My evil twin

Wow, was my Spring Break really only just a little over a week ago? Seems like it is the distant past right about now. I had such a great week off that no matter how work was going I probably would have complained. But, it has bee One Of Those Weeks. I know it prbably seems like I complain about work a lot, and I am starting to realize that I don't like who I am at work. I'm the person in the meeting that I hate. I swear, sometimes it seems like I walk into the building and some other form, a much crabbier, angrier, meaner version of myself. Maybe it is just end of the year spring fever like my students get. all I know is that I will be jumping for joy on June 1st. Needless to say, I haven't gotten any calls for some of the other jobs I have applied for recently, but I did fill out a few more applications. A new "banana cafe"just opened right down the block from our house and I saw they had a person dressed up as a banana dancing around in front. I couldn't help but wonder....
Anyway, the past 2 weeks Ray and I have been trying to implement family walks right after work. It has been a fun way for us to de-stress and spend some fun family time together during the week. I'm also proud of myself for running several times the past few weeks, finally! I need to sign up for a 5k soon. Kenley had been such a chatterbox and learns new words every week. My favorite thing she says is in response to, "what's your favorite color," and she says, "pink!" It is so cute, and I will admit that there may have been some brainwashing on my part for that one. She also likes to say, "up-e-bop" while raising her arms, which is her way of saying "up and down" when we sing the wheels on the bus. I'm pretty sure she is a genius :) So, all of these things have put a smile on my face this week.
 Also, I just realized today is one year of blogging! I'm proud of myself for keeping up with it. Thanks to anyone who has ever read my blog!

Memories

I dug out my baby doll from when I was a kid, Sherry, and Kenley has been playing with her.  I am not really a sentimental person with many things, but my baby doll is one toy that I am so glad my mom stored away for me.  There is something really cool about watching Kenley play with the toy that I loved so much back in the days where I "played mommy".  I was thinking back to when I brought the doll with to our birthing class.  I'm glad Kenley seems to have an interest in babies both real and pretend.  I think she's going to be a great big cousin to my sister's baby, and hopefully a great big sister one day.

The other day, Ray asked me if Kenley would remember our little weekend trip.  I told him probably not, and he said, "well, I guess that's why you always take a million pictures of everything."  I try to keep my camera on me most of the time, and I hope Kenley will enjoy looking back at all the pictures of her childhood.  Plus, she's just so dang cute, I think every picuture of her is frame-worthy!

I am soaking up every second of this week. I have accomplished most of my goals for my Spring Break so far.  Monday I met up with Ashlee and her kids in Oakbrook and randomly found the best spot to hang out.  It had a park, a pond where you could feed the ducks, and a little indoor nature center with animals and a "bat cave" that the kids loved.  It was so fun to see our 3 children play together.  We've come a long way from our college days!  I'm so glad we finally got some time together, and in between running around the park, pushing swings, and bathroom breaks we got to catch up on everything.  Can't wait to plan more play dates this summer!

I also did a LOT of stuff around the house and spent over 4 HOURS just on Kenley's room. It was insane.  You would think we have 5 girls, not one.  This child has more clothes than Ray and I combined, and that is just from the last 6 months!  I organized every single drawer, closet hanger, and toy bin. The next day, I got a well-deserved massage and savored every second of those 60 minutes.  I even made Ray a steak dinner one night.  I am sad that my week is coming to an end, but I am so thankful I have had this week off.  As soon as Kenley wakes up we are off to the park!

And this picture doesn't even do it justice!

Our Easter Weekend

We went to Grizzly Jack's Resort in Utica this weekend, and it was great!  We had a really nice villa with room to spread out.  Kenley got her own room, and Ray and I had an amazing Master Bedroom with a fireplace and a whirlpool tub.  I was a little nervous about this getaway, since the last time we tried to go away Kenley got sick.  But, we made up for that trip, and it was exactly what we (I)  needed.  We went to the water park on Friday and for a little bit on Saturday, went to the park,  played at the arcade and amusement park, and got some relaxing family time.  It was a nice little trip, so close to home, but really felt like a little vacation. 

                

Kenley had a blast at the waterpark.  She got her own little tube to float around the lazy river with us and I think she could have stayed in there for hours.  She also went down a little waterslide with me, and had fun in the wave pool.  In the amusement park, she was too little for most of the rides, but was able to go in the bouncy house.  One little boy was so sweet to her, and she had a blast sitting and being bounced from his jumping.  She was able to go on one ride all by herself, and I was surprised she wasn't afraid.  She was by far the youngest on it, surrounded by all 3-4 year olds.  The lady running the ride said she would stop it if Kenley was afraid, but she seemed like she had a good time spinning around in her little cart.  All in all, it was a great trip, and I think we will try to go back again someday.

Today was Easter, and we woke up to hearing a thud followed by some crying to realize that Kenley had managed to crawl out of her crib.  So, immediately Ray lowered it to the lowest setting.  Then, we were off for a family egg hunt in the yard.  We had a fun day seeing both sides of the family. I don't know exactly how it happened, but when we got home our car was filled with candy, bubbles, clothes, chalk, balls, toys, and pretty much everything else you could find in the Easter aisles. Kenley was spoiled by all of her family members, as usual.  She was very good today, and while it took her a little while to warm up to having everyone around, she was the life of the party. 

I am officially on Spring Break this week!  My plans include meeting up with my friend Ashlee and her kids, who I haven't seen since Christmas, doing some major Spring Cleaning, attempt to go running at least 3 times, get a massage, go shopping, and most importantly spend some quality time with Kenley.  I want to enjoy every day, and I hope that this week goes by slowly!