first trip

So William is about to be 23 years old in a couple of months.  Eric and I have been focused on our family for all these years and just really never felt the need or that it was the right time to go away by ourselves.  We've had dates and time alone but never for an overnight.

Izzy said she would be fine, so my sister and husband came to hang out with her and Harkin while Eric an I flew to Chicago and spent some time in Wisoncisn and Illinois. It wouldn't have been our first choice of places but we had a wedding to attend (Patrick and Abby) so we gave it a try.

We relaxed, slept, walked, saw Lake Michigan and drove around to all the cute little towns out there. We just had fun hanging out together. Did a little bowling, which I won all 5 games! 

Everyone survived and so we are thinking bigger trip next year for our 30th! We'll see where we are at but ideas are flowing....

my crafty girl

My sweet girl loves to make things. She is super creative and is always coming up with new ideas. We set up a little corner of our kitchen for her to have her own space to be able to work when she wants and to not have to always pack things away until next time. This past fall she attended two craft fairs and did amazing in sales. She has been busy making all winter so this summer she is hoping to participate in a lot more fairs. I am so proud of her.  
 

january's joys

Little moments that made me smile and remember that my life is filled with joy everyday no matter what we are doing.

pure sweetness

Issabelle loves to snuggle and give out hugs. This night was no different. She also gives you a pat on the back while giving you a hug. She is so darn cute is hard not to want to squeeze her all the time. Her brothers get lots of hugs as she thinks they are just the best.

underwear

We may be a bit late in the training than most people but let me tell you it makes life so much easier. The first two days were exciting and had lots of changes but then things got into a rhythm and he did so awesome! He was very excited for his underwear- cars and monster trucks! Such a boy! The fact that he could just run around in in his underwear was pretty cool too.

a date

Eric and I went out on a date a few weeks ago. The first time we had been out alone since Harkin has been born. Harkin is very fond of one of my friends so he was totally fine to stay home with her and of course his two brothers were there to help.

Eric and I had a slow meal. Two hours of uninterrupted conversation. It felt kids strange at first but so what we needed. With the new baby coming and Eric's work schedule lately, things have been a bit hectic around here. A wonderful evening of good food and the best company ever!

baby and yarn

Oh, the joy of watching this little guy play with a ball of yarn for almost a half hour was wonderful. He was so entertained by it. Tossing it around and of course loving to putting it in his mouth. His screeches of delight were so sweet. It amazes me what he finds so fascinating. One truly only needs a few small things to be happy.

All the while he was playing happily I was knitting nearby, so we both had our hands full of wool!