Teamwork, Easter Flashback, So Ready

We went to the cardiologist a few days ago and he cleared Chuck to go back to work. So tonight, that's where he is, the first time in just over a month! He was so ready. They still don't know what caused him to pass out but he hasn't had any episodes since.

Ally has joined a volleyball league and we went to a game last weekend. Sharaya's the assistant coach, they've been practicing every week for a month or so and this was their first game. It was fun to see the girls work on new skills and learn teamwork.

We had a great Easter. Chuck, Beth and I went to church in the morning then we all headed over to Diana and Peter's for lunch. Peter made lamb and chicken, brussel sprouts, a pasta spinach and cheese dish. Sharaya made the mashed potatoes... everything was SO good! We brought pie for dessert.

After lunch we made our annual trip to the tulip fields. Ally was with her dad but Peter's sister flew in from New Jersey the night before and was able to come with us. It was Easter Sunday, the weather was nice so of course there were a ton of people! But the flowers were gorgeous and we were all together. Nothing better than that.

1995 

(My mom, our girls and one of their friends.)

2022

 

 

I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

Perfect Timing

Almost every year we drive about an hour and a half north to see the tulip fields. Sometimes we go too early and the tulips aren't quite open yet. This was in 2018, I think: 

 But I think this year it was perfect timing!

 Sharaya and Beth made the long trek out to the fields but it was too hot for the rest of us. I never thought I'd be the one to say mid 70's was too hot, but it was! It seems the older I get the less I can tolerate the sun. That's a hard thing to admit for this California girl.

Roozengaard has a garden area with gorgeous displays of flowers. Plus they have fields of tulips, just rows and rows of them!

 See where all those people are coming and going? There's a tiny sliver of color out there and those are the rest of the fields. Not sure why there was so much empty space between the gardens and fields this year.

And we took our traditional family photo by the windmill. Next year Diana and Peter will get to join us!

 Do you have any Spring traditions?

Are there any you used to do but don't anymore?

Any that you want to start?

So What Would You Be Doing?

Like many of you I've been thinking about all the things we would normally be doing this time of year. It's hard not to just hop in the car and go somewhere, especially on days when the weather is nice.

Every April for many years our family has gone to Roozengaard. It's a large tulip field about an hour from our house so we make it an all day adventure. The tulips are absolutely gorgeous and there's always so many things to see. They have a huge windmill, a gift shop, gardens and rows and rows of tulips!

This is my mom and our girls around 1994. 

The little girl second from the right was a neighbor.

Sharaya was taking pictures of Diana and Allie at the same place every time... until Diana moved to Pennsylvania!

So what would you be doing?
Is there someplace you're missing this year?

It Just Wasn't The Same

For the last few years our family has gone to Roozengaard to see the tulip fields. This year due to Chuck's schedule, there was only one day that we would be able to go and unfortunately most of the flowers hadn't bloomed yet. But we had good weather and it's always fun to hang out with family!

 

As soon as we got there, Beth had to use the restroom so while Chuck waited for her, Sharaya, Allie and I walked out a ways to the daffodil fields. It wasn't until after we got home I noticed a raindrop on my camera lens. :(

 

We went back up to the main garden area and took our usual family photos by the giant windmill.

 

Allie asked to borrow Sharaya's phone and walked around taking her own photos.

 

Then Sharaya wanted to continue a traditional photo shoot that they've done with Diana every year. Allie and Diana stand next to each other and make the same pose. Except, remember this year Diana has moved to Philadelphia. So Sharaya wanted to let her know just how much she's missed.

 

Ugh!! Broke our hearts seeing that lip out like that! We all had a great time but it just wasn't the same without Diana!