Mother's Day

My camera was on a weird setting that made the one photo of the children and me look grainy and gross. Oh well.

Mother's Day was especially poignant this year--mostly because Jamie was home. He called local florists until he found one with ranunculus because he knows they are my favorite flower. Asher went with him to pick up my surprise arrangement. I LOVED it. Fun aside, Jamie said that the florist had just done flowers for the wedding of a daughter of a Supreme Court Justice. They spent $25,000 on flowers! Each table had an arrangement of ranunculus, peonies and hydrangeas. Is that every bride's dream arrangement? It's mine!

Anyways, I got to "sleep in" (little visitors were eager to know WHEN I WOULD WAKE UP) while Jamie made me breakfast, which was strawberry nutella waffles with a side of eggs, veggie sausage and lots of orange juice. I was happy, happy, happy. The kids drew cute cards for me. Asher's card had a flowering cactus and a happy face with roses for eyes. Soren drew tumbleweed. Not sure where the desert theme came from but I was feeling it. 

Maeve was sweet all day, as is her way, and she even told me after dinner: "Mommy, you are beautiful. I am so glad you are in my life." Her tender words will hopefully ring in my ears for the rest of my life. I have often struggled on my own while Jamie has been away. I have often felt tired, haggard, overwhelmed, angry and lonely. Despite all of these feelings and the experiences that inspire them, my children are forgiving. I love them so much and I'm ineffably grateful for them. Single parenthood has taught me a lot about my limitations but also about my strengths. I have grown a lot as a mom and mostly in ways that make me a better mom. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by friends who are remarkable at motherhood and inspire me to be more patient and creative. My own mother is full of loving talents that I strive to emulate. To my mom, my sister, sister in laws, family and friends I echo the words of sweet Maeve: "You are beautiful. I am so glad you are in my life. Happy Mother's Day!"

Dutch Wonderful Day

An oldie from 2010 when the boys were just TWO and Maeve was still gestating.

These two. I miss him and I miss him with her.

The pastoral setting of Dutch Wonderland makes it that much more appealing to me.

Asher pointed out that everyone was on a horse team.

This mommy duck with her baby babes was a highlight for us. I had NEVER seen baby ducks huddled under their mother before and we all swooned. In fact, the following day Asher and Soren wanted to be baby ducks and asked me to huddle over them. The rest of the morning the kids pretended to be baby ducks hatching out of their eggs. It was adorable.

Everything ends in a punch.

Tradition. 

Maeve told the horse to giddyup.

This was our best Dutch Wonderland trip ever. No lines, no crowds, no excessive heat and being together resulted in an unforgettable day. Happiness was effortless. It rained when we were leaving and we were able to score free rain passes to go again sometime this year. We have big plans! Jamie suggested that we go in October and then take a road trip through the Lehigh Valley to see where he was born (Bethlehem, PA) and then go to Sleepy Hollow, NY for a festive trip that will likely make my Halloween loving children explode with joy.

Wolfpack Wonderland

Shortly after getting to DW one of the kids managing a ride said to Jamie, "Hey, are you famous? Are you the guy from The Hangover?" OH man did we laugh! He thought Jamie was Zack Galifanakas. Wolfpack! A few nights later we watched Zack's opening monologue for SNL and he commented that people often say, "Hey, are you the guy from The Hangover? No offense." Hah.

Soren, Asher and I LOVED the frog hopper while Maeve was terrified.

This was the first time Soren was interested in games and winning prizes. Annoying.

Family favorite!

Jamie and I knew we wanted to take the kids to Dutch Wonderland while he was home. We swapped our summer visit for a spring visit and the results were enjoyable. I loved sitting next to Jamie as he drove--even the road trip was wonderful. I've been on so many adventures as the only adult that actually having my husband with me felt like perfection.

It rained the first hour or two we were at the park but it was still warm and I brought a towel with me to wipe down wet seats. The rain had deterred crowds of people so we had zero wait at most rides and could even stay on favorite rides for two or three times in a row! We were LOVING it. Soren was like a pinball--bouncing excitedly from one ride to the next. 

It was just a happy, delightful time. The weather cleared for several hours and yielded the best conditions imaginable for our family adventure.

Bryce Harper's Team

During the 101 days that Jamie was in Afghanistan, we talked on countless occasions about seeing a National's game when he got home. I had never been before and was extremely excited for my inaugural game. We went on a week night and bought tickets the day of the game, which were only $6 each. Parking and concessions were much more expensive but the collective experience was wonderful and just what we needed.

I loved the energy and recreation that permeated the experience. Baseball is a classic game that produces good times and rewarding memories. It was a rainy, cool evening but the views of the city and the river were only enhanced by the broody tones of a dark sky. The game was fun and everyone's favorite, Bryce Harper hit a homerun not long into the game. 

We left shortly after the seventh inning stretch and already I can't wait for our next game!