Robotics

The boys have been involved in a robotics program through 4H.  They spent several weeks learning how to build and program lego robots.  They presented what they had learned through a retelling of The Gruffalo, as they had created all the animals in the story as robots!  

A very cool learning experience, which Anna has every intention of participating in next year.  ("Mom, I wish I was in it.  I didn't know it would be like this.")



Also, because the instructor's best photo of the kids working was of Andrew and Jacob, they've become "famous," as Jacob puts it!  They've been featured in several news articles like this one.

Creative Genius, or...

Andrew needed a headlamp and couldn't find one...which is apparently not a trouble if you have bendaroos, flexees, a water bottle holder, and a small flashlight!

Family Snowshoeing

 One of the things we love about our new place is the easy access to the power line trails for skiing and snowshoeing.  And when you're blessed with a warm, sunny Sunday in April, it's the perfect day to get out!

Boone is doing incredibly well with pulling his own weight and then some...he can pull both girls in the sled (and occasionally helps with hauling firewood, too).  He's one of those dogs that takes to it naturally and loves every minute of it.





















The boys spent more time OFF the trail then they do ON it. 




















 Anna started off on snowshoes and then soon resorted to being pulled on the sled...but she really enjoys walking Sophie, too!










Karis hates strongly dislikes being pulled in the sled...I think it leaves her feeling less "in control" than she's comfortable with.  So rather than deal with a two-year-old who whines, cries, complains, and generally sabotages what would otherwise be a fun family outing (not that we, ahem, have learned that from experience), I packed her on my back.  Happy baby + good workout for me = a long, fun day had by all!

Lazy Saturday

 Mark thought this day was remarkable enough to capture "on film" (ha!  Sound better than "in digital"). 

All four kids spent all morning poring over books and games...in relative peace and quiet!  It's just so rare for them to all be so still!