Chicago get-a-way!

Chicago here we come!!!

Matt and I took a weekend and recharged --

YES, this meant NO CHILDREN!

We rarely do this -- but do feel it is important for us to spend time together -- just the 2 of us.

We do go on a date 1 to 2 times a month -- 

NOW -- they are not all fancy ;)  

YES, sometimes it is just a meal and the dreaded grocery shopping 

BUT 

we are together AND usually, talking/planning the week!

May and June are so busy for both of us --

We actually have a hard time getting much time together in those months 

SO -- this year we decided to fill-up on our time together and go away for the weekend.

We LOVE going to the city.

We stayed right downtown Chicago on the river.  It was a beautiful room located near everything we needed.

We enjoyed our favorite Chicago foods --

Portillo's

Geno's

Argo tea

My new favorite --- Strawberry Creme green tea!!! YUMMY!

Garrett's Popcorn

We did LOTS of walking

which you notice after all we ate -- WE NEEDED TO!!!

SOME shopping, really window shopping

BUT the best thing was -- we were just together!

I am so thankful for this man God gave me to marry!

We are filled and ready to tackle the end of the school year, asparagus and planting season!

The Girls are Grand Valley Teachers

Once a year the girls are asked to come and teach the senior physical therapy class.

The girls LOVE doing this!!!

AND
Yes, they get paid :)

We drive to Grand Rapids right after school --

The girls spend the next 2 hours working with the senior student physical therapists --

This is kinda like the student therapists final project -- 

Really -- it is fun for the girls, nice for them to verbalize and show their disability and how they takecare of themselves, nice for mom to meet other moms who have similar children and GREAT practice for the students.

On our way home we enjoy a nice dinner together!

Spring Break 2014 review

Spring Break 2014 was a quiet and relaxing week.

Obviously, our winter has been crazy and we have a little girl that is doing well BUT vacation and walking lots is still not in the picture for us.

SO

We stayed home.

The girls had 'sleep overs' in our room!

YES, this is a BIG deal!

 All sacked out next to moms side of the bed.

We made cookies together.

 The girls are doing well by themselves ---

Went for short walks --

Walking to the farm.  This walk pushed Elizabeth a bit.

I can't believe we STILL have snow!

Snow still on the farm lane.

Worked a bit at the farm.

JM and dad taking a break!

AND

Got a big project done --- 

ALL the high windows in the house!

Dad and JM helped MD

Sometimes, as a family, it is nice to relax AND not have a schedule.

Sleeping in, reading books, doing little projects and playing games is a GREAT way to be revived!

I LOVE my family!! 

I cannot think of better people to spend my vacation time with!

Last Day of Therapy

HOORAY!!!

Today was our last day of therapy ---

We might need more this summer 

BUT

for now -- WE ARE DONE!!

She has made amazing progress!!

We still will do exercises at home daily ---

BUT

We CAN DO IT!!