We're nearing the end of Steve's April break. We started this vacation on Good Friday with the stomach bug, but thankfully, recovery was quick, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the week. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Operation: Make the Yard Even Nicer than the Year Before has continued. I've mentioned before on here how when the kids were babies, yard work was not a priority. The minimum got done, but things like pruning and raking fell to the wayside. What a difference a year or two makes. Now that we don't need to supervise the kids outside every second, we can do a little raking and such while they play around us! It's been quite the shift, and I am so pleased with how our side yard looks now that I'm about 85% done with it. Now I just need some more warm, not-quite-so-windy weather, so I can finish it up and get to work on the back yard! We've also picked up a few decorative items for the yard over the past few years, and I am so happy with how it brings it all together.
2. Vermont- We made it up to Vermont for the first time this year! Going in April is something we haven't tried in years, and, like I mentioned above, it was because the kids were so little and April in Vermont can be quite cold. Buddy was only a little over one a year ago, and it was hard to bundle him up safely and warmly in the pack n play. This year? He and Rosie each slept on their own cots, in their sleeping bags. It was an awesome time, even if it was only for one night. I especially enjoyed the campfire and Coronas that evening. I've determined that my two favorite spots besides home are by a campfire and on the beach.
3. Look Park- Look Park, in itself, is nothing new to us (we have a pass and go every week!), but on April vacation they open the attractions, so the train was in operation! This was the 3rd year in a row that we went specifically to ride the train during this week. Our family loves traditions!
4. A Successful Dental Visit- When I took Rosie to the dentist the first time last November, she wanted nothing doing with the whole situation. She wouldn't sit in the chair and she barely let our hygienist take a peek in her mouth. Being a mom for 3.5 years, I had set my expectations low, and wasn't surprised or bothered by this. Fast forward to her next appointment, which happened yesterday. I decided to give bribery a try, which is not my usual plan of action. See, I had a bought a Snow White doll at 75% off the day after Christmas, and I had been holding on to it for an occasion such as this (okay, I was thinking her birthday, but still...). A few days before her appointment, I showed Rosie the doll and told her she would get it if she cooperated fully at the dentist. You know what? It worked. She let our friendly hygienist, Michelle, do everything she needed to do. It was a complete 180 from the first time she went. The main reason I tell this story is because before I was a parent, I might have thought bribery was weak parenting and something I would never do. Never say never. I don't plan on giving her a doll every time she goes to the dentist, but I'm not against rewarding good behavior, which is more effective than taking something away, or punishment, in my book. To each their own; everyone parents differently.
5. Friends, Wine Tasting, Ice Cream, Summer Dress Shopping- These things haven't happened yet, but they're on the docket for the last few days of this break and I am psyched.
I Love April Vacation!
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