Dallas passed his hearing test and was infection free Wednesday at his ENT appointment. SO thankful. That means we can put off debating surgery again. We got the bill for the last month. I was wondering what those Rocephin shots would cost. Funnily they only cost $10, but then they charge $46 dollars to stick the needle in your thigh. I have given shots before, perhaps next time I'll offer. We are trying to grow some grass out front under our Linden tree. Seems I am not very good at growing grass. I have been thinking about starting the garden. I know it is not a sure thing to plant anything before Mothers Day, but I do need to have someone come around with a tiller. Robert and I are going out tonight. We were invited to a fundraiser in Des Moines. It is fun to dress up. The last couple of fundraiser events we went to (we have only gone to two before) Lynne has come and babysat and brought some of her famous accessories and dolled me up. Tonight I am having one of our teenage sitters over, so I am on my own with my jewelry. Emily is almost done with school. Technically we have fulfilled our requirement of 148 days of schooling. I want to finish our Math lessons. The lesson book has 180 lessons, we usually do one lesson a day so typically that is one way I can keep track. Noelle is going through a 2 yr old phase. She is either super sweet and kind, or screaming and hitting! Hope the weather stays nice. We are weekending in the Twin Cities, then hopefully hitting Tulip Time next week.

Spring Dance Recital

Tap dance to "High Hopes" by Doris Day

I was a little disapointed I didn't have my camera ready to go for the first run through because it was perfect.  I was helping Noelle not choke!  You can hear her little cough in the video.  This was a really good showing of these little girls!

Go America

Date weekend

or as I call it "Laura's Sanity" saver.  My blessed husband loves to take me away.  We would do it more often if it was easier to cobble together childcare.  He seems to be traveling a ton with his new ventures. 
We both had been missing each other and I needed a get away to spend time decompressing from running the household solo and to really visit with Rob.  During this busy season of life sometimes it really takes removing ourselves from the normal to get a fresh perspective. 

My wonderful sister April agreed to watch the kids Friday afternoon thru Sunday evening.  God Bless her!  She is pregnant and did most of it solo, Mark came up for a bit on Saturday.  He had to work some of the weekend in DSM. 
She didn't even sit around the house.  She took the kids for donuts, to the park, to play in the sandbox, to see the butterflies at Reiman Gardens and then on a picnic, made a butterfly craft and out to eat for dinner and to the arcade with Mark.  She even took them bowling on Sunday, SOLO!  I am scared to do that!  She is gonna make one great mama come this fall.  The kids had a great time and keep asking for her, or mentioning something that they did together. 

I loved my time away.  I ate, drank, read a book, swam, held hands with my husband, walked a ton, window shopped, ate and drank some more, watched some basketball, ran into an old friend, slept in, watched Rob park his big old truck in tiny - unbelievable spaces perfectly and connected with my best friend. 

It was such a great weekend.  Thanks April!

 I love how Emily's book shelf is changing

 This tub of water and bubbles bought me 1.5 hours to work with Emily

 trying on his Easter digs, I bribed him with a lolly, and - no he didn't wear track pants to church

 Kansas City date selfie

 Yep, I am that strong, and I regret not spending $150 extra on the new fridge for an ice maker

 Easter Eggs

 Spider Man wears a dress.  Her favorite dress, she wears this dress every other day

 Final day of Em's co-op, class picture after they did an outdoor trip learning to use a compass

Driving the '57, Noelle snuggled up with Rob

More winter pics

 Emily working on a drawing of her basketball team

 Easter bunny crafts

 One last (attempt) family picture with the '57

 Emily always stands by the tallest boys while getting rewards at piano recitals!

 Basketball Cy

 Father-daughter Hoe-down dance

 We convinced the Dr. that a ride in a wheel chair would cheer him up after his big shot