Our big adventure for April was our Easter trip. We took off and drove down to Illinois on Thursday night. The kids started out the trip well; after all they were rested at this juncture. Joey slept almost the whole way. Marie was very excited to be going to Grandma and Grandpa's house and slept very little, but was agreeable for the whole 7+ hours.
There was lots to do on Friday and Saturday. Marie, Joey, and I went to visit some of our cousins. I got to catch up with Jenny and Ang and their respective two kids each. Cousin Beth also came, probably to bring a little sanity to the bunch.
It had been very rainy and we ventured outside to check out the puddles. Grandpa cleverly fashioned some boots for Marie out of ziploc bags and masking tape. And, of course there was time to color Easter eggs and paint Easter cookies.
Marie got a kick out of watching the dove that was making it's nest in Grandma's flower box.
On Saturday, we headed to St. Louis to visit Great-Grandpa Boedeker. He was pleased to meet Joey, his only great-grandson (he has four great-granddaughters). Marie also got to try on her "official" flower girl dress. It fit just right. She of course didn't want to take it off.
On Easter Sunday, we all made it to Mass, looking splendid in our Easter best. Then we headed to the Meinhart Easter gathering. It was so nice to see everyone and Marie had a blast. She really came out of her shell and wasn't shy at all about making friends. She pleased quite a few with her renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." When we got in the car to leave, she sighed and said simply, "That was fun!"
During our trek back to Michigan on Monday, we swung past Valparaiso to visit with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Speckhard. It was a quick visit, but it it was well worth it. We think they especially enjoyed seeing the kids.
Since we've been back it's been life as usual. Jon has finished his course for this semester and has (thankfully!) made it through at least one round of cuts at GM. His job has been keeping him busy lately; there were a few late nights working last week.
The weather has been more and more spring-like. Things are really greening up. Jon mowed the grass for the first time today. We've been getting some rain, but we get out as much as we can. Marie has taken a liking to eating lunch on our deck. She asks to eat outside almost everyday.
We are really looking forward to our trip to New Hampshire this week for Uncle Joel's wedding. We went to a wedding last weekend and we think Marie is beginning to grasp the concept of what it all entails. She is certainly looking forward to seeing all the Shibata's. I'm sure there'll be lost of photos and good stories to tell next week!
I'll leave you with a few recent around-the-house shots....
Marie posing in an outfit that Grandma made for me when I was her size.
Jon and Joey watching hockey.
Marie sharing her ice cream with Daddy (notice Daddy's already empty bowl).
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