Spring

 We got back from our trip back to the US last Sunday, and we have been just getting back into the swing of things here in Holland.  The seven hour time difference when I am traveling back to the US isn't as hard going there as it is coming back.  But, we all managed to get adjusted.:)  At least we didn't have to spring forward quite yet like my friends and family back in the US.  We spring forward here in Holland on March 25.:)

We had such a wonderful time meeting our new nephew/cousin, Austin, at our stop in Chicago.  He was my brother and sister-in-law's early Christmas gift as he was born on December 24, 2016.:)

We then drove over to Michigan to visit my Aunt and Uncle.  My Aunt has been battling kidney cancer since this last summer, and she is doing amazing!:)

We passed through Holland, Michigan and went on to visit my grandfather in Grand Rapids, MI.:)

 He has been battling cancer in the bile duct of his liver.  He has been such a fighter and we were so happy to be able to spend some time with him.:)

We got to stay along Lake Michigan at my parents' new house while we were visiting family.  I don't think I had ever been there during the winter time.  The beach was completely covered with snow and ice coming off of the Lake.  We were actually walking ON Lake Michigan at one point! 

Guy and the kids standing ON Lake Michigan.:)

Got to visit with my aunt, uncle and cousins.:)

Then we were on a road trip down to Saint Louis to visit my parents.:)

My little brother and his fiance, Hima, were also there.:)

 The kids and I were able to visit for a week with my mom and dad and go with my mom for her second chemo appointment.

 And wouldn't you know it, her chemo appointment fell on Mardi Gras!

Taken during her chemo.

A few more fun pictures of my parents with their grandchildren.:)

 And, my dad took the kids to the Saint Louis Museum..

Look closely, that is Elizabeth crawling through that mesh tunnel high in the sky!

Leaving my family is always so hard for me.  i have a pit in my stomach for a few days afterwards.  But, when we came back to Holland, things had changed a bit.  All of the sudden, the sun was coming up earlier in the morning, and the flowers have started to bloom...

Crocuses are popping up everywhere here!:)

 And the tulips in the garden boxes outside of jeremy's room have started to pop up out of the soil.:)

Beautiful flowers Guy brought home for me last week.:)

And just like in Texas, when the bluebonnets start to bloom....it is a sign that Elizabeth's birthday is approaching...

E brought treats to her ballet class on Friday to have an early birthday celebration.:)

J had a soccer game on Saturday:)

 Someone was busy with me in the kitchen getting ready for her birthday on Monday.:)

Treats to take to school.:)

She wanted to make her own birthday cake.:)

 And just like that, when I woke up yesterday morning, I had a nine year old!!!

After Elizabeth's birthday, it can only mean that Spring is soon on its way!

It has been a very busy last few weeks, and I am so blessed and happy that I have my wonderful husband, children, family and friends to share the laughs and smiles with along the way.:) Every day is a gift, and that is why it is called the present.:)
Until next time, doei!:)