We are back from a quick weekend get-a-way.  Just in time too... as a blizzard is heading our way.

We eased back into our groove and routines.  But, for whatever reason, our groove is a little sweeter... a little smoother... and everyone is a little happier.

We spent the weekend at a hotel/waterpark on Lake Superior.  It was a blast (after a 5 hour drive.)  It is also the first time we have taken a friend of Noah's over a long distance.  But, all of the boys behaved really well.  Initially I had thought taking a friend with would just be another stress.  Another child to keep track of... another body to keep safe... another mouth to feed.  But, it was just the opposite.  Emmanuel and Noah stuck together, looked out for each other, and had a ton of fun.

Finally---big exhale--- we are the point in our lives where actually taking the boys places is not such a chore.

 I did not spend the entire time exhausted and stressed to the max. 

Here comes the huge bucket of water!  Abram's favorite part of the waterpark.

Little brother wanted nothing to do with momma.  At one point, Aaron had to make a run to the gas station and I was going to play with Abram in the pool---- but much to my disappointment----- he would not go into the pool without dad.  So, he silently waited and waited and waited on a bench for dad to return.

We all were together... away from everyday stresses... and that is all that mattered.  We left Abram's back brace at home and brought a few pieces of homework with, but other than homework, we had no agenda.  Our only plan was to have fun.  And it was just that... fun.

We hit the aquarium one afternoon, much to the boys disappointment--- they wanted to stay in the waterpark and the arcade.  But this momma could only take so much chlorine and obnoxious games and needed a break.

This stingray had affection for Abram.  He was trying to swim right out of the pool!

My favorite part of the trip was our quick stop at The Chocolate Factory.  Yum!  The food was delicious and beautiful. 

A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by a mother who sees that the others get it. - Marcelene Cox



Hello Mr. Frost

This morning (and the last several days) Mr. Frost has graced us with his presence.  Touching everything outside of our cozy home... making everything within eye sight hazy and beautiful.

There is something about frost kissed rose leaves...



Frost settling on sleeping lilacs...


The haze that has separated our little place in the country with our neighbors farm has relentlessly stood for days...



Mr. Frost nipped at the berries that the birds missed...

Then, the sun peeked out.  And within a hurried hour, all of the haze and frost were gone.  The sunlight is nice ("nice" is an understatement) but I will admit that the frost was beautiful.

Secret

Here is a well known secret... big brother does not like/enjoy/allow his photo taken unless there is heavy bribery involved.

As we sit in the piano practice rooms at a university, I am dying to take his photo.  Like the heart wrenching, nauseating... 'if I do not take this photo right now I may die instantly' kind of need. 

Maybe it was because we were waiting for Noah to take part in his first real piano competition.  And I needed something to remind myself him of all of the hard work I he has put into this competition.  All of the months of preparation.  Drilling his songs over and over...

Maybe it was because the first time he played his competition song, I cried.  Silently sobbed while he caressed the notes out of our out-of-tune-hand-me-down piano.  The song was beautiful.

And now as we go through a final run through of his songs, I need to quickly figure out a way to get his photo without him knowing.  Not a chance with the DSLR.  But maybe if I pretend to mess around with the iphone...

Yep.  I was sneaky and I got it!

Congrats Noah!  You did an awesome job.  We are so proud of you!