Nine Years

David and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary with a nice, weekend getaway. David is very romantic and always has surprises planned for me... I feel very lucky to be married to someone who is a creative planner. He arranged for childcare on his own and told me to pack for a little get-away- nothing fancy, he reassured me, but more along the lines of relaxation and fun. I am the kind of girl who enjoys driving with David and having all the time in the world to talk, so I was happy just knowing we were getting some quality time.

You have to know David, but he has a silly side. I was not surprised in the least when we drove past Kansas City to the capital of Kansas, Topeka, to visit the home of Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz. David knows that movie is very sentimental to me and planned a whole day sightseeing in this amazingly unique town in the middle of rolling corn fields based on the movie. It was complete with a yellow brick road, all the characters, and even "Toto's Taco's", a little mexican hole-in-the wall. The original munchins from the movie make yearly appearances and I kept my eyes peeled for them! It was really just the most quirky place to spend the day and I love weird, quirky places like that. David knows me well.  : )

David treated me to Topeka's annual Tulip festival, dinner at Olive Garden, and a movie. We had a nice hotel room, stayed up late watching tv, and slept in. Though I missed Harbor William, it was very nice to spend time listening to one another with no interruptions and focusing on each other.

The next morning, David took me to breakfast and then to the Topeka Zoo, my other favorite hot spot. I'm all about the zoo. I love animals anyway, and getting to stroll the afternoon away was such therapy.

After the zoo, David drove me to Kansas City, which was only an hour's drive away. I adore the Plaza in Kansas City and and was so jazzed to spend the rest of the day shopping- even if most of it was "window" shopping.  : ) The Plaza carries some really fun, big names- like the Betsey Johnson, where all I could afford were flannel pajamas. Ha!  David took me to the Cheesecake factory for lunch and had a great booth overlooking the fountains. After lunch, he took me to Papersource, which is bar-none the BEST place for serious cardmakers to shop for cardstock. He instructed me to buy what I needed for this year's Christmas cards- and since I generally handmake one design in bulk, around 160 cards, I was giddy. I make my cards in the summer to help with time, and am really pleased with what they had in stock. My cardstock from last year, the orange pocket fold cards, is from Papersource, and I was impressed with the quality. If I wasn't feeling lazy, I would link the Christmas cards from last year. : ) Sorry... Ha!

Last but not least, I was given some bling for my ring finger, which is always nice. : )  Really, having a husband who has great work ethic, who takes care of us financially, who gets up everyday and is happy to make a living is all I need. I feel very lucky to have a husband who takes being a father very seriously and one who supports my decisions. Going to see Dorothy was just an extra added "plus!"

School is going well- we are winding down with only a few weeks left. My students are still working hard for me and I will really miss them this summer. We recently wrapped up a three week long unit over Tuck Everlasting and I thoroughly enjoyed the great discussions we had! I head out to Hot Springs for a two day conference with my coworkers and can't wait to spend time with them. I work with the best teachers on the planet and am so thankful for their positive perspectives- especially in May when the kids are getting restless.  : )

I hope all is well with you and your family! 

Easter 2010

We had a very relaxed Easter with Harbor William this year. We spent the afternoon at the park, which has become our favorite hang-out spot of late. Making a "holiday" shirt in leu of buying something has become a bit of a tradition at our house, and I have enjoyed writing Harbor letters and pinning them onto the shirts before I add them to his hope chest. I want him to know the stories behind the pictures. As he grows older every month, I know the days of getting to "dress" him how I want are probably out numbered.  : )  All the more reason to create memories now!

And just for fun, I wanted to show you some of the recent photos my mom has snapped during nap times.... How he does it, i'll never know, but he is sure good for a laugh. These are the days to remember! 

We have recently returned from our anniversary trip to celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary. I hope to post pictures soon.... I appreciate all of those who still click on my link to read about what we are up to- I know I have not been a "good" blogger these past few months, but you will be happy to know that I have been a "good" mommy and wife and teacher instead. My time seems very limited these days, and I appreciate those two or three of you who are still reading (grin!)  : )   I hope all is well! Take care and take your Claratin! Spring is in full bloom!

Ski Trip - Breckenridge and Keystone- 2010

Over this past spring break, we traveled to Silverthorne, Colorado for a week of skiing at Breckenridge and Keystone. We didn't go last year since Harbor was only a few months old, but at 16 months, he made the car ride just fine and had a fun time. It was nice to relax with friends and family. We shared a cabin with 11 people- our cabin was big and comfy and we really felt like we were on vacation.  : )

Arkansas- 6:00 a.m. ready to roll..

On the road....

We arranged to pick Ashley, Rachel's roommate, up at the Denver airport. She flew in from Florida and it was fun getting to reunite with her. We also met up with Chase and Blake, friends of the girls', who were driving down from Omaha, Nebraska.

My parents and David all own their own skiis and boots, but I still rent mine. David bought a pair of skiis for me, but they ended up being too long. I honestly have come to love rentals over the years.. I love the K2 and Atomic brands.

Rachel and Ashley at the cabin the first night there...

My granny, Aunt Cathy and Uncle Tim were kind enough to keep Harbor for us the first full day so that we could ski a day in Breckenridge. It is a beautiful resort with a great transportaion system of free gondolas that carry you all the way to the summit. For people who don't ski, these gondolas are a great way to get to the lodge at the summit and socialize without having to worry about how to get down.  : )

My mom and dad ski, which is lots of fun. Mom always carries a camera on the slopes, so I love having her share her camera chip with me.

Some of our crew at Breckenridge....

My dad and I...

My mom and I...

Our cabin from the road....

Lots of snacks to eat on the lifts....

Harbor did such an amazing job of being flexible on this trip...

Chase and Blake

On Day two, we took Harbor with us to Keystone for a few family pictures. He rode the gondola up to the summit with us (which made me a nervous wreck, but he was totally safe) and we were able to take him to Keystone's ice castle.

Harbor is ready to rock and roll!

I LOVE Keystone.... such a quaint resort and very family friendly.

With Harbor there, we were able to take a few four generation pictures since my Granny went with us.

Waiting to board the gondola to ride to the summit.

After a five minute cable ride, we arrive at the summit for family pictures...

Heading back down to hand Harbor off to family so we can ski Keystone for a few hours. This night, my mom, David, and a few other members stayed for their night skiing. It was very cold after the snow picked up and hard to see, but it was beautiful.

Getting geared up to ski...  ski boots= ultimate discomfort

David and I head down a trail....

My wonderful parents.. I think they are so cute!

The snow is really picking up here.....

David was able to get cell reception at the top of the mountain and took a work call from back in Arkansas.

We skiied another day in Keystone, but my parents stayed at the cabin and kept Harbor, so I unfortunately don't have any pictures from the slopes that day.

David always celebrates a birthday during spring break. I think he is pretty lucky to be able to ski on his birthday.. this year he turned 29 and we celebrated with a surprise party of cheesecake in the cabin. He always acts surprised every year we have a surprise party, but he knows it is coming. Ha, ha!

Singing Happy Birthday!

I ended up feeling really sick the last day we were there.... everyone though it was altitue sickness. David and my mom and aunt took Harbor shopping in Keystone and Brecekenridge while I slept in. It was a nice treat!

When they got back, I felt super sick and David was concerned, so he took me to a medical clinic in Silverthorne. After my nose swab, the doctor kept his distance and informed me I had Influenza type A. Fabulous.  I was given a little face mask, Tamiflu, and instructions to keep my distance. This was impossible since we driving home the next day with no hotel stops. I'm so thankful Harbor is an easy baby... I sat in the back by the car seat and rested the entire way home. Harbor was happy and content all 14 hours, which is nothing short of a miracle. My Granny kept him entertained and I am grateful for her help... I ended up taking Monday off from work to make sure I wasn't going to spread germs and then went back on Tuesday. Missing work really stresses me out since it is so easy to get behind, but I needed the rest.

We had a great time and made some wonderful family memories with Harbor!

Benchmark testing is next week and I have been busy wrapping up and reviewing frameworks. I have arrnaged for a published children's book author and illustrator to come and speak next week and cannot wait!

We had a  lovely Easter.. hopefully I will find the time post those pictures as well.....

David is leaving Friday to go out of all town all weekend, so Harbor and I are hoping for nice, summerish weather.

The following weekend is our 9 year anniversary and David has a surprsie trip overnight somwhere cooked up. He made arrangements with my mom to keep Harbor. She is in on the surprise, but I am clueless about where we are going or what to pack. David is super good at keeping secrets, so I know he won't slip and tell me anything until we are on our way.  He promises it will be very relaxing and romantic, so I am curious as to what he has planned.  : ) I feel very lucky to have married such a planner. He always makes an effort to keep the magic in our marriage.

I hope you and your family are healthy and happy. This weather- warm and full of sunshine- is sure to put anyone in a good mood.  : ) Take care!