beloved spring break

It's finally here. After I walked out of the school last week at 8pm after 2 days of teaching and 2 evenings of conferences, I felt no relief. But yesterday it came...... I'm having a hard time moving my pictures so we'll start with today and work backwards. Dad took the day off and we went to the zoo. The weather was very cold and look closely at Libby's feet. Little power struggle this morning when she wanted to wear nice dress shoes. I tried to show her tennis shoes like the rest of us and she busted an attitude. So......I was going to sneak the tennis shoes in the car at the last minute. But.I.forgot. We arrived at the zoo and realized that on this cold, muddy day, our almost 2 year old would have to brave it in socks. We managed.

crazytown. The most exciting part of the day to them? Probably 5 minutes into- they began asking when we were going to go to the park and eat lunch.

Yesterday when they got up from rest, there was a semi-sunny time and we all played outside. Then Libby came in and did a little dress-up of her own...

The boys did great using their imaginations and their costumes outside. I just smiled as I heard them playing and coming up with outrageous ideas. Libby has mastered the slide/stairs outside all by herself now. Whew. Oh, and the boys were earning quarters here, picking up fall leaves. In the morning, we went on a Picture Scavenger Hunt....with Ian's new camera. I would show them a word and picture on a piece of paper and they had to find it and take a picture of it. It was great to just be outdoors again. We have had SO MUCH RAIN.

At dinnertime, I found a great balance for when I need to make dinner. I save any t.v. time for then! That way, they can begin relaxing and not be super hyper when I'm cooking hot things, etc....and I can get it done while they are occupied. When I'm working (teaching), I can't really do this....because I know they have already watched a bunch at daycare and I don't want to spend my only time with them in front of a T.V.

Hopefully next year, all these things will work themselves out. But yesterday I felt peaceful.

Tomorrow we have a play date.....and some other things on the calender this week.....

I hope the sun will come out and stay. I need to start the garden! :)