Patio Party

Yesterday we went to Ikea and bought a cute little patio set so we can start enjoying sunny afternoons and warm evenings outside. I am picturing many afternoons spent lazily enjoying some good books, drinking coffee, and getting homework done out in our newly decorated space. We have been having some great weather lately, but today was a bit cold. My friend Jill and I went for a run around 12:30 and got pelted with hail for the last ten minutes.

 There are some red and white seat cushions that we got as well, but we wanted to wait until it's dry before we put them on. We don't want them getting rained on before we even have the chance to use them!

That bench looks like the perfect spot for me!

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My week off following our week in Ireland has been lovely. I finished a third book, went running a few times with Jill, and Team Toppel did some major spring cleaning yesterday. I currently have two large black garbage bags mostly full of John's things to drop off at some clothing donation spot I have heard about. He was such a trooper and was in a very giving mood yesterday because lots of items went into the bags. :0) I got rid of some stuff too, but considering I don't have nearly as much as he does and I got rid of a lot more when we moved (right Margaret?),  I think I am okay for awhile.

We also booked our trip to Amsterdam today so we can go visit Jesse and Michelle over a long weekend in May. I have never been to Amsterdam, but I am excited. My three teacher friends Jill, Christy, and Christina are going the same weekend, so it will be lots of fun. It appears as though there are lots of holidays peppered through the remaining 11 weeks of school, so hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out. We have been in Germany for about 8 months now and time really has gone fast! Before we know it we will be back in the states spending time in Cali and Connecticut! (and FYI, I have already started planning my birthday!).

And I made some everything bagels because I finally found poppy seeds.