Did the balloons launch?

Leah, Elizabeth and I had a fun experience visiting my sister and her kids for Frontier Days.  We battled the heat and humidity by playing on inflatables, cooling off in the slip and slide, and shopping the local craft fair.  Thankfully the weather conditions were right so we were able to witness 16 balloons launch into the early evening sky. We left before the night parade, the balloon glow, and the fireworks, but those are events we are looking forward to attending next year. 

Why are you sad?

Yesterday was a day I had been dreading.  We got the news that Jazmin's health has deteriorated and it is estimated that she has 2-3 weeks left to live.  While we knew this day would eventually arrive, it still doesn't make it any easier to hear.  We feared something was amiss when Jazmin's breathing pattern changed significantly and her appetite decreased.  The vet was able to take some x-rays of Jazmin which indicated she has a large tumor in her lungs and another mass in her stomach.  She also has an enlarged heart.  Right now she isn't in any pain, but is growing fatigued since her body is working overtime to overcome what is inside.  She is still a happy, loving dog.  We're tyring to make the most out of the days we have left together... 

Pictures by Leah

Did you make it to the beach this weekend?

I drove past the entrance to the county park near us yesterday afternoon and the line to enter was super long.  It would have been the perfect beach day!  However, instead of going to the beach on a hot sunny 80 plus degree day our family went on a cold, windy 58 degree day.  Along with Leah's birthday we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday which is actually 3 days before Leah's.  My mom wanted our whole family in a photo for her birthday.  My neigbhor Heather took over 180 pictures of the family.  The ones above are 3 of my favorites. 

Why haven't you posted lately?

I wish that I could say I've been taking lots of pictures to post on this blog, but I haven't lately.  Last weekend Leah and Elizabeth had their end of the year gymnastics performance and I did bring my camera.  Unfortunately not many of the images turned out because of the lighting in the gym, but I did manage to get a few.

Then this weekend we celebrated Leah's 8th birthday.  She wanted a tie dye themed party so I bought bandanas and we had fun tie dying them.  It was a lot cheaper than shirts and I think they turned out really cute.

It is great to be 8!



Was your Easter "hoppy"?

Easter Sunday was a great day! Leah and Elizabeth woke up at the crack of dawn, like clockwork, and went on a scavenger hunt throughout the house in search of their Easter baskets. After an amazing church service we went home and the girls and I dyed eggs while Tim made a vegetable dish for lunch with his parents. We had a great meal and enjoyed the sunshine on the deck during dessert.

Did you enjoy your Spring Break?

Our trip to Florida was jam packed with activities, but we were also able to relax in between all of the fun events.  We started our trip in Orlando at the Magic Kingdom.  From there we drove south 3 hours to Boynton Beach to spend time with my grandmother.  There we enjoyed the beautiful pools at the country club and the local beaches.  We also had fun on a nature walk looking for alligators and a round of mini golf (I won with 2 holes in one!).  To end our trip we drove back to Orlando for a day at Sea World. While the majority of my family managed to get a cold and the days traveling were long, we all enjoyed the time together.  Now I just need a vacation from my vacation to catch up on all the things I neglected while I was gone!  

What did you do this March?

March came in like a lamb and went out like a lion for our family.  Typically this is one of the longest months of the year for me, but it also tends to be one of the busiest.  Here are some of the highlights:

• March is Reading month started at school and Leah dressed up as the Cat in the Hat.
• We had parent-teacher conferences at school and both girls led their conferences.
• Sickness took over our family and Elizabeth was the sickest. 
• I took my last tennis lesson at Hope College, but am looking forward to starting them again in April.
• I attended a technology conference in Detroit with 4 other teachers from my building.
• Leah and Elizabeth went to Meijer Gardens to see the butterflies with their grandparents.
• Our school celebrated the learning process with an event that included singing and visiting classrooms.
• Elizabeth fell chasing a boy at school and chipped her tooth.
• Leah competed in her 2nd gymnastics meet in Kalamazoo.
• Tim worked the cottage show downtown GR where Leah learned to rock climb.
• Tim and I celebrated 13 years of marriage with dinner out and an iPad 2 purchase.
• We visited the Holland Area Arts Council to see Leah's artwork on display.
• Jazmin turned 11 years old.