Matt volunteers in Puerto Rico

For his 40th birthday, my amazing husband volunteered in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico for 9 days helping to rebuild homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.  He said the trip was life changing.  He was part of a group that brings volunteers of all ages, from all parts of the world to PR to show kindness and compassion to those struggling to recover from a natural disaster.  hands.org

Roofing detail

Months after the hurricane the devastation was still very apparent

A grateful family from one of the homes Matt's team rebuilt.

Matt's bunk

While Matt was away, the kids and I went to Aunt Susan's to visit with Grandma, Aunt Susan and Kristin, who was in town from Costa Rica visiting Grandma.  Claire received more birthday gifts!

Making cookies with Aunt Susan

Letting off some energy by collecting pine cones in the backyard.  We had a monetary incentive for each pine cone picked up, and they went nuts!  We had to cap it at $5 a kid:)

Basement toys and games always a hit.  We stayed overnight, which was also fun.

Grandma is holding her own:)

Impromptu dinner party with the Dan Mackus family in honor of Kristin's visit.

Claire got taken to Build a Bear by G&G Baranko for her birthday.

She chose to "build" a My Little Pony unicorn

lucky girl

Matt's sign for Dad

Now that she's 5, Isolene is starting to kick up the reading lessons a notch. 

playdate at Ultimate Ninjas gym

The second weekend of Matt's trip the kids and I went back up to WI for a get together with Shelley & Andrea (and families) on Saturday at Shelley's house and then back over to Aunt Susan's for March Birthdays.

Birthday girl