It's in the genes

Well, I am finally getting around to posting about our spring break trip.  And only a week behind.  It is hard to share my computer with my husband who really does need it to look for work and submit applications, but I am learning how to reorganize my days.  So without further ado - Spring Break 2010

The first part of the week was spent with me teaching all my piano lessons in 3 days instead of 4.  Everything went pretty smoothly, all things considered.  So, on Wednesday evening, I am madly trying to pack for all 3 of us to visit grandma and grandpa in Palestine.

Thursday morning, we actually made it in the car, packed, and on the road by 11:00 am.  My goal was 10, but I was determined it would be no later than 11.  We love going to visit my parents because it is so very peaceful.  With 45 acres, you don't hear much other than nature.  We even ate our meals on the deck!  The first day we spent hiking, looking at the full ponds, enjoying nature and seeing the new baby ducks (we did learn that baby K does NOT like baby ducks).

During our exploring, Taylor finds a tree with a branch that is growing at an angle and decides that she wants to build a fort using that branch as a support.  So much her daddy's daughter.  He built forts, caves, and anything else that could be built or constructed with what was on hand.  I am thinking, what better thing to do on spring break than be outside and enjoying it.  She also climbed her share of trees. I hope pine sap comes out easily. *grin*  She made the frame for her fort all by herself and began putting pine needles on it, but they kept sliding down.  In frustration (about 5:00 pm) she came inside and we agreed to help her the next day.

Thankfully, Friday was clear and warm.  Grandma and mom spent the afternoon helping secure the frame a bit more and adding more of it.  Then we took turns raking pine needles and packing them onto the frame. 

It was quite the chore. Baby K managed quite well for the first hour by eating anything that she could reach on the ground.  But after having her mouth pried open and examined too often and having her "toys" taken from her, she decided that was it and only wanted mom to hold her.  We managed to finally get it finished in a couple of hours and Grandma even donated a "flag" made from an old dishcloth.

Enjoying the fruits of her labor and pleased with the outcome. 

When the storm hit that next day (Saturday) we weren't sure how the fort would hold up, but it held nicely even through that night.  On Sunday morning it looked pretty good in the snow.  Much of the needles had compressed and sagged, but overall, I was impressed with how it stood.

Here's to learning by doing and enjoying the quiet life in the country.