Winter is over and we are all feeling it!

April 14th. 75-80 degrees. Bass Lake is thawing!

Ellie insisted we bring the floaty toys. I warned that it would more of a play in the sand day, but they all went in the water!

And there is the ice slowly receding and melting away, giving us back our summer season and some of the funnest times of our summer.

Anders seems to have leaped from one and a half years old to about four years old in the space of one winter. It is all packaged in a three year old little boy who is very tall, talkative, and ready for any and all worker-boy projects.

Charity built a sand moat stream that Anders is enjoying.

So, Mom, this is the beach? Okay. Very nice. When can I nurse again?

This was one of those blissful Spring sunny nap afternoons where the house was quiet and happy, many of the windows open, and where soft spring breezes were drifting over sleeping toes.

A week later I took the three older kiddos on an adventure hike on Deer Path Trail. Our mission was to eat many snacks to keep our energy up, and to mark the trail.

Even without the green of lush mid summer, the forest halted me in my tracks with its sparkling beauty.

A boy in a forest. And this is just the beginning, Anders!

Other highlights of life! I hosted a young mom's night at Pine Haven last night. My sister in law Becky came and inspired us with a wonderful meditation on our amazing and loving Creator. We ate chocolate éclair cake, special dishes people brought, and had a campfire to the tune of a thousand cheeping frogs on surrounding lakes in the light of a rising full moon.

Paul Revere's--er--Benjamin's--midnight ride home again after Mommy and Daddy finished touching up the cabin for guests who would arrive in the early morning hours. On the stroller ride home I enjoyed hearing Benjamin's cousin and her friend who were camping out in the hayloft of the barn. We look forward to seeing this place fill up with people again! Fun times ahead, Mr. Benjamin. You will sleep well today!

Well, a lot has happened since January! Winter is waning and Spring, we hear, hope, and believe, is soon coming. Loons and cranes and robins have returned. Snow only stays for short spurts, and grass hesitantly puts forth a green hue as it embraces the new slant to the sunshine. This woodpile is now gone, below, also a sign that Spring better hurry up and come!

..My little knitted baby puff manling has never seen a Spring. Isn't he in for a treat!

We've had many travels and adventures this Spring. We visited my Grandma in Morenci, Michigan, went to a lady's Pioneer Woman retreat in Amhurst, and enjoyed fellowship with a dear cousin out near Eau Claire, and new friends in Athens. We've had many mishaps and adventures closer to home as well. Sometimes I thank the Lord that we are all alive, healthy and ready for each new day!

We enjoyed a children's area in an art museum in Wausau.

Everything about it was wonderful. I loved these magnetic puzzles among other things.

And here.....we challenge Winter to a dual of wills....as the roar echoed for (perhaps miles) around of nine big wheel tires hitting rock and dirt covered pavement!

Another highlight for us: Auntie Louise came to visit, laden with fresh berries, boxes of diapers, conditioner, and many other little doo dads I requested. Louise made my kids feel abundantly loved as she played with them, let them take Hurrican on walks, and just showered them with love and attention. After the kiddos went to bed, Louise, Steve, and I were able to laugh together as we watched old episodes of "The Waltons" and just enjoyed chatting late into the night over Steve's deep dish DiGiorno pizza. Fun times. :)

Louise, the older three, and I enjoyed an invigorating Sunday afternoon hike up to the Upper Field.

Anders called Hurrican his "other brother".

Louise and I aren't sure what this is....but it is everywhere, and so pretty.

Speaking of Mr.Anders....he is so funny, and robust, and just changing all the time.

We all made it across except Ellie, who got quite wet. :) (coming home)

Charity girl.

Ellie turns five! (She looks so much like her papa here!)

And...one last photo of my little blue eyed pea and Mama.