IKEA

Welcome IKEA! Ohioans just got our first IKEA and it's only minutes from us. We took our first trip this week and of course had to blog the excitement. If you've never been to IKEA you've got to go. It is a Swedish home furnishings store with incredible prices. You browse through rooms and small homes and can purchase anything from the floor, the window coverings, the furniture, the appliances, the cabinets, and the salt and pepper shaker in the cabinets, and the dish towel hanging on the stove. It is 344,000 square feet so take your walking shoes. We ate at the Swedish restaurant/cafeteria in the store. Kids meals start at .99 including drinks! Every product has a funky Swedish name that you have no clue how to pronounce. We had so much fun the first time, we went back the next day with Grammy and Michele & Nate!

IKEA here we come

Looking for a parking place

Isaac loves IKEA!

Notice the flag on the cart advertising their kid's meals (IKEA prides themselves in being very child-friendly) they even have complimentary diapers in their family restroom!

This is SMALAND, a supervised children's play area where they can play while you shop!

Our purchases, Caleb got a PLUTT for his stuffed animals, Ella got KALAS plasticware, Abby got GLIS containers -- total $5.31 -- I love this place!

Easter Sunday

I love Easter Sunday morning. I love the miracle of the resurrection and the hope that it gives. It seemed a bit chilly for Easter Sunday but we had some beautiful sunshine. I love Caleb's smile in this picture. He is really giving it all he's got!



Isaac got his first real haircut at Great Clips last week. He looks so big and handsome! Here he is showing off his neat trim.

Happy Birthday, Ricky!

Happy 27th birthday to my baby brother, Ricky. And a HUGE congratulations on ace-ing your MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer). We are so proud of you!! He has been in Texas for the last 9 days working on his certification and just got back last night. He is a faithful lurker on my blog and threatened to hack my blog if I put up a picture he didn't approve of, but here it is. Love ya, Ricky!
Uncle Rick trying reverse physcology on Ella telling her NOT to smile for the camera.

What's left to say?

I just finished helping update Caleb and Abby's Blog so now I unfortunately have nothing new to say. Abby has wanted a blog since her birthday (January). I finally got that done so of course now Caleb wants his to stay updated. I may not have time to keep up my own blog. (as you can see I've done so well the last several months:)
Caleb finished basketball camp and had his award ceremony this evening. He has learned a lot!

This is what Ella does while we blog. While I was helping Abby get her blog up and going, Ella was mixing up a concoction. I knew she was stirring something around in a bowl, but wasn't really paying her much attention. (lost in blogworld, you know) Well, when she was done, she asked me to taste her new recipe. The ingredients were snow, salt, pepper, paprika, sesame seeds, and milk. Needless to say, I graciously declined.

Isaac's new skill. Drinking from a sippy cup.

The kids had a blast at Nate's birthday party. (see Caleb & Abby's blog for other pics) Here's Abby and Jenna (Janella's daughter) enjoying some pizza.

birthdays

Happy Birthday to my nephew, Nate! Can't believe you're 11 years old! We love you!


Happy Belated Birthday to my niece Brooklyn. She is a 3-year old princess! We love you!

Florid-ahhh

My sister, Julie (who took this amazing picture) and I spent a few days in sunny Florida last week. We left our kids at home except for Isaac. It was great to get away for some rest and relaxation. Here are a few highlights of our trip. Check out the slideshow for more pics.

Ft. Lauderdale- sunny and 86 degrees

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort. It was just completely redone and all brand new. Our room was awesome!

The lobby of the Crowne Plaza.

Isaac loved the pool with its zero-depth entry. He had fun just splashing around.

Heading out for an evening at Sawgrass Mills Mall. Over 350 shops with everything from Nordstrom outlet to Super Target to TJ Maxx to Gymboree outlet and everything in between plus PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory and Rain Forest Cafe and on and on...

Lovin' this picture of my blue-eyed baby!

My bestest friend.

Mmmmmmm...cooling off with an icecream cone on the boardwalk. Fun place for souvenir shops
and little cafe's and restaurants right on the beach.

The view from our balcony.

Enjoying lunch at Sugar Reef Grill on the boardwalk. We had shrimp quesadillas and dolphin paninis. Delicious!

Sand, Sun, Shopping, Sisters...great combination!

vacation