April [Snow] Showers

I'm sorry to report that this is what has greeted our eyes the last several mornings in a row.  

For a southern gal, I really don't consider myself one to complain readily about cold weather.  We do live in Minnesota, after all.  But Mother Nature is testing my resolve.....

See, April - certainly MID-April - in Minnesota is normally beautiful.  Green, bright and fresh -- just what we spend all winter longing to reach.  Part of the problem may be that we've been spoiled; last year's winter never even seemed to arrive.  I have several pics of myself walking the dogs or going for runs wearing capri pants in January when we should have been frozen solid.

I admit that this year I might have prayed for a "real" Minnesota winter, being that it's our last. Big mistake. 

And though I'm sure Mikel and I will be longing for a taste of this come August in Phoenix, I'm craving springtime like never before!

In other news, if you have anything you'd like me to talk to God about, it appears I have the inside track...

This week's forecast as it looked on Wednesday.  Rochester vs. Phoenix.

Bought a few of these sun shield hats for Bobes.  The little redhead will definitely need them once the sun does choose to come out -- and shopping for summer clothing feels especially uplifting in the middle of stubborn snow.

A great way to pass these cold days has been to meet up with friends as much as possible.  I am really trying to slow down and enjoy our remaining time in Rochester, and the Schmitt fam is a big part of that.

Steph sold her house (hooray!) and the inspection during her kids' nap time today.  Rough for her - but lucky for me because it meant they were forced to come entertain me and Nolan for the afternoon.

Claire (2)

 

Eleanore (2)

And of course, Charlie! (4)

Charlie is so good with Nolan ("Baby NoNo").  Such a practiced big brother.

(Another pic of Charlie and Nolan from last night when we visited the Schmitts at their house.)

While Steph was getting seestors into their Pack&Plays for naps, I remembered my mom had sent my childhood "Quiet Books" - felt books with little pieces for every themed page.  Charlie loved them - and it was fun for me to see the books again.  Pretty sure I spent hours playing with those as a kid.

Seestors didn't want to nap.  They kept giggling and jumping out of the P&P's, so Steph went down to separate them into different rooms.  There was cause for great celebration when Ellie (the momentarily pantsless one in this pic who is rocking potty training only 3 days in) took a giant man poop on the grown up potty.  Way to go, Ellie!

NoNo's eyes stay especially wide when the Schmitt fam comes around.  It's a flurry of activity, and he loves to soak it in.

Charlie took a little quiet rest time in our big bed. He loved that he could see himself in the mirror while sitting there.

A couple overtired kiddos who were sweet to snuggle.

Mikel had been in Ohio for the last couple of days for a robotics training course.  He was able to hop on an earlier-than-planned flight and got home in time to see all the kids.  Nolan was so happy to see his dad!

So glad our home could be used to help out a friend -- especially one whose home I invade all the time. Love the joyful craziness those kids bring to our lives.