Easter 2013

A few months back we celebrated Easter.  Yes, I realize its almost June.  In case you didn't know, I took a three week subbing job at the end of school.  I have a new-found admiration of you full-time working moms.  Now that summer is here, I have a little time to catch up on everything else in life.  And because Easter happened over two months ago, that's all I can tell you.  Easter happened.  Here's proof.

Botanical Gardens

 Last spring we bought a family membership to Botanic.  I wasn't sure how often we'd go, but I couldn't pass up the $25.00 Groupon. 

We have really loved it and I think I'll buy it again next year.  These are some pictures from the year.  We may have more after we visit on Saturday.  The tulips are beautiful this time of year.  The children you may not recognize are our friends Rylie and Jordan.

These pictures were taken in the Children's Garden.  It was new last summer and the kids absolutely love it.

These were taken in January during their Illumination light display.

     






They took their little princesses to play in the fairy houses.

Who Done It?

My home is quiet, the girls are at school.  I'm listening to Bluegrass Hymns.  It is well with my soul.

The girls were sick from last Tuesday, to this past Tuesday.  One full week.  That's a long time.  It wasn't much - cough, fever, laryngitis - but just enough to keep us cooped up in the house.  I hate those times.  The first few days they're just cuddly and tired.  As the time goes on though, they get fussy, irritable, and no fun at all.  I also get fussy, irritable, and no fun at all.

I did get one short break though, thanks to my parents.  I had purchased a Groupon last December for a mystery dinner at a bed and breakfast in Stafford, Kansas.  We scheduled it in September, so there was no getting out of it.  We went with some good friends, and some new friends.  We had a great time.  There wasn't a whole lot of sleeping because of late-night game playing and hunters that were staying in our house.  They got up early, but strangely didn't ever leave for hunting.

Don't worry, it was just root beer and grape juice.

This is our group.  We really did have fun.  I won't tell you who the murderer was, just in case you play the game sometime.  Stafford was such a tiny, quiet town.  It's nice to visit new places.  Don't plan on a getting a late night snack though, the gas station closes at 11:00.

I was a movie star and Will was an old man from Italy.  He looked more like he was from Mexico.

Thanks again, Mom and Dad, for keeping our sick kids!

Halloween 2011

Our neighborhood doesn't really have much going on in terms of trick-or-treating.  You can walk a couple blocks and find maybe 5 houses with their porch lights on.  Kind of a bummer if you're a kid wanting to show off your costume and bulk up your candy supply.  Last year we went to Hutch and trick-or-treated in my parents neighborhood.  We had a great time, but we can't go to Hutch every year.  This year we teamed up with friends and hit their neighborhood.  We all had fun.

This is Ariel and Belle.  I scored these costumes at garage sales this past summer.  I paid $3.50 total.  Yeah for garage sales!

And, there off!

At their first stop, Taylor asked if the candy had nuts in it because she is allergic to nuts.  We praised her for the awareness, but told her just to take the candy and we would sort through it later.  It would have taken us all night to get past one block!

Three beautiful princesses.

I love this picture.  It captures these girls perfectly.  Princess who love to collect "treasures" and play in the dirt.

Lake Afton

We had planned to go camping a few weeks ago with two other families, but our plans got rained out.  So, we decided to go last weekend with just one of the families.  (We missed you C family!)  We decided to go to Lake Afton because it wasn't too far away.  I had read about the Observatory, but didn't know they had a whole park!

During the day, they weather was perfect.  Not too hot, not too cold.  The night time temperature was around 45 degrees both nights.  In my head, that didn't sound too bad, but in my tent, in the middle of the night, I was FREEZING!  I learned a lot the first night - we all should have been sleeping in hats.  I was able to put my head in the sleeping bag, but my conscience wouldn't let me because the girls couldn't put their heads in theirs'.  I didn't sleep at all because I was worried about the them.  Also, did you know that ducks don't sleep at night?  They quacked all night long.  Our friend mentioned before bed that it sounds like they are laughing when they quack.  As I laid in my sleeping bag, I chuckled each time I heard it.  At least for the first few hours.  Then it was just obnoxious.

Then next night was better, probably because I was so exhausted from not sleeping the night before.  The girls on the other hand, both had sore throats from being cold the night before.  I know, we're super great parents.  They survived.  Although, I am taking Emma to the doctor today for a possible ear infection today.  Its all about the memories, though, right?

 Anyway,  we all had a great time and the girls came home with a bucketful of treasures (bottle caps, fishing weights, a lens from someone's glasses, mussel shells, etc.).  Next time we're going earlier in October - and taking hats that hook under our chins.

The girls on an early morning treasure hunt.  I'm telling you, it was COLD!

Emma declared, "Look!  I found a Christmas decoration!"

Taylor participated in some Frisbee time with the dads.  She did pretty well!

I wish this weren't blurry.  What a sweet picture of K with A.

This was our sunset each night.  Beautiful.

***Just came back from the doctor.  Emma's ears are fine.  She's just being bad all on her own. Makes me feel like not such a bad parent after all.