Wrapping Paper & Colored Eggs

We always look forward to April and a visit with Tim's family celebrating many birthdays. We are so blessed with family that both gets along and enjoys being together at every opportunity - thank you, God, for that!! And maybe it's just me getting old, but I can't help but look at all these photos and think about how all the kids are growing up so fast! Its a good reminder to me - not take a single moment for granted.

I enjoyed another visit to Matthew's preschool this April and brought the kids a fun spring snack.

We've struggled so much to be healthy this year. I thought winter was going pretty well for us - just a few sniffles - and then February hit. It seems at least one or more of us has come down sick repeatedly since mid-February. After we came home from Michigan in April, both boys came down with a stomach flu. Each one processed it slightly differently. Nathan's was the worst, with repeated vomitting. The poor guy had no idea what was happening. He would just be walking and then all of a sudden ... well, you know. What a challenge keeping them cared for and keeping the messes contained! I just keep hoping spring will come and save us from all these germs!! :) Despite how we were feeling, we rallied to color eggs and at least 2 of us were well enough to attend church on Easter. We are so grateful for Jesus' sacrifical death on the cross and that he rose again victorious! Even if we're feeling crummy, there's still much to celebrate this Resurrection Sunday!!

(We took these photos of the boys in their Sunday best later, when everyone was feeling better.)

Winter & all that it brings

'Tis the season for heart-shaped breakfasts in honor of Valentine's day, beautiful ice storms, and, sadly, illness. Nathan had his first introduction to the nebulizer; poor little guy! Also, this February, Tim and I were able to go on the Winter Retreat with our church's youth group while "Nana & Pop-pop" came to stay with the boys. We were grateful to have this extended time with the teens knowing our little guys were having such fun at home. Tim was fighting a cold during the long weekend, and shortly after we got back, we all came down sick. Oh the joys of winter!

Matthew had another "special day" at school. It's so fun to see him learning, playing, and interacting well with others. If only ALL school could be as fun as preschool! :)

Wrestle time with Daddy is a great way to get the winter wiggles out. I'm so suprised at how much my 17 month old gets into it ... I fear this may be only the beginning of boys being boys in our house!