Ninjas, buffaloes and A Grad Student

We've had birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, vacations, and now we are gearing up for the kids to go back to school.

Started the year with Marisa's birthday.  She took a quick trip to Finland for work and had a great time while learning about the forestry business.  Then we were off to Palm Springs, CA to see Granny and Papaw.  Everyone had a great time swimming and seeing the sites.  The kids even got to see the ocean for the first time.

In early March, Marisa's grandpa passed away.  We were sad to loose him but know that he is pain free and with our Lord.

After a long month in the hospital, Jason's dad passed away on Easter Day.  While this was and still is hard on the family we know that he is in heaven with our Lord.

The kids were excited to be done with school for the summer.  Alik's birthday came quickly.  He wanted a Ninja Lego birthday so Marisa scoured the many pins out there on Pinterest to find great ideas.  We had ninja headbands for each of he kids, fushi (fake sushi), awesome cupcakes from LiveLoveBake, Lego car races and Ninja star decorating and throwing practice.  All the kids had fun, big and little!

Then we were off to the Black Hills in South Dakota.  We saw it all.  Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Spearfish Hatchery, Spearfish Canyon, Jewel Cave, Custer State Park and Reptile Gardens.  It was a great time to get away and just hang out as a family.

Jason has been traveling quite a little with work.  Usually his exotic destinations include Waterloo, IA and Moline, IL.  However, he did do a week in Mexico this year as well.  He stays busy and still enjoys his job.

Marisa finished the last class in her Master's program.  The professor said she got an 'A', however, we are still waiting for the school to post the grade and send the diploma!

Kids start school in a little over a week and are excited to go back.

We hope all is well with you and your family!