Rachel Zimm: Oh, This Week

Hello, beautiful Friday. The weather forecast on my phone shows seven sunny days in our future, with temps near 70, and I am very happy about that. We are so ready to spend our afternoons outside playing in the dirt, and we will love taking time in the evenings for walks around the neighborhood together.

Earlier in the week, I caught a sweet moment of the boys eating popcorn in their PJs, probably watching Thomas or Chuggington. Man, does Ephraim love trains!

Ivy girl always wants in on the popcorn action.

Saturday morning, we woke up to a few inches of snow. Snow?! When I was in college, there was a Facebook group called, "Still snowing in May? Yeah, I live in the Midwest." I think of that often. You just never know when the last snow will fall. We threw on our heavy coats and boots, and headed to Lowe's for "Build and Grow" workshop day. Ephraim was signed up for his first project, but just like previous times, his favorite thing to do at Lowe's is watch this washing machine with a TV screen on it. He at least had the hammer in his hand (and luckily didn't break the screen). :)

The boys made wooden birdhouses! And Mormor & Papa Don bought them a big bag of birdseed, which we'll have to get out this weekend, now that it's nice out.

So hard to smile with a lollipop in your mouth. :)

Hanging out on the John Deere! He threw a lay-down-on-the-floor fit when it was time to get off this thing.

When we got home, Nolan and Daddy built a snowman. For the first time all winter. . . on April 9!

Saturday night, we had dinner with good friends (our pastor and his wife), and their son's touring rock band.

The boys did really well at keeping themselves entertained. They stayed for an exceptionally long time in the dog's kennel :)

The band guys and Nolan built an awesome Lincoln Log creation.

Somehow, we ended up watching SNL videos on a phone to wrap up the night :)

This week's #thedarlingdetails theme on Instagram is #nailenvy. Take a photo today of your nails or favorite colors, use our hashtags, and tag @astleigh_hill and @rachel.zimm. We'll choose one to post on our feeds tonight.

Fresh cinnamon rolls are worth a calorie splurge. I'm really impressed with the Immaculate Baking Co.'s products!

Yesterday, we spent a couple of hours outside--weeding, kicking a ball around, and blowing bubbles.

He can't quite blow bubbles yet, but he tried, and it was adorable.

Nolan started a dandelion collection and a rock collection. This could probably keep him going all summer--there are plenty of each in our yard!

The three of us took a walk last night on some hilly roads that have a pretty view of town.

Stopping to smell some purple flowers :)

Love this boy! He talks nonstop and oozes personality.

Even though the boys have had a really good week, it cannot go without saying that this week has been heartbreaking for me and for my extended family. On Monday morning, we heard the tragic news that my cousin Emily's sweet baby boy had been taken to the hospital in St. Paul because he was found not breathing during his morning nap. He was able to live for two more days on life support, and we all prayed so hard for a miracle, but baby Tyler Dale went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday morning. I didn't have the privilege of meeting Tyler in his short three-and-a-half months, but I know that he brought deep joy to his family. I really have no words but to say that my mama heart is so broken for them. We will always love you and miss you, Tyler.