Marshmallow Drop

Grant and I try really hard to stay on top of the latest happening and events in the area to expose the kids to, (Grant is really good about this!) so the other day when I heard about the Marshmallow Drop I knew we were going to have to check it out. Apparently it's a really big deal up here as there are multiple drops at multiple locations in the area. The kids and I headed out this morning for our first Michigan Marshmallow drop experience!

Chaos does not even begin to cover it! There were thousands of people there. I used the time over in the car to explain to Noah that if he got lost his Mommy's name was Kristi Gatchel and she was wearing a purple coat, but I wanted them to try really hard to stay with me and holding my hand. They did an EXCELLENT job. I was so proud of my two kiddos, especially because of what came next.

They fortunately broke the group into smaller groups and the 4 & unders got to go first. After we squirmed as close to the front as we could, we waited until spotting the helicopter which then literally dropped garbage bags full of marshmallow in this huge park. And they were off! Now the event details made two things super clear 1) Do not eat the marshmallows and 2) you only needed to collect 1 marshmallow to claim a prize. Apparently all the parents weren't in on this loop and I spotted multiple under 4 year olds with baskets collecting marshmallows. Which was all well and good, except for the kiddos (like mine) who then didn't get to actually collect any. Those parents should be ashamed of themselves! If you really want marshmallows that badly, here's a $1, go buy a bag, but let the kiddos have the fun of the experience of picking up one (and only one) for themselves! We came across a little boy who had picked up two and gladly gave one to Noah and then another little boy he was with gave one to Kayla. So while I was very sad that they didn't actually get to pick up and find their own marshmallow, they were able to redeem one for a prize of crayons, a coloring book and a sketch pad. (Thanks to the organizers of the event for no candy!)

On our way home, I was so proud of them for sticking with me, having fun, and not one single whine about not finding their own marshmallow, I stopped and let them pick out a donut for an after lunch treat at the store. We will definitely be doing the marshmallow drop again next year :)

My two favorite marshmallow hunters

This was the sea of humanity forming 20 minutes before the event

Enjoying their treats :)

This was the best shot of the helicopter coming in I could get, it's that little speck, lol!

29 and Feelin' Fine!

Today just happens to be my birthday and while it won't be official for a few more hours yet I'm turning the big 2-9 today. Just had to share a couple of things that have totally made my day wonderful.

(Mom, you'll appreciate this one)

This morning I IM'd Grant to tell him that I had opened my gifts when the kiddos had gotten up and how much I really enjoyed my presents. While we're chatting he says "Oh, by the way, there was a cardinal just sitting there on the bird feeder this morning so I took a picture. It was like someone was waiting to tell you Happy Birthday." Spooky chill because Grant wouldn't have realized exactly what he was saying, but I knew automatically that Aunt Gladys had remembered what today was and was sending her well wishes, too :)


Secondly, someday, when she's being a real pain in the butt, remind me how sweet Mikayla can be. This morning, she insisted that I put on the dress that she got me. (Super cute, it's a sporty little number in Michigan blue with the Block M and Wolverines, etc on the bottom right of the skirt) I told her I would after we got back from our walk. So cut to awhile later when we'd gotten back and I went to show her I put it on. Her eyes got really big, she looked up at me and said "Oh Mama, ew is boo-ful!" Bless her sweet little heart, it melted me into a giant 29 year old puddle and has made me smile each time I've thought of it since. So while I didn't get what I most asked for (24 hrs where no one bangs on the bathroom door while I'm in there or shouts Mom at me until I answer) I'll just be thankful for the two best presents I've ever gotten :)

Caterpillars & Butterflies!

In a (hopefully) continuing tradition (see this) of ours, the kiddos asked if they could make the decorations for the Easter table on Sunday. After clearing it with Grandma, I only had to come up with a plan of what to do :-p This morning we created our butterflies and caterpillars. I think the kiddos really enjoyed themselves and I was super proud of the effort they put in.

(Ignore the laundry ;-) Noah helping Kayla

Noah's caterpillars

Kayla's butterfly

Two Ridiculously Excited Kiddos

This afternoon, the UPS man comes knocking at my door and my first thought is "Yay, birthday presents!" No such luck though as the two huge boxes he delivered were for Noah and Mikayla. Go figure ;-)

So post-nap (and quick bath) they got to open the two boxes. Many thanks to Uncle Arthur and Aunt Kristina for the wonderful Easter baskets! Noah got one full of Cars stuff and Mikayla's is decked out with Tinkerbell! Now it's only a matter of getting them to stop bouncing off the walls to enjoy it!

Bugs for Dinner!

Happy April Fool's Day! We celebrated here :)

I made bugs for dinner :)

And dirt for dessert - we had to convince Mikayla to eat the worms

And then she really got into it :)

Noah too!

Sunday fun day

Though it was a bit chillier than we had hoped this morning, Mommy and Daddy and the kids went out for some more fun bike riding at Drake Sports Park today. We tried to find our shadows (with the overcast weather), Noah learned which side of the road to drive on, and Mommy led us in a few games of "Mother May I" and "Red Light, Green Light". Then we headed to the playground for some swinging and sliding. Daddy was even used as a toboggan!

Here's hoping for the return of our warm weather in April.

Saturday Play

Yesterday was one action packed day with the kids. It started with a delicious breakfast of banana bread french toast, followed by a trip up to Waterford for an Easter Egg Hunt at the Hess-Hathaway park. Then we made it home in time for some wrestling, lunch, and naps. Finally we headed out to Howell for dinner at Arby's (which the kids called "Barbies") and ended the day climbing all over the 5 story tall play structure at Castaway Play.

Noah didn't make it down any of the slides, but he did his fair share of climbing. Mikayla, however, didn't let fear stop her from sliding down every slide several times and climbing up every rope net and platform. Personally I saw her climb to the highest point and slide down the "zipline" slide (the fastest in the place) at least  four times!

All in all, it was a pretty good day :)

Check out the album for more pictures.