home again, home again!

we made it back from our big, east coast adventure. the ride there and back was long and tiring but being in south carolina surrounded by family and friends made every mile worth it. driving east was like driving into a completely different world seasonally, one where shorts and t-shirts are already making appearances. we got to hike in several different state parks and camp up at jones gap state park in the mountain bridge wilderness area. all i can say is AMAZING!! i returned home with my feet itching to log more miles on our local trails but we need mother nature to cooperate first.

on the second day of our trek home ronan turned 5! we celebrated at the hitchcock nature center in iowa with a hike and a little playground time. waiting till this weekend to meet up with some friends and do it croteau style. it blows my mind to think i have a 5 year old who is going to be graduating from preschool in a month; kindergarten is just around the corner! eeek! not only did ronan turn 5 but while we were in south carolina he acted as ring bearer for his grandfather. he looked so sharp in his little tux and he couldn't have made me more proud when he walked the rings all the way down the aisle to his uncle.

all in all, april is shaping up nicely. can't wait to see what else this month is going to bring. much love to you all my friends.