Vacation, Baby

Ross has worked so hard this year; in fact, at times it feels he has worked harder than he did first year. This last month was intense and he didn't get home many times until seven or eight. So, when his vacation rolled around this week, we were jumping up and down excited. Like, you would have thought we were going to Hawaii excited. We got a few projects done, like putting up our new picnic table!


And planting our new spring flowers. This was a really fun activity, actually. I had no idea Amelia would be so into it, but she was quite the serious gardener. Elise loves dirt, so she was in heaven.

We tried to do a little special something each day. Amelia went to school Monday and had a fabulous day! We discussed that Elise and I weren't doing anything fun without her and for her to just enjoy herself. Ross worked on charts and after we picked up Amelia we went to the park. The weather was perfect and she loved having Ross there to show off for.

Tuesday was another gorgeous day and we went to the zoo. I love watching the girls get so excited. It is like Elise just can't believe that the animals are REAL. She was elated the whole time. And I never tire of seeing Amelia delight in the simplest of things. I do believe she could have fed the fish all day. Fish. At the zoo. :)

Next up, we went to paint pottery, which is one of Amelia's favorite things to do. The problem is that you have to PAY for each piece you paint and she views it as more of a coloring book type system. Paint a coffee mug, then a lightswitch cover, then a turtle, etc. Haha. Elise got to go for the first time and she had fun painting a flower pot with me for my Mother's Day present from the girls. And she may or may not have painted the table, her dress, her hair, and her hands.

Amelia and her Daddy painted a coffee mug for his Father's Day present. He is already trying to weasel his way into getting it early. That will be a no go.

She also painted a mug for Pa for his birthday...which is in September. However, that is what she picked and she was very tickled about it. She already has things lined up to paint for the next time we go.


Today we just lazed around the house and this afternoon we went to Silver Dollar City. I have some cute pictures and a whole lot of fun to report, so I will save that until tomorrow.

As I look back over this post, we didn't do anything out of the ordinary or extra special per se, but this was the greatest week. One plus to Ross working so much is that we SO cherish our time with him when he is home. And, it was so nice not to do everything by myself. Ahhh I loved our staycation.