Spring Break and Nana's Visit

Our spring break was very low-key this year. We did venture to Arbor Hills. We also worked on improving the patio a bit and the kids loved picking out plants. They were excited that we decided to let them read the last half of the Harry Potter series so they stayed busy reading in their spare time, which left me time to work on house projects I had been neglecting. Nana came for a visit just as our spring break was wrapping up. We celebrated St. Patrick's day with our shamrock shakes and enjoyed as much patio time and walks as we could fit despite a lot of rain.

This was just around the time when we were being advised to self-quarantine/social distance due to the coronavirus, so we stayed in our little bubble other than taking a drive to a trail for some new scenery.

Just a little excited about getting to read the fourth HP book. :)

Just a glimpse at my main spring break chore - the master closet. :)

Arbor Hills in the sunshine.

Outdoor art project with Lexi

Plant shopping for the patio

Had to keep reading but at least enjoying the patio too. :)

Makin chose a venus fly trap and couldn't wait for the bugs to find it.
He thought the halo would help.

Nana arrived!

Nana reading their bedtime books by the firepit.

Bug hunting.

Our St. Patrick's Day shamrock shakes!

Sloppy Joes on the patio for National Sloppy Joe day!

Trail Fail!
It had rained quite a bit and we went to walk a trail and had to turn
 around a lot but so glad we had a change of scenery anyway. :)

Still looking for bugs on the trail.

Makin at 9 1/2

Makin you keep growing even though I tell you to stop!

You continue to love Legos and sports.

You are all about Harry Potter and keep re-reading the books. This also includes wanting to have Harry Potter hair. You also like to listen to a HP podcast while you shower.

You are growing a lot in your knowledge of finances. You listen to the Dave Ramsey podcast during your shower which gives you a lot of insight added to our own family lessons. I have a little story about this...We took a trip to Hobby Lobby where you deliberated quite a long time about buying a remote car (one that does a whole bunch of stuff your current cars don't do of course) with your money. You decided not to buy it. That night at supper you said your low was "reality" because you knew you wanted to spend money on things coming up and didn't want to use up what you had saved in case you wanted to spend it there. Your next plan? "I need a consistent income. Something you need every day. Can I do the dishes?" (Yes, I let you do the dishes several days, and no you haven't done this every day, but it was still a great moment!)

You are a picky reader. :)
Redwall is one of the only series
I can get you to read besides HP.

Quotable Moments:

(Working on his state quarter collection)
Makin: Idaho is going to be hardest to find I think.
Me: Why?
Makin: Because it's not a really popular state.

Me: Does it smell like apple pie yet?
Makin: It smells like paradise.

Makin: Do you know what happens to an oyster to make a pearl? It is sad.
Me: Why is that sad?
Makin: Well, because I wouldn't want sand in my clothes.

Using your Harry Potter wand to read outside.

Lorelei at 11 1/2

Lorelei you just keep growing up way too fast! You have finally slowed down your physical growth, which is good because you are possibly even a tiny bit above my eye-level right now!

You continue to love reading and animals, hula, and horseback.

I'm proud of how independent you have become with your schoolwork.

Happy Girl

You are especially in love with all things Harry Potter right now. This includes re-reading all of the books and wanting to constantly listen to any of the HP soundtracks.

You have been planning a "Save Winter Day" (for the dolphin at CMA) for quite a while now so it is going to have to happen soon. You have your classmates and friends always helping you to make posters and plans.

Quotable Moments:

Me: Child.
Lorelei: Parent.

What are cake accents? Cakes can't talk so they cant have accents. (This type of comment is very typical from you these days. You like to point out things that are "wrong" so you can make a point.)

This is the way your bed typically looks.
I'm so glad we made sure to get you a bigger bed
so that you could spread out. ;)

Winter Hodgepodge

Our lives were so busy with all things DI this winter we didn't really have time for much else, but we did fit in a few things. :)

Outdoor Time
I love when we can wear shorts in January! It's such a nice break from the cold and doesn't happen often but I sure appreciate it! We found a spot Makin can fly his drone that we can walk to from home.

We have been trying to get together with one of Lorelei's friends from hula and fit in a lake trip on a nice January day!

Earning Money
These kiddos are excited to save up money for our upcoming vacation and have been working hard.

Hat Creek with Friends
Much-needed friend time.

Lunch Date
We tried out greek food for the first time!

Chess and Nurf with Friends
Brothers played while sisters put in extra DI hours.

Playing HP Trivia

Harry Potter Night At The Library
Even though our schedule felt over-booked, we couldn't resist a free event we knew the kids would love!

This was a Free The House Elf game - throw the sock into the trash bin.

Valentines Day
Lorelei's class had fun playing balloon basketball and, of course, always loves a treat.

Lorelei and Shayla

Breakfast of heart pancakes and we kept our chocolate fondue tradition.

Hula at Nursing Home
Lorelei performed at the nursing home with her hula class. She liked that Savannah got to come to watch because we had a DI meeting after. I had an impossibly terrible view so all we got is this group picture at the end. (Lorelei is in the back towards the middle of the pic...)










Half-Birthday Treats
We were still overly busy so these seemed less exciting than usual, but you know how are with traditions around here! Thankfully Brad saved the day grabbing a cupcake for Lorelei after work. Makin chose a cream-filled donut as a treat after church.

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