Spring Break

Spring Break started with a bang, as my new little nephew made his dramatic entrance a wee bit early. My brother Nate and SIL Alli became new parents with the birth of sweet little Aidan James, thus making me an aunt for the 9th time (7 on my side, twice on Brian's). This is the first time I've had a niece or nephew born in the same state as me, and it was so fun to get to go to the hospital and meet little Aidan, who was 5 pounds 13 ounces. Mason and Connor were 6-6 and 6-8, respectively, so not much bigger, but it is so difficult to remember that they were even close to this small. So fun to see my "baby" brother became a (very proud and doting) daddy!

With such warm weather (the warmest spring break here I can remember), we were able to do a lot of outside activities, including just hanging out and playing in the backyard, having a water slide/pool party with friends, and more outside playdates.

We also went on a fun hike near Lyons. Mason did most of the hour-long hike completely on his own, refusing even a hand to help him over the rock-strewn inclining trail. He'd fall, get up, fall, get up, and keep on going. Rock star. He was in heaven. Pretty good for not quite 22 months old. We all just love to hike.

We spent a great afternoon swimming at our local fabulous Rec Center.

We visited a photography exhibit at the Firehouse Art Center, an old firehouse converted into an art studio and classroom.

Then we headed outside and I let the kids practice taking pictures with my camera. We also found an area where there are a ton of bald eagle nests, and we even saw a couple of eagles. Very cool.

We ended the week enjoying and being uplifted by General Conference. It was a fun week, just enough play, just enough rest, just enough time together before that final school push. It kinda got me excited for summer! I'm already planning our Learning Adventures of the Week, and our Olympic country studies.