fun filled day

we were unexpectedly blessed with another sunny day today and we LIVED it up!  we started our morning with a trip to the zoo to see the new elephant exhibit.  the kids loved it, and Will was real excited that the only male elephant was named William (nicknamed Willy).  He will be sure to mention that to you. 
we met up with Audra and the girls.  it's so nice having friends around that feel like family to us, since so many cousins live far away.  the kids got their fill of animal viewing, cotton candy, running around , and just plain being silly!

 

 

 

 

 

 after Will got dropped of at school, the girls and I played outside some more before meeting more friends (again, more like family =), for ice cream and more playground time! Our evening ended with a family bike ride through 2 nearby developments! we are sure loving these days!

This last picture reminds me of one I took of Sam and Will when they were this age looking like they were having a conversation. it warms my heart to see the lil ones getting along as well too!

lil bit of our life

This past weekend we had GORGEOUS weather (and yes... it's raining again this morning).  We spent almost all of it outdoors!!!  The kids had Little Gym on Saturday morning and after that we headed over to pick up aunt Jen to come hang out.  She didn't have much going on, so off she went to sun bathe, swing, ride around the block, and play with the kids.  They LOVED snuggling with her when they were cold from swimming, and Isa took a nice long bike ride along her side!  Later at night, Jen and I watched a chick flick =)  We had a great time together!

Tobin worked out in the yard the whole weekend (we are playing catch-up because of all the rain).  He has been working on streamlining the front island.  He worked and got one part of the island done on Saturday, and then with the help of Jona, Rich, and Eddie... got alot more done Sunday with the big island!  thanks for the help!

The kids and I braved a bike ride solo to a nearby park too.  Will did AWESOME riding his bike around the neighborhood, through the "forest" and out to Schwartz Park.  I had Isa and Gabi in tow on the bike trailer. We were gone for about 2 hours and they had a blast!

This morning Gabi went in for minor surgery to have tubes put in her ears.  She was brave and did great!  The procedure was quick (and yep... she had another ear infection going in).  We are glad this was done, and hope the ear infections stop now.  The only problem I see, is how are we going to keep this water baby from dunking her head in the water all summer! =)  She is home and sound asleep right now... she's our lil trooper!

dreaming of sunshine

today while Will was at a buddy sleepover, the girls and I participated in a little nature craft and hike to spot wildflowers! The girls made flowers from paper plates (I helped Gabi =).   Isa did an awesome job coloring and cutting the plate, I was so proud of her! 

 Isa and Gina enjoying the stroll looking for wildflowers.

 We spent the rest of the day ENJOYING the sunshine and warm weather!  The forecast has another sunny day tomorrow and rain AGAIN in some form for the next 8 days! ugh! I think we will be outside every waking minute until the first raindrop comes.
The kids played in the sand, Will made tracks and roads, and drew dinosaurs with sidewalk chalk.  Isa played with her best friend on the block and it was so amusing listening to them. 
We then had Paul, Kateri and lil Chloe over for a nice evening BBQ!  It was nice catching up and enjoying the weather together.  More sunny days please!

hope YOU have a happy day

this was too precious not to share =)

 today the girls had such a great time in the playroom.... i have never heard Gabi laugh so hard with her big sis Isa.  they melt our hearts.

some pics from this past week....

 Will celebrated his birthday early at school.  He was SO proud of the hat he got that day!
Tobin having some basement fun!

 Our own "Bapa Kiddie Park" rides =) and master climber Will!
 

Gabi went with us to Isa's police station field trip... thought this pic was so cute!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday and little adventure....
yesterday we celebrated Tobin's 34th birthday.  The kids surprised him by hiding in the dining room and throwing balloons when he arrived!  We then celebrated at Winking Lizards, one of his favorite places!  The waitress also surprised us with a birthday sundae, which Tob kindly shared with the kids.

today we decided to head out to meet Tobin for lunch and continue the birthday celebration....
-checked the weather for the area (twice) : CHECK
- packed our picnic basket and daddy's special plate:  CHECK
- drive out 45 minutes to the east side for lunch:  CHECK
- begin an amazing lunch: CHECK

get caught in a TORRENTIAL downpour, soaking wet,  huddled in the middle of the pavilion... only to make a run to the the restrooms because the tornado like winds and rain blew into the pavilion! CHECK
yep... we waited out the storm for another 20 minutes in a boys restroom soaking wet, laughing, cold, and knowing we would never forget this day!: PRICELESS

Mira time

last weekend we had more time with Mira Mae, celebrated Mother's day, had another soccer game, Little gym, and attended Ryan Schilens' Communion party... wow.  so much going on, but so much fun.  The weather held out for us and once again the kids have been outside non-stop! 
it was nice having almost all the Sikora family together! it's always a riot when the boys get together!

Jona was a big hit with all the kids throughout the weekend!

  thought this pic was too funny!

 Mother's Day brunch

 

 so much love for this little lady

Will and his books

While at the library on Thursday, Will wanted to check out the final book in the Dinosaur Wars collection.  Well... for some reason the only one he hadn't read was not carried at our library. So, what is a boy to do?  Well, today Will asked me to put together a book for him... and then he proceeded to make the final book in the series.  He is insisting that we need to take it to the library so that they will have it for others to read =)  gotta love this lil guy!

 Will's  "Allosaurus v.s Brachiosaurus " book

Yesterday we also joined up with family to welcome lil Mira Mae Sikora to Cleveland!   It was so neat seeing all the family members meeting her for the first time!  Will and Isa also got to meet and hold her yesterday (Gabi joined us on our trip to meet her in March).

Will, Isa, and Gabi with their littlest cousin Mira!

May flowers

Finally some sunshine today and out came my camera to capture some of the April shower blossoms =)

 

 

Happy Spring Everyone!

rain rain go away...

We arrived back in Ohio on Sunday and it's been a bit of a shock for the kids... especially Isa.  Isa is our outdoor girl.  She spent every moment she could while we were in Florida outside blowing bubbles, in the lil pool, slip-n-slide, or just running around.
It has been overcast and raining pretty much since we returned.  Over the last couple of days Isa has stood by the door and begged, pleaded, whined, and cried "can I please go outside now".  So, after the 10,000th request... we put on our raincoats, braved the cold, and played for a little bit outside today!  Isa was one happy girl with her bubbles and short bike ride. 
Here is our silly girl today =)

 

 

 Oh and yes, we could have put on our winter jackets and stayed out longer... but I have packed those away, refusing to wear them again in the Spring! =)
here's hoping for sunny days soon!

prayers please

Miriam was a in the band with me in high school.  Yesterday I learned that her husband was killed overseas.  My heart goes out to her and her family.  Please keep Miriam, her 3 kids and her family in your prayers.  So sad.