Kate's Birthday/5th Grade Class Trip

 Normally, the 5th grade class at Kate's school takes a big trip to Washington D.C., but because of Covid (the reason for everything these days), plans changed and they went to Pigeon Forge, TN. I was able to go with Kate. She also celebrated her birthday while we were there. We were able to have a family party the weekend before we left. We were able to go to Dollywood (a first for both of us), Wonderworks, snow tubing, and lots of swimming at the hotel. 

Kate preferred the slower rides to the big coasters. 

Kate's birthday morning

Wonderworks

A birthday gift from a sweet friend

16th Anniversary Getaway

 Last year, for our 15th anniversary, we were stuck inside our house in our overseas city. We had tight restrictions as to when we could go out (text an automated system and be allowed 1 hour out for grocery shopping). So, we stayed inside and ordered take-out. This year, even though there were still Covid restrictions, we were able to get away for a night. We went to Atlanta to play a little (at Dave & Buster's) and to see a Braves game the next day (Phil's favorite baseball team). It was a fast, but refreshing 24 hours in the midst of a crazy three month season (of masters classes for Phil and two jobs for Rachel). We are thankful to be near Phil's parents right now and have help with the kids. We also found a European Market in Atlanta. Any time we are in a big city, we look for one to find things we remember from our time overseas. 

My favorite drink from our time overseas!

The Braves lost terribly, but we still had a good time and great seats! 

Kate's Ears

 Kate had been talking about and working up to getting her ears pierced for a whole year. We have no age limit set on when the girls can get their ears pierced, but we did tell them they have to be responsible enough to take care of them by themselves. Kate was finally ready. She took her cousin and her friend with her. Both of them also got their ears pierced, although, they had both had theirs pierced before, but they had closed up. Kate was surprised by how little it hurt. She loves having them pierced and can't wait to be able to wear different pairs. 

They got a sweet treat before the piercings.

Kate Builds a Desk

 Kate helped Phil put together a desk for me to use for work. She loves a challenge and did a great job with minimal help. 

Happy 16th Anniversary

 Our anniversary this year was not like ones we've had in the past. We have now been married for 16 years! I, Rachel, started a new (2nd) job interpreting from home. After school is out (June 18th), I will only work the one job and will not go back to work at the school next year. This new job allows me to work from home (NO COMMUTE!!) and also work less hours and be more available for my family, but until the middle of June, our lives will be crazy with me working both jobs. I came back home on Thursday with Kate and Phil drove back Friday with Anna and John. So, most of our anniversary was spent apart and then I had to work 7p-12a. We have a weekend away planned soon to celebrate. 

This was the only photo we took on the actual day. 

Easter Weekend/Spring Break

 Because we were planning to be away Easter weekend, Phil's mom planned a dinner for us on Thursday evening. Phil had already left for North Carolina on Monday, so he was not able to be with us. Anna had an away soccer game (It was two hours away, so we didn't go.), so she wasn't able to be there either. Phil's mom got everyone sweet gifts and Kate was able to help her decorate. 

The kids and I left on Saturday to head up to the mountains to join Phil. He was at the old house getting everything opened up and ready for us to come. We were able to take our niece, Ava, with us for the week. The girls had such a great time being together. This was also our week of spring break, so we found some fun things to do while we were there. We like being able to visit with Phil's aunt and uncle that live there. We went to church with them Sunday morning and had a nice lunch at their house after. We dyed eggs and also made resurrection rolls. During the week, we went on the Alpine Coaster, went to Grandfather mountain, and the kids spent lots of time in the woods. 

On the way to NC

Rachel and Aunt Sherri

Aunt Sherri, Uncle Allen, and the kids

The girls and their cousin

Resurrection Rolls

Alpine Coaster

Mast General Store

Grandfather Mountain

Mile High Swinging Bridge

Pelican's Shaved Ice