The Allen Pack: April 2019

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Spring Break

This was our last Spring Break with all of us on the same school schedule since Ashleigh is graduating from high school this year. The first couple of days were doctor appointments for Ashleigh and I, as well as, shopping with the boys for some spring clothes and then shopping with my girl. My doctors appointment was at the dermatologist for a routine mole check. I had one shaved and sent to clinic for results. (This mole was a childhood mole that was removed previously and my new dermatologist wanted to check. I will keep all posted.) Ashleigh's visit all went well. Thank you for your prayers. She is cleared for two years when she will return. Both days I was able to eat lunch with Chris-Mexican with the boys, Sushi with our girl.

I have been involved in a powerful bible study with two women at my church. Tuesday evening was our last meeting as we finished the study. (Jesus, I Need You- in case you want to check it out) We had a nice time these past 10 weeks reflecting, laughing, and being in God's Word. This summer I plan to partake in part two of the series. (And I have also started reading for pleasure-again-not just professional reading).

Also during Spring Break, we were able to spend family days together outdoors. We visited a local area, Cypress Gardens, that was destroyed when a hurricane came through our area a couple of years ago and since was rebuilt. We went on a self- guided tour of the swamp area. It was very fun! Chris and Ashleigh rowed most of the time , but Dylan helped at times. Austin and I were mainly along for the ride. We also walked seeing camellias, azaleas, a couple of alligators (even a baby on its mom's back), and we were able to enjoy the butterfly house and reptile house.

We also visited Savannah for the day. We were able to get in a walk down River Street. Of course, we sampled pralines (two times). We made it to the street above the bluff when we saw a big black cloud. We began to walk to eat lunch and it started to rain-then pour. We were able to take cover, but not before the wind and cold rain had us wet. We attempted to walk to a trolley stop-only to wait and get even more wet and discover that the stop was not actually at the place we stopped, but a bit further up the street (we saw the trolley picking up passengers-our map was soaking wet-it was raining sideways) We finally made it to the trolley stop and were able to get on the trolley. We rode to our lunch stop, The Lady and Sons, and walked a short distance in a drizzle of rain. Lunch was nice and filling. Back to the trolley, we rode to be "transferred". We rode the loop to get ice cream at Leopold's and after enjoying ice cream the sun came out. The tour last pick up was 6:00 and guess what it was very close to that time when we got back on the trolley to finish our tout. Although it rained we had a great time filled with laughs, food, and fun!

Ashleigh visits with Sam in NC- pics Sam sent to me

Sunday, April 7, 2019

My babies-and a quick update

As March comes to a close and April is flying past, let's celebrate and give God the glory for all!

The kids continue to grow. Dylan's recent IEP was successful and new goals for him were made to navigate the community and real world applications. His class continues to work rotating Mondays between Goodwill and Walmart. They also participate in other fun field trips and activities. Austin continues to learn and grow. He is involved in the school choir and will have his performance at the end of April. Ashleigh and the Cane Bay Choir continue with their busy schedule. She is also practicing for the musical in May, finishing her dual enrollment class, and involved in the dance program at school. While finishing her high school days, she is also preparing to work in California this summer at Mount Hermon at the childcare center with infants through Kindergarten, and her boyfriend, Samuel, will be working there his second summer as Assistant Day Camp Lead.

Spring is here-pollen-rain-chilly mornings-sunny days