Things we did while in AL

As I mentioned previously,  I did have a list of things to do while visiting.

The first day we were there, both my parents were off from work which was a nice bonus.  We took the day to visit my college Alma mater.  I bought some new collegiate wear and educated my children on the importance of a college degree.  My dad and I happen to share the same Alma mater so it was super nice to have him along to deepen the meaning of my words.  We also got to see where my parents lived as a newly wed couple.

My parents first house

 The next day we got to just hang out and enjoy my parents.  That night my dad made us a roaring fire on which to roast marshmallows.  The kids loved this and remembered doing it last time we had visited.  Great memories!

On the road again....

Or should I say, in the plane again.  The kids and I took off to go visit my parents in Alabama on a Thursday (3.21) and were going to be gone 2 weeks.  I had a list of things to do as my parents arent planning on staying in Alabama much longer.  Their plans are to move here to CA so I wanted to get at least one last trip in and hit those spots I thought my kids might enjoy that they were previously to young to experience.

Breakfast

Breakfast was in the Airpot - thank goodness for Sbux oatmeal

 They were great in the airplane.  One layover in Dallas.

 Almost 4 hours to kill in Dallas.....ride the Skylink as much as possible!

 My kids are great travelers!  We arrived without a hitch :)

Havens Hat

We were getting ready to leave for Alabama that week after St. Pattys day but first we had a school project to work on for Haven.

Every year the Kinder department does a Spring Hat parade.  The kids get to decorate their hats however they want and then parade the campus with them on.  Haven wasnt there for the parade part but she still had to do her hat. She picked a My Little Pony theme and then we put it together.

St Pattys day

This year it was a two day process for us.  St. Pattys fell on a Sunday, which turned out to be a crazy busy day for me.

But first, Saturday.  Haven and I made our traditional rainbow cupcakes.  This was unfortunate because Im pretty sure I ate 90% of them.  Im not even sure J ate one.

The next day the kids woke up to the coins scattered on the ground, Lucky Charms for breakfast, the big Leprechaun hats and green milk.  I will definitely have to change this for next year because they totally remembered that I did the same thing last  year.  Ugghhh....maybe Ill have to join pinterest to get some fresh ideas ;)

 They did the scavenger hunt but were not at all excited about their treasure of bubbles (which happened to be something I already had - def lack of planning on my behalf).  Again, another thing I need to be better prepared for next year.  I think they need to do separate hunts next year.

 Then we had Serve Dei for church that day, which meant our Life Group planned an activity to serve the community   We did a park day themed around St. Pattys day.  It was fun but a lot of work.

Straight from there I had an Arbonne party, then Neil and I had our Growing Kids Gods Way class, so like I said, a SUPER busy day for us.

A family that runs

That is what we are.....well, Haven is not quite there yet :)  She would rather be carried.  In the meantime, Neil, Justus and I all enjoy a great run.

Neil and I did the Sanger Blossom 10K and then the next week J got to participate in the Fresno Rotary race.

Father Daughter Dance

I was super excited this year for Haven and Neil to participate in the school's Father/Daughter dance.  I had heard such fun things about it last year.

So we went shopping, got the perfect dress & perfect accessories.  Planned the double date with a friend and her dad.  I made the restaurant reservations and got the table decorated.

Now, the night was all set to be magical.....and it was :)

Neil said Haven enjoyed dancing with him but also with all her friends.  Haven told me they got to have refreshments :)  So fun!!

By the way, do not confuse Havens date with Neil with the Father/Daughter dance.  They are not the same thing ;)  ...... according to Haven.

J - the race runner

Since Neil and I have really gotten into running, we are happy that J has also had an interest as well.  We signed him up for his first race.  It was 1/4 of a mile and then Neil and I did a 5K.

So proud of our kid!

Valentines Day

This is a much beloved holiday for me regarding my kids because I have such fond memories of when I was a kid and got to give out Valentines.

Both the kids had parties in their classes.  I got to help out in both, but unfortunately only took pics in Js.

Going thru the stash

J checking out his stash

 For dinner that night we had heart shaped pancakes.  Yum!