Spring Break Has Come and Gone

It's been about 2 1/2 months since my last post. After writing about giraffes and posting pictures of hippos, Emporia, Kansas, just didn't seem to have much to compete with. 

BUT, two weeks ago was spring break and I thought I'd share some of the highlights. 

The biggest highlight was taking the annual road trip with Sherlynn to visit Andrew in Minnesota. We love road trips and we have made this trip together several times. This time, due to a friend's wedding, we didn't get on the road until about 4 PM. (The drive is 8.5-9 hrs.) Yikes!!! 

We were so excited to get on the road.

By the time we got to Des Moines, we needed some coffee to help keep our eyes open. I was entering my over-tiredness stage and Sherlynn was taking her turn at the wheel. 

Spending time in the Twin Cities is always a blast. Our trips always include several things:

1. Quality Brother time.

2. Playing lots of board games with the Putnams--our Minnesota family. (The Settlers of Catan is our favorite.) 

Sadly, I have no pictures. I was too busy winning!!!!!!!  :)

3. Caribou Coffee. Lots of Caribou Coffee. In my opinion it is far superior to Starbucks. Plus, I think the little moose/reindeer on the napkins and cups are so cute!!!

Our car smelled like coffee the whole way home!

4. Shopping. This time we went to the Mall of America. We didn't buy anything except food. Ha! Priorities, right? 

5. Meeting up with an old (as in life-long, not age) missionary kid friend, LindsEy. Our visit was such an encouragement to me.

Of course, almost every time we're up there it snows. But when you have a warm fire inside and great company, there's no reason to complain. Sherlynn and I are already looking forward to our next visit. Nothing creates memories with your roommate/cousin (coumate? rousin?) like 9 hours in the car!!!

Dad, look! This picture was taken especially for you! Sherlynn and I ate them in your honor! :)

The second part of spring break was spent relaxing in mi casa, finishing Jane Eyre, hanging out with friends, baking, etc. 

I got to spend one afternoon with these cute kiddos and their mom! We went on a long walk in the warm spring sunshine.

Then we drove to Braums for ice-cream to celebrate it being the first day of spring......and because I was craving ice-cream!

I played tennis and went on a couple of runs with Brittany. After one of our runs, we made brunch: waffles, eggs, and bacon!

All in all, a great spring break.