On Their Way....

Today, my mom and dad leave on the trip of a lifetime.

When I was little, I remember them talking about a trip to Hawaii as their be-all-end-all travel destination.  Now, years later, despite a fair bit of travel, they still  haven't made it to Hawaii (yet!).  But Hawaii doesn't have anything on the adventure they are about to begin.....

As I type, my mom and dad are headed to Africa, to visit my sister Annie in Rwanda.

As I've mentioned here many times before, Annie is serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda, teaching biology and English, and doing a dozen other amazing things.

 

Annie is a little more than half way through her service, which is hard to believe.  It  seems like only last week that we were saying goodbye. Her time in Rwanda has been filled with excitement and struggle and questions and culture shock and great joys and mind-boggling accomplishment. 
And, I am so over-the-moon excited for my mom and dad.  They have always been up for an adventure, but a few years ago, I don't think any of us would have imagined that they'd be headed to Africa.

And of course, I am SO proud of Annie.  Her service and selflessness inspire me everyday.  We've been fortunate to keep in pretty close touch, despite the distance, with phone calls and emails and even Skypeing from time to time.

Check out Annie's blog The Long Way Around to see about all the amazing things she is doing.

Mom and Dad:
Here's to a extraordinary and safe journey.  We're sending all of our love along with you.  Have an amazing time - - for all of us!

My Girl

Anna is ready for Valentine's Day.  She spent last Saturday getting all of her cards ready for friends.

She carefully wrote her name on each.  Capital A.  Lowercase  n.  n.  a.  (she's all about the lowercase these days).  Then she attached the princess tattoo and sticker, wrapped each card in construction paper to make sure it all stayed put, and added the tape.  LOTS of tape.

She finished nearly two weeks early.  My sweet little early-bird planner.

Hmmmm.  Can we say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

New Friends

Anna met Addy at preschool this past fall. And I met Jill (Addy's mom) when I cornered her at the community Halloween party and begged her to be Anna's preschool chauffeur from time to time. (Nice way to introduce myself, huh?) Jill was nothing but gracious, and since then, after several preschool transports and a few play dates, our families have become fast friends. Danny and Henry and Addy and Anna.  All about the same age, give or take. Everyone just seems to fit.

And then there is Lexy, bringing up the rear at almost two years old. But trust me, she hangs just fine with the big kids.  Just fine.....

With a few days off from school week before last, we were excited to plan a trip to the zoo.  It was a great afternoon.  I figured the fun broke down like this:  25% amazement at the zoo creatures, 15% sweet treat appreciation, and 60% of pure joy simply from the chance to run around.

I swear, that's all we have to do sometimes.  Just give our kids lots of room to run! 

(Oh yes, I know - - I could wax on about that last statement, but today, I'll just leave it alone.....)

Off they went, from the minute we arrived.

I think this was a private preschooler joke.  Something about bubbles and grapes and muddy shoes.  Clearly, a mom just wouldn't understand.

This is Lexy.  Don't be fooled by that shy little grin.  This girl is all spitfire - in the best possible way!

I think Addy was hypnotized by her giant lollipop.

Henry should have thought twice about leaving his Icee unattended. I have a feeling that Lexy is a "go for it right now, and ask permission later" kinda kid! 
(I think this is one of my favorite shots from recent weeks.  Thanks Lexy!)

We're working on our next adventure. Hopefully something again with lots of room to run!!  We can't wait!!