Easter 2014

We had an Easter to remember this year! We decided to head west and spend the weekend at the family cabin. We started the trip in Rapid City at the indoor Watiki Resort.  The kids got to swim and we even got a little shopping in before heading to our next stop.

Still enjoying the luxuries of running water and electricity at this point.

 Here is the clan at the cabin near Hot Springs SD.  Its rustic to say the least but the scenery is breath taking and the company was wonderful!

 This picture is worth 1000 words.  The kids love Uncle Jo Jo and we were so glad he chose to take this Easter adventure with us this year.

We had our own church service complete with a handmade cross and pasque flowers we found nearby.  Those were my Grandma Marian's favorite flowers.

 Lauren completed Hunter Safety Training last Fall so she was excited to go on her first Turkey hunt with Will.  No Turkey this year but lots of good memories.

 The kids on an Easter egg hunt.  We had tons of eggs and we are pretty sure there are still some out there!

A glimpse of the beautiful views.  We had a great trip and hope to do it again sometime soon!

Traveling Basketball

 Jillian plays for the Yankton Sparkx.  Will is one of her coaches.  She loves to play and this picture was taken after her team won their division of our local Roger Haas Tourney!

 Here is Lauren with her team the Zelles.  They have been together since the 3rd grade and have a blast playing and spending time together.

Owen of course comes to most of his sisters games.  He always has friends to hang out with and they have a great time playing on their iPads and running around.  We love the families we spend our time traveling with.  Its a win win for everyone!

Piano contest and Choir Concert

 The girls continue to take piano lessons once a week.  They participated in the local piano contest and were awarded Blue ribbons for their excellent performances!  Here they are with their teacher Muriel.  We are very thankful for Muriel and the patience and dedication she shows the girls.  If your all wondering when Owen will start taking lessons...  according to him it will be "never", so don't hold your breath :)

Lauren and Jillian with their teacher Jacquelyn and accompanist Dixie after their winter Yankton Children's Choir concert.  They attend choir once a week and have 2 big concerts each year along with smaller performances within the community.

BIG birthday party!

 We had busy schedules to deal with this past January so we decided to celebrate my birthday, my dad's birthday, Jillian's birthday and Owen's birthday all in one celebration!!  I loved my present.  Will and the kids had a picture I had in storage framed.  Its a painting of the church and grade school I attended growing up in Mitchell. The church remains but the school has since been torn down. It turned out beautiful.

 My 38th birthday picture with my dad.  We have always celebrated our birthdays together.  His birthday is one day after mine. My mom had a delicious cake made for us by a gal in Mitchell.                                              

 Jillian prefers Grandma's homemade sugar cookies instead of cake for her 10th birthday.

Owen turned 6!  He chose a pudding eclair type dessert.