What a Great Day!

So today started out with me volunteering at the Cancer Treatment Center.  I love doing that.  I get to meet some of the nicest and strongest people.  Volunteering there makes me realize how fortunate we all are.  After volunteering I picked up Ashlynne to take her to the ear doctor.  It was a great visit!  Each time we go to the ear doctor we keep getting better and better news.  Last time they told us that her hearing loss was temporary and that it had slightly improved and today they told us that her hearing is within normal range.  Granted, it is on the low side of normal range, but it is in normal range!  So she got a clean bill of health and follow-up in 6 months.  Then, after that Ashlynne and I went out for an ice cream cone to spend some time together and enjoy our happy day....which to our surprise did not end there.  We decided to go shopping for her friend's birthday party gift and during that time I got a phone call offering me a job!  So, now I can say I'm currently employed and my family is in great health and we are one step closer to Justin being home on a regular basis!

Family fishing day...

Today we packed a picnic, gathered up the kids, bought them their own fishing poles and headed for a day out on the lake.  We had a really nice time.  We caught 11 fish which dad is fixing for us right now.  The kids seemed to really like fishing...well, maybe not Elyse as much as the rest, but everyone said they had a good time.  In fact it was hard to get them all to call it quits for the day.  Ian was funny.  Initially he said the minnow was his "best friend" but the worm was not his friend because it was too scary for him.  Then, after he caught his first fish, he suddenly began to feel sorry for them. He said he didn't want a worm on the hook because that would make the fish sick and that was yucky for them.  So, here are a few pictures of our trip....

Getting ready to go fishing

Gersito fishing (he caught 5 fish)

     Elyse fishing  with Ian next to her    

Ian showing us his "best friend" (the minnow)  lol

Val and Ash fishing together.

The fish in our sink...yuck!

Ian's first catch!

Unfortunately I did not get pictures of the other kids holding up their fish.  I am the picture taker in the family and I was helping Ian when the kids caught their fish. 

Spring is here

Finally enjoying some beautiful days here in Minnesota. 

The boys blowing bubbles on our deck.  

Elyse's smiling self hanging out.  :)

   Ashlynne and Valerie spending time with their puppy.

Ashlynne loves her Thumper.  :)

Elyse and her friend Tessa playing around.

Valerie and her friend Kierra being silly with their huge sunglasses. 

Sisters hanging out and enjoying each others company.