Van Citters: Trip to Wisconsin and Lily turns 3

We just returned from a busy, fun-filled, and family-filled trip to Wisconsin. Our 7 days flew by before we knew it, and it was the first time in months that Doug has taken a chance to escape from work. I haven't seen him quite so relaxed in a long time. He loves just being out in the woods, and really enjoys spending time with Chris, Ray, Donovan, Dad, and Dennis.

We took the boys out for several walks through the woods. They are both getting fast enough to keep up, and Donovan is really excited to go out into the woods with the grown-ups.

Uncle Donovan

Uncle Dennis

Uncle Donovan let Nicholas help drive his truck through the woods.

When Mom, Malu, Lily, and I had our girls afternoon out (haircuts, good conversation, and tasty treats), Doug took Nicholas and Donovan out to his favorite spot in the woods.

Nicholas in the tree stand.

Donovan at the top of the tree stand.

Playing in the yard also requires lots of orange during this time of year in Wisconsin. Here are Nicholas, Hael, Neel, Lily, and Donovan next to their hideout.

The kids also had a lot of fun playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Donovan (green shirt) and Nicholas (striped shirt) love "going up in the rafters". It is a great place to sit and look down on everything going on in the house. Donovan is particularly fearless and likes to move from one side of the rafters to the other. I remember doing this as a kid, and hope he soon learns to have a bit more caution.

Nicholas continues to love drawing. One morning he created a new alphabet, used by his made-up character - the Meesmo.

The kids also loved playing in Great Grandpa's loft. This was a favorite place for Chris, Ray, Donovan, and me when we were growing up.

Nicholas, Donovan, and Lily

Lily watching a card game from the loft.

Malu and I took all of the kids to the Train Museum in Duluth on one afternoon. The museum has a number of huge trains that the kids can explore. They all really enjoyed the museum, and I think it was also really fun for Neel to be able to share this fun spot with his cousins.

Neel, Hael, Nicholas, Donovan, and Lily in the Steam Locomotive #227, which was one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built. It burned through 10-12 tons of coal per hour and converted about 12,000 gallons of water to steam per hour.

The kids in front of a snowplow train.

We were happy to make it up to see Donovan and Sarah's building. It is looking beautiful - and they are both very excited to move in (hopefully sometime this coming spring).

A wonderful midwest sunset... Doug took these pictures with his phone one evening.

Chris

The following picture makes me laugh... Nicholas can not resist smiling at Grandma's silly faces...

Donovan, Grandma, and Nicholas all making happy faces... (Donovan is still learning).

Grandpa tickling Donovan and Nicholas.

For the past month, Lily has been telling everyone that she was going to Grandma and Grandpa's house to have her birthday. She had a very nice party, surrounded by all of her favorite boys (plus her mother, grandmother, and aunts).

Hael and Lily - After seeing Lily's new princesses (barbies), Hael would also like a princess for Christmas. Actually, Donovan wants one too.

Pig pile: Donovan (green), Nicholas (striped), and Lily

Great Grandpa and Lily - with her birthday candles in ice cream and her princess cake.

The princess cake...

Aricca, Lily, Nicholas, Doug, and Donovan

Neel, Hael, Nicholas, Lily, and Donovan

Lily getting a little help from Great Grandpa to unwrap her present.

Lily and her boys: Great Grandpa, Nicholas, Neel, Hael, and Donovan

Lily showing Great Grandpa her "Beauty and the Beast" movie.

Lily's special birthday necklace from Great Grandpa. (When Lily is at Great Grandpa's house, she continues to run straight to Great Grandma's necklace collection - and then off to the candy drawer.)

And a jewelry box from Grandma and Grandpa with a spinning musical ballerina.

Uncle Donovan gave this 500-piece fishing hook jigsaw puzzle to the boys... : )

Lily and Grandma.

We did a little more birthday celebrating when we made it back to New Hampshire. Nana and Bapa had sent Lily a box of dress up clothes and a book - which she of course loves.