I assure you that all is exceptionally well at the Hopkins household but as you can see, blogging has taken a back seat.  My class is wrapping up which means my class exam is fast approaching followed by the two required state exams shortly thereafter.  Being the non-tester than I am, I am dedicating my once “free time” to studying.  I also haven’t picked up my real camera in far too long.  It’s been on the list but stayed there.  I am snap happy on my phone but certainly need to step it up again. 

In addition to class and impending exams, we’ve been continuing to attack our kitchen remodel and are making slow but steady progress.  This weekend was filled with many hours spent sanding and painting.  It’s rewarding and the prospect of having a new kitchen is keeping us motivated.  I’ll share pictures as it starts to take form.

Mamie came on Monday afternoon to watch Jake while I ran a few errands.  Jake did fantastic and for the first time didn’t cry when I left.. small feats and a BIG treat for this Momma! Jake and I snuck out for our regular park date on Tuesday.  He loves ducks.  I have never met someone so obsessed with watching ducks.  It’s a simple but fun request and Northwest Park has been the perfect reoccurring date for us. 

On Wednesday I was thrilled to meet my friend Megan and her kiddos for a long over due play date at the library.  The kids all had a blast and we somehow even managed to sneak in a conversation or two.  A win, win!

Thursday we snuck in a lunch visit with my sister and baby Andrew before Laura returns to work.  Can you believe she’s almost at that point already?  I sure can’t!  I can’t get enough of those two and only wish they lived closer….. Making the trip two for one, we also snuck over to visit with GG Mimi which is always a delight. Shame on me, I slacked on pictures.

Grammie and Dziadzu stopped over for a visit on Friday as they were in the area with Dziadzu arriving home from his visit with Uncle Danny in Florida.  It’s always nice to have their company and again, we only wish that they lived closer.

With busy schedules and everyone heading in different directions, it was nice to catch up with my dear friends Leeanne and Leora Friday night.  What’s better than walking and talking and feeling as if you can share anything?!?  Good friends are hard to come by but somehow I won the lottery!

Grandpa stopped over this weekend for a visit and helped us come up with a game plan for our new inset hinges for our kitchen cabinets.  It’s amazing how something as simple as a hidden hinge can have a huge impact on updating the look.  Aiden and Chris were thrilled to have Grandpa at their soccer game and played amazingly; scoring several goals.

This morning we were up and rolling early.  I was at the grocery store by 6:30 am.  Can you say LOSER!  {and on my “sleep in morning” no less} Who knew they were open and busy that early in the morning!  When I arrived home the big boys and Mike snuck out for one last fishing expedition before the cold weather set in while Jake and I enjoyed a brisk, cold walk.  By 9 am we were all home and in the car headed for church.  It was a volunteer week for me but it was so nice to have the chance to catch up with several friends that I hadn’t seen.  After church we stopped to pick up a birthday present for a friend and headed home for Jake’s long overdue nap.  Some times the weekends feel as if they never happened but perhaps that’s an indicator of a good weekend?!?  I think so!