The Smith Family: Spring Break 2016

Spring break came early this year. I think perhaps because it was a leap year? Anyway, Easter ended up being on the last Sunday in March and the girls had a full week off before Easter. I decided I wanted to pack in as much fun as I possibly could. On the first day off the girls and I packed up and headed down to San Jose to visit family. We were so lucky that Heather booked us a night stay at the fancy Embassy Suites. They met us there and after we checked in the first thing they wanted to do was go swimming. We suited up and headed to the pool. They all had such a fun time swimming and playing that they were bummed when we said it was time to get dressed for dinner. Lucky for them another surprise was in store! Auntie Alisha, Michelle and Alana met up with us for dinner and then ice cream. After bellies were full we headed back to the hotel for a slumber party! They stayed up late watching movies and then konked out. Good thing they got a good nights rest because the next day I had planned to go exploring at Natural Bridges State Park. We drove over the hill and picked up some sandwiches then headed to the beach! The first thing we did was go explore tide pools. There was much to see! Sea anemones, crabs, muscles and all sorts of fun shells. After exploring we decided to have fun playing in the sand. All the girls couldn't resist playing in the water and digging in the sand. Auntie Michelle & Uncle Kevin joined us at the beach as well. Then we headed to visit Poppy & Grammy before having a slumber party at Heather's house. After a short but fun trip we drove home. During the next week I took them to the movies, rollerskating, to fro-yo and the girls had Maddelynn & Makalya sleep over.

Easter came and it was a pretty low key Easter this year. We went to church and then headed to Mimi's house for dinner. Uncle Mike & Mary joined us and we ate and watched a funny show on TV. The next Monday was the last day of spring break and I had planned a family fun day. First on the agenda was Daffodil Hill. It's supposed to be a fun farm that you can walk around and enjoy. Well the day when we left was sunny and beautiful, by the time we got up to Amador County it was COLD . . I mean almost snowing cold!! After driving for quite awhile on roads we didn't know we got a little bit of cell reception. Well turns out Daffodil Hill was closed - FOR THE SEASON! Big bummer. I felt sad and defeated. Well, we decided to go check out my 2nd stop I had planned. Black Chasm Caverns. It's a National Landmark and sounded fun. We got to the Caverns and had hoped to have a picnic but it was SOOOOO cold that Faith, Tegan and I ate in the car - with the heater on. Aaron and Hailee decided to eat at the picnic tables. After a quick lunch we headed into the caverns/cave. It was SO cool and the girls really enjoyed it. After a 45 min. tour we bought some goodies in the gift shop then decided to leave. On the way back we noticed some t-pees. Turns out Indian Grinding Rock Sate Park was on the road home. We swung in and walked through the museum then out to explore the grounds. It was unexpected and pretty awesome. There was lots of laughter and smiles from everyone. It was a SUPER fun day and one that we all loved! I would say that spring break was a huge success!!