A $25 getaway

We snuck away on MLK Day to the Bavariann Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth for a $25 overnight getaway (okay it was a bit more because we decided to stay an extra night, but STILL - so cheap if you are a Perks club member).  This is Joshua's favorite place to kick back and play - Thank you Lord for providing inexpensive family fun!!!

January Birthdays

Always a great time celebrating our family birthdays - this month we honored Melissa and my mom!!

cousins

very funny gift from the Cripe Family

Here it is - the UMP it - gotta love it!

looking rather Ump'd up!!!

Let it Snow Let is Snow Let is Snow

It certainly has been a crazy winter with colder days than normal and snow that seems to fall daily - an inch at a time.  We've had our fair share of winter time fun, but I think that Joshua is even starting to grow weary of bundling up.  Anyway, here are a few pics of backyard fun - enjoy!

The Shark and The Snow

Joshua REALLY wanted a stuffed animal shark (the child loves stuffed animals). Randy and I decided to create a chart for Joshua to earn the shark by demonstrating kindness and gentleness to Mocha (something he has struggled with).  Well, he did it!!!  Here he is receiving the shark that he earned all on his own!

 Yesterday, we were blessed once again with several inches of snow.  Soooo, today we got all of our snow gear on and headed outside to play in the snow - Joshua and Mocha had so much fun.  Aunna made them a snowpile and they found a huge icicle.  We had a great time outside and then warmed up with some hot cocoa and marshmallows when we came in.  Thank you Lord for the snow - thank you Lord for knowing that I am now done with snow and ready for Spring =)

This has been a LONG time coming

In June (yup that long ago), Aunna planned a special day for Joshua up at the bus yard during her afternoon break.  Joshua had so much fun and remembers the day well.  The fun started when Aunna arranged for one of the secretaries to give him a gift bag full of everything "yellow," just like a bus!

 Then they were off to check out Aunna's bus....

 Such a big boy...

 What a great driver!

 Goofin' around

 So proud!

 Then he had a quick snack before we all headed to the park...

and we checked out the ducks...

Check out these stairs -Aunna climbed them soooo -

Joshua did too!

It was a great day!