Aaaaaaaannnnnnddddd. that's a wrap!

The man decided to "take the fork in the road" and retire.  He's deliriously happy about his decision.  The wife doesn't like change and is nervous about what the next 45 years without work means for the family.  Regardless, it has happened, and Rob is celebrating in Rob style:  cake for his last day of work, and then meeting his buddies one by one for beers and reminiscing.  Congratulations on a full and productive career, Rob!  Your projects have left a legacy in the UP and beyond!

National Honor Society Induction

 Little Miss Smartypants got inducted into the National Honor Society today.  I had to work and wasn't able to attend (BOO!) but luckily I have spies friends everywhere and at least got to catch a glimpse from afar!

This girl is going places.

CCISD Parent Advisory Committee Awards

 This was SUCH a nice evening.  The Intermediate School District's Parent Advisory Committee holds a banquet each year, recognizing the staff that supports their children with disabilities.  This year, I was nominated for Ancillary Staff of the Year, and it means SO MUCH to hear from parents how their families have been supported during difficult times.  There wasn't a dry eye in the house, I can tell you that!

Spring Band Concert

Houghton High's Spring band concert did not disappoint!  These kids do an absolutely fabulous job! 

 

Cooking With Friends

Reagan's "hang out" time with friends often includes cooking.  These girls are incredible cooks.  Tonight, they made Pad Thai, and I didn't get to eat any of it, but it smelled and looked DELICIOUS.  

AND... Leah cut Reagan's hair!  When I heard that the afternoon's entertainment included taking scissors to Reagan's locks, I was a tad nervous, but Leah did an absolutely fantastic job.  I love it!  Curtain bangs it is!

 

What the Cool Moms Do

 Reagan texted me after work.  "What time do you get off?  Do you wanna do smt with me after u get off work?  I have something that is free and relaxing."  

Free?  Relaxing?  Sign me up.

She picked me up and whisked me away to the top of Mont Ripley, the local ski hill.  "We'll go to the top and read books at sunset."  Well, she'll read a book.  I brought my laptop to finish my documentation from work.  "Is this what the cool kids do?" I asked.  "Well, all my friends are busy, so I'm stuck with you," says she.  

It sounds idyllic.  But I was tired.  And there is still SNOW on the ground.  It was 45 degrees and windy.  I did not have a coat.  There was whining involved.  A lot of it.  I tried.  I really did.  I snuggled under a blanket, put the blanket over my head, and tried to document, but... it wasn't happening.  My hot spot was running low, my computer wasn't working, and all that "idyllic" view was not being appreciated because I was cold and hibernating.  We lasted like 20 minutes before my whining made her say "Fine.  Let's just go home."

"Now I know what it's like to have kids," says she.  She'll be so prepared to be a mom, dealing with incessant complaints.  "Tell me it'll build character," says I.  Then she'll really be ready to be a mom.

I will take any one on one daughter time I can get, but I have my limits.  

"Take me back here," I said, "in JULY."

Happy Easter

The day started with Reagan finding her Easter Basket (the bunny gets lazy with age... she found it in under 30 seconds) and then off to church.  After mass, we had an egg hunt for the kids.  I've collected quite the stash of plastic eggs over the years, and my friend Anica helped me to stuff HUDNREDS of eggs.  It took hours to fill and hide those eggs, and I swear the whole hunt was over in like five minutes.  Oh well.  It was cute and fun. 

I sent the Detroit Boyz a Walmart order with Easter baskets, goodies, and the ingredients for Easter Dinner.  Quinn chef'd it up and served his roommates a tasty meal.  

Then it was off to the Bluffs for the Aho get together with Rob's family. Dave and Sabrina even flew in from Virginia for the event.   Full, fun day.  The pics below are not in order, but you'll get the gist.  

Dad is doing better!  This makes me so happy.  This i s how my family spent Easter back in Washington.  

And my crocuses bloomed!  Hallelujah!