spring break 2016

What a break!  It's always a little hard to go back to normal after a fun week, but it does help that there are only six weeks left until summer.  That's hard to believe.  But that means there are only six weeks left until Conrad arrives...even harder to believe.

We started the week off in Abigail style - house projects.  It just so happened that both Grandpa's were able to show up on Friday for a working party.  The two main projects were finishing off trim and working on the boys bathroom.  Their bathroom is soon to be the best looking one in the house.  Too bad nobody but three little boys go into it.  I'll post some after pictures soon.  We got a little more into demolition than we thought we would.  Hence the lovey hole between floors.

The weather was a bit crazy for the week.  After wearing shorts on Thursday and Friday, we had to break out hoodies and jackets again for a Sunday afternoon bike ride.

And then everybody got their summer haircut after this one two scissors to both his and Silas' hair.  We had to go pretty short.  I'm just glad he's a boy or else it would have been pretty bad.

On Friday, Silas' came down with some sort of virus and just laid around napping.  And then this guy got it.  He wasn't quite so easy going about it.

 Worms!

 Worms!

 No fear in this one!

Jason made major headway in our outside conditions.  Enough that we were even able to go to Lowe's and buy some shurbs!  Bring on the curb appeal!  Anything looks better than the rock garden we one had.

Still to come, mulch and stones to define the space!

I busied myself with all kinds of organization and the use of a strong husband to lug things around for me.  Our newest toy system can be seen below.  I got rid of everything broken or missing pieces.  I also made a stash of toys to pass on to someone else.  How do we have so many toys??  The plan is to keep one tub out at a time.  The boys can be in charge of when we switch out tubs as long as all the toys are back in the one currently out.  So far it's been working, but were not yet a week in.

The first half of the week was spent recouping from sickness, but we were starting to get better by the second half.  We didn't do anything super exciting, but everyone being at home together was super fun!

On Saturday, we met up with Nana, Papa, Jeffrey, Teigan and Emma in Springfield.  We first hit up the free Egg Hunt at James River Church, which included bounce houses, an egg hunt and exploring an ambulance.

Lamberts happened to be right around the corner, so we couldn't pass up lunch there.  Look at these kiddos!  Aren't they cute.

And crazy!

 We definitely all left there stuffed.  How could it not be awesome if they throw rolls at you?

 Ivan especially liked his Lambert-sized kid's cup.  I mean, look at the size of that thing.

We spent the rest of the day at a beautiful park that involved rock climbing and hiking for some.  Followed up by Andy's because how can you pass up ice cream!  It was a wonderful, full day!

Easter morning was spent finishing our Easter books and listening to the story from scripture.  I love the app Bible,is for kids!  

I decked all my men out in ties because...I can! And I can't pass up on that kind of cuteness.

 I am loved!

Grammy and Gramps and Isaiah came over for Easter lunch and a little Easter Egg re-hunt.  (Yes, we hid the eggs we got yesterday, again! Because that's how we roll)

 Even this guy got in on some action.

So there you have it.  Our spring break in a nut shell! Happy Easter!

friday picture recap

I've been in "get things done" mode, with a side of "I'm so tired," and the blog hasn't made it onto the list.  We've had some really fun times these last two weeks though, and I thought I would just catch up with some of our pictures.

Grammy and Gramps came over to deliver new bunk beds to us, and then treated us to dinner and ice cream!  Plus, the beautiful weather meant time outside.  Side note:  this was our first time at Freddy's and we really enjoyed it!  We'll be back.

Our little daredevil is at it again!

We spent some time at the library.  It's so fun to play with new toys and pick out some books.  Plus we got some good audio books for time in the car.  We've been enjoying the original Winnie the Pooh this week.  I crack up along with the boys.

Ivan joined me for a visit to the doctor.  Here he is playing doctor while we waited.  Everything looks good with Conrad.  8 weeks to go.  It seems like it is rushing toward me.  But I'm also getting bigger and more tired, so maybe time will start slowing down soon....

A little brotherly love during our school time.  Ivan always wants to join in.  He'll slide a chair all the way over and climb on up.

We're creating things...literally and artistically.

I slipped away for a girls day in KC last weekend which involved IKEA, Trader Joe's, Mardels and eating out without my children.  Amos helped me put together all the things on Sunday.   He's really becoming a BIG helper.

Another science experiment.  This one was pretty cool.  The penny represented us.  The red water was sin.  Our lives are completely covered by sin.  The candle was Jesus and we lit it to represent his life.  Then we put the glass over the candle which put out the light -his death- and then all the water was sucked into the glass, leaving the penny dry.  Jesus took our sin on himself so we could be clean.  And it worked!!

Some St. Patrick's Day fun with PAT.  Ivan wasn't so sure he wanted it on it.  He understands so much these days and tries to communicate back.  Amos is always amazed with any new words Ivan starts saying.  It's fun to have fresh eyes looking at brother's development.  We celebrate when he says shoes or socks and then goes and gets them!

We, of course, were outside a lot with the beautiful weather.  And I finally switched over the clothes from long sleeves to short.  Good thing I held some warmer clothes back.  It was quite the job because I was cleaning out clothes too.  I've wanted to pair down all the clothes for a while, and now was the time.  I think we are down to about half of what we had.  

Ivan's helping in the yard.

And lastly, a little St. Patrick's green. I may have stressed the whole pinching deal a little too much, because Amos was pretty worried about it.  No pinching around here though.

And this really great picture (wink, wink) doesn't show it, but we had green waffles for dinner.  Daddy was gone at Parent Teacher Conferences, so we made dinner really easy and green!!

That's it for now. I'll try to do better next week.