Today it Snowed Blossoms

There was something magical  among the petals swirling and floating in the breeze this evening.

Earlier in the day, William scrunched on the kitchen floor frustrated. He wanted two dollars and I (lovingly) said no. I really didn't know what to do, he seemed inconsolable. I was in the middle of cleaning and packing easter decorations and felt a little inconvenienced at his behavior. However, I came down on the tile next to him and looked up out my kitchen window. All I could see was blue skies and blossoms from my apple tree. I vowed I would at some point today lay under that Apple tree and inhale the beautiful flowered branches. As for that moment, I realized how insignificant my chores were in relation to how significant, if not vital, my consoling and encouraging William was. I know that seems like a no Brainer, but the reality settled on me in a powerful way as I held my boy. 

Kids came home from school, we had snacks and Popsicles. We cleaned the house and Caity took off to choir. The boys and I headed to the park where the climbed everything possible (including bathrooms) and played spies. When we all made it back home I decided to make good on my promise and dinner found our little clan picnicking under apple blossoms. 

There was something so ordinary and perfect in the happiness we felt laying there together. I just want to remember that. So often I analyze and the over analyze so that I miss the goodness of my life. This evening I just drank it up and relished in the peace of it all.

And like that spring break is over.
We had a mighty good week.
I'm pretty bummed we have THREE MORE MONTHS of school. Usually spring has a few more events and activities to mix things up (like the school play at the Britt, Battle of the Books, Baseball, Field Trips...) so hopefully it goes by quick? It was a good spring break, nothing crazy to write home about, but a great opportunity to spend more time together.
The highlights were touring the Harry and David facilities, having picnics at parks, everyone getting haircuts, the Darlingtons coming to visit from Hillsboro, learning to play monopoly and Rummikub, backyard soccer games, going on hikes and following dear tracks with dad, READING, making piggy banks out of paper, Fort hideouts,  a trip to the Redwoods (namely Fern Canyon and the BEACH), helping clean up the little league baseball fields, lots of cuddling, And last but not least every child taking turns making cookies each day.
Today we go back to the grind and I need to slip out of bed so I can get breakfast going and (I hate when I do this) clean yesterday's dishes so no one else wakes up to a gross kitchen. Perhaps i can squeeze in some exercise?
Anyway, a bit of a waste of a post, but I guess I just wanted to touch in a say we had a good spring break and I'm still obsessed with my kids (though it was a bit spotty by Wednesday....we had a quick turn around!)