Lock-In

Sam went to a lock-in with eleven other kids from EDGE, the middle school youth group at our church.  The lock-in was held at our church and supervised by Emily, our youth director and college volunteers.  The middle schoolers arrived around eight Friday night and I picked Sam up at 8 the next morning.  The lock-in had a balloon theme.  Ella and I  stuck around as they played with balloons and had a shaving cream filled balloon fight. Ella even got in on the action.  Then Ella and I headed home while Sam played more games, snacked, went on a scavenger hunt around the church and watched movies.  He won the award for the middle schooler who stayed up the latest.  He had a great time and was amazingly not that cranky after very little sleep.  

Playing with the balloons as they wait for everyone to arrive.

It's a little hard to see, but they are lined up to start the shaving cream in balloons fight. 

Rock Bridge or Hogwarts?

It was book character day at Ella's school and she decided to dress as Hermione from the Harry Potter series.  Two of her friends dressed up as characters from the books too as well as a many other kids at her school.  Ella enjoyed pretending to be a wizard for the day! 

Our Triumphant Holy Day!

We woke on Easter morning at our own house and the kids began the search for their baskets.  After a little looking they found their goodies and were happy with what the Easter bunny had delivered.  Then it was time to get ready and head to mass.  While we arrived much earlier than on a normal Sunday we were one of the last ones to get a seat, so we will have to remember next year to arrive much earlier if we are going to Newman. It was absolutely packed with people lining the walls around 3/4 of the church.  
After mass we headed to Kansas City, and after meeting Savannah, we went to my mom and dad's house to celebrate Easter.  Unfortunately, John had to work so wasn't able to travel with us.  We had a delicious lunch then Scott and I hid the eggs for the annual egg hunt.  The kids had a fun time finding them and Cameron was really cute running around and picking up the eggs. The weather was great so the kids were able to play outside and enjoy their time with cousins.  It was a busy but wonderful day. 

Ella decorating eggs a few days before Easter. 

The finished products from artists Ella, Sam and Jen.

All dressed and ready for mass. 

Cousin photo

Emma and Sam racing for eggs!

The little ones get to start in the back yard. 

Ella got quite the haul. 

Sam pausing from hunting for a photo. 

Kylie has found the bubble wands.

Goodies in the basket from the Easter  bunny. 

Meeting Miss Savannah

Miss Savannah August was born on March 22nd.  Sam was hoping that she would be born on his birthday but she was just a few days late.  He was excited though that they would not only be sharing a birthday month, but a middle name.  August is a family name on Lauren's side of the family.  
We finally got a chance to meet Savannah on April 5th.  She is absolutely precious!  Neither Ella or I wanted to stop holding her and felt we could have stayed for hours with her in our arms.  Sam also took a turn holding her and enjoyed the chance to meet her.  Both Lauren and Brian seem to be handling parenthood with ease.  We were so happy to welcome her in person to our family.  

Confirmation Day!

Sunday was Caleb's confirmation day.  We went over to Kelly and Dana's house that morning for some breakfast.   Then it was time for the Lowes to head to the church while we finished getting ready.  We met them there for the ceremony.  We were so glad to be able to be there for Caleb's big day.  There were a few sad moments missing Kevin on this special day but we know he was there with us in spirit.  
Caleb's ceremony was followed with lunch and a presentation in the church hall.  It was a long day but one we wouldn't have missed for anything.  After a few pictures and some more lunch at Dana's house it was time to head back to Columbia.  We are so proud of the young man Caleb is becoming and can not wait to see what his future holds. 

Strikes, Spares, Steaks and Sushi

The second weekend of spring break we headed back to Rogersville.  We spent Saturday afternoon hanging out at the Lowe's house then we spent the evening hanging out with the bigger Lowe family.  Kurt and Kelly had come up with a plan to go bowling and to Nakato, a Japanese steakhouse, for dinner so we joined in on the fun.  First, we all met at Lighthouse Lanes for some bowling.  There was a little competitive fire going on, on one of the lanes which was fun to watch. Luckily our lane was pretty laid back because we haven't bowled in a while and none of us scored that well.  Then, it was time to head to the restaurant.  John had never been but the kids and I were excited to return for some delicious food and entertainment.  At Nakato, they cook the food table side so it is always fun to watch and talk to the cook as they prepare your meal.  They also serve sushi which some of our group members enjoyed.  The food was delicious and the company was fun.  It was a wonderful evening. 

The younger kids at their table at Nakato.

Setting up the scoreboard

Ella and Keena having fun bowling. 

Big Cedar Monday

The second day at Big Cedar was full of more adventures.  The kids and I started off the morning with nine holes of miniature golf and a walk.  Then we decided to enjoy the beautiful, warm weather with lunch on the patio of a cafe overlooking the lake.  After that we headed back to the cabin to get John.  We all took a trip into town to buy some steak and potatoes that John was going to cook for dinner that evening.  
We spent our afternoon on paddle boats, which were a lot harder than they looked.  We definitely got in quite the workout pedaling all around the cove.  Then Ella and I headed out on another hike.  There was a bridge and waterfall that we saw on our way out of the resort that I wanted to see more closely.  They were beautiful and we got some good pictures.  The kids then decided it was time for the pool.  With the warm weather and the heated water they said it felt great.  I sat out and enjoyed reading while listening to them laugh and play.  Then it was home for dinner on the deck and a movie.  Big Cedar has a dvd library and you can borrow movies for the night as part of your stay.  We enjoyed We are Marshall and called it a night.  

Ella and Sam on the miniature golf course. 

Our lunch view

My cute paddle boat partner! 

Enjoying a dip in the pool!