Spring Break!

I can't believe it is Spring Break already.  Even harder to believe is that summer vacation starts in 8 short weeks. I think my disbelief is due to the 5 inches of snow we received on March 24-25th.  Now that our school system is on a balanced calendar, we have two weeks for Spring Break. Unfortunately, we started off our two weeks off with a visit to the doctor. My daughter was once again sick- this time with a stomach bug.  Thankfully, she recovered just in time for our departure to Illinois to visit a cousin and great aunt.

I have to brag.  I think I have the greatest child in the world when it comes to traveling. Since she was born she has learned to sit a car for 4-5 hours while we drive to and from my parent's for visits.  We don't have a t.v. in the car either.  She simply colors, reads, and plays her IPod or DS.  I can't say she doesn't voice her concern about being in the car for long stretches.  This trip she drew this:

However, she giggled as she drew the picture. She never outwardly complains nor does she cry. 

The greatest aspect of our trip--getting to spend time with my mom's cousin and my great aunt that I have only seen a handful of times in my life. There is nothing like family and the fights and differences that I see tearing families apart these days only make me appreciate my extended family even more. We had a girls day out and got to enjoy my new passion: visiting wineries. I have to say Southern Illinois has some good ones.
 

The other thing I love about family who share my passion for family history---I get to rummage through old trunks full of old family items.  My allergies certainly didn't like it; however, the best part is that my 6 year old daughter shares my passion for history and she loved seeing everything just as much as I did.

Now, as the second week of Spring Break is winding down, I am alone. I gave my daughter and my mom a great gift--time alone. With my parent's living 4 hours away, my mom and dad have never had extended time alone with my daughter.  So, this week after returning from Illinois my mom took my daughter back home with her for the rest of Spring Break.  I can't even fathom the amount of fun they are having.  I have realized in the last year that you have to seize every opportunity to be with the ones you love.  Going to Illinois for me and sending my daughter off for a week with my mom is all so priceless.  I hope to seize more opportunities...because some day those moments won't be there.