An Easter Bunny Surprise

April 12, 2025

Alan was building yet another bonfire with brush from our yard and we discuvered a tiny nest with a baby bunny hiding under one of the logs. 

We’d been busy getting ready for our Easter egg hunts, clearing and burning brush, blowing leaves and twigs off the lawn and driveway, pressure washing everything we could, relocating our new chicks into the coop and restaining our deck, which was a GIANT job. As we were winding down for the day today, we discovered a tiny bunny (possibly our own personal Easter bunny!) in our fire pit hiding under a giant log. The kids were so excited! After watching the bunny for a little while, they stepped away hoping its mom would come back. I just checked, and the bunny is gone, so I’m going to assume they’ve been reunited! 

Thanks especially to Alan’s parents for all of their help today! We are so grateful!! 

It was exciting for the kids to see such a tiny bunny and they definitely didn't want it be harmed by a bonfire, so Lily pulled it out.

That sweet little bunny didn't even seem to mind being held! It was very docile and patient.

Just look at that adorable little face!

Lily was very careful with the baby bunny and was happy to let the other kids see it, but not touch it.

Eventually, it was time to send the baby bunny on it's way. I hope it has a great life!

Spring Break in Tennessee

April 10, 2025

The kids and I had a great spring break in Tennessee! Sadly, Alan had to stay home to work, while the rest of us hiked at Burgess Falls state park, played games, ate out, shopped, played some ping pong, made dandelion wishes and most importantly, enjoyed time together surrounded by the beauty and peace in Sparta, TN.

They LOVE Tennessee! Seriously, it's strange how much they love Tennessee.

Spring break was coming and I knew they'd love another trip south. Sadly, Alan just couldn't get away from work, so I found an airbnb that the kids would love, packed up the car and headed out. It was kind of nice to fit us all into a car for once. Usually, we have to take our giant bus.

The airbnb was really nice! The kids loved how much space we had.

They also loved the game room.

It was definitely strange to be on a vacation without Alan, let alone missing Emma and Landon, but we still had a great time!

The views from our deck were beautiful and so peaceful!

We went on a hike one of the days and it was a lot of fun. We just took our time and enjoyed the beauty.

Always bunny ears!

Spencer was desperate to get Lily to smile. Aren't they cute together?!

Lily always travels with a stuffed elephant and spring break was no exception. 

We made some wishes with dandelions we found on our hike. I love that the kids still enjoy making wishes.

Oh, how I love these kids!!!

It may not have been a traditional vacation, but we were very grateful to have the chance to get away and spend some relaxing time together.

They’re Engaged!!

 March 26, 2025 (my birthday!!)

We are so excited to have Ty join our family!

Congratulations, Emma and Ty!!

Cruising with Friends

To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, Alan and I went on a cruise with some dear friends. We had the most wonderful and relaxing time!!

While we were away, Alan’s amazingly thoughtful Dad put together a great wall for my birthday, as I did for the kids and Alan in 2024. I was completely shocked and impressed by this surprise. He collected over 300 photos from our blog, Facebook, and even from my Mom (Sharon Cohen). 

The kids tell me he used a level to make the pictures look way straighter than the pictures in the great walls that I made. Seeing this massive collection of photos from my life (places I’ve traveled, family and friends that I love and experience I’ve had) reminds me how blessed I truly am. Thanks so much, Alan Culwell!! You’re the BEST!