March 27, 2024 - My Own Backyard

Saying goodbye to our kitty, Ptolemy

2024 has hit us a little harder than most years do - with ER visits, family medical scares, and now our beloved cat, Ptolemy, has crossed the rainbow bridge. It was quite unexpected - he hadn't shown signs of feeling unwell until just last week, but his illness was so great that we were faced with the difficult decision to help him pass to end his suffering. This was the first foray into any kind of death of a loved one that my kids have experienced, and it definitely hit EV extra hard. She is one who is really tenderhearted and caring, and it wasn't something she was prepared for as it was such a shock to us all. Before saying our final goodbye to him, we played the song "Remember Me" from the Disney movie Coco and cried together (take a listen to this if you're not familiar and want to shed a few tears). When it finished we all told Ptolemy how we would remember him forever. We are grieving together and loving on our remaining kitty, Archimedes.

Getting some quality time with Mom

EV and I had a girls' night planned for last week, where we got a hotel and had tickets to see the musical Hairspray at the Ordway. Unfortunately, the vision for the night had to shift when she came home from school feeling unwell. She took a power nap and we went to the hotel and checked in. She was feeling better so we attempted the play, but we ended up leaving early because she was too tired to stay. We still enjoyed a special night at a hotel, and went out for a special waffle breakfast the next morning before returning home.

My other kiddo, Malcolm, is my helper each day - he isn't yet in Kindergarten so he stays home with me during the week. He really likes to play card and board games, so I've been teaching him "new" ones (new to him, but games I've had for a while). This month he's mastered Rummikub and Skip-Bo, and he's working on his chess skills as well as learning Azul. We really enjoy playing together, and EV and Jacob sometimes join in if they feel like it, but definitely mom and Malcolm are the [board]gamers of this household. This week we introduced both kids into the world of Settlers of Cataan, but haven't had a chance to play it all the way through quite yet.

Do you have any other board game recommendations that we should try? 

Where are you hoping to travel next?

Has the ebb and flow of winter got you thinking about summer trips? I know I've been thinking about how nice it is to be in Europe in summer or enjoying the ability to take the kids on a longer trip when they're out of school. If you're ready to get started on that next trip, it's time to set up our travel consultation. Let's chat through some of the specifics and make sure we get started on your trip so you don't miss out due to availability! It's a good idea to plan early too for your budget! You'll get a longer period to save up for your epic adventure! Use the button below to find a time that works for you!