Spring weekend

It's been a busy day today. Working all week makes me treasure my weekends. I never have enough time to get done what needs to be done on the weekends. This next two weeks are going to be super busy as my employer will be out of town and I'll be covering all the clients. I'm not complaining, because I will eventually get everything done. 

Today started out a little slow. I came up on the computer to send my notes and hours from last week to my employer. A. woke up and we both enjoyed the relaxing time. I received a message from my son-in-law that he would like to bring the boys over today to work on the yard and a few things that needed attention. (Frankly I don't know what I would do without him!) But I needed to go to his house to pick up the lawnmower. We scurried around & got ready, picked up the lawnmower and then went to the youngest boy's soccer game for a few minutes. We then met A's Daddy and went to the park. She laughed the entire time we were there.

Baby Kimmie came too.

It was time to go back home as her uncle and cousins were coming to our house soon.

So the lawn got mowed, the weeds got whacked and some of us were raking and picking up the leaves. But the younger kids got a little side-tracked when they discovered the bugs were out and about.

Then came my big surprise of the day. I didn't know I was getting a new mailbox!

Pretty cool, huh! I'm just hoping the guy who plows the parking lot of the apartment building across the street doesn't run into this one. 

So then it was time to turn on the sprinkler system. Every year we have to replace some of the heads. Not sure how some of them come off during the winter. But I figure the guys who repaired my well this past winter must have knocked a few off in the process. So sprinkler heads were replaced. I love how the boys congregate around their Dad to watch what he is doing.

After they left and A and I came into the house, I kept hearing the water pump run. I texted my son-in-law, telling him about the pump. So he and the boys came back to check it out. Seems there must be a leak in the sprinkler system. I think the guys who repaired the well must have done that, too. **sigh** Always something!

The last two years I put down the patio bricks in the front garden. It was a lot of work and I pulled a muscle in my back the first year. I had very painful muscle spasms for 3 weeks because of that. But every child who comes over loves to run around on the path. I am so glad I put them in.

A was in her glory riding her bike and pushing Baby Kimmie in the stroller.

It's almost 9:30 and I am exhausted. A. is still awake telling me it's time to get her up and someone is lighting fireworks. I think I'm going to give up on this day, and hope tomorrow I'll get my laundry done. Of course, we'll be outside again. It will be time to tackle the patio! 

Busy Weekend

I have been blessed with four beautiful children, and two of them live here in TC. We see each other often, at the minimum weekly. My youngest daughter lives near San Diego and is always trying to get me to move near her. How I would love to be nearer to her. As it is I have promised myself I will go visit at least once a year. I need to be near and have hands-on contact with her and her two beautiful children. My oldest son moved to Boston last summer and I haven't been out to see him yet. Working gets in the way of traveling!

Last weekend we went to the Children's Museum with my youngest son, A's father. He brought his son and siblings. The kids had a great time together. A. was enamored with the little girl. A. and her brother raced to the slide and had so much fun. Of course, Baby Kimmie came along and had fun, too. Everyone loved the water table.

When the little one discovered the slide, she wouldn't go anywhere else. She climbed the stairs herself, crawled through the tube--bumping her head each time, but never once complaining--and jumped on the slide and raced down. Someone had to be at the bottom to catch her. It was hilarious watching her have so much fun.

 

We went to lunch at Culver's, and with four kids, we had a few mix-ups on the orders. In the end they all were happy and enjoyed their ice cream. Brian sat at the head of the table between the two boys, exactly where he should be. He mentioned that he remembered his own Dad sitting at the head of the table and it was a little weird doing that himself. 

Brother and sister

The girls shared ice cream and had fun playing with each other

Brian's friend wanted to hook up with us, so we went to the Mall and everyone (except Grandma) rode on the carousel. 

Dad and the kids

The kids played on the cars for a little while. What is it about these cars that they love so much?

Happy boy and Dad, with A.in the background racing to get on another car.

We had so much fun, and then it was time for A. & I to go home. I still had all my weekend chores to do. And I was up for a little rest time.

On Sunday we went to church in the morning. A. finally agreed to go to the Sunday School class. I think she thought we would have too much fun without her. Later we went to dinner at Christine's. It was a little cool, but the driveway was clear so the kids played outside until dinner was ready.

There was a lot of running and chasing each other. I love to watch them play outside. Spring is still taking its time getting going. So every bit of decent weather we get, we take advantage of it and play outside. A. said to me the other day that she can't wait for us to be able to take a walk on the trail. It's been a long time and we are ready!

Easter 2013

We had a great Easter with family. We started the week before by going to see the Easter Bunny at the Mall. Aaralynne was excited and enjoyed her time with the bunny. She really didn't want to leave. The family before us bought the pictures and were taking their time choosing. We were able to take extra time for A. to spend with the bunny. And of course, Baby Kimmie went along for the experience.

She then got to ride on the Carousel with Daddy and of course Baby Kimmie, who couldn't seem to sit up straight, even though she was buckled in.

Saturday before Easter we finally colored eggs.  I say finally because Aaralynne has not been interested in much of the traditions of holidays before this year.  I have had the coloring kit since she was 3, but never used it. She didn't know to talk about it and I was busy and didn't push it. But we enjoyed coloring the eggs this year. She thought it was pretty cool.

She got her bath after that and we had dinner. She was very interested in eating a colored Easter egg. I tried to tell her that it was not the same as candy, but she had no point of reference, since we don't often have hard boiled eggs. She continued to insist she wanted to have an egg with dinner. It was precious to watch her experience the realization that the egg had a shell, then the peeling of the shell. She was surprised of the texture and taste of the egg. When she bit into the yolk, she was surprised even more. Finally she said she didn't like it and that I could eat it.

On Easter morning, she was happy to discover her Easter basket.

 

We went to church with Daddy and Nicole.

 

We had dinner at Christine's and the kids had a good time playing with each other. Here are some random shots of the kids. Nickel wanted me to take pictures of his different faces. This boy can really melt my heart. The older boys were patiently waiting for lunch.

 

 

Mouth-full of candy, waiting to start running with Nickel.

Whatcha doin, Nickel?

Oh, okay. I'll join you.

Time to start running! Ready...set...go!

Nickel and A finally did their running thing after a while. They both got hot and sweaty so Nickel took off his button-down shirt underneath that cool t-shirt with a tie on it.

These guys are such pals!

We came home early and had some quiet time after such a busy weekend. I hope everyone had a good weekend, too.  We are anxiously awaiting spring weather and it can't come soon enough for us.  Happy Spring!