Mother's Day/Birthday--May 8

It was a great weekend!  Hannah and Matt came into town to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day, which happened to fall on the same day this year.  We had a great time visiting and playing games.  I had just seen Kayla and Darby a couple of weeks ago and we celebrated my birthday and Mother's Day when we were together.  So...I felt very loved and very special.  My cards from the kids were wonderful, especially the hand-written sentiments on them and Kayla's handmade cards.

As always, Paul made sure my birthday and Mother's Day were special.  He took us all out to eat (which is always fun) and made sure I didn't lift a finger (except when I insisted).  Paul gave me a camera to replace the one I left in Belize so I'm excited about that!

Matt, Hannah and I (and to an extent Paul), got hooked on the Monopoly Card Game.  We played many hands of it and had fun turning against one another and ganging up on anyone doing well!  We love playing games together, visiting and acting silly while we do.  It's great family time.

Sunday afternoon, of course, Hannah had to head back to Dallas and Matt to Abilene.  It always leaves a little lump in my throat to see them go.  I am so blessed that Kayla, Darby, Hannah and Matt all make special time for me!

Our Trip to Illinois

I hate flying.  I hate knowing I am in this big hunk of metal suspended in the sky.  You can talk physics all day, but I just can't believe this thing is going to stay in the air.  Add turbulence and I am an absolute wreck!  HOWEVER, when it means I get to see Kayla and Darby in Illinois...I am much more willing to take the chance!

We had a great visit.  I arrived on Tuesday and Paul joined us for the weekend.  Kayla and I had such a good time cooking, shopping, getting pedicures and talking, talking, talking. We got caught up on so much and it just felt good to be part of her everyday life for awhile. Then Paul came and we had a great weekend, too.

Darby was studying for a test and a big presentation.  He was able to join us, though, for a couple of games, a little Wii Winter Sports, and a movie.  He did great on his presentation (we knew he would).  Darby and Kayla are both working hard in school and we are proud of both of them.

We are so blessed to have great kids and enjoy the time we get to spend with them.  We are looking forward to seeing them in Texas in June and hopefully having all the kids together for a little while.