Spring Break

Spring Break was sort of different this year.  Bennett and Callie had a week off from school so we thought it would be a good time to go back to Missouri to visit family.  

And then Brett's dad got sick.  Really really sick.  He was discharged from the hospital on home hospice two days before we arrived.  So we headed to Missouri with a heavy heart, not really sure what to expect.

the kids were amazing little travelers, they made our job pretty easy

We arrived at the Ziercher house to find a a pre-Easter party in full swing.  Jerry had not eaten in about a week and had almost no voice at all.  But he wanted to visit with everyone and managed to sit for who knows how many pictures.

My mom drove up from Columbia to pick up my kiddos.  Brett and I really wanted to be as useful as possible during our week back so Grammie was in charge of fun while we tended to matters on the home front.

And then something miraculous started to happen.  I'm not sure if it was all of his crazy family gathered around him or if it was the mention of fishing in the spring, but Dad started to perk up.  And his eyes got a bit brighter.  And his appetite returned.  Jerry started small with applesauce and by the end of the week he was eating eggs, toast and coffee for breakfast.  His voice returned and he is currently truck'n around the house with his walker. 

All in all, it was an amazing week for Brett and me.  We got some really special time with Jer and Lo as well as Bonnie, Becky and all of the Ziercher clan.  

Here are a few pictures of "Pamper LoLo" Day.  My mother-in-law is a stud.  She has really been a great support for Jerry during these last few months and doesn't get much time for herself.  So the grandkids came over and we indulged her a bit.

 Kristin helped with mustache removal and a little eye brow shaping.

 

Bonnie preformed a rather drastic pedicure with a large wood-shop sort of metal file and dog clippers.

 

Bethany gave a fab manicure.

 

And Lo enjoyed herself.  A. Lot.

And look at this handsome man that joined us for some wine and giggles.

 And you know what was one of the best parts of the trip?  I got to see my Nicki.  I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving and that was just too long.

 And you might be wondering, is PA school making Nicki totally straight edge and boring.

No, same 'ole Nic.  Just the way I like her.

 

my cute guy

another big highlight, getting some much needed time with my little nephew, Jackson.  love love love that little guy.

And while we were playing beauty shop, my kids were having a fabulous time at Grammie's house.  These are her pictures and from the look of it, I now know why they refused to talk to me when I called each day.  They were having way way way too much fun!

Bennett and Callie celebrated Easter in Columbia with Grammie, Steve, Uncle Doug, Aunt Rachel, Jackson and other friends and family.

Luckily the Easter Bunny was planning ahead and mailed the baskets to Missouri earlier in the week!

jackson looks as big as callie in the picture.  but he's not.  not even close.  she's a sturdy girl.

a very happy grammie

such a sweet family

I was sort of sad to miss the egg hunt and the excitement of holidays as seen through a little one's eyes, but I know they had a great time and were very well loved so it made everything a little easier.

 During the rest of the week there was some serious yard work and gardening.  Steve and Grammie helped Bennett and Callie plant their very own herbs in the garden.

this might be one of my very favorite pictures of ms. mae

 

A trip to the park for a picnic lunch

 

A trip to Bonkers, an in-door fun center.

 Lots of rides on the "mule"

 And ice cream!!

When I was going through these pictures Bennett said, "Mom, don't worry about us eating ice cream.  It was gluten-free."  Thank goodness :)

It was an emotional week filled with highs and lows.  There were tears and sadness but also a lot of laughter and joy.  It was a great Spring Break and we are so very blessed to have such an amazing family!!