Wisconsin Couples Retreat Day 1

Our small group from church planned a couples retreat to Baraboo, Wisconsin at Expeditions Unlimited for a fun time of adventure and hanging out.  I honestly didn't know what to expect, and the 5+ hour drive there was not something I was looking forward to, but I am very happy we went.

On our way up we stopped off in Dubuque, Iowa to eat and enjoy the beautiful view along the Mississippi River.  It was a perfect spring day and my sides were already starting to ache with all the laughing we were doing.

We arrived in Baraboo and instantly was introduced to "Skooba" Steve and his crew.  They were so friendly and inviting, the types of people that you feel you've known for years.  Steve instructed us to grab some good shoes and meet him for our first adventure before dinner.  We were going to be on the high ropes course working together as couples.

We got all harnessed up, learned the commands and safety info, and started up the ladder to the top.  I had no idea what to expect, as I have never been on a course like this, but as intimidating and as difficult as it was, it was SO MUCH FUN!  Derrick and I had to work together to get from point A to point B and by the time we were finished, we were exhausted! 

At the end of the course we could choose to zipline down or "swing" down (which is actually hooking your harness to a cable and free falling 20 feet and then swinging after it catches).  It sounded so frightening I knew I had to do it.  It was so much fun!  I truly felt like a little kid!  Derrick decided to do the swing too.  (These photos are of our friend, Ryan, who tried the swing after we already went.)

After we were back on the ground we had the opportunity to try another challenge.  Another guy from our group tried it first and didn't make it look too difficult, although he wasn't able to hold on to the bar and swing, so I gave it a try.  The object of the challenge was to climb up a 40 foot telephone pole, stand at the top, and then jump from the pole to a trapeze bar and swing.  I had no idea how difficult standing at the top of the pole was.  It was a challenge in itself just to figure out how to balance my weight to stand at the top (which was no larger than a dinner plate).  After I was at the top I jumped and actually made the connection with the bar!  Unfortunately, my body weight was too much for my grip strength, and I fell down.

When we were all done (not to mention sore and exhausted) we hobbled over to the dining room where we enjoyed a family style home cooked meal.  The meals were pretty simple, but the staff were amazing, completely serving us and making sure we had everything we needed.  

After dinner, and after settling into our cabins, they planned for us to spend time playing volleyball and basketball in the gym and even started a fire for us in the woods.  It was such a clear night but was slightly chilly, so we finished out the late evening with a fire in the fireplace of the cabin and a interesting game of charades. 

It was a fun and activity packed day!  My body ached so much from all the physical activity I didn't know if I was going to be able to move the next day, let alone go rock climbing and hiking. 

He is Risen: Resurrection Rolls for Breakfast

Yesterday, due to the craziness of the morning and rushing around, we didn't have time to do our Easter tradition when we talked about the Easter story, so this morning at breakfast we discussed Jesus's death and resurrection and made Resurrection Rolls.

I love the visual of the Easter story played out with this simple activity and the kids enjoy the process as well as the yummy result!

The kids really enjoy making these rolls.  Elliot just liked eating the marshmallows.

First they dip the marshmallow (Jesus without sin) into the butter (oils to prepare of burial).

Then rub the marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar mixture (spices to prepare for burial).

Then wrap the coated marshmallow in the crescent roll, so there are no open spaces (Jesus was wrapped in linen).

  

Silly faces.

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes (Jesus was then placed into a tomb and a large stone was placed to seal it).

Remove and cool slightly.  (After 3 days they found the tomb empty, He is risen!)

The disappearance of the marshmallow is fun for the kids and as a bonus they are very yummy to eat!

Hoppy Easter 2014

The Easter Bunny visited our house and boy was he busy!  I think there were over 150 eggs hidden in every place possible a when we woke up, some in plain sight and some more difficult to find.  The kids had a great time gathering Easter eggs, playing with the gifts in their baskets, and munching on the cereal and treats left in their eggs.

When the kids started the egg hunt, Elliot started crying on cue.

Poor guy.

Everett didn't let that slow him down.

Over and over the kids took turns, re-hiding and finding the eggs.  Over and over until I was going crazy finding them in drawers, in the shower, in the water dispenser of the fridge and under every pillow in the house.

Bailey has no idea where he is supposed to sleep with all this Easter egg mess and toys in the living room.

Later on we celebrated with family, and since her birthday is only a few days away, we enjoyed ice cream cake and were able to sing Happy Birthday to Aunt Nicole.  It's hard to believe she is 20!!

Happy Birthday Nicole!!

Sunset Family Dinner Out

Tonight we decided to enjoy the evening and take a walk down to Legends to grab some dinner outside.  Ethan and Everett rode their scooters and Elliot took a ride in his favorite red push car while Derrick and I walked.  It was a beautiful night and a lot of people were enjoying walking around the lake and spending time outside.  Although the restaurant was pretty busy inside, it was peaceful outside watching the sun go down over the water.  The boys had fun eating outside and were pretty tired by the time we got home.  I'm thankful we can spend time outside after this long winter... but I think more cold weather is right around the corner.  Bah!

From Tears to Cheers

Our church hosted a Candy Scramble today, complete with games and LOTS and LOTS of candy!  I couldn't believe how much candy my kids took home!

Grandma and Grandpa Estelle were visiting, so they came along.  A lot of the activities and inflatables were inside, but they set up the egg hunt outside in the grassy areas around the church.

Ethan had a great time at the baseball pitch area.

His friend, Caleb, cheered him on!

We all lined up for the scramble, divided by age groups, and I stayed with Everett, Elliot and my parents while Derrick took Ethan to the older kids area.  The count down was on and then the scramble for the candy at "GO!".  Everyone ran to grab candy... everyone but Elliot.  He picked up one piece, tossed his head into the air, and then, screaming, dropped to his knees.  At first I didn't know what was going on, but then I realized he was acting like he did the first time we went Easter Egg hunting, and it was going to be nothing but tears.

Everett and Elliot, ready for the candy scramble!

Elliot picked up one piece and then threw a HUGE fit!

Dropping to his knees in protest, I had to get a picture.

While Elliot cried, Everett went into overdrive, grabbing anything he could and filling his bucket.

Grandpa Estelle noticed he was having a hard time and came along side him to encourage him.  I still don't know what sets him off... it is either the noise of the start or the fact that he has to share his candy!  Silly boy.

Grandpa Shannon helped Elliot fill his bucket.

Once he got started he didn't slow down.

With his confidence boosted, he was able to gather up lots of candy.

Overflowing!

Satisfied with his bucket of candy.

Right away he went to work on his favorite candy, a sucker.

On our way home, again, against my better judgement since we already looked like we robbed a candy store, I let Derrick talk me into another egg hunt.  We stopped at one we've done in the past and waited while everyone got ready to start.  As we waited, they handed out boxes of cookies from HyVee. Wow, just keep the sugar coming!

Elliot, preparing for battle.

My bunch of bucket-heads, waiting for the activities to start.

Elliot was actually smiling before the countdown for this one!

The age groups were even more divided this year, with all three boys in different areas.  This time Elliot was happy to get started and didn't have any troubles hunting for his eggs.  There was less kids in his area so maybe that was it, or maybe he just needed a few warm ups to get comfortable with the concept?  Either way, they had a lot of fun.

No tears!

Grandpa Shannon encouraged Elliot as he went along.

Everett was proud of his bucket full of eggs!

After collecting, they took out all the goodies and returned the eggs to the church to use for next year.