Spring Break Part 2

In late March, a few weeks after Lydia returned home, Caleb spent part of his spring break with us. Mikaela, due to her school district's earlier spring break schedule, was unable to join; however, she later met Caleb in California following his stay here.

During his visit, Caleb converted Seth’s former bedroom into a functional library. Joshua, our son-in-law, removed the carpet and installed new flooring. Caleb and Russ painted the walls and bookshelves, with Anna and Joshua assisting with the assembly. Caleb then completed the project by adding the final decorative touches. I was thrilled to have a home for both of Aunt Lila's needlepoints...and all our books!

We received about eighty Easton Press books (someone was downsizing and wanted to give them away), along with a library bookcase with glass doors. Both were stored because we didn't have space for them. When we went to look at the books and rugs in storage, Caleb fell in love with the bookcase and easily found a place for it in the room. He repurposed another cupboard by adding legs, creating a beautiful home for all of Seth's vinyl records. The daybed with drawers provides a cozy spot to read and extra storage, while still functioning as a bed we can pull out for guests.

Zoe absolutely loves Caleb and was his shadow the entire time he was here. I guess our cat, Iverson, was happy he was home too😊

Spring Break Part 1

Lydia and her boyfriend, Aidan, flew home for spring break at the end of February and the beginning of March. Seth spent his spring break in Chicago with friends. Lydia spent most of the week relaxing and showing Aidan some of her favorite spots in and around Boise. I was struggling with the return of nerve pain, but managed to make the trip to Stanley to see the Sawtooths! My inability to enjoy having my girl home was the impetus for me to pursue further doctor appointments and imaging to try to figure out the source of pain.

Home just in time to take part in the church Bunco night! Lydia even won "last Bunco" of the night. Doesn't she look cute in the Bunco hat?

I bought material to recover my kitchen chair at JoAnns when they were going out of business, but I hadn't felt well enough to actually finish the job. Aidan and Lydia to the rescue!

And the highlight of the week--a trip to Stanley with a stop at the Kirkham hot springs on the way

Myles' Baptism

We flew out to Iowa again in January for Myles' baptism. Russ preached and administered baptism which was truly a sweet blessing. While in Iowa we took in Dordt's indoor track meet and watched Lydia and Seth run. Myles even came out to cheer them on!

Breakfast at the bakery before the track meet.

Chillin' with grandma

Christmas

 

As I prepared this post, I realized I had not taken many pictures while the kids were home over the holidays. Evidently, I was just living in the moment! Caleb and Nicolas were in Iowa for the holidays, celebrating with their wives' families. We missed them so much, but we are thankful they have wonderful in-laws with whom to celebrate the season.

Lydia was so excited just to "chill" and do word searches 😂

Visiting Anna at work with treats.

The annual Christmas Lego kit

Christmas Dinner

Anna prepared about 15 minutes of organ music for the Christmas walk in downtown Boise. She played at St. Michaels again this year.

Riley visited Lydia from Florida for a mutual friend's wedding in Boise on December 28. We decided to use our raclette for the second time for something fun and different.

We wanted to ice skate in Caldwell, but since the rink reservations were full, we walked around and enjoyed the lights instead.

We fixed LOTS of puzzles and played lots of games over the holiday. Anna's work gave their employees the week off between Christmas and New Year's and she spent most of it with us.

Family paint night--Mom, Seth, Dad, and Lydia. Seth didn't like his big tree so he wiped it off just before I took this picture.

New Year Ollie Bollen. This is the first time I tried making it and it turned out so well!

Lydia loves her new silk hair bonnet--no more frizzy hair in the morning.😊

Myles' first Christmas.