I completed some of my goals for March but not all of them.  Still progress! 

*Continue making cards and envelopes – I didn’t make any new ones but did have enough for all of the upcoming April birthdays  
*Purge and re-organize the book shelves in the front room – Finished
*Deep clean the kid’s bedrooms over spring break – Finished Anna’s room
*Make changes to blog – haven’t started

The front room bookshelves were a big job but I tackled it while Anna was home on quarantine and she was a big help!  We took every book and game off the shelf, dusted the shelves and every item, sorted and purged, and re-organized as they went back on the shelves.  I found my stamp collection from many years ago and enjoyed showing that to the kids.  I found the wedding planner binder I used – don’t need that anymore!  And, I found a good number of books I’ve bought and haven’t read yet.  Time to refrain from buying books for the meantime and dig in and read more.

Our pile to donate

All finished!

When Anna was home, we also worked on cleaning out her room, purging all the things she doesn’t use and re-organizing.  She worked so hard and is enjoying her new space!  Anna took all of these before and after photos herself. 

For April:

*Wash all comforters, mattress pads, and blankets on all the beds
*Wash and put away flannel sheets and put on cotton bedding
*Purge and organize the office shelves
*Purge and organize the basement shelves
*Make cards & envelopes

Pikes Peak may still have feet of snow, but down below, we have Spring Fever!  The crocuses finally showed up and the daffodils are starting to grow taller too.  It won’t be long!  We have a full ten day forecast with 60-70 degree weather which is such a surprise.  Of course, we may still have snow again but it is a welcome change for now.

When Anna returned to school after her last quarantine, I snapped her picture before she left.  She was SO excited to go! 

I’ve started leaving this dish of pistachios on the island and have found that we all enjoy snacking on them now and again.  The divided dish makes it easy to leave the shells and having it handy ensures a healthy snack.  Not sure why I didn’t think of this earlier!

Last weekend we had friends over to watch the first Formula 1 race of the season and our dear friend, Minta, brought pavlova for dessert.  Pavolva is a meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. I’ve always been intimidated by this dessert and have never made it.  Minta assures me it’s super easy so we’ll have to try it.  She layered the pavolva with cocount whipped cream and berries and it was divine.  A perfect springtime dessert!

Spring Break this year was a nice week of slowing down.  Kenny took the week off too so we really enjoyed time together as a family. 

We had several days at home to relax – time to play, sleep in, and not keep a schedule.  Typically we celebrate both St. Patrick’s Day & the first day of Spring but this year our calendar didn’t allow that on the exact days.  So, over break we made our traditional corned beef and cabbage with bacon and celebrated both holidays at once.  I didn’t get any pictures but it was nice to continue this tradition.  

We spent a few days in Nebraska as well and enjoyed LOTS of card playing with G’pa & G’ma and a visit to Ole’s in Paxton.  This restaurant/bar has been open for eight decades and showcases over 200 big game mounts from Ole’s worldwide safaris.  We visited this restaurant now and again as kids and it’s been fun to bring James & Anna.  

I have a picture of the kids when they were little in front of this polar bear but couldn’t locate it to compare.

Anna didn’t remember being to Ole’s so she especially loved looking around and taking selfies with all the animals.

G’pa & James sporting matching toothpicks.

I loved to play cards as a kid with relatives at every family gathering. It’s so fun to watch James & Anna love this too. At every free moment they wanted to play!