Spring Break 2012

Since I spent most of the week working, Daddy handled Spring Break Week all by himself. This was his reflection of that time.


As a parent who travels a lot for work, I've felt very removed from my family as of late. I miss seeing the things the kids enjoy like gymnastics and swimming. After 3 straight weeks on the road, I took a week off - no cell phone, no computer - to dedicate to time with the kids during their Spring Break. Unfortunately, mommy had to work so not only did I get a lot of time with the kids by myself but I also got a window into what she juggles while I'm away.

The girls and I made a list of all the things they'd like to do. We played on the trampolines at Skyzone, visited the zoo with Nana, went to gymnastics, played lots of games, read stories and they even convinced me that an afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese's would be fun - and it was.

I have to say that the week, although not relaxing for me, was a true pleasure and something I wish I could do more often. We basically did whatever they wanted and I feel like I accomplished my goal of giving them a fun week doing things with them that they enjoy. I know they needed time with me but I needed time with them too.

My kids are growing up fast. April is almost over and it feels as though the school year just started a few weeks ago. I'm a bit jealous of the fun summer I know they'll have and I'm already looking forward to the next time we can spend a week together. Ideally I'll work it out so it can be two weeks over the summer because as soon as we know it, fall will be here and school will start again. As I sit here watching their gymnastics class - now on Saturday's - I'm reminded yet again of how fun it is to be a kid and how privileged I feel to be able to share this time with them.

Here's a bit from Skyzone:

March 2012

We had a very full March with school events and time with friends.

Samantha's self-portrait... I love it!

Conner's "big bandage" for a "big wound".  We were happy to host them on St. Patrick's Day!  The kids had fun especially after dark with all the flashlights, while the adults never stopped talking.

Shabbat dinner with the Murphy's was a fantastic way to end the month... thanks for the yummy desserts, including peanut-free for Sofia!

An interview with Sofia... I just love the way she says, "Because I love her so much."

February 2012

February came and went quickly!  There was too much going on at work for me and it has been crazy!  Our family life certainly didn't suffer too much though, thanks to caffeine, Daddy, grandparents and friends! 

A birthday party where Sofia got to play in a waterpark...

 A visit from Antie She...

A cute moment between Daddy and Sofia...

Sofia's Masquerade Ball

Sofia's preschool had a Masquerade Ball which I took her too.  At first she was shy, but relaxed quickly after finding her friends.  We ate, danced, played games and had a blast!

The First Sleepover

Last Friday night Samantha and Sofia each had a friend stay over at our house.  I opted for more kids to prevent fighting over just one friend.  It was the first sleepover for all the girls, though both have been here to play multiple times.  I was cautiously optimistic and hopeful for little drama.  Daddy was in bed struggling with bronchitis, so I was effectively on my own.

I left work (it was a long week), picked up all four girls and we headed home.  The older girls ran to Samantha's room for privacy.  The younger ones ran to the living room to immediately play.  I stood there wondering what to do with myself.  I don't want to hover, but I don't dare relax.  Yet I needed to "project" casual and be the cool mom.  I had to feed them too. 

Sofia is usually tired Friday nights and she struggled a bit.  Sofia wanted Samantha's friend, not her guest.  I tried patience, but it culminated in Sofia being in her room while Daddy entertained her friend.  Sofia came out of it for the most part and all was well.

Everyone stayed up later than normal, there was plenty of junk available though no one binged, and it was only Samantha and Sofia that were up in the middle of the night.  Daddy made pancakes in the morning and the rest of the day went well.  Whew!  Another first for us has passed and I'll cherish it forever.  The girls have good friends and we are friends with their families.  Life is good and moving quickly.   

January 2012

Happy New Year!

Time seems to fly whether or not you're having fun.  We don't exist in a perpetual state of bliss, but we definitely have more good times than struggles.  We've gotten together with friends, took Grammy out for brunch and are rarely bored.

The girls started gymnastics and love it. Swimming lessons resumed and both girls are doing well. I'm taking some time to re-learn playing the piano and Daddy even got to watch a few football games.

 Happy Birthday Antie She!

I also had my first car accident and am so grateful that it was only our car that was hurt.  I was amused that after telling both Grammy and Samantha, they both sounded very concerned and asked if I got any tickets (I didn't).  There were over 100 accidents in our metro area, so it certainly wasn't just me, but the next time road conditions are like that, I won't take the freeway. 

Samantha's Birthday Weekend

Turning 7 was an experience for Samantha.  It was a birthday weekend extravaganza!  On her birthday, she was off from school so Daddy and I spent the day with her.  We went to the zoo, met Nana and Papa for lunch at the Mall of America and baked cookies that night.  Samantha rode the log ride with me and then ALL BY HERSELF.  She was proud!  Daddy rode the roller coaster with her and we all had fun!

Samantha's "friend party" was at the local aquarium and everyone had a great time.  She chose to invite only friends from her class this year.  They played games and colored together, made their shark tooth necklaces and ate chocolate cake.  They got a behind the scenes tour of the place and enjoyed walking through the exhibits.  The kids were loud and having fun!

The "family" party was on Sunday.  Everyone came and enjoyed themselves.  Jordan and Dylan were so excited to see our girls.  We ate pizza and her ice cream cake was yummy!