Happy Birthday!

I enjoyed a great birthday celebration!  On Sunday we drove to Dyersville to try out Textile Brewing.  I wasn't there for the beer, but the giant pretzels.  I have long wanted to try them, so we made this the occassion.  The kids liked the plain one, and Troy and  I enjoyed the garlic parmesan.  The restaurant had a fun open atmosphere.  

My actual birthday was lovely.  I worked, enjoyed a walk on a nice spring day and had time with my family.  Most people don't want to cook on their birthdays, but I enjoy that.  I made yummy food for breakfast and dinner.  My family had some thoughtful gifts.  And I made them play Scattergories with me after dinner.  I was a happy girl!

I asked Troy for a few replacement dinner plates.  I was pleased to find my pattern was available on Ebay!

 And the evening ended with my current favorite birthday cake--brownie cake batter ice cream cake.  Yum!  

Spring Break

 Our Spring break was a short trip to the cities for Teresa and me.  We went up to see my mom and cousins, and also so Teresa and Fiona could go dog sledding.  The girls had fun dog sledding even if it was a short ride.  They got to interact with the dogs quite a bit.  We also got a tour of the barn and got to meet many other animals.  I am glad they enjoyed the experience, but I am also glad to have it over.  There has been lots of winter weather and getting to the cities has been stressful.  We had to postpone from the original weekend due to snow.  Here are a few pictures.

Teresa and I got to enjoy dinner out with my mom too.  We went to the Cheesecake Factory.  Dinner was yummy and Teresa picked some excellent chocolate cheesecake to share!  I also got to go birthday shopping with my mom for some warm shoes and socks.  I am always thankful for a chance to visit my mom!

The rest of the week was filled with kittens and cousins.  Fiona came down with us, and Lisa and Mattias joined us for one night.  They all loved kitten time!  We also snuck in a trip to Charlotte's for breakfast!

Timothy's break included taking care of kittens while the girls were gone, joining us at Charlotte's and a couple of sleepovers with friends.  He and I also got in some Pokémon Go time and practiced driving too!  It was a great break!