Spring Break 2012

We're not in the habit of planning "spring break" trips yet, since we don't plan around the minimalist preschool calendar. But this year, the week leading up to Easter gradually turned into a precious week away for our family.

It all started with my pregnancy. Getting to my parents' house in Florida with two little boys is no small task, but it's about to get a lot harder in July. So months ago, we booked a trip to see Mom and Dad in March. Soon several conflicts arose, and we decided to bump it back to the only other option: Easter weekend (April 4-8).

Then, March came and the news of Mom's breast cancer, followed by her surgery date: Monday, April 2nd. I am convinced God postponed our trip so it would coincide with this unexpected development. I was able to fly down April 1st and be with my parents during the surgery and recovery. Then, Josh and the boys joined us later in the week.

It worked out beautifully. First and foremost, Mom is doing great. So many of you have asked, prayed, and encouraged us over the past few weeks, and we all appreciate it. We don't yet know the results of the surgery (if they got it all, if the cancer has spread, if she'll need chemo), but we are so thankful that she was at an excellent center and her recovery has been uneventful.

It was also freeing to see this diagnosis is not dominating their lives right now. We had great conversations over good food while I was alone with them, and then a fun-filled visit once the boys came. We all took full advantage of their FL habitat, Mom let me unleash some of my nesting energies on her house, and we ended the week with one of my favorite holidays, celebrating the hope we have in Christ. A few snapshots from the week...

A giant sandbox with water, shells, and snacks? Noah was in heaven. Aaron was fascinated people-watching, and given the menagerie at the beach, I don't blame him.

The Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium was perfect for our boys: touching reptiles, panning for gold, shooting pirates, exploring a bee hive, reporting from the moon...Noah started asking to go back before we left the building.

 

Swimming, playing with new toys, eating favorite foods, swimming, watching golf with Papa, sleeping, drinking juice, hunting Easter eggs, swimming some more -- both boys were sad to leave. Then again, so were Josh and I. May have to give it a shot with an infant after all. :)