I'm back, and it's April already, but I want to make sure to re-cap the last few moths because I feel like I'll forget some of it if I don't! First of all, it's the never-ending winter, for real! Its mid-April and we actually had snow covering our grass for the 3rd time this month. Luckily it was melted by about 10am, so at least it was nice to see the sun. At least Spring is trying to come out, but it can't get here fast enough! We've had a lot going on these last few months. Some good, some bad.
I guess I should start ALL the way back to December, if I can remember that long ago! Kenley Marie turned 7, and we had a big party at our house. Her list of friends she wants to invite is getting longer and longer each year. She had a "Sweet-shoppe" themed birthday, which was created by having a make your own cookie decorating station, a candy bar, candy decorations, and lots of sweets to eat! She had a great birthday with her family and friends. She's giving me glimpses into what I'll be dealing with as she gets into those teenage years....a little scary! 
We celebrated Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family at our house, and we were so happy my Grandma W was able to make it!! She had a stroke back in October, and is still on the road to recovery. She had a great time being surrounded by 7 of her great-grandchildren. The kids had a great Christmas morning, and it was fun that Rylee was joining in on the excitement this year. We went to my mom's later on Christmas day, and ended the night playing CLR with my dad's side of the family. It was a fun few weeks!!
The month of January is a bit of a blur, but probably because I was only focused on the end of the month when we were taking a vacation!! We went to Riviera Maya for a week, and we loved it!The only downfall to this trip was our limo breaking down on the way to the airport, having to get in a back-up van, being a bit late checking in and dealing with a rude airline employee, and having to beg for them to allow us to check in and try to make our flight. My heart was beating so hard while we were waiting to get through security and we literally sprinted through the airport to be the very last ones to board, but we made it!
It was the same chain of resorts we stayed at last year, and we loved how family friendly it was. It was a little more challenging with Rylee on the go, but she loved the water, and overall she was good. We had a blast at the waterparks, pools, and beach every day. Kenley was very adventurous, as always, and her and I went swimming with the dolphins. Charlie and I had an awesome experience the last day just standing in about 1ft of water, and we had at least 15-20 fish swimming all around us. Rylee was a little trouper and loved the water, and she was able to climb up some of the baby waterslides and we would catch her coming down. Ray and I were able to sneak in a little bit of relaxing and we got a couples massage on the beach. The kids loved the kids club, and they participated in different activities each day like dance contests, face painting, crafts, and pool games. It was such a great time to go during February, and we loved every minute in the sun during our Chicago winter.
Of course, coming back from a tropical vacation things could only go downhill from there. We basically spent the months of February and March with everyone taking turns being sick. The kids got various viruses, which kept me home with them quite a bit....going stir crazy! Then, Charlie got the flu, and eventually I got it and so did Ray. (Luckily) I hadn't been sick like that in a few years. There were basically 2 days I stayed in bed and didn't move much, which is very unlike me, but luckily my parents and sister helped out with the kids until I could somewhat function again. I was at the doctors's office pretty much every week, and often more than once a week, during those months.
My Grandma Voight's health had not been good for a while, and she passed away at the end of March. My sister and I went to go visit her and my grandpa when they were both in the hospital just a few weeks before. It was a good visit, but very hard since we knew that it was probably our last time seeing her. She spent her last few days side by side with my grandpa, just as she wanted. We are all very lucky to have had her in our lives and have many wonderful memories with her.
Of course, coming back from a tropical vacation things could only go downhill from there. We basically spent the months of February and March with everyone taking turns being sick. The kids got various viruses, which kept me home with them quite a bit....going stir crazy! Then, Charlie got the flu, and eventually I got it and so did Ray. (Luckily) I hadn't been sick like that in a few years. There were basically 2 days I stayed in bed and didn't move much, which is very unlike me, but luckily my parents and sister helped out with the kids until I could somewhat function again. I was at the doctors's office pretty much every week, and often more than once a week, during those months.
To end on a positive note, I started writing this post last week, and within that week Spring has decided to join us!! We've had some sunshine and 60ish degree weather this past week! Yay! There's nothing better than sunshine and fresh air to boost my spirits. The kids have been out riding their bikes, we've been to the park, and our whole neighborhood has come alive! We're looking forward to finishing up the school year, and starting Summer! It's hard to believe that in a few short months I'll have 2 kids in school full time. I'm excited to get that extra time with all of them over the summer, and I know we will have fun. My strategy is to keep them busy so they don't drive me, or each other crazy!
