the spring break that wasn't

Friends, we had such big plans. 

Liam, Max, and I were planning a trip to New England to knock a couple more states off my list (I'm determined to visit all 50 by the time I'm 50!) and do some exploring. I signed us up for a glassblowing class, an eagle-spotting river cruise, and an afternoon of axe throwing — all things I can realistically do even with my walking limitations. I planned a whole morning's worth of a game I called Hit or Miss, where I give them a short phrase and they decide whether it's a place they want to see (hit) or skip (miss). I had it all figured out.

And then it started snowing, and all the flights got canceled, and all the plans did too.

So instead of taking two days off plus an actual weekend, I ended up working all four days. Which was nice because it got me ahead in a big project that I can't wait to get off my desk, but not so nice because, well, I was working instead of off having fun somewhere with two of my favorite people. 

But don't cry too much for me. On Saturday afternoon, Mike and I took a little jaunt to Granger, where I got a new bike — my first new bike in 22 years! I took a test ride in the snow and driving wind, with my eyes watering and my fingers frozen, and it was SO COMFORTABLE. I'm in love, and I cannot wait for it to warm up so I can start riding more regularly again. (Did I *need* a new bike? No, the one I have is in great shape for having been ridden for 22 years. BUT it's a mountain bike, and as I've gotten older, it's gotten less and less comfortable for me to ride. The new bike is a cruiser with a step-through, meaning it's a lot easier to get on/off, and it's a much better design for me ergonomically. And it's not like I'm out here riding on mountain bike trails. Paved paths all the way, baby!)

Aside from that, it's been a super quiet spring break season. Liam had a week off, then Max and Henry had a week off, and Mike and I had no weeks off. Some news of note: 

Liam got inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Phi Eta Sigma, an honors frat with way too many Greek letters that our cousins Kelsey and Emma also belong to. 

Max got his SAT scores back, and he was THRILLED to have matched (and even exceeded) Liam's score from the first time he took it. Listen, I'm not in favor of them constantly comparing themselves to each other, but I must imagine that when you spend your whole life hearing about how smart your big brother is, it's great to get some validation of your own big brain. FOR THE RECORD, I never doubted you, Max. I've always known how smart you are!

Max also got his first flat tire over break, and Mike and Liam had to drive to Culver's in the snow to help him deal with it. Whee!

Henry is busy filling out his application for National Junior Honor Society.

How did we end up with such smarties? We have no idea. But whether it's genetics, nature, nurture, or just plain luck, we'll take it. 

Also, I finished scanning in the Fort photo archives, and Mike stubbornly refused to let me share on social media any pictures of his starring role as King Molar in his third-grade production of WONDERFUL TEETH. Plus my niece Elsie is an exceptionally fast learner and has figured out how to work the stacking cups I got her. Clear early signs of brilliance.