Two years since we said goodbye. It feels like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. A friend posted this quote from St. Oscar Romero on social media and felt it was a accurate description for what I often feel when I shed tears about not having Astrid physically present with us.
We visited the cemetery tonight after dinner and brought flowers and mini cupcakes to celebrate our sweet little saint. Happy Birth Day, Astrid! We love and miss you so much!
K-5 got to dress as a favorite book character for school today. Shecklet #3 is from the House of Slytherin (Harry Potter) and Shecklet #4 is Fancy Nancy. (Extra special thanks to Grandma Patti who made #3’s cape on short notice!)
For the middle school, it’s “Read my shirt” day. Shecklet #2 had several to choose from and chose his “Tyrannosaurus Deer” one. He told me he wore it because his science teacher (one of his favorite teachers this year) likes dinosaurs and so do her kids, who he has a sweet connection with as well.
We realized that several Shecklets had significant growth spurts this past year. That, coupled with bikes that had seen many miles, prompted Jake to go on the hunt for some upgraded equipment. We’re looking forward to hitting the paved and single track trails!
Shecklet #2’s science teacher sent me this picture of the fan that #2 built in class. He has had a great year in this class. The next project they are doing is building a mini golf course. I can’t wait to see what the kids design!
We attended 8:30 mass this morning to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The church was full – it was great to see! Shecklet #1 ran the cameras for the livestream and we sat in the pew directly in front of him (at the back of the church.)
After coming home, the kids got changed and hunted for their Easter baskets. Shecklet #4 found hers before mass. We then headed to Grandma Lois’ house to join a few other family members for Easter lunch/dinner. The kids had fun playing with one of their littlest cousins – hunting for eggs, going to the park, and just making her giggle.
The egg hunt this year was full of laughs. Some of the plastic eggs that were hidden in the backyard were found by squirrels who managed to gnaw their way through the plastic and eat the chocolate candy inside!
We even got to see one of Jake’s younger cousins (who was our flower girl almost 20 years ago.) Yes, 2022 is the year of our 20th anniversary! It doesn’t seem possible.)
A surprise package arrived for Shecklet #2 from one of Jake’s cousins. This kid was pretty excited to find out what was inside!
Part of Shecklet #2’s birthday present from Aunt Larissa was a trip to Bad Axe for some axe throwing. They reserved a lane that held enough people to bring Grandpa Dave, Jake, and Shecklet #1 along, too. It looked like a lot of fun. I want to join them next time!
If you have the chance and can find it, this invisible cheese is unreal.
My kids can probably tell you where you can find it if you’re having trouble tracking it down.
Seriously.
Shecklet #2’s science teacher sent me this picture. She thought it was hilarious that he was wearing shorts, winter gloves and had his coat sleeves pushed up after coming in from recess. He is definitely a MN kid.
Shecklet #2 celebrated his birthday mid-week this year. His dinner request was homemade mac-n-cheese and key lime pie for dessert (which was not homemade.)
He received some of his favorite snacks, (including some from one of his science teacher & her daughter,) a new pillow, and a book with the photos and blog content his Aunt Bri wrote after his trip to Lake Tahoe last summer. (I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.)
To top things off, his godmother stopped by to greet him and deliver a gift.
I might repost this blog post each year, while adding to the photo collage of the many faces of this kid. It’s just too much fun to not share again!
To continue his celebration, he hung out with a few of his friends on the 26th. They had pizza, played video games, ping pong, and Kids Against Maturity (a gift from one of his buddies.) 14 seems to be off to a lively start for him!
