Spring Break

We went to Surfside for a weekend.

It was so lovely to get away for a few days.

We had fun riding on the waves.  

The beach wasn't crowded while we were there.

We went on walks and soaked up the sun.

We checked out the aquarium while we were there too.

Early morning walks on the beach are the best.

Good times were had by all

We watched people surf and one guy even kite surfed.

There are several Texas historic statues.  

 

Birthday and Baptism

We had all of our Texas family over for soup and cake.  Evan always requests broccoli cheddar soup.

After soup they all went to the church for the baptism.

Evan was so excited for the day.

It was a wonderful day.

Evan is so smart and handsome.  He hates being rushed. He loves to read. 

Evan wanted a volcano cake.  We took him to the Nickle arcade the day before to celebrate.  

 

Winter Storm

We had a winter storm roll in.  Last Saturday morning I decided to get my run in early.  My water froze that I carried.  I have never had that happen before.  I did make all 13 miles though.

Sunday is when the snow hit.  

We had church from home because we don't have snow plows for the street.  My siblings all came over for church.

We took out our pool toys so we could sled.

A friend of ours had a deer sled that was never used.  We had a great time with it!

Power outages were rolling throughout the state.  Michael was fielding calls starting Monday morning around 7 AM and usually lasted until after 10 PM.  He lent out all of our sleeping bags, blankets, flashlights.  We delivered food and foraged and chopped up firewood to deliver to those who didn't have any. Our Ward did a great job checking in on each other and making sure we were all surviving.

We went sledding just about every day as well.  We have to enjoy it because it only snow like this once every 15 years or so.

We hosted several people so they could warm up.  We were lucky to have power.  

It has been a wild ride.  I loved seeing everyone work together to help each other.  We have great people around us.  It was fascinating to see how the National news reported it and how I experienced it.  School is back in session tomorrow.

Today is it is 71 degrees out and no snow on the ground.  It is almost as if it didn't happen.  I ran the lake for a bit yesterday and it was still frozen in parts. We learned where we need more preparedness as well.  2021 has been a wild year so far.  I am a little nervous what March will throw my wa.

 

Dog Walking and Robotics

A friend of ours just rescued 3 puppies.  She asked if my kids would help walk the dogs.  After school the kids and I head over.  They love walking those crazy dogs.  

Aaron and I have gone on a few stroller runs.  It has been a very crazy month so it is nice to take Aaron out during the day rather than always running in the dark.

Joshua's robotics team took second yesterday at the competition.  They were the highest ranking middle school team and lost to a high school team.  It was fun to watch on youtube since we can't watch in person.

We also went to a baptism yesterday.  It was wonderful to see Oliver be baptized and hang with the Clarks.  

 

Robotics and a little random

 

Since life threw me a curve ball, I haven't taken many photos.  Joshua, Evan, and Leah all had robotics competitions.  They all did great.  Joshua's team was one of the highest ranked middle school teams.  They were competing against high schoolers.  Evan took 4th in Skills competition.  Leah made it to the finals.  They are all doing so great.  It is so fun to watch them learn and grow.  I wish I could show pictures but due to covid we can't go in to see anyway.  

We have a neighbor who decorates for every holiday.  On our walk we stopped to take picture.

On my run yesterday I came across a house fire.  I am sure the house was a total loss.  I am so sad for them.  

After the funeral I needed to run.  Running just helps my mind and body.  I wanted to show the kids the ice.  It was fun seeing the snow is Bismarck.  It has been awhile since I have driven in the snow. 

Dad's Funeral

 

My 2021 started out with quite a shock.  My Dad passed away on January 2.  I got the call around 11 PM.  He had a heart attack.  He had previously had a heart attack 4 years ago or so, but this one he was not able to overcome.  The Bismarck 2nd Ward was so kind and loving.  They made us feel so comfortable.  My family, Ward family, and friends have all been so loving and kind.  I am so grateful for all of you and the prayers you have said for us.

This day was the hardest day of my life so far.  I know I will see him again.  I am grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we can be reunited.  My Dad always made sure we went to Church and had a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  It was such a comfort to be in a Stake building much like the one I attend here in Texas.  It reminded me how me of how many people love and care about me.

It was so great to be around the family that was able to travel to the funeral.  It was wonderful to spend that time with my siblings sharing tears, laughter, and lots of memories.  It was so great to see my Aunts, Uncles and cousins.  

We all went out to eat that evening and shared our memories and tears.  I wish we could all get together more often.  As we were reminded life on this earth is so short.  

The Rest of December

We played at the new park.  The kids love this merry go round.

I just love these trees.  All the leaves are now gone but they were so beautiful for the first few weeks of December.  

We had a couple of robotics competitions.  We have done two of them virtual.  

We did our Christmas baking.  We did several light the world activities.  

We made gingerbread houses.  

We had step competition.  Michael was doing church business while walking on treadmill.  I know you are all dying to know who won, and it was me.  lol

We went to check out the Christmas star.  

Dallin got braces.  

We did a Christmas light run.

It was fun to see all the lights on foot.

For personal development we made a little Nativity.  We do them via Zoom right now.  

My Aunt made these awesome stockings!  We love them so much.

We had a great Christmas!

A friend gave Joshua an air horn to wake us all up in the morning so he was the first up Christmas morning.  lol

Leah and Evan got roller blades.  They are getting the hang of it.

The older boys got hover boards.  They are so good on them.

We also put a volleyball net.  We are having a blast playing volleyball.  We have been playing everyday unless it is raining.

We played lots of games.  The game above it called awkward hugs.

Aaron got kinetic sand.  He loves playing with it.

We have been relaxing and taking it easy around here too.  

We also went to a wedding.  It was so pretty and fun.