WI Dells

We just got back from a family trip to the Wisconsin Dells. We stayed at the resort Chula Vista. It was a very nice place. The indoor waterpark was huge and had such a great area for children. They had some great spring break deals, so we joined some friends and went there for 3 days.

The girls had such a wonderful time. They were so happy to be in the water. Natalie was showing off all her recent swim lesson skills. She would hold her breath under water and kick her feet…we were very impressed! Amy had absolutely no fear of the water…she was also ducking her head under the water and she would pop back up laughing and smiling. I think they both smiled the entire time we were there.

When we left today, they were both exhausted and Natalie looked at my with those big brown eyes and cried, "Mommy, can I please have a friend over when we get home? I just love being with my friends!" Like mother, like daughter! I think the pictures (WI Dells) clearly show what a great time they had…well worth the money!

Hotlanta!

We continue to be thankful for our generous family.  Nate’s parents were here for the weekend to watch the kids while we were in GA for Ann’s wedding (with Kara’s parents)… pictures will shortly be posted.  It was a good weekend for us to be away, as it always is, but we sure miss our girls.

The 12 hour ride went by quickly as we had lots of laughs with each other and Kara’s parents. Never a dull moment with those Veerman’s. While in Georgia, Kara was able to reconnect with a former youth leader from when she was in high school.  During that time Nate was watching her daughter Sara play lacrosse. Kara used to babysit Sara as an infant and Sara was a flower girl in our wedding! We enjoyed Chick-fil-A a few times and had yummy Bruster’s ice cream! Ann was absolutely gorgeous and we had a great time celebrating her marriage to Billy.

We also enjoyed the sunny 85 degree weather and had many conversations about what it would be like to live here! Maybe someday…

We come home tonight (another 12 hour drive) and leave tomorrow morning with the girls to go to the Wisconsin Dells with friends. We are looking forward to the time together as a family and to be with dear friends. It will be a great way to avoid all the rain!

A taste of Natalie and Amy today…

Natalie got dressed for school today and she didn’t like the green shirt I put out for her. I explained to her that her teacher wanted them to wear green today because they would be talking about St. Patrick’s Day. Her eyes lit up and she said, "That’s right! I have to wear green or a little man will punch me in the face!" I laughed…and assured her that he would "pinch" her, not punch her.

Amy and I ran an errand while Natalie was at school today. We were at Carter’s looking for Spring pajamas and she was running all over the store. At one point I couldn’t hear her so I went searching for her. I knew I was in trouble when I found a trail of her coat, shoes, socks, then pants. I discovered her in her diaper trying to put on boys pajamas. Ah…only Amy would get naked in the middle of the store (don’t you love it, Amanda!?). We had a little talk about only taking our clothes off in our bedroom.

My Thoughtful Wife

I am so grateful for my wife.  She’s been so generous to me and cared for me in so many ways.  Most recently she allowed me to take another week to myself at the cottage.  She knows what I need, I need space some times, I need to be alone and to recharge.  I need to experience God in nature and in silence.  She’s wonderful and I am so thankful.

I broke away from work under the guise of a "study leave" to gallivant around Duluth/Superior meeting young hip 20 somethings and dancing into the night.

Just kidding.  I am genuinely studying, reading, praying, being silent, learning about what God is doing in my life and what he has planned for me in the coming years of ministry.  This time is one of rest for sure, learning and engagement with scripture, books, and other resources, and for moving forward with this "Discipleship" ministry at NPC (still determining what it will look like).

Thanks for your prayer and your care.  If you are interested in reading, click here.

Dana Niesluchowski

On Friday, my little sister got married! Everything fell into place perfectly. Dana looked gorgeous…the ceremony was nice…the flowers were beautiful. Dana seemed so happy. Amy and Natalie were great flower girls although Amy liked to throw her petals more while seated during the ceremony. I managed to hold it together until I saw my little girls walk down the aisle…so precious. I had a hard time after that…especially staring at Nate the whole time and watching the look on Walter’s face as he pledged to love my sister for life. It was fun to be at a wedding with all my friends and family. I danced like I have never danced before! Nate, as usual, wowed everyone with his great dancing skills.

Yesterday we spent the day with all the family that was in town. I had a nice brunch with my mom’s side of the family and we spent the rest of the day and evening with the Veerman’s…there were lots of laughs!

Enjoy the pictures…