Tummy Bug

It feels good to be standing at the start of a fresh week. Last week was a bit crusty, with a stomach bug hitting everyone in our family one by one. Luckily it was an extremely quick stomach bug so each of us was down for just a day and then right back to normal. It's time to hit the ground running because the rest of our month is going to be pretty full of birthdays, trips, appointments, all the things. Let's get to some pictures:

^^My favorite picture from the week, taken by Jack. We went to a Sunday dinner/Superbowl party at my Uncle ElRay and Aunt Susie's home. It was beyond lovely to be able to gather with family for this event--something that we haven't been able to so casually do for the past decade. We loved having Elray and Susie show us the fun little home upgrades they added during their custom build process. We won't be building a custom home, but we still learned a lot of helpful tips and loved spending time with family. Our life continues to feel so much more full living near so much family. It is an absolute dream for our kids to always be able to find other kids to play with when we gather (this time they played with my cousin Alan and Lindsay's kids).

^^Escaping for some fresh air during Jack's "sick day" home from school. He was feeling fine by noon so we started to go stir crazy. 

^^The view from the church parking lot by our home is unbeatable. Jack brought me up here for the sunrise one morning, after he made breakfast for everyone (a cereal bar). Don't get any delusions that this is common behavior over here, but he can be quite a sweetie. 

^^Jack wanted to see the "other side of the lake" so we spent the morning in Saratoga Springs while Jared was home sick. It was crazy windy but we did see a bald eagle and get a pizza, so . . . maybe worth the drive.

^^This was so fun! My dad had the idea to throw my mom a surprise party for her birthday this week. We got my grandma there and everyone brought something for the dinner/dessert. My mom was surprised and we had a great family time. The little cousins loved the hiding/surprise aspect of it.

^^Alice making flower bouquets

^^Stalling to get to school this morning. Jack normally refuses baths with gusto, so even though I knew this was probably a tactic to delay having to go to school, I couldn't say no when both kids requested a pre-school "bubbo baf" (bubble bath). We made it to school right at the bell. After a turbulent weekend with the kids I'll take whatever wins I can get.