A Snowy Easter

We had a great trip out to Colorado over the Easter weekend. Mother Nature didn't quite get the memo about spring weather (we had snow and highs in the 20's), but that didn't deter us any!

Our trip was a welcome break from the routine around here. Things at work have been busy for both of us--Brandon as he fills last-minute requests within his company and myself as I continue working with senior students as they prepare for a big test that will help determine whether or not they get to graduate in May (no stress there, right?). They will take that test in early May, so I ask for your prayers for these students (and for their faculty) during these stressful weeks.

We left Wednesday evening and drove to Great Bend, where we spent some time with Grandpa and Craig before turning in for the night. We began our drive to Loveland, CO the next morning. The kids were absolute champs on the drive, and we continue to proclaim that the portable DVD player for the car was the best $180 we've ever spent. :)

We then spent Thursday night through Sunday enjoying the change of scenery. The Easter bunny hid eggs in Grandma and Grandpa's yard, and the kids had a great time finding them while all bundled up in their parkas, hats, and gloves. We also took a trip to the mall, where the kids had tons of fun in the play area. We got to go to UNC where to listened to Grandma play the piano for two of her students and also just enjoyed relaxing in a house that wasn't our own. Connor had a blast playing with a Tide box full of legos that once belonged to Uncle Justin and Daddy (True confession: I think Grandpa and Daddy enjoyed playing almost as much as he did), and both the kids enjoyed dying Easter eggs. Thanks, Aaron and Rachel, for showing us such a great time!!

Church on Sunday was very emotional for both Brandon and I. Reflecting on Christ's sacrifice on our behalf...there just aren't words for the feelings that evokes in one's heart. And then to look down the pew and see your two beautiful children...wow (the fact that they were rooting through my purse for gum as we looked at them makes the moment no less special). ;)

We packed up on Sunday after church in Fort Collins and began the 11 hour journey back to Kansas City. We arrived in one piece and were again thankful for our kiddos' good behavior.

We're pretty much recovered, but still looking for some sunshine in the midst of very dreary days. Hope your Easter was happy as well!!

Spring Has Sprung!!

Hello!

We welcomed spring into our lives this weekend by taking the kids to an Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Aunt Sarah and Uncle James' church. There was a great deal of mud due to all the rainfall prior to the event, but that didn't stop us from collecting lots and lots of candy-filled eggs! Connor also enjoyed playing some of the carnival-style games they offered, and both of the kids had a great time playing on the playground and swinging while Grandpa and Uncle Jordan pushed them. Here are some pictures...

Last weekend, we planted a bunch of stuff in our new flowerbed, just off of our deck. I am especially excited about a couple lilac bushes that we planted. I can't wait to smell them as we sit out back enjoying summer evenings together! It has taken us quite some time to make this house truly our own, and we really enjoy getting to personalize it by doing things like planting flowers. There is just something about digging around in the dirt with the sun on your back that makes you slow down and appreciate life just a little bit more...

We've also recently broken out the lawn mower. As some of you know, our backyard is 1/2 acre in size, so mowing is no small task. We finally purchased a riding lawnmower last year after being sick and tired of arguing about when the huge expanse of lawn needed to be mowed--it took 2 hours to do with a push mower (my father-in-law told me that the cost of a riding mower was certainly cheaper than marriage counseling might be)! It is so neat to see the bright green grass and all the spring colors that surround us.

We had another exciting event in our lives this weekend--our very good friends Jason and Dana welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Aleksander Jason, into their family. He is their first-born, and it was thrilling for me to see one of my best friends become a mommy! We went and visited them in the hospital on Saturday, and the kids had a great time oohing and aahing over the new addition. What a blessing new life is!

We will spend the beginning part of this week preparing for our trip out to Colorado for the Easter weekend. The kids are really excited to see Grandpa and Grandma, and Mommy and Daddy are just trying to gear up for the long drive there and back. :) We are really looking forward to the change of scenery for a short while--it's been awhile since we've been able to get away.

We hope this finds you doing well and enjoying some springtime fun of your own!