Trip to Disney World, June 2015_Part 1

Our flight from Minneapolis to Orlando went smoothly and without any flight delays.
The kids were all excited at first...

But that excitement wore off pretty quickly...

A late night swim at our villa on the evening of our arrival.

And then again first thing the next morning...

First stop (outside of the villa), Gator Land.

And then back to the villa for some more swimming!

Breakfast with the Princesses at the Norway Banquet Hall, Epcot.

Akershus Banquet Hall, Epcot.

Test Track ride at Epcot. Each of you pictured with your virtual race car creations...

Bruce's Shark World, Epcot.

Illuminations fireworks show at Epcot.

Speedway ride at Magic Kingdom.

Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom.

And Jackson posing for another pic, this time next to the Castle at Magic Kingdom.

It was crowded at the parks!

Taking a break from the crowds and the heat...inside one of the air conditioned shops.

Tower of Terror, Hollywood Studios. Wait time sign reads: 120 minutes, which was pretty much the norm while we were there...basically it was a 'no fastpass - no ride' type of situation because the parks were so busy.

Hollywood studios:

Waiting for our meal at Mama Melrose, Hollywood Studios.

Fantasmic! Light Show, Hollywood Studios.

Lia turns 5! Happy Birthday Lia!

Lia!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

You turned 5 years old on a Wednesday this year. On your 'leader day,' you brought cupcakes to share with all of your classmates at school.

We held a family birthday party at our house for you on Saturday, May 2nd.
Our house was filled with all five of your Grandmas, four Grandpas, 2 Uncles, your Auntie Laura, and all four cousins!! It was wonderful -a houseful of family, celebrating your birthday:)

You had a tough time making up your mind for a party theme this year, but you were certain you wanted a "puppy birthday cake." Linda's Bakery in West Salem did a nice job with this delicious cake...

Lia,

You are our little comedian!...always making us laugh with the things you say, the silly faces you make, and sometimes just the infectious laugh you have.
We are proud of the academic and social progress you've made in Pre-K this year; you seem very ready to begin Kindergarten in the Fall.
Mom is enjoying being home with you (for the half of day you're not in school). It's neat to see you 'take charge,' and demonstrate leadership skills with your daycare friends, in a kind, and fair, manner.
A few activities you enjoy doing right now include: playing make-believe with your friends, riding bikes, flying your rollercopter, playing Memory, Hide and Seek, and other games with Mom and Dad, and dancing to your favorite song, 'Uptown Funk.'
Lia, we love all your snuggles, hugs, and "ugga-muggas." Continue being the smart, funny, and strong minded little lady you are growing up to be...we are so proud of you!
Love, Mom and Dad

Bubble Soccer and Monkey Bars...what??

Jackson and his buddy, John, playing bubble soccer earlier this month.
The Onalaska Park and Rec is adding this "sport" to the list of activity offerings; the boys decided to give it a try when there was a demonstration held at a nearby park...

We took a few videos of the boys playing a knock-out game:

Meanwhile, the girls decided to play at the park. Apparently, crossing the monkey bars and drinking kool-aid was more appealing to Jess and Lia than trying out the whole bubble soccer thing...

Jessica's First Piano Recital

Jessica's first piano recital went well! It occurred in April, 2015 -Jessica is 7 years old.


Waiting for her turn to walk up onto the stage and play her piece, "Just Can't Wait to be King" (Lion King).

And here it is...

...short, and sweet :)


These are all the children learning how to play the piano from Cindy Purdue. Jess is in the front row, right in the center...

You did great Jess! It was fun to watch you perform.

Dyeing Easter Eggs

Getting ready for Easter, dyeing eggs...

Happy Easter 2015!

Happy 7th birthday, Jessica!

Dear Jessica,

We love the way you laugh! We love the way you dance to most any song! We love the way you love animals!
You continue to amaze us with your creativity, artwork, and beautiful penmanship.
1st grade is going well for you, and the nightly math and reading homework isn't bothering you. In fact, you seem to enjoy doing your schoolwork.

Spring soccer practice has begun. You decided to play this year, with Mom as your coach:). And, piano continues to be an activity you like to do; your first recital is coming up in a few weeks!
You're such a smart, independent, and happy girl. We love all the fun you bring to our family.

We love you Jess!
Mom and Dad


Your birthday was on a Sunday this year. You decided to celebrate with some friends at Build-a-Bear Workshop in the mall, dressed in slumber party attire.
The first hour was spent inside the shop --a party organizer led your group in the build a bear process, as well as, a few fun games and activities.

Success! Twelve new, beautifully stuffed animals! And all of you seemed to have a fun time doing it.

And to finish out the party, Dad and I led all of you down to the food court for cupcakes and gift opening...

Our ski season, 2014-15

Our family was able to ski at Mt La Crosse quite a bit this season, averaged 1-2 ski outings per week.

Lia graduated from the bunny hill rather quickly, and moved onto skiing the few green hills Mt. La Crosse has to offer. She worked on maintaining her balance with the help of a harness (which mom, dad, or grandpa Bob controlled from behind).

Jessica demonstrated a good amount of independence out at the hill this year. Most notably, her ability to ride the chairlift without an adult. But also worth mentioning, how neat it was to see her gain the confidence needed to attempt some of the more difficult blue hills.

Jackson continued to work on his solemn and control skills going down the blue and black hills. He even attempted a few jumps this year, and is excited to try twin-tip skis next season.

We had several different families that we'd meet out at the hill, providing us fun times with friends, as well as, ski buddies for both Jackson and Jessica. Cousins, Maddy and Logan, and Uncle Ryan met us out there a few times as well!

Here's the top 15 pics of our ski season with the kids at Mt. La Crosse...