Spring Break

Last week was Spring Break around these parts. We kept to our tradition of not going anywhere. But we did try to plan a few fun things to do in our own area (which now has an official title of "Staycation").

Noah had a friend sleep over one night. His friend slept for 2 hours after dinner with a bad headache, but they still managed to fit in plenty of fun.

Another afternoon went to see the movie "The Tale of Despereaux", which was at the second-run cheaper theater. It was disappointing - we'd only give it a 2 out of 5 stars. I've heard the book is much better (yay, books!)

Thursday, we had good friends over, whom we don't get to see often enough. Barb and I have known each other since 5th grade in Illinois and now we both live in Michigan, although in different towns about 25 minutes apart. Her 2 kids have known my 3 boys since they were born, and at one time the kids even thought they were cousins!

The highlight of that day for the kids was making a little bonfire in our back yard! It started out with Isaac showing them how he likes to burn things with the sun and his magnifying glass. (I tell you, that boy loves fire!)



They moved to a different location in the back yard, and started adding more leaves to the one Isaac began with. Quite a while later when we checked on them, it had become a little bonfire actually - which is, um, slightly illegal in our city! oops! They sure had a good time with it though.




(Isaac, Marisa, Brandon, Noah)

Friday, Rashed took the day off. We had heard about an event called "Kidz Fest 2009" held inside a small arena. It looked fun, so we took the kids there. Unfortunately, the advertisement made it look way better than it actually was. But the boys did manage to have a little fun.




(Noah and Isaac boxing with super-sized boxing gloves)


(Noah on a surfing simulator)


(Aaron holding on for dear life on the surfing simulator)


(Isaac surfing)


After that over-priced adventure, we drove to a small town outside of our city, had a nice lunch, and had a true adventure of the outdoor kind (our favorite kind), exploring along the dam and river.


(Rashed and boys overlooking the dam in Rockford, MI)


(walking on the new boardwalk trail along the river)


(wandering OFF the trail!)




(I'm IN a picture instead of taking it! and looking right into the bright, mid-day sun!)

Even if we didn't go anywhere tropical or unusual, I've been so glad to be getting some energy back, feeling more "normal", and being able to get out and enjoy the world around us. And now, it's back to homeschooling and life as usual - which is not a bad thing!