Ben and Karis spent several hours today at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN. You could get up close and personal with our National Symbol.
Karis was bored during the presentation but enjoyed seeing the birds.
Check this out!!!!
This picture was taken at Lark Toys, the largest independent toy store in the world, in Kellogg, MN. The Carousel was hand carved on-site and it took 9 years to make.
Ben turned 35 on Friday. He never had a surprise party, so I decided this was the year to change it. He was surprised today when he arrived at our friend's Jon and Michelle's house. We were invited over for lunch... Ben didn't know it was with 30 other people. He was shocked!!!!
This was his cake... blue and white for Penn State complete with 35 candles.
The big joke is that Ben is very protective of his milk, especially when he is on a staff retreat. Peg and Shanu made sure that nobody touched their gift for him.
Eric's mom, Judy, wanted to make sure that Ben stays "regular" as he gets older.
After the party, Ben opened presents at home. I couldn't resist this picture of Karis and Ben with the balloons. We are all pooped from today's events, but it was worth it.
Enough with the cabin fever and being a couch potato! We have purchased a Wii. Karis had the chance to try it out over Christmas when she played with her cousins. We knew we'd get one eventually, but we had no idea the cold weather and lack of exercise would motivate this purchase so quickly.
All three of us are getting quite a workout! Karis enjoys baseball, bowling, and boxing. I'm sure we'll have to add some games eventually, but for now we're content.
We are officially half way through the pregnancy! Karis was willing to have this pisture taken, as long as she could wear her angel wings. Nausea and fatigue continue but we're pressing on. We got some new furnature for Karis's room this weekend. The baby will get her dresser and the changing table in it's room. It's amazing how easily a changing table turned into a toy bin! 
We had an ultrasound Friday morning. Unfortunately, we had trouble transferring it to the computer. This is a picture of a picture. All is healthy and there's just one. 
I like this picture since the baby has put it's hand to it's mouth. We spent some time this weekend looking for decorations for the nursery. Now that the temperatures are above "0" we are feeling better about getting outside. 
Ben was in Wisconsin Dells from Thursday through Saturday for a staff retreat. Karis and I joined him Saturday afternoon to spend time in the water park. Some of the other families joined us for the fun. I took pictures while Ben and Karis played in the wave pool.
Karis loved going down the green slide. 
Michael, Jason and Karis had a snack in between their water adventures.
Practicing being a big sister with "Baby Norah."
Karis got a much needed haircut this evening. She doesn't like having it done by anyone else but me. I've decided it was time for her to have it done by my stylist. She loved Laura and said she wants to go back again soon. Laura put a pink cape with butterflies on it around her and the rest was history! She was also excited to help Laura wash my hair. 
We celebrated with a trip to McDonalds to play in the playland and then brought a hot fudge sundae home. Ben is at a retreat in Wisconsin Dells until Saturday. We plan to join him Saturday afternoon to enjoy the indoor waterpark.