Spring Break

The first photo is the view from our bedroom window last Saturday morning. The second one is Scott shovelling the driveway after we got back from church so we can put the car in the garage. The third is a tree in our backyard.

Spring started here on Thursday 20th, but there is little sign of it. It is snowing all day today. Big, fat snowflakes. I can almost say that I am sick of the snow, and would like spring to really come. It is Spring break at the moment, so the kids are all at home for the week. Unfortunately Trinity Uni had their spring break three months ago, so Scott is busy at uni this week.

On Tuesday we went to Lincoln Park zoo. It was actually a bit disappointing as there were not that many animals. It was also a very windy day. But the kids enjoyed it. Apparently there are a couple of other zoos that are better. There was a nice view of the city from the zoo, which is also located right next to the lake.

Ice-skating

The girls are doing so well in their ice-skating lessons. The video focuses on Gracie first, then you see Angie in the pink top. They are looking for their gloves under the hats.

My God-daughter

On the weekend I went to the dedication service for my new god-daughter, Kate Thomas. She is the daughter of Matt and Anna Thomas, and twin sister of Sophie. She is five months old, and so adorable. It was lovely to spend a few days with their family, and have lots of cuddles. It was also great to meet the friends of Matt and Anna who will be important people in little Kate's life, and who will give her the love and example that I can't do in person. Being asked to be a god-mother is a very special responsibility. I hope that I will be able to have a great relationship with her as she grows up, and that I will be faithful in praying for her, and encouraging her faith. It is also a wonderful way to strengthen our friendship with Matt and Anna, who are god-parents to Dante. My other god-daughter is Joanna Haites. The memories I have of working with Matt and Anna, and Luke and Ruth, are so special, and I am so thankful that the fruit of that time is these bonds in Christ.

The Calendar house

If we didn't know what the next celebration was going to be, all we have to do is drive past this house. Before it was bedecked in green for St Patrick's day. When we drove past today, we had to stop and take some more photos. They certainly don't miss a beat! As you can see the snow has melted, and the hint of spring is in the air. Though there are no flowers around, anywhere, it was fun to see the colorful flowers and Easter eggs on the house and letterbox. I wonder what the next celebration will be. 4th of July is a long time away. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the family in this house knew the real reason to celebrate?

The Chicago weather does wonders for your hair - not! With all the heating, lack of humidity, and wearing beanies, Gracie's hair had gone nearly straight, and Angie's hair was always ending up in tangles. So Saturday it was off to the hairdresser. The kids all look gorgeous in their new haircuts.

Dante's appearance has also been changed by the loss of another front tooth! The one he lost in Melbourne seems to be taking ages to grow, so now he has a substantial gap. I wonder if the tooth fairy comes to Chicago? The important things in a child's life.

As you can see, the kids are all happy and healthy. They sometimes ask about going home, and lament the loss of friends, and Gracie hates having to wear so much clothing outside, but overall they have adjusted very well.

St Patrick

I have discovered that the Americans certainly like to celebrate. You may remember this house from a previous photo, all done up for Valentine's Day. Those decorations came down, and the next day these ones were up. St Patricks day is coming up soon, and it seems to be bigger than Easter. There are lots of green things in the shops. I bought a book to read to the kids to explain what all this green was about. I actually learnt some stuff myself. St Patrick took God to Ireland, and used the three leaf clover to teach them about the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So now I am happy to celebrate St Patricks day too. Today the girls decorated shamlocks at their preschool, and Gracie is very determined that we should decorate our house too. When in Rome...