Polar Bears

Last week we had a polar bear theme around here. Each day we read and learned some things about polar bears and then did a small project.

When I asked today what was the one thing they really remember about polar bears Ezra answered the feet (really big feet). Levi said that they have black skin and live in the arctic.

This was one of the projects we did - chalk polar bears. Ezra's are the top two, Levi's is the bottom.

Also, we ended the week with polar bear treats.

This weekend as we were all contemplating what color to paint one of the walls in Ivy and Roman's room, we had the opportunity to get our first picture of all four kids standing up.

As an aside, Ivy took a very tiny step this weekend. I'm not counting it as the first though.

Treadmill.

Ezra said "too tired" when done

Snowman!

We had some snow here yesterday so all five of us bundled up and went out to build a snowman (R&I stayed in the garage though). The snow was pretty hard to work with by the afternoon, but we were still able to make a little guy.

At the MN Children's Museum

When we arrived, Ezra and Levi wanted their pic at the top of the parking ramp.
You can see capitol dome in the background..

Ivy playing in the toddler room. It was nearly impossible for one dad (me) to contain 2 babies.

Levi an Ezra were in a Mr. Roger's neighborhood - how things are made exhibit. It was the neat. They are assembling a Neighborhood Trolley together in this not-so-great action shot. I couldn't get in to get a photo because it was wall-to-wall people on President's Day.

After the museum, we had a picnic and McDonald's lunch, on the floor of an office building next door. 

WisDells v. 2.0

Well, We're home from Wisconsin. It was a good trip. No major incidents or accidents. The best part was the fun in the various swimming pools. We went bowling one night and had good pizza at Knuckleheads. Christina had an awesome spa treatment/massage one day and I went to a great restaurant with Jim and Jonathan another night. We all painted a few pieces of pottery too, which was a fun project - even though it got a little bit of a long process for Levi and Ezra.

Roman and Ivy enjoyed being in the water, whenever we put them in. Levi liked the hot tubs and the bigger kid slides. Ezra liked the little kid slides. I enjoyed the wave pool and the Dueling Mammoths family-size tube ride. Christina liked the spa. Everyone liked the pizza and the Dunkin Donuts.

Wisconsin has strange laws for some things though. Like they are over-protective for some things, like not letting anyone 5 or younger sit in hot tubs and setting the highway speeds at 65 mph, but then right next to the till at the gas station - there are those little bottles of liquor like they sell on airplanes, as like a POS impulse purchase. Crazy.

Tonight (Sunday) when he was going to bed, Ezra said, "I can't wait till we go to 'sconsin again." and I said, "When is that?", and he said, "Maybe in a year." - so I know he enjoyed it.

Saturday was our friend Jake's 7th Birthday Party.

And then Saturday morning Levi had an indoor baseball clinic at the local junior high school (Click on the photo below to enlarge).

It is the first of 6 that he may go to this spring. It was a very good time and the best part is, his next door neighbor friend James was there and may play in the same league this year. They love playing baseball in the yard together, so I just think it would be great if they were on the same team.

That's all for now. Our house is in order. The appraiser has gone and so things are about 95 percent complete with our construction project. Hopefully the tile guy can come back and finish a few details in the bathroom and then I can do a few touch ups and small projects around the house in the next month before we start getting used to things the way they are.

Have a good week y-all.

Love, Sam

On the road

Another snow picture

I forgot to post these pics during the 1 time this winter that there was enough snow to go sledding. We had found these monster-sized snowballs - don't know where they came from. They just showed up. 

We arrived in Wisconsin Dells safe and sound on Sunday. Had some good pizza and watched the Super Bowl. It was a very entertaining game. We like this waterpark/resort for its variety, but its kinda frustrating because the AT&T service in our room is spotty. I have 2 little bars right now on my phone. Last night, it said No Service for much of the time. Best way to reach us is through our emails - cause at least the the WI FI network seems to be strong and reliable.

 I've been up since 5 and went for a 4.3 mile run, and now I'm getting ready to get breakfast for everyone.