What we've been waiting for...

It's been 6 long months and we have been desperately waiting for the first signs of spring and we are happy to report that IT'S HERE!  The weather the past 2 weeks has been fabulous, and we have pictures to prove it.

Now the challenge is setting the outdoor boundaries for our wild man.  On this particular day, we failed...dirt in the mouth and he thinks it's hilarious.  I find it quite ironic that Zach needs a wet wipe next to him at all meals so he can wipe his hands/mouth after each bite, however, he doesn't feel the need to clean himself after a meal of dirt.  

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday for Orthodox Christians throughout the world.  Teta Helen made the kids beautiful candles with flowers for the procession at the end of mass.  The kids were thrilled to share Mass with the Khoury family.  It's a long Mass, over 2 hours long, so I was quite impressed with how well everyone did.

2 weeks ago, Helaina started a new class at the YMCA.  At this point, we allow the kids to take 2 classes a session.  It gives them something to look forward to but still allows for us to have plenty of free time throughout the week.  Helaina chose swimming and the sports sampler and Zach chose swimming and open gymnastics.  This particular week was soccer in her sports sampler.  Ironically, she is the only girl with 9 other boys in her class.  Since the weather has turned, Helaina also rides her bike to all of the classes since the YMCA is located right behind our subdivision.  I'm thinking she might be ready to take off the training wheels sometime soon!  

Trying on his sister's new shoes

Detroit Zoo for the first time this year! Daddy was away all week in Anaheim, CA for the first round of the Red Wings playoffs.  Not easy to say goodbye Sunday night, but we settled into a good routine and with the help of nice weather and great in-laws, we enjoyed our time together.

Coloring Easter eggs with Sitty and Teta

We had inspection on our current house Friday morning, so Seedy and Teta offered to take the kids to the airport for a unique field trip.  Helaina has been before, however, this was Zach's first time.  Seedy and Teta get them visitor badges, and then they have access to several areas around Metro Airport.
What could be better than first-hand experience of security, escalators, the tram (train), lights in the tunnel between the concourses, handmade lunch at Taco Bell, the club, and lots and lots of goodies.  I do believe our children have had some amazing experiences in their short little lives.

Today we were able to meet our friends from Indy at the Fort Wayne Zoo.  It's the older kids second visit, but for Zach and the babies, this was their first time there.  I feel so blessed to have these woman in my life and to be able to experience their precious children.  Even though we're only able to visit a few times a year, the kids look forward to their time together.  Upon arrival, there's always hugs and kisses and hand-holding and of course, intense silliness.

Probably my favorite picture yet...7 children, all 4 years old and younger.

This is what tired looks like after a week of fun!