Wonder

Molly and I always read together before she goes to bed. When I pick the book, we usually end up reading one of my childhood favorites, like Pippi Longstocking or Charlotte's Web. When Molly picks, it's usually one of her favorites, like Bad Kitty or Dork Diaries.

Lately, we've been reading something that's new for both of us -- Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The movie version came out last year, but we never saw it and decided to read the book first. I'm so glad we did because it's really, really good. Molly has even been tucking herself into bed early to give us extra time to read.

The only problem? This book keeps making me cry. There have been times I've had to hand it over to Molly to finish the chapter while tears roll down my cheeks and I lose the ability to speak. It's not always what Auggie has to go through that gets me so choked up -- he's a 5th-grade boy with significant facial deformities. More often, it's the conversations he has with his parents that just kill me.

Don't let that stop you from reading it though :) It's sad at times, but also funny and heartwarming. And reading it together with Molly has led to some really good conversations about how things go at her school and with her friends. We're not finished yet, but unless this thing has a terrible ending, I think it's sitting in 5-star territory.

Condo living

We've been living in my parents' condo for about a month now while our kitchen renovation is underway. The latest update is that our cabinets will arrive the first week in May, so unfortunately, we still have a couple more months to go. But it's okay! My parents will be in Florida until June, so we are very lucky to have a place to stay while we wait.

We miss our house and neighborhood (and Jason misses his Sonos), but overall, I kind of like condo living. It suits our little family to be together on one floor. And I get to test out a capsule wardrobe! I know this doesn't sound like everyone's dream, but I love the idea of paring down my belongings to just a few basics and mixing and matching my way through the week. This is approximately what I've been working with for the past 4 weeks. Work-out clothes and accessories not pictured.

Full confession--I'm pretty sick of everything in the suitcase and am planning to swap out some of the tops later this week. But, it has showed me that I can get by with fewer choices. I'm thinking it might be time to go full Marie Kondo on my closet when I get home.

Other benefits of condo life? I love that there's a gym in the building! And Molly loves it too. She either takes a book and reads, or practices handstands and cartwheels for half an hour while I run or use the elliptical. This leaves no excuse for me not to work out.

My work out buddy

Thanks Mom and Dad for loaning us the place. Our kitchen is still without a finished floor or walls, but I'll post pictures as soon as we have visible progress!

Spring breakish

Our grand plans for a trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon for spring break were sadly abandoned when we saw the price of flights. So we decided to stay home and bring spring break to us with a visit from Marsha and Steve and a couple of fun excursions close to home.

I felt a little bad that we didn't go anywhere, but it was nice and relaxing to just sleep in, hang out, and enjoy the family time. Plus, we still have something to look forward to. We didn't book the spring break trip to Arizona, but we have plans to go for a long weekend over Memorial Day. Warmer weather is on the horizon! Let the countdown begin!

Hibachi night

Buying up the galaxy in Star Wars Monopoly

A trip to the Jelly Belly factory

A visit to our favorite pizza place in Bucktown -- Piece