Springtime in the Chicago Area

Spring Break 2009

It's over and all I can say is I wish I were back there! We had a great vacation. It started with a long drive to Hilton Head with a stopover in Frankfort, KY. The hotel was "awesome" in Griffin's words because there was a Jacuzzi in the room.

We got to my parent's house and the big reveal of Griffin's surprise was waiting for him. My sister, Barbara, flew in for a visit. Griffin was very happy to see her. She's the best Aunt ever.

Saturday morning Dallas and I were up and 'outta there for our drive down to Jacksonville to get the cruise ship. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the terminal's computer system and it took us 2 hours to check in. Luckily everyone was in a good mood so it wasn't too bad. Once we got on, we explored the ship from top to bottom and had a late lunch. We set sail to some rough waters. It was rather rocky that first night but it was smooth sailing after that (thank God!)

We spent the second day at sea doing two of my favorite things - soaking in the sun and reading a good book. The third day was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. We took a long walk around the streets of the town, did some window shopping and got a drink at Senior Frogs. It was a beautiful day. Day four was at Half Moon Cay. Can you say glorious? It was so pretty there. We took another long walk and explored the area. It was so pretty and at times we felt like we were the only two people on the entire island. Day 5 was at sea where we did more sunning and reading. There were 2 comedians on the ship which provided nightly entertainment. They were pretty good and we enjoyed catching the show each night. We also spent some time watching others perform karaoke. This was hilarious. The audience really got into the singing and dancing right along with the "performer." I don't think I need to tell you that we did NOT participate in any of the singing!

We got back to Hilton Head on Thursday afternoon and got to spend the next couple of days with my parents and my wonderful Aunt who was visiting from California.It was so good to be on vacation.

Good-bye cold, Hello warm!

Well in 24 hours we'll be somewhere in KY heading to Hilton Head. We have a reservation in Frankfort, KY which is about 6 hours from here. We hope to be on the road the following morning by 8am. We've got someplace TO BE! The biggest surprise for Griffin will be waiting for him. My sister, his wonderful Aunt Barbara, is flying in to surprise him with a visit. He'll have 3 nights and 2 days with her. He is going to be so excited. She is one of those awesome Aunts. She always lets him wake her up in the morning and they head out to find some coffee (for Barb) and "bug juice" for G. Then they hit a playground or park. That way the rest of the house can sleep in!

I'm sure they'll also play lots of games, work on some fun math (she's a math teacher) and go to the pool. They need to practice the things he learned in swimming lessons over the past 3 weeks.

Then when she leaves on Monday, Griffin will have his Grampie and BG all to himself. He is going to have so much fun.

And so will we.

Happy Anniversary!

Today we are celebrating out 10th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Then again, I look back at what has happened over those years and wow, it's a lot! I wish I had a wedding picture to show you but believe it or not, it was pre-digital camera era. We had so much fun at our wedding with our friends and family. Justin had just turned 8 and Benjamin just turned 5. It's hard to imagine that they are a Sr. in H.S. and a Fr. in H.S. And of course, our Griffin. We continue to thank God for our little guy every day.

In order to celebrate, we are going on a little vacation. Here is a picture of what we are doing.


We took a cruise for our honeymoon so we saw it fit to take a cruise for THIS anniversary. We will be driving to Hilton Head to drop off Griffin with my parents (which he is really looking forward to) then we'll head to Florida for the cruise. We can't wait! Love you honey! I wonder what the next 10 years will bring?

Legos

Griffin received several Lego kits for his birthday. He is really into them and loves building. There was one set that was a little difficult for him and he wanted my help. This is a rarity because normally Dallas would help with this type of project. But you see, he was in Paraguay and it HAD to built that minute. I am not gifted with patience and have zero interest in building Legos but felt it was my motherly duty to help when needed. I was good at following the directions and finding the pieces but I was NOT good at having the entire ship break apart when one of us pushed too hard to put another piece on! We worked for what felt like an hour and it was time for bed (thank God!) Dallas made it home the following day and was able to finish the ship with Griffin.

I am very thankful that Dallas and I have different likes and talents - they come in handy when it comes to parenting.

Cathi

"Daddy"

Griffin had to write a story about a snowflake. He chose to name his snowflake "Daddy." This is what he wrote:

Daddy fell in my house and Daddy wet in my Gaimcoob. (went in my Gamecube) is what he meant to write.

This just cracked me up. This was posted on the bulletin board outside his classroom door. Can you imagine the random adult passing by and looking at the paper - "Daddy wet in my Gaimcoob."

He is just too much sometimes!

Cathi

RED

Griffin came home today on red. I think I've written about this before. You know - the whole stoplight for behavior thing. He's been on yellow once and red twice. Today his note said he was on red for "slamming the bathroom door repeatedly." What the heck?

I asked him WHY he did that?

His response was, "because there was a kid in the bathroom and he asked my why I was in there and I thought he should KNOW why - to take a bathroom break. And he made me mad when he asked me that."

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

With no tv, video games or computer over the next 24 hours maybe he can learn how to better exercise self-control.

Cathi