Kristin's turns 17!

Kristin turned 17 this week and she took me shopping for her special day. Here we are after eating at Moosejaw pizza.



And here is the scary house we explored on our way home.



We had lots of fun... I have a great (and old) daughter!

Birthdays at our house!

We have the very best kids ever! Today we celebrate them! (Ben-20, Kristin-17...wow...)

Easter weekend

It was a very rich Holy week for me this year, filled with meaningful services at church on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Add to that the blessing of family to share it with, and it was extra good!

Spring Break

The kids and I had different breaks again this year, so I used my days with them in school to do a different hike each day. It was a glorious week with temps in the 70s, so no hikes were off limits! Here are a few highlights...

Oliver

Usually on Tuesday afternoons Kristin babysits for both Oliver and Leo, our adorable neighbor boys. But last Tuesday, Leo was extra sleepy in the afternoon, so Oliver came over by himself. He and Kristin had a great time. Here are a few of the ways Oliver expressed his enjoyment for some alone time with Kristin...

Winter Walk

Kristin, Nick and I took a walk down the road today and played around at the creek. I love this creek! This is the one that still causes the road to heave, even after the county spent money and effort to make the it smooth. This is also the creek that goes unnoticed by many because it is small. It's the same creek that offers up a turtle to help across the road every year or so. It also makes a great sound and holds watercress that offers the hope of spring too. Plus it offers a fun destination that Kristin and Nick will still go to with me!

Frank graciously stayed with Ben today so that I could get outside and enjoy the almost 50 degree weather. I chose a new hike in the Kettle Moraine area and was richly rewarded with rolling hills, beautiful vistas and some wonderful insights.