Spring Break

This year we decided to vacation during spring break. (I'm feeling a little old now, it seems not that long ago I was in school and having spring break and now my kids are. Where has the time gone?!)

Our neighbors told us about this condo they rent every summer in Oceanside (thanks Greg & Julie). It was so great, cheaper than a hotel in San Diego and we were right on the beach. The kids had a great time! The weather was beautiful, but a little cold for the beach - I thought. My kids could have cared less. They put on their swimsuits and went right in that ocean, while we sat on the beach in our sweatshirts. I think I'm getting a little whoosy in my old age! But they had a great time and Ries absolutely loved the sand and being outdoors. We were halfway between the pier and the harbor so there was a lot to see and do.

We did end up spending one day at the Wild Animal Park, which was really cool! Except Ries lost his beloved binky. You know the ugly green one you get at the hospital. It was so worn and torn in spots, he had been loving on it for 10 months now. Needless to say that was not a fun night without it. I did go to the store and buy a few others and with a little effort he now takes those too! :)



But we had a wonderful time and it gave Jimmy lots of opportunities to take plenty of pictures!

The New Piano

Last week my grandmother passed away. Which was a blessing! She missed her husband so much, who passed away almost exactly one year before. I went to California for the funeral with my sister, Holly and all but one my brothers and sisters were there too. We had such a great time being together as siblings without spouses or children. My little brother, Marky, and I shared my grandma's room and stayed up all night talking and laughing. It was great!  So as we were going through things my aunt asked me if I wanted the piano.

My grandma bought it when my mom was young and then my aunt had it at her house until she bought one. So of course I jumped at it. Poor TJ has been taking lessons for two years and has had to practice on a keyboard. So we brought it home and are enjoying it immensely! It needs to be tuned and a little maintenance done.  Even Ries loves to play it and he sings (jabbers) along.





Just a few days and it's already brought so much joy in our home! Thank you Aunt Tami!!