of snow means LOTS of snow play. Here are a few photos!

Tunnels!!

Rhylah made a snow horse!