New Documentary: Monica and David

In the news

While we were celebrating Joe's birthday the local news station taped us for a story on the smoking ban that will go into effect in May 1, 2010. Our friend Mike was interviewed. Click HERE to see the kids bowling (and Molly, Joe, and Leah's scores!) on the 6:00 PM news.

Bowling party

Joe had a bowling party to celebrate his 7th birthday. Daniel, Molly, Charlie, Emma and Leah attended. The kids had lunch and then bowled. TV 6 showed up during the party and asked to interview us (Mike talked) and film our party. In May the bowling alley will be smoke free and they were doing a human interest story about families and bowling.

Joe's 7th Birthday

Joe's birthday was filled with tons of activities. In the afternoon he and Emma had their horseback riding lesson at CHUM and we brought cupcakes for all the riders and teachers. The kids lined up the horses and sang "Happy Birthday" to Joe. Then he opened his gifts and found a new bike in the basement! We had dinner at Johnny Rockets and the everyone in the restaurant sang "Happy Birthday" and then we went to see the movie "Oceans." Also happening this weekend: two house showings (so we have to keep the house pristine in the midst of all the celebrating) and a bowling party this afternoon.

Dreams Do Come True!

The Marble School Carnival was tonight. I did my volunteer 1/2 hour at the moonwalk, while Emma ran around with her friends (Chris & Joe opted out and went to Old Town for dinner). The big surprise was that Emma won one of the big prizes in the raffle....An American Girl Doll!!!!!!! It really is a dream come true for Emma.

Joe's school party

The cupcake has a 7 on it!

Chris reading, "How to be a Good Dog."

This afternoon we brought in cupcakes for Joe's school party. The kids sang "Happy Birthday" and we read "Pete the Cat," "How to be a Good Dog," and "Yellow Bird, Black Spider." After that the class watched "Elizabeth and Larry." Tomorrow we will bring cupcakes to horseback riding and then Sunday is Joe's bowling party.

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Emma's Italian class

Emma with her Italian teachers

Counting in Italian

The class

Joe watching the class

This spring semester Emma took a kids Italian class at MSU. Tonight was the last class. Each student received a certificate and the teachers said something about their strengths in the class. At the end, the kids did a dance to an Italian soundtrack.

Baby Calvin

Spring Musical Event

Clara, Emma, Cierra

Emma in kerchief with pink shirt

Emma's school put on a spring musical extravaganza on Wednesday evening. The fourth graders presented a show called "Who pushed Humpty Dumpty." Emma played the part of Little Miss Muffit. I was able to take a few photos before the show began.

Calvin up a treee

Calvin took his first big excursion out of the house today and had to be rescued (by Chris on a ladder) from his perch high up in a tree.

Horseback riding

Joe (on Missy), Emma (on Splash), Anna and Michael.

This afternoon Emma and Joe had their riding lesson. When it was over they posed on horses with the other students.

Naughty Kitty

Don't tell Chris!

Emma's art show

Emma had her art in another art show. She participated in Sm(art) = Saturday morning art classes at the Kresge Art Museum on the MSU campus. She spent 6 weeks focusing on 3-D art with MSU students who are planning to be art teachers. The last class was an art exhibit. Stacy took these photos of Emma's art.

On the Road Again

I have just returned from my last trip this semester. This week I was in Oxford, OH giving the Puff Lecture in Christianity at Miami University.

At the Children's Garden

Cousins

When we were in Atlanta in February Tutu and Papou arranged for a photographer to take photos of the cousins. Here are some of those photos.

Easter Morning

Spartan cupcakes

Well. our team didn't win the game but we still enjoyed Emma and Joe's yummy spartan cupcakes. There is always next year.

Eggs

It is so warm that we were able to color eggs outdoors. It had never been warm enough in Michigan to have our egg hunt outside. Maybe this year.

Final Four

Today it was 83 degrees and it is all smiles as our town gets ready for the final four. This afternoon I took Emma & Joe's second annual final four photo with the Sparty statue.

First warm day of 2010

Yippee! Spring is here!

Even Calvin went outside for a few minutes.

Yesterday was the first warm day of the year. The temp hit 75 degrees and we were happy! It is great to be able to be outside and to wear summer clothes.