Rhythm Discovery Center

We inadvertently timed our visit to coincide with a field trip of 50 middle schoolers.

Jam session

Who knows why Melanie won't take off her coat.

Making noise is right up Joey's alley

Fun times!

Making beautiful music

Joey's turn!

Kids were getting a little sleepy.

After trying to visit Indianapolis' percussion museum a couple of weeks ago, only to learn of a power outage and museum closing, we tried again this past weekend.  After the kids got over the NOISE, they happily jumped in to make their own noise.  I'm not sure who had the most fun - the three kids five and under, or Aunt Julie.  It was a great exhibit!

Moving!

One of the things that we've been spending the most amount of time on, since mid-January, has been our move to Zionsville!  We sold the house in about six weeks, and the same day we sold, our new home came on the market in the Fieldstone neighborhood of Zionsville.  Provided everything keeps moving the way they have been, we'll be moving at the end of April.  My favorite part of the new house is that we're five houses away from the elementary school!
The kids didn't go with us when we looked at it, so we took Melanie to the inspection, so she could pick out both bedrooms.  She picked the smallest bedroom for herself, which I think is because it's the closest one to ours.  Over the weekend, I talked her into the biggest one, which she had tagged as the playroom.
Lots to do in the next six weeks!!

Birthday Girl!

We started the birthday with breakfast at the hospital - the birthday girl's favorite!

A mid-day Shamrock shake

Ready for her birthday dinner - steak!  Yes, she's wearing her bathrobe. She wore it all day, including to McDonald's, the store, etc.

Cheesing with Daddy

Another round of cake

Mel wanted to wear matching jammies with Joey for her birthday

Birthday hugs

Where did the time go - our baby girl is FIVE years old!  She is suddenly such a little girl, and taking her age very seriously. Overall, I think the big birthday weekend was a success!  When asked, Melanie said her favorite part of Saturday was all of her family coming over, and her favorite part of Sunday was "snuggling."  I'd say that sounds like a pretty perfect weekend!  She's already starting to make requests for her sixth birthday.

For whatever reason, I didn't get ANY pictures of adults this weekend with the kids.  Melanie celebrated her birthday with not only her three cousins and brother, but also Aunt Julie, Uncle Randy, Aunt Cory, Grandma & Papa W, Gigi & Poppy, and Aunt Sandy & Uncle Rick!  The pictures here are from Grandma & Papa's house Saturday evening after a full day of partying!

Birthday Party

Pizza with the cousins

This was where Joey was during the whole party.

Uncle Randy served as a good jungle gym for most of the kids

Waterpark Birthday!

She was in the water before I even got my shoes off

Joey unexpectedly got caught under the huge bucket that dumps water on unsuspecting children.  It was pretty entertaining, and he rallied well after his tears.

Kids were a little chilly.

Taking a break with snacks

Excited for her snacks

Papa with all grandkids except the birthday girl

We started Melanie's birthday party with an outing to Caribbean Cove water park.  Melanie lasted a solid 30 minutes before getting cold and deciding to watch the rest of the festivities.  We got the deal of the century, as we only ended up getting charged $10 for everyone!  That offset the drama that when we arrived, before it even opened, we were told the park was at capacity due to hotel guests and they weren't selling day passes.  I think I nearly had a heart attack, we would've had one disappointed birthday girl!

The night before the party, this was a conversation we had.

Mel: "I have a question. Can I read my Bible on the way to the water park, and then leave it in the car when we get there?"

Me: "Sure."

Mel:"That's okay? Okay, I just wanted to make sure."

Neighborhood Fun

Some kind of recital they were all excited about

Group sing

Snuggling with Ellie

Looks like Joey is cheating

I just wanted to post some random pictures from a few different evenings of fun with neighborhood friends.