It's been an introspective few months, with typical ups and downs. I have a separate journal where I have written more about that for myself. I will say though that I keep thinking about the term 'Rest In Peace' and wondering why we seem to wish that for people who have died. I think, more than anyone else, the living need that kind of manifestation. Rest and Peace. I know I would love that deep sense of peace and rejuvenation that comes from a transformative rest. So that has been, and will be, my personal goal for this year, and I am already feeling the positive side effects that have come with that in mind. Seeking and creating opportunities for rest [be that the physical kind, or others] and peace. So, with that said, here have been some highlights of our last little bit. 

It was my birthday! I didn't have big expectations this year, bc the kids were sick a week or two leading up  to it. But as per the norm, Lester and the kids surprised me and made it special still. The day of it pretty slow with Lester at work and the kids needing a lot, but bc of that, they had planned at least one special things for the entire week! Things like lunch at my favorite spot in Seattle, a hair appt at the salon for me, the bookcase of my dreams, some pie and desserts from my favorite place, a trip to the plant store, and some GORGEOUS flowers to make me smile throughout the rainy weather. It was beautiful and I felt so loved. 

We celebrated St. Patty's Day. Larry stopped by and put a key in green jello, and after getting it out, they used it to open the mailbox where their breakfast was hiding. It was fun and low key! I love little activities  that yield so much magic and joy for them at this age. It was fun. 

We celebrated Easter a bit early while we were home. My Mom had planned all these fun activities, and asked us to help make them happen. The biggest was the Easter egg hunt over at our old school. My FIL and Sabrina joined us, and between the green and yellow foliage, candy filled eggs, and giant bubbles it was pretty amazing. Then at the house, we played a few really fun games and had Grandma's Easter cake. It was nice bc the kid got endless cousin/family time, and I got the chance to have one on on visits with many members of the family which was unique to this trip. We got back to WA late the night before Easter Sunday, so the next day was pretty low key. We went and saw the blooming cherry blossoms with our grumpy homesick kids, made delicious hot cross buns, and watched the Warriors game. 

While we were home, we got to spend quite a bit of fun time in the city with my FIL and we all really enjoyed that. I feel really lucky to have him in our lives. We did park days, beaches, got some of our favorite foods, did some geocaching, and watched Warriors games after some hikes. They brought us some cool things from their recent trip to Japan and the Philippines and we had fun trying them on together. The second week we were there we also got to spend quite a bit of time with my side of the family, and it was so full of laughter and outside time and cousin love. 

We also got to attend my niece Hannah's baptism after a weekend stay at Hillary's house, and it was so fun to be there alongside them, helping and hosting-it was the most I've felt like myself in a long time and I loved it. 

Another high light for me is that for the first time in a year, Lester was able to come home with us! I just feel so spoiled and supported by the partnership we have. Part of him being there meant that I got to take off multiple times to spend time either by myself, or better yet, with some close friends. It was EXACTLY the reset I needed, and I am still feeling the rejuvinative effects of that all these weeks later. We laughed, and cried, and ate and felt simultaneously so old and so young, and I think those kind of roots and friendships are SO important and so rare. So that was wonderful and something I cherish. 

Now we are back home, navigating a real spring with lots of rain and blooms, and trying to find the magic even amidst the dark moments. Lots of museums, cooking and food fun, blooms and parks.