Spring Break in Indy

The kids and I headed up to Indy for a few days over Spring Break. Patrick was off, as well as my Mom so it was perfect timing. Our weekends are pretty full these days with work and fun, so it's really nice when we can spend a few days mid-week up with the family.

Monday was Molly's birthday (big 27), so Bridget was kind enough to watch the kids while we shopped and Mom treated all the girls to PF Chang's -- yummy! Tuesday we went to the Children's Museum, which is always a big treat. They have a Barbie exhibit (yeah for Lucy) and a Bob the Builder exhibit (yeah for Patrick) currently as well as the multitude of other attractions. Wednesday we went to Holliday Park, one of our favorites on the north side of town and McDonalds for lunch.

Wednesday afternoon I was able to go Grandpa's doctor's appointment along with my Dad. Grandpa was diagnosed last week with stage 4 colon cancer. He is undergoing a resection next Thursday morning and potentially follow up chemotherapy. Our family is very close and Grandpa is the patriarch in many ways, so this news has hit all of us with quite a blow. Please keep Grandpa, his surgeons and team, and all of our family in your prayers now, next week, and for the upcoming months as Grandpa battles this cancer.

Happy St Patrick's Day, etc

We have been busy this week! The weather has been beautiful in southern Indiana, and we spent most of our time outside. I managed to paint our entire family room, an accomplishment in itself in anticipation of new flooring next week. Tuesday we visited the zoo and the park. The kids were wearing their green, of course, on St. Patrick's to celebrate our Irish heritage on Wednesday. Patrick had 'occupation day' at school on Thursday. He chose to be a 'computer fix it guy'. Go figure. He was so excited to have his own badge and computer bag. His teachers were very impressed when he named off the contents in his bag - "computer cable, network cable, phone cable...". He looked JUST like Brian. Saturday we went over to Lake Celena for the day, did several small hikes, played, and ate lunch. Five months have passed since our Smokey Mountain trip, it's impressive how much stronger Patrick was hiking. The kids loved "fishing" in the lake with sticks...I guess Brian will be taking at least Patrick on some outings this summer. I would be very surprised if we get to September and haven't purchased a canoe or some other type of boat :)

The kids and I are up to Indy tomorrow til Thursday, expect some fun pictures next weekend to share!

Fun with Friends

After a few attempts, we were finally able to get everyone together! Everyone was healthy and everyone was available. The Fishers opened their home to Audrey's "FIVE friends!" and we all enjoyed good conversation, pizza, beer, and cookies. The kids did really well playing together...we were all pleasantly surprised at the tear-free evening :) I think this picture is funny because all of the Daddies were actually there, but somehow missing from the kids table :)

Best Friends for the Day

Not really sure what tides turned, but Patrick and Lucy have been "best friends" all day today. I'm going with it. They have been hugging and kissing and holding hands through the house. I wish every day was like this...