Magic & Muggles

Kate had a Harry Potter themed birthday party on Friday, and while she is still waiting for her letter from Hogwarts, a wonderful time was had by all. 

Platform 9 3/4

 The decorated basement, complete with floating candles. 

 Picture frames to paint with each of the guests' Hogwarts Houses.

 The Owlery.

 Quidditch.

 A toast with butter beer "To the boy who lived!"

May you always find the magic, Kate. 

Eleven

Eleven is: magic & muggles. It’s “one more chapter” and then sleeping in late. It’s the best group of friends, soccer & violin. Eleven is being civil-minded with a tender heart. It’s a drive for adventure and eyes full of wonder. Happiest of days to our favorite girl. 

Arch Madness

We just got back from a quick 2.5 day in St. Louis where we had a great time. 

My little coffee buddy joined me early on Friday morning. 

 Most of the day was spent at the City Museum downtown, which was incredible. Photos don't do it justice, but it is a giant former International Shoe building with exhibits made of repurposed architectural & industrial objects. The kids spent the whole day exploring and climbing and were in heaven. 

Afterwards we enjoyed some amazing ice cream from Jeni's...

 ...and then I enjoyed a sun-filled walk around Forest Park while the kids played on a playground. 

The next day we toured the arch, 

 and rode electric scooters around downtown. 

Our trip ended with a delicious lunch & root beer before we hit the road for home. 

 We love these little family adventures & time together! 

Lately

Oh man, this winter was a whirlwind of snow, ice & sickness. Luckily, as these photos show, we also had sweet moments of fun & coziness. 

Enjoying a peaceful walk on the trail by our house after one of the many snows. 

 Playing with neighbors. 

Both kids played basketball this winter & both had a great time with friends on the court. 

Cold nights meant homework in stocking caps. 

 Outsourcing my grading one weekend. 

 A big part of this winter was Kate finishing the Harry Potter series. I snapped this sweet photo as she was finishing the last pages of the seventh book. We have loved watching her on this journey of reading. 

 As I said, sickness was a big part of this winter. One week I had 24% of my students out sick. And here is me and my neighbor carpooling to the doctor's early one morning with 3/4th of our sick kids in the backseat. 

 To celebrate Jason's 40th birthday he & I took a road trip to Kansas City last weekend. Here we are reading during a car charge on our way. 

 It was a wonderful getaway full of good food & relaxation with just the two of us. 

 Did I mention the sickness?! Last Thursday I came down with a 102* temp that landed me in Urgent Care. Luckily the antibiotics & steroids have kicked in nicely since then, but I was not amused at starting break sick (again).

My walk last night...a spring thaw!

I cannot say that I am sad to see this winter go. Looking forward to fresh air, sunshine and health in the upcoming season!