J-bird Staycation!

Last week was a semi-taxing week, for a bunch of tiny reasons, that all seems so silly now. Momma has been cooped up in the apartment, due partly to weather, but mostly to a quickly approaching deadline for her art showing, and the need to complete her paintings by said deadline. Papa has been trying to get cousin Mike's guitar finished before his big Maker's Workshop next month, while simultaneously building a cello, a violin, and squeezing repair and restoration in between. Poppy has been teething and trying to talk, which really just results in a lot of loud, piercing shrieks. We had to do some serious budgeting to fly our other kiddo home in a few weeks and for the upcoming travel expenses, due to Chris' workshop opportunity. The weather was gloomy for a solid 5 days, and well, we were just feeling heavy. So, we decided to lighten things up a bit. We decided on a "Staycation", a getaway without really going away. We got on Priceline and bid a measly price on a 4 star hotel, and what do ya know? They accepted it! So, we packed up overnight bags and headed downtown to the DoubleTree- Hilton Suites! We were greeted with warm chocolate chip cookies, happy hour menus, a guide to the indoor pool, a baby crib and ended up with a city view from our 7th story room! We felt like we were stealing, paying so little for so much accommodation! After we settled into the room, we freshened up and set out on the town. Playing tourist in our own city is one of Momma's favorite things to do.

Staycation Dance Party!

Starting on our downtown adventures.

We ran into our friend Brittany, the Old Market Poet! We got a hug and a poem!

Right next to Brittany, was her boyfriend Bill (one of Chris' customers) playing solo Bach!

We had a filling Italian dinner (so much food for so little $$)

We made friends with Bison

and cattle

Then we settled back in our room, for one of the best nights of sleep either of us have had in a looong time.

The next morning, we made a stop at the Artist Cooperative (where momma is applying to become a member in August)

And of course, we topped off our getaway with a visit to the big slides for Poppy.

We only stayed one evening, but it was exactly what we needed to rejuvenate us for the coming week. Thank you, Christopher, for a perfect staycation!

Oh, hi!

Sorry for the silence! The last month has been pretty busy. Momma and Poppy flew out to surprise Aunt Amy for her graduation from Southern Utah University. We were there for about a week and Poppy loved all the attention from Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of the family.

When we returned to Omaha, Daddy had ordered in the good weather! So, we've been spending most of our time outdoors on walks or having picnics or at the park. Mother's day was spent at the farmer's market and then at the park picnic'ing until our bellies were full and our shoulders warm. Here are some pictures of our outings.

Daddy has been hard at work on violins and guitars and preparing for his big Violin Maker's conference in June! Momma is working on her paintings for an art showing in July and Poppy is juuuust about to take her first steps! Olive will be home in a few weeks and then we can really get this summer started.