Spring Break

And just like that...it's the last day of Spring Break.
Time to do all the stuff we have been putting off and all that homework that has been ditched since the weather was so gorgeous the week before Break.
Thankfully the weather is dreary and it rained buckets last night - so no one wants to be outdoors.
Considering the amount of laundry to be put away and the number of math problems to be done...I'm not complaining.

We're smack in the middle of lilac season.  Our fungus-laden tree has done some re-sprouting and is making a much better showing than last year.  Paired with the pink cherry blossoms, the colors and smells in the yard are un-earthly.  It's wonderful.
Unless they're slinging manure.
That'll bring you back to reality quick.

Our Big Adventure for the week was yesterday.  We drove up to the US Army Heritage and Education Center at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA.
The drive itself was gorgeous.  That part of Pennsylvania is God's Country.  Rolling farmland, stone houses and creeks abounding were a treat to see.

The USAHEC is a GEM.
You need to go there.
Seriously.
There is a one mile long Heritage Trail with tanks, barracks, helicopters, a redoubt, trenches, historical interpreters, a pillbox and an obstacle course for the kids to do.  There is great information at each exhibit letting us know the military and historical perspective.
The museum itself is a treasure, with a research library and lots of interactive exhibits.
Everyone loved it.
I wish it hadn't taken us five years to get here.
Before we had even left, kids were asking to go back.
This will definitely be put on our regular rotation of go-to Adventure Places.

Pops was able to drive down to meet us.  The kids didn't know until he showed up as we were starting the Trail.
Hugs abounded.
A great day all around.

Sam scaling the obstacle course with a smile.  

Celia totally beat Nate getting up and over the obstacle.  

Loading the Howitzer.  

The whole gang in the pillbox.

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Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!
Hallelujah!  He is Risen.
I love the change in liturgical seasons and the Easter Season is my favorite.
It has more of a meaning this year since I've been doing a Bible Timeline study with some wonderful ladies.  To be able to begin putting Jesus's life and Resurrection in both Biblical and historical perspective is making all the difference in my appreciation of the season and The Church.
Every time I go to church it's overwhelming in the best possible way.
I have my eyes on a Bible Timeline study for the kids to do over the summer.  Hopefully I have the gumption to follow through and it can be something to maintain their interest without a fight.

We got all gussied up in our finest and the Olders served at 7:30 mass.
I warned Monsignor going in that Sam and Caroline had been at odds all morning.
Thankfully they were able to get through the service without coming to blows - though I did see Sam's foot twitch as Caroline walked by to get the book.
Maybe all those talks on self control are sinking in?

Once we were back home, despite because of our effort to keep their new shirts and ties clean while eating breakfast, things degenerated quickly.

Jim and I were cracking up thinking of the SNL skit with Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley.

We were able to continue our now tradition of taking in an Easter Sunday baseball game.
Wanting to try something new, we ventured down to Woodbridge, VA to see the Potomac Nationals.
It was a great game, going eleven innings.
The baseball was good and there was the benefit of a free hot dog for each child, the kids running the bases AND an Easter egg hunt in the outfield after the game.  We were astonished at the prices for food and beer - especially since we were stopped at the gate and told we could not bring any of the snacks that we packed into the game.
Things like apples, popcorn and goldfish crackers.
Things that both the Orioles and Nationals teams in the MAJOR leagues let us bring in.
That got my goat - especially since there was NOTHING we could find in the ballpark that Sam could eat.  Fortunately, Jim was able to sneak in some goldfish crackers in his pockets.
After 11 innings, a kid gets hungry!
Overall, a nice experience.  Next time we'll spring the extra $10 for the cheap MLB seats and call it a day.

 It feels like spring in Walkersville.

The trees are blooming, the lilacs are out, ball fields are full, winter jackets are put away and the farmers are slinging manure...

We've been here so long, we're used to the stench of broccoli farts pervading our lives.
Unfortunately, the stank of cow manure had competition on Friday and Saturday because Benjamin had a stomach virus.  I'm so grateful that the kids are at the age now where they are beginning to think ahead and make it to the bathroom to throw up.
Despite Nate getting to the toilet and vomiting on it with the cover down the last time he was ill, we are approaching another milestone.

That being said, this kid perfects pathetic when he doesn't feel well.

The boys are thoroughly enjoying baseball.
It makes our hearts so happy to see them play and for Caroline to enjoy dancing.  
Auntie Melanie was able to make it to see one of her competitions and she was over the moon excited.
So was I.

Time to watch Moana.
Happy Easter, y'all!