Poppy's visit

Rick watched the boys' basketball practice and then they played a little more when they got home.

I was in my room for a minute and walked out to see this:

Rick playing VR was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

That night, we went to hear the Porch Pickers play at a St. Patrick's day party.

 

Ben's 41st birthday!

After a run together, we opened presents

Eli got Ben a vintage Lego set

Then we went to the mall for a little bit.  Ben got some new clothes and got a pretzel with Eli.

Rick came to town that afternoon and we went to the dumpling house down the street for dinner

Unfortunately this was our first birthday celebration missing someone...Alison had to work and missed dinner and dessert.  BUT she did come with me to Dessertino the day before and helped pick out the variety of cheesecake.

(Eli is showing Poppy his new yo-yo tricks in the background)

 

Shear's take on NYC

We all took the train to the city.  Our first unexpected adventure was finding parking at the train station.

We eventually made it and were SO thankful that a friend from church let us borrow this lightweight double stroller.  It saved our day.

First stop, American Girl Store!

I was surprised how massive this store is!  Literally every doll you could imagine is in this 2 story store, along with a cafe, hair salon and place to customize your own doll.

Alison's dreams were made when Aunt Amanda told her to pick out a doll for herself.

After lunch, we went to the Central Park Zoo.

Watching the sea lions swim and jump around was the perfect little resting spot for us.

This is real life with a middle school son:

On our way back to the train, we stopped for snack of empanadas.

Grand Central Station

When we got home, it was time to open Nikki, which I found completely fitting for a New York purchase.

Jordan and Amanda visit!

Jordan, Amanda, Grace and Abigail came to visit for their spring break.  It was cold and rainy for the first couple of days, so there was a lot of hanging out and playing.

When it finally got nice, Ben and Jordan went to the city for their own little adventure.  They went to Chinatown and by the 9-11 museum.

Everyone else (well, except Alison because we didn't have enough seats in the car) went to the library

and Chick-fil-A for lunch

Amanda took Alison out for coffee and the boys and I took the girls to the park.  I made a little ride for the girls in our beach wagon and thankfully they thought it was fun.

A little this and that

I may not get goofy grins anymore when I take a picture, but the kids still love when I make time to get the art supplies out.

Alison works mostly in the afternoons, so I was excited when she went in early one day because it meant I could go see her in action!  Unfortunately, my days of having caffeine past 10:30 am are over.  It was so fun to see her doing her thing...she's doing such an amazing job!

Alison created a little before and after...