Field Trip to the Fire Station

Our MOPS group went to the fire station for a field trip today. It was really interesting to see the station and learn all about the firefighters work and routines.  The kids enjoying climbing all over the trucks and stomping in the puddles on the garage floor.  When one of the firefighters suited up a lot of the kids were afraid. I never really thought about how scary it could be for a kid, but I guess that's why the fire department likes to invite groups in to take tours-so that kids will feel more comfortable with them and not hide in a case of a fire.  Maddie never did go near the guy but Nate warmed up after a little bit.  They were very excited to tell Daddy all about the fire trucks and they each got their own (sticker) badge!

We're Going Sledding!

This has been the worst winter, seeing more coldness and snow, that I have seen since I have moved to Indiana.  Excited to finally get some snow with the cold, however we would get a bunch of snow but it would be way too cold to go out and play in it.  So while we had a few days of playing in the snow, most of this winter has been too cold.  We have been wanting to take the kids sledding and they have been asking to go the minute the snow started falling but because of the temps, schedules, or health, we just haven't made it out to a hill.  Until today.  We chose a hill behind Clifty Elementary (recommended by some friends) and it was perfect for us and the kids. They could get up the hill on their own and it wasn't too steep that it would be too scary.  This was, after all, their FIRST real sledding experience. 

We climbed up the hill and Nate looked down and then looked up at Michael saying, "Are you sure about this, Dad?".  But all it took was one ride down and he was hooked.  A few rides with Dad later he was ready to go alone.  Maddie did really well too.  She only wanted to ride with Mommy and the first few we had to go slower, but a few rides in and she was squealing all the way down.

I cannot express how good I felt when we left.  To me, this is the perfect Saturday morning, spending time with my family having such a good time.  I wish I could "freeze" this memory. :)

Our First Trip the Movies

We received another winter storm on Tuesday afternoon, dumping a lot of snow, mixed with ice, on us.  So the next morning MOPS was cancelled as well as Bible study that evening. I was feeling pretty bummed about it and tired of being cooped up in the house, when Michael called and asked if I thought Maddie would sit through a movie.  Possibly.  Maybe I was just very hopeful and slightly lying to myself because I saw this as a chance to GET OUT and DO SOMETHING FUN. Oh yes, of course, she'll do great in the theater! Ha! Michael found out that the YES! Cinema downtown was playing "Free Birds" for a $1/person. I didn't hesitate. Yes! Let's do it! Even if it's a disaster it's only a buck!

Well, it wasn't a disaster at all.  Our little Maddie actually did quite well.  It was good the theater wasn't full, because she wanted to walk around a little bit and stand up and watch the movie a lot. But she did great not running around or yelling.  Nate did awesome.  It was wonderful to watch him watch the movie and see his reactions.  The ate up all the popcorn (minus the bit that was spilled on the floor) and we all really enjoyed our night out.  So even though Bible study was cancelled it turned out to be a great night and mark another "first" off the kids' list.