10 years together

We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary properly in Florida and with a Caribbean cruise thrown in! We were so sad to say good bye to the kids; but on the other hand, it's nice to remember us without them. And yes, we did high five each other a few times when we heard a child crying or saw a family loaded down with car seats and luggage and strollers. It was nice to walk around with our one bag each.

And it helps to know they are so excited to spend time with the family. Thank you, all you wonderful Hanks's and Fures for loving and even spoiling them while we are gone. It makes it easier to leave when we know they are with you.

Here's my view of our first morning. Love the sun and the green grass and beautiful flowers and landscaping around Carol's and Larry's neighborhood. And we are excited to be missing lots of snow this week in Minnesota!

Ava-nese

Ava said, "My nose is runny!" It's her newest sentence. And yes, it's still running! I think we get like a day or two of health in between each long cold. She also says, "my" for "I'm". So every day when she gets up, she says, "My wake" for "I'm awake." Yesterday was a little more. She said, "My wan' pay too, Sassy." In case you don't speak Ava-nese, that means, "I want to play, too, Lexi." It's fun to understand her more.

Random pics

Here are some random pictures we've taken over the last few weeks

I was able to sub in Jacks class last week. Can you guess who isn't a kindergartner in this picture? We had fun!

Happy March!

I think our family is finally over the sickness that has plagued everyone this winter! I felt like just giving the kids a straw in their medicine bottles because we went through so much of it! I'm happy it is March! At least that's when spring officially starts even if it might not feel that way quite yet. It gives hope! It has been a nice break to be in the 30s this past week and to see the sun a little more.

We are looking forward to our 10 year anniversary vacation coming up in 2 weeks! Florida and a cruise! Sort of like our honeymoon trip. And no kids this time either! They are excited to be able to spend lots of time with our families who have all offered to house them.

Another big goal has been reached. For the first time since Jack has been born, we are debt free! What a relief! Now we are working hard to stay that way, and here's hoping the car keeps running! Ha. We are so grateful for God's provision!

We are staying busy with school for Jack. I feel like my car automatically goes there when I get in it. Ava is chattering more and more. They both like to sing so that always makes us smile. Of course, Ava's songs always sound about the same. She has been pretty snugly lately so I'm enjoying this time!

Happy birthday, Mom!

We had a great time getting together for mom's birthday this weekend! Pizza and cake - yum! Good company and good food - thats the best! Also happy anniversary to my parents! 30 years - wow!!!

Here's a picture of the kids playing with one of her presents. I didn't get a good picture of mom and everyone else with my phone so those might have to come later when Matt gets them off the camera.

Jack and Ava got some pheasant hats from Uncle Brent and Aunt Heidi so those were a hit!

And President's Day was fun because we were able to have Levi and Lexi over for a play date! It's rare we get to do that these days, so we enjoyed that!

So the weekend was a blast! I feel rested after the days off and quitting the kids klub, so I'm actually ready to get back in the routine. Jack - not so much. He had a hard time getting up this morning. But I'm excited to be free to be more "there" for my family. God has been good to us in every way, and we are so grateful! Looking forward to our 10 year anniversary vacation in just a few weeks!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Great dinner at Crave and dessert at Yum for Valentine's Day! I also got some delicious chocolate dipped strawberries. It was our 12th Valentine's together. As an old couple in our church that had been married about 60 years used to say, "We are thinking of making it permanent!"

Jack also had a fun date with Aunt Nanny after a party at school! And Ava got to play with Grandma and Grandpa. So we all had a great day.