Spring has arrived

Spring has actually felt like "spring" this year. The snow has been melting steadly since mid-March and is pretty much gone. We've been able to get the kids out to play a bit--Henrik has upgraded to the backpack and Ida has started learning how to ride her tricycle (which she calls her "bike ride"). She's still a little too short to reach the pedals, but she's starting to get the hang of it. When she wants you to push she yells "pedal, pedal, pedal". I guess she doesn't understand that "pedal" means she's supposed to do it herself!

Daycare Olympics

Speedskating

Luge

Biathalon

and Figureskating

Enjoying the nice weather

We packed down a sledding hill in the backyard for Ida and got outside to enjoy a beautiful day.

More randoms

"Baka" Curry came to visit

Ida showing Henrik how to use the johnny jumper

Ida showing off her "big girl" bed

and her new bike helmet (she is ready to try out her new tricycle as soon as the weather gets nice enough!)

Henrik has figured out how to move backwards

Trip to Florida

The kids first trip on an airplane went better than expected. This was Ida's first of many viewings of "Bella Bella" (Cinderella). And we even made the Tampa news. I can't figure out how to get the video here, but click this link and click play on the story to the right ("New rules in place at nation's airports"): http://www.abcactionnews.com/default.aspx?articleID=20263

The weather was rather cold outside but Ida didn't mind wearing her sunglasses in the house.

Did I mention it was cold while we were in Florida?

We spent the nicest day at Busch Gardens . . .

Ida checking out the hippo (who appeared to be napping)

We went to Orlando so Chad & Suzanne could run the Disney 1/2 Marathon. Weather conditions at the start of the race: 36 and snow/sleet; race conditions at the finish: 38 and rain. Thankfully we brought our tights, winter shirts, hats & mittens!

We didn't go into Magic Kingdom because it was so cold, but did find some fun at Downtown Disney shops.

Legoland

Back in Sun City Center before heading home. Our last day in Florida--the pipes froze and the heat had been off for a number of hours (61 inside when we woke up). Despite the record low temperatures, a great time was had by all . . .

New Years & Chad's Birthday (early)

Henrik & Ida had a good time with Teagan & Paige for New Years.

We celebrated Chad's birthday early because we were going to be in Florida on his actual birthday.

"I'm all ready to go into the woods dad!"

Christmas '09

Ida Christmas Eve 2009 and Christmas Eve 2008 in the same dress (that I knit for her last year)

Henrik and Ida before Christmas Eve church services

Ida loved the new tricycle. She can't yet reach the peddles, but she could sit on it and let us push her around. Hopefully she'll be tall enough by spring.