Yesterday was a beautiful day - about 65 so we just had to enjoy it while it lasted. When John and I picked up Alyssa after school we went to the park. Alyssa was so glad (we packed a little snack for her) especially when she realized one of her best friends was headed there as well.

Sunday afternoon after being inside all day I thought we all needed some fresh air. It was in the high 30s (which was considered warm after some of the days we have had) so we went to the park by the school for about an hour. We saw eight deer! Of course I didn't have my camera - but it was so neat watching them. They would all stand still and watch you until they realized you weren't going to bother them - then they went about their business eating in the grass.

This morning we got about 1-2 inches of snow. Didn't feel like taking the car out on the roads to take Alyssa to school (since it's less than 1/2 a mile) so decided to take the kids on the sled. (I still haven't gotten them boots so didn't think I should make them walk!) With Alyssa weighing 43lbs and John 41 - it was quite a workout going uphill both ways! :) The walk home was much easier with just John. Then John "helped" me get the driveway shoveled....by pushing the snow around and yelling at me not to wreck his sand castle on the driveway. He was so happy to get inside to have some hot cocoa - I mean warm cocoa. The kids don't like things hot so I have to add ice cubes and/or cold milk to get the temperature just right.

Today was a beautiful day in the 60's so we all went to the park next to Alyssa's school in the morning. After we walked Alyssa to school at 12:20, John and I went on a walk. I walked behind John while he was riding his bike. He was riding at a good pace so I was able to walk fast and get some exercise. I let him decide where we were going in our neighborhood. We ended up not getting back home until almost 2pm! Then after something to eat we were back outside raking some leaves until it was time to get Alyssa from school at 3:30. So glad we got outside to enjoy the nice day - it's already dropping back into the 30's now!

Took the kids to the JOCO Museum. They have this Kidscape exhibit that the kids seemed to enjoy. Several different rooms - one was a Doctor's office, theater, library and clothing store - the favorite of John's was the City Hall - with the cars and mats on the floor to drive the cars on. Also had a little pond to fish from and area to putt some balls. Even had a Wii. I did some bowling before John wanted to try. He didn't want to listen to me explain how to do it - he eventually figured it out! Best part was it was free. :) Will be taking the kids back again. Since it was the last day off before the kids started back to school I then took them to Crown Center. We suprised Dad at work and then went to eat at Fritz's. (The picture below was from a previous visit.) A little train goes around a track above the tables and then lowers the food to your table.

Took the kids to the mall for playgroup this morning. John managed to get his leg caught in the purple car he was in!

Today was such a nice day - 65 - so we thought it would be a good day to get the kids outside. Alyssa is now riding her bike without training wheels! (Sorry didn't get any photos.) The day before I had her riding on the sidewalk with me holding onto the back of her bike seat running behind her. I sure was getting a good work-out! Many times I let go and she didn't even know it. I had to tell her that she was doing it all by herself. I think that was a big confidence booster. So after some practice on Friday, Daddy helped her get going and she rode to the school and park to even practice going up and down some hills.