Unexpected

This year has been a difficult one for my family. Chris and I both lost a Grandma within a few months of each other. In both cases it was very unexpected and came about suddenly. They also both died of pneumonia at about the same age. It is just crazy to see how that infection can affect an older person. At least they are both in a better place now, free of loneliness and physical pain. They lived long lives and were greatly loved by many.

When I learned about my Grandma, my mom, sister, and I left for Ireland to be with her. We didn't make it in time, but we were able to help out with funeral arrangements and be supportive for our mom and her siblings. It was especially neat to spend time with relatives that I had never even met before. I also really enjoyed spending time with my aunts and uncles that I don't see very often.

I was in Ireland for almost 2 weeks, which is forever because I left my family behind. I have the most amazing husband for holding down the fort for so long. I even came home to a spotless house and my kitchen table re stained! Thank you so much Honey!

On the way home, my sister and I had a really long layover that we took full advantage of. We took a couple trains to Manhattan and walked around the Empire State Building and then Times Square. It was really great to see the city. It really did live up to all my expectations. There were tons of people, taxis, and building everywhere. It seemed like it's own country. We had a slice of pizza, shopped around Times Square, and just enjoyed people watching before heading back to the airport for another long flight.

It was really great to be able to go be with my family, but I am so happy to be home with my kids and hubby. We love you Grandma Anne Straley and Grandma May Smith!

Some pics from my travels....

First Beach Trip

This last weekend we spent an afternoon at the beach. I was a little bit worried as we drove there through a few rain showers, but as soon as we arrived the sky was clear blue. It was our first beach trip of the year, and I later realized, Neil's first beach trip ever! The kids had a blast as usual...playing in the water, digging in the sand, making castles, etc. We went to one of our favorite spots in Gearhardt where you can drive onto the beach. It's great because you don't have to haul things from your car. We BBQ'd some burgers for dinner and even played a pretty physical game of soccer in the sand. My sister and brother-law were in town, so it was fun to spend the day with the family and enjoy a gorgeous day on the coast!

Nice shades Neil! You can also see Bree's new baby pug Maggs...she's pretty cute!

This is what I get when I say, "say cheese"

Easter EGGstravaganza

I know it's May now, but I'm a little behind. We had a really nice Easter weekend. Saturday the sun was shining and we decided to drive out to the Alpenrose Dairy Farm for their annual egg hunt. We arrived early and had time to get pictures with the creepy looking bunny...although Grace was too scared to get very close. The egg hunting was mayhem. There were kids and parents everywhere. We cleared the fields of candy eggs within minutes of starting. Even though it was pure craziness we had a great time especially since the sun was out. I even participated in the "Mom's hunt". It was the same idea, except that the prizes included much better things...like beach trips, gift cards, and diamonds. I have to say, the adrenaline rush at the start of the hunt was pretty intense. I totally ran over some older ladies who were running out there too slow. :) If I thought the other hunts were over fast...this one was inane. It was over within seconds. Unfortunately, I didn't get any of the "prize" eggs. Maybe next year

The rest of the weekend was pretty low key. We dyed our eggs,the kids enjoyed their baskets of goodies on Sunday morning, and we spent the afternoon at Church celebrating the real meaning of Easter. Afterwards we enjoyed a yummy dinner with family.