{A Recap of Our March and April}

This spring was full of endless fun! We kicked off the season visiting Mila and her triplets, our cousins on the other side of the state. Liella and Lydia have the sweetest little bond! I’ve noticed Liella’s nurturing spirit really starting to flourish lately and it’s been enjoyable to watch her grow into this new season. At the same time, it’s a little bittersweet. The moment you realize your little girl is becoming everything you hoped, and more…but she’s not little anymore. I’ve been learning to quietly grieve the little version of her that once needed me in a different way, someone who now nurtures others the way I once nurtured her.

This year was the first time the kiddos had an entire week off for spring break! The beginning half of the week was spent with our cousins from Des Moines who also had the same spring break week as us! Since the dates also landed on St. Patrick’s day, we decided to go all in and celebrate accordingly. Themed breakfast to start the day, parade downtown, tons of park time to enjoy the weather, another themed meal for dinner and ended the day with a movie night. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Des Moines was a first for me, but I must say, it’s definitely a lively parade! The pride in the Irish culture runs deep in Des Moines! If you ever get the chance, check it out!

Cousin breakfasts are still in heavy rotation every month and they never go undocumented…or unappreciated. We will be forever grateful to have at least one set of cousins that live close by to share simple joys in everyday life, like breakfast. April’s cousin breakfast included Easter egg dying and a last minute decision to spend the afternoon fishing. It was really the first time we have taken the kiddos fishing! We tried once last summer on a 90 degree day on the boat at the lake, and let’s just say, it was short-lived, HAHA! This particular time was SO FUN and each child was able to catch their own fish!

April was also filled with tons of Easter egg hunts, bunny visits and more egg dying. It’s become a tradition to dye eggs with my entire family the day before Easter and the weather was perfect to do it outdoors. Looking back at these images, my heart is so full knowing we could all come together during this time to celebrate. Easter felt like a deep breath this year. Not because everything was perfect or everyone could stay long…but because we were together. These moments are rare now, scattered between distances, schedules and seasons. But for a few slow hours, the table was full and the laughter was easy. I don’t take that lightly. It’s a reminder that even when life pulls us in different directions, the resurrection hope we celebrate is what still binds us. I’m so grateful for a Savior who brings peace to the scattered and togetherness to the in-between.

Until next month…

She’s such a vibe!