Some random fun

We weren't allowed to take any pictures during the recital, but Suzanne snapped one during rehearsal before getting yelled at.  Ida is to the right of the girl with her arms up.  The recital was on the stage of Forest Roberts Theater at NMU and Ida did great!

Chad volunteered to stay with the girls backstage and one of the mothers set up this nice photo-op.

Ida was beaming after the recital and was oh-so proud of her pretty flowers.

We broke tradition this year and went to camp for father's day weekend instead of our usual bike trip to the farmer's market and park.  Henrik was so proud of the gift he made at preschool!

After breakfast we took a leisurely walk in the woods and spotted this beautiful moth . . .

and back at camp we "chased" this porcupine up into a tree.  Hagen initially took off after it, but thankfully he listened when we yelled for him to come back and no one had the misfortune of getting too close!

Once back home, Chad started the process of getting Ida comfortable riding the tag-along so that we can make some trips to the farmers market, park, 4th of July parade, etc. in weeks to come.  She was pretty nervous, but once he lowered the seat she started to get the hang of it.

Henrik is 3!

We started the big day with breakfast for all at Donckers.  Ida and Henrik shared a moment while waiting for the food, and we found someone to get a picture of the whole smiling crew.

Based on last-minute weather reports we decided to have a "pool" party.  It was a huge hit with all the kids.

Henrik chose a "choo-choo train" theme again this year.  The decorations were limited, based on Suzanne's lack of creativity.  However, the train cars with different snacks went over pretty well.

Unlike in years past, Henrik was interested in participating in the party, eating some food, blowing out candles, eating cake and even opening presents.  There is no question that he had more fun this year than at any of his prior parties.

Feeling a bit like summer

May brought some summer-like weather with highs around 90.  This, of course, meant a trip to the beach which was enjoyed by all.

 Let's just say that Lake Superior is more than a bit chilly in May.  In fact, what in the world was Suzanne thinking?!?!?!?  It was downright COLD (the word "numbing" comes to mind)!

Grandpa Curry brought Henrik an early birthday present--a new tricycle just his size. It has already made numerous trips up and down the driveway.

Memorial day weekend meant it was time for our annual trip to Traverse City for the Bayshore Half-Marathon. We decided to take an extra day and go visit the Larsens in Frankfort for a night. It was just as warm there and the kids got to try the slip-n-slide for the first time.  It took a bit for the kids to get the hang of it, and they weren't real thrilled about the "slip" part but the water was cold and laughter plentiful.

We had time the next day for a quick trip to the Pte. Betsie lighthouse . . . and the kids' first trip to Sleeping Bear Sand dunes. They both loved climbing the dunes and running back down.

On to Traverse City, with a yummy lunch at North Peak Brewery and then coloring with grandma and grandpa Larsen while waiting for dinner.  We ate early so that we could walk down to the "Girls on the Run" race and watch cousin Ella (and friend) complete their first 5k.  It was impressive and inspiring watching all those girls completing a 5k together.  Great job girls!

Saturday morning was a great day for a half marathon.  Chad had never run this course before and in celebration of our anniversary we ran the race together (thanks for slowing down to run withe me!).  It was a beautiful morning along the peninsula and we celebrated the race and our anniversary with dinner at the Boathouse later that night.  It was honestly one of the better meals I have ever had!