Minneapolis {part 1}

We took a little family Spring Break trip last week and drove ourselves across the border for some fun in the Twin Cities!  As I prepared for an eight hour drive with the kids, I questioned our destination decision.  But there isn't much to choose from up in these parts, and when all was said and done, Ryan and I both agreed it was totally worth it.  We had a great time together exploring Minneapolis and St. Paul with some amazing Spring weather.  

Bridgette won Best Payne Traveler on the way over.  She did awesome in the car.  Better than her Mommy! 

We chose a route that included breakfast at Cracker Barrel!  Ryan and I have fond memories from breakfast together at the Cracker Barrel when we were dating and wanted to go back with the kids.  

We arrived in time to grab some dinner-on-the-go from Trader Joes and check-in at the hotel.  Settling in for the night.  Yes.  We let our kids jump on hotel beds. =)

We began Sunday morning at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  John Piper's sermons and Desiring God ministry has been a source of encouragement for both of us in recent years, but especially for Ryan since college days.  It was a blessing to take part in a worship service with this fellowship.

After church, we headed to the Children's Museum.  A great spot for playing and fun!

The girls stopped at the paint-your-own-face station.  I'm still not sure where it came from, but Gretchen found inspiration to paint her entire face brown.  

She went for it.  And then shortly after finishing, she regretted her decision.  Thankfully, it wasn't anything some wet paper towels and a bit of time in the bathroom couldn't handle.

We had a fun time in the "music studio"!

"Dancing Queen" was Gretchen's favorite.  Fitting. =)

We had some delicious Vietnamese food for lunch and then went for a walk in a nearby park.  The weather was incredible!

We spent most of Monday at the Mall of America.   We started at the Sealife Aquarium in the bottom of the mall, which was everyone's favorite part of the day.  Our passes allowed us to go back in the afternoon for another walk through.  

I used my Starbucks birthday drink to get the biggest frappuchino to share for our shopping treat!  We didn't really do much shopping, but just walking through the ginormous mall required a bit of energy-boosting.

In the middle of the mall are some pretty cool rides and roller coasters.  The kids each got to pick one to try.  Gretchen and Bridgette rode the carousel with Daddy.  I hope I always remember seeing pretty Gretchen's smile as she went around and around.

Rooke chose this octopus arm ride thing.  I was shocked that he picked it, but excited that he chose a more thrilling ride to try out.  Well, he hated it!  I was proud of him for not completely losing it during the ride, but he was NOT enjoying himself.  Meanwhile, all I could do was laugh!  It was a really fun ride and Rooke will now at least smile with me about the experience.    

We had a late Trader Joes picnic dinner in the hotel and called it a day.

Turning Thirty-Four and Thawing Out

This was the scene I woke up to on my birthday (on February 19 . . . yes, I'm behind in posting!).  My sweet husband woke up early enough to make a special breakfast for the family before going to work! 

We watched this beautiful sunrise as we ate..

Later in the morning Patricia brought over homemade scones with clotted cream, jam, and some special teas to celebrate with me and the girls!

I felt very loved on my birthday.

Besides a wonderful breakfast, my amazing husband also gave me a plane ticket to take a break from my normal routine and go where I could thaw out from our long winter with a dear friend from college days.  

I arrived late Friday night.  After a wonderful night of sleep, Kenan and I set out Saturday morning to hike Picacho Peak!  We hiked three miles up, two miles down (on a different trail) and then walked two miles back to our car, talking the entire time and soaking up the 80-degree weather.  It was a wonderful birthday gift!  

I enjoyed getting to know Kenan's three kids (her oldest didn't make it in this shot).  

I got to go to their church where Kenan's husband is the pastor, and enjoyed some good Mexican food, all with more good conversation, playing with kids, and soaking up the warmth.  I couldn't get enough of the amazing weather!  

Then my little break was over and it was time to go home.  The airport had outdoor seating where I waited as long as possible before I had to board the plane.  

I was the last person to board the plane, ready to see my family again, but not wanting to put my snow boots back on!  I needed the weekend away more than I realized.

Practicing the Discipline of Gratitude {February}

Here are my daily photos of things I was grateful for this month. . . 

1.  The Ergo.  Still in use.  Especially on long, no-nap days.

2.  Listening to her learn how to read.

3.  this girl keeps me laughing!  She wanted "crazy hair" like Merida from Brave (she has a little figurine and calls her Marabelle!), so she slept in braids and loved her new look when we took them out the next morning. =) 

4.  a very special boy made my day when he brought home this note. 

5.  Thankful:  my worth is not measured by how tidy my house is! 

6.  I had a good laugh with this guy as he got dressed as a 100-year-old for his 100th day of school!

7.  We spent much of our day at the Children's Music Academy, and we were all better for it.

9.  The beauty of winter. 

10.  Naps.  Glorious naps. 

11.  My kids have a fun daddy!   

12.  this mug fits perfectly in my hand, and reminds me of our dear church family at Kingfisher Church in England. 

13.  I spotted this on my way through the halls headed to the first grade Valentine's party.  I'm grateful he's mine.

14.  Thankful for friends who love our family with their time and example of service - Sam was letting Rooke help him vacuum our van while his wife was inside playing with the girls so I could make lunch in peace. 

15.  He's home!!  After being gone for give weeks, Ryan made it safely home and our family of five is together again! 

16.  a slow day off together 

17.  Thankful:  my people. 

18.  sister friends . . . same same but different. 

19.  These flowers were just one of the many beautiful ways I felt very loved on my 34th birthday. 

20.  When she let's me play with her pretty hair.  It doesn't happen very often! 

21.  my wonderful husband who provided me with a break to get away and be with a dear friend, hiking in the WARM sunshine of Arizona! 

22.  Late night conversations with friends who ask good questions (and know how to order good Mexican food!) 

23.  the airport had outdoor seating where I soaked up as much warmth as I could get before heading home. 

24.  my mom and dad have faithfully, selflessly, whole-heartedly loved one another for 37 years!  They are a shining example of a flourishing marriage that happens through living together in the grace of God.  Happy Anniversary to them (on the 24th)! 

25.  happily playing together 

26.  overhearing the imaginary world these two create together.  They were meeting for coffee to read their Bibles! 

27.  a dinner date with my man.  The food wasn't amazing, but the uninterrupted conversation made up for everything else that was lacking. 

28.  Saturday morning snuggles to bring February to a close.  We're going to need a bigger bed pretty soon!