Happy Birthday!

My birthday was earlier this month and we got to celebrate in a special way!  A small church in Roanoke, Virginia was in need of a pianist, and in exchange for playing for them, we were given a free weekend at  The Barn Flat just outside of town.  If you ever find yourself near Roanoke, I highly recommend this Airbnb stay!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the middle of February, and there was more room to explore than we had time for!  My mom met us at the barn which made the weekend that much better.  Unfortunately, most of us (Ryan and Mom not included) were operating at varying levels of health.  But the home was comfortable and provided plenty of space to rest and relax and hopefully feel better.  It was a fantastic way to ring in my 36th year!

Hot tea and books for those who weren't feeling up to exploring outside.

We took advantage of the fire pit, s'mores fixings, and sparklers provided at the home!

Birthday morning breakfast - cinnamon rolls and good coffee

My son's birthday message on the giant wall chalkboard.  Sincere and to the point. =)

It was a blessing to play for and worship with the members of this church.

Lunch in quaint downtown Roanoke.  Eating outside without coats in February?!  Happy Birthday to me!

I really wanted to go for a hike, so we drove out to Roaring Run Falls for a family-friendly hike to see a small waterfall.  There were varying levels of excitement about the idea of doing a hike, but once we got out there and started on the trail, we all enjoyed the time outdoors.  Another delightful birthday gift!

I love my mom!!

Ending the day with a delicious birthday cake my mom made!  The week before Rooke had sneakily worked in a conversation with me about my favorite cake, only to pass on that information to Kaye K so she could bring a tasty birthday surprise.

My mom is a master story-teller.  The kids won't let her get away from time spent with them without a couple good stories.  This weekend she went all out and had an on-going story with chapters and so many characters I couldn't keep up!  But the kids sure knew what was going on, and they were not always patient with her cliff-hanging endings to the chapters.  This is our last hour at the barn, eating another piece of cake with ice cream, and hearing Kaye K tell the final chapter of her story - some great memories were made! 

January in Review

We started the month sharing a pancake breakfast with friends . . .  with eleven kids ages eight and under, the seven adults actually got in some decent adult conversation!

Happy Anniversary to us!  14 years later . . . he's still my favorite.

One of the best sounds is hearing my children read to each other. 

A quick trip to see Kaye K and Big Daddy!  I was grateful to join Mom and Dad for the devotion time at their work on Monday morning.  Samaritan's Purse begins every day with a staff-led devotion and time of prayer.  Mom got to share on Monday and I was so grateful to hear her speak clear words of truthful encouragement to the hundreds in the room.

Our drive home was a bit delayed . . .

. . . and not just by flat tires!  The fog was intense! 

Bridgette's annual bought with croup hit over the weekend.  Thankfully, this year's case didn't require a visit to the hospital, and she has made a full recovery.

Field trip to the Natural History Museum.  Gretchen was mesmerized by the jewels, gems, and minerals. . . especially the Hope Diamond!

I'd been wanting to see the IMAX show about the National Parks.  It was Bridgette's first 3D experience and we all giggled with her as she adjusted to the feeling of having things fly in her face! 

Gretchen started a ballet/tap class!  Providentially, Auntie Auby called just as we were trying to get dressed for her first class, and things were not going well.  Aubyn's suggestion of lip gloss being the final touch was just what our little ballerina needed to pull everything together and get out the door!

   

Field trip to the Kennedy Center for an instrument "petting zoo" and performance by the NSO tubaist and percussionist.

Silly String Fight!!

Happy Chinese New Year!  We spent the week learning about Chinese New Year.  After church on Sunday, we walked to Chinatown for lunch and a parade.  We ate at a restaurant where Ryan and I ate during our training twelve years ago before moving to China!  

Warming up in Union Station on our walk back.

We participated in Read Aloud Revival's daily reading challenge.  Everyone met their goal of reading out loud each day (mostly!) in January, so we celebrated with a trip to Sweet Frog.