Spring Break

The girls and I enjoyed Spring Break up at my parents' place. It would have been just perfect if Andy could have been there as well, but he had traveling plans of his own (both business, but one included a surprise for his parents). So, we made the most of our Spring Break with Papa, Grandma, Uncle Jeff, and Aunt Amy. Amy booked tickets months ago for Jeff and her to come out and visit. Imagine my excitement when the week they were going to be in Texas was Rachel's Spring Break. Fabulous! It was fun to spend time with Jeff and Amy since the time we saw them in October they were a bit distracted (fully understandable). The girls loved being spoiled!!! Here are a few pictures of our Spring Break adventures...

Hanging out with Jeff playing with his fancy phone (Mommy is still quite behind when it comes to technology):

Audrey and Rachel making use out of Grandma's elliptical machine:

One morning the girls went on a walk with Jeff and Amy. The idea was for Jeff to pull them in the wagon. But Audrey tired of the wagon soon and preferred Amy's shoulders:

Many, many hours were spent out on the dock fishing. Audrey usually just enjoyed watching:

Rachel helping Papa find the needed supplies:
Happy girl all set up:
Audrey ready for a swing:
I don't think we had any luck that night, but no one gave up. The next night we were at it again...
Audrey even joined in on the fun:

The first catch!!! I believe Jeff caught 5 fish while we were there. We usually just catch and release. But I think they at least hung on to one (not this skimpy one though)...

One afternoon I was able to sneak up and grab this picture. Love it!

The girls and the minnows! They had so much fun playing with and torturing those minnows. Rachel even named them. And then once they were belly up, Rachel would happily toss them into the water and say good-bye. Silly girl! Papa brought home minnows twice and the girls enjoyed them both nights.

There's always time to play in the dirt as well. The girls enjoyed playing in the dirt that my dad (with Jeff's help) was using to fill in his "reclaimed land". Sometimes I wonder if he should have been Dutch... :)

Papa had purchased some marigolds for the girls to help him plant around the edge of his garden to keep the bugs away. Both girls enjoyed planting some real flowers.

Saturday morning Papa gave the girls a tractor ride. Definitely a tradition and something that can't be skipped. Grandma lines the tractor trailer with pillows and blankets, so who can blame them for loving it???

By the end of the week Rachel was quite the little fisherman. She could spend hours out on the dock. She'd cast, reel in, cast, reel in, etc... Over and over again. She never caught her own fish. Hopefully next time we can convince her to not reel in so quickly and she might have better luck. Regardless she had a lot of fun. And thanks to 2 good teachers - Papa and Uncle Jeff - she has it down!

It really hit me this trip on how blessed our girls are. They have great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who love them so much. My heart is full and I am so grateful for the family that we have. Even though time spent together is limited, it is always precious. Thanks Mom, Dad, Jeff, and Amy for a relaxing, fun-filled, enjoyable Spring Break!