April has been such a crazy busy month for us. Alex had to go TDY for two weeks but he was only a 2 hour drive away so he was able to come spend the weekends with us. It was nice to have him around on the weekends so I didn’t have to find a babysitter for the kids while I had photo sessions. April is a busy month for photographers, I’ve learned. I was really glad he got to come home for Easter! Before he came home, Owen and I dyed Easter eggs while Della napped. On a good day she’ll sleep 2.5 hours so we can get a lot done. It was the first time he’d ever done this and now that he knows his colors, he thought it was pretty cool. He helps me boil eggs for breakfast on occasion so it really kind of clicked for him. It’s fun to see him figuring these things out for himself now!
We celebrated Easter Sunday with church followed by brunch with friends and of course, an Easter egg hunt and their baskets at home.
Della was pretty thrilled with her Reese’s egg and had the entire thing devoured within minutes. And she then mooched bites from Owen of the chocolate bunny. Girl can eat.
We actually had decent air quality so we spent the rest of the day outside with all the gorgeous blooms that are out right now. The air  quality has been absolutely awful lately and we’ve been trapped inside most days. When the air is good, no matter what the weather, we’re outside.
Alex left that afternoon and we went back into survival mode. Yeah, it’s never easy solo parenting. The 24 hours we got with him were wonderful though. We had so much fun and truly valued that time together. After putting Della to bed that night, I found that Owen had fallen asleep book in one hand and his daddy doll (a pillow with a picture of Alex) in the other. He’s so brave.
This was such a crazy TDY for us, usually they’re a couple weeks or more, not a few days. Alex was able to come home again the next weekend and it was such a tease because we were sad when he had to turn around and leave. We had gorgeous weather that weekend so we spent the day outside again. I’ve been doing a lot of photo sessions at this Korean temple not far from where we live so I drug the family out there to scope it out. Every time I’m there it looks a little different so it always helps me to do a practice session on my kids.
He came home for good the following weekend (last Friday) and we were able to meet him at the jet after he landed. This is usually more meaningful when we haven’t seen him in a long time, but it is so much fun for the kids. Owen is fascinated by what his dad does! I am too. 🙂
Della was so excited to see him, when he walked toward us she bolted straight to him. Owen was reluctant, I think he was overwhelmed with the situation and wasn’t sure how to process it all on top of the emotions. But once Alex knelt down, he started telling him about the trucks he saw while we were on the flight line that afternoon. My heart was in a puddle.Â
So now that everything is right in our world again, we decided to take a day trip yesterday. The air quality wasn’t great, but the weather was and we decided to risk it to see the tulip festival going on not too far from home. After breakfast we loaded up into the car for what we thought would be a quick drive – it wasn’t, it was a complete disaster between diaper blow outs, potty breaks, a disgusting gas station bathroom, screaming kids who didn’t get enough of a nap and lots and lots of traffic. Â It took us almost 4 hours when we anticipated only 1.5. At any rate, it was worth the hassle because the tulips were at their prime absolutely beautiful. It’s not Keukenhof, but it was pretty nice for Korea standards. Owen has always loved flowers and had a lot of fun.Â
bow, dress, necklace, tights, moccs
It’s soooooo good to finally see some color in our part of the world! I love spring in Korea!
Owen and Alex rode the little tractor ride that went around the gardens while Della and I played in the grass. Della used her charm to win over the Koreans and even scored a few snacks.
Well, there’s our April! I’ll be back at you with a post later this week (hopefully) sharing a few Mother’s Day gift ideas! Stay tuned!
xoxo
Loretta Parker - friend of Sondra and Dennis says
Love your photos and the stories with them. It gives us a chance to visit a country we will probably never see. Spring is beautiful every where with all the flowers. Your family is also beautiful and so many adventures it is wonderful for you to share with us. Thank you and may the weather continue to be sunny.
Bridget Black says
Little Miss Della, I’d like to have ALL of your outfits and accessories in my size, please. You’re the cutest little doll!
Pamela Conkling says
Emily, your pictures never disappoint. Always look forward to your blog. New look is pretty. Now is Alex in the air force and a pilot? Just curious. Kids are really growing. Hugs and kudos to you all!!
Emily says
Thank you, Pamela! Yep, he’s a pilot in the AF.