Storm Shelter

For those of you who worry about us during tornado season and wonder where we would take shelter, well, worry no more. We finally broke down and got a storm shelter installed in our garage. The kids, especially Alli, are relieved. It was a very interesting process that only took about 4 hours. Here are a few pictures of the installation.

Taking the cement out...

...and the dirt.

There were a few boys at our house that were glued to the machines. ;)

Here's the shelter going in the garage...

...and down in the hole.

After the cement was poured, we let the kids put their hand prints in the cement.

Alli

Cole

and Nolan.

Finished product.

The kids have practiced getting in a few times, they say they want to get faster at getting in. ;)

Like I said, they are excited to have one, but let's pray that we never have to actually use it.

Dance Recital 2011

Alli had her dance recital on Mother's Day and she did a fantastic job! This year she did two numbers, first a jazz routine to the song Sweet Home Chicago (pink costume), and then a tap routine called the Charlie Chaplin Rag (tux costume). This group of girls also went to their first dance competition in March and did a great job. They placed 3rd overall for Charlie Chaplin Rag and 4th overall for Sweet Home Chicago. Both dances were also ranked a High Gold. Alli is pretty proud of her ribbons! We love how she dances with a big smile on her face! I recorded a portion of both dances to post on here, but am having trouble getting it to work. I may try again later. Sorry!

Easter

Hope everyone had a Blessed Easter. We sure did. Holidays are always so much fun with the kids! We had a busy weekend with Easter egg hunts, soccer game, coloring eggs, and playing with grandparents. Here's a few highlights.

Coloring eggs was fun and fast this year. Apparently this Mom didn't buy and boil enough eggs. :) Now I know. It was also easy and pretty relaxed. The past always consisted of a lot of running for Mom and Dad to catch spills and save eggs from destruction, but all 3 knew what they were doing this year and had fun.

Nolan did crack a few eggs trying to hold them up to show everyone and splashed a little dye when "carefully" placing the egg in the cup. We all had to laugh a few times because he was trying so hard to be 'tareful'.

Cole was very patient in waiting for his egg to become the exact color he wanted before taking it out of the dye.

Alli designed and helped bake cupcakes for our Easter celebration. They turned out great! She loves this kind of stuff!

Early Easter morning...looking at their Easter goodies.

We have been praying for rain for months now and on Easter morning, God answered our prayers. It rained all night and all day Easter. Not the kind of weather you want for Easter, but when you ask, God delivers when he sees fit. Anyway, the Easter Bunny had to get creative and find lots of hiding spots INSIDE to hide the eggs.

Daddy had to help reach some of the eggs.

Nolan is really happy to have found this egg.

Here are our gifts from God all dressed up and ready to go to church to celebrate the most happiest day of the year. Don't they look great!!!

Mom and Dad slipped in for a family picture.