Hi all! We have decided this would be a fun and efficient way to keep in touch with all of our family and friends...so we will see how it goes. We LOVE spring in Wisconsin! There have been mallard ducks living in our little pond in the back yard, we always get so excited when someone spots them out there we all run to the window to watch. The tulips were beautiful and now the lilac's and fruit tree's are in full bloom and everything is just so green.
Memorial weekend we went to the Twin Cities then over to La Crosse and Viroqua, WI. We spent a fun day at the Mall of America. Shopping wasn't quite as great as I thought it would be but it was pretty cool to have an indoor theme park. Arissa, Ariana, and Doug were the only ones to brave the theme park and Alayna, Dakota, and I did the shopping. Then we went over to La Crosse. There is an absolutely beautiful drive between La Crosse and Viroqua. Nestled in the middle of those big hills is a Norwegian heritage historical farm called Norskedalen. We spend several hours there and found it very interesting...but one of the best parts was our tour guide's miniature poodle named Pepper! The kids had a good time with him. Then Monday morning we went to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Lavold (and other relatives) graves in Viroqua. We placed flowers and did a little cleaning. After that we were homeward bound. Its always great to go on vacation but its so nice to come home.
A quick update on everyone...
Doug is working for Miller Electric in Appleton, WI as a Welding Engineer. He has been there almost a year and is really enjoying it. He spent 3 weeks in Shanghai, China last month, that was his first oversea's trip. Apparently the Chinese food in Shanghai isn't as good as it is here in the states...he ate quite a bit of McDonalds.
I am still working on my degree which I changed in December to Business Administration-Human Resource Management. In the fall I will be switching schools to the University of Wisconsin at Platteville - online. I am working at Younker's -a department store- as the Human Resources Assistant. I work 3 days a week during school hours so it is perfect for me! The employee discount is a big plus.
Alayna is quite the young lady. She is into alternative rock and plays the drums. She saved her money and bought a set a few months ago. She will be taking drivers ed and getting her permit in a week or two. SCARY!!!!! I cant believe I'm old enough to have a kid that drives.
Dakota is now a teenager and he sounds like a full grown man. He is the same height as Alayna, 5' 5". He loves his computer games and plays the cello. He is so happy that a new boy moved in 2 houses down named Forrest so now he has a buddy in the neighborhood. He stays busy with his regular boy scout troop and as an assistant for the bear pack.
Arissa is growing like a weed, she may even outgrow me. She is 10 and is already 5' 2". She loves school and does very well in it. Arissa is playing the violin...we just need Ariana to play the Viola now and the 3 could put on a very nice concert for us.
Ariana is never home. She is always outside and/or playing with friends. She is my "tan baby"...the only one in the family that has any color in their skin! She is looking forward to summer and it getting above 80 so we can get out the slip and slide and pool. She is the family peacemaker, which I really appreciate. In March she was baptized in Cache Valley, we had a nice visit and are very proud of her for her decision.
We hope all is well with all of you and that you are enjoying your spring...wherever you are!
