MLK Weekend

So we got to be in school 1 week before heading into another holiday weekend. Saturday Austin was off and it was once again great to just have us all home. We made the decision to sleep in then get out as a family. The boys needed haircuts so we did that and ran errands, we then brought the kids to the park. I think it was still 39 degrees at that point but they needed some sunshine and playtime. We lasted about 30 minutes. From there we decided to cross the lake and eat at Olive Garden. We had a giftcard from Christmas and we decided what better time to use it? It was a nice drive and fun just spending time together. We got in late that afternoon so by then we were ready for some relaxation. We had a pretty low key afternoon/evening around the house. We had leftovers for dinner and even took a walk. 
Sunday we had church. We once again went to First Service then went out to lunch before coming home. We stopped for po-boys. We relaxed and watched the SAINTS game that afternoon. What a disappointing loss! They had a great season though. Once again we just hung out at home and enjoyed the downtime together. 
Well Monday ofcourse the kids were off school. I made the decision that we HAD to do something outside! The kids had been asking to visit the ZOO but it had been too cold over the Christmas break. We woke up to beautiful weather and it warming up to the 50s so we decided we just had to go. It was just the kids and I, but we had a nice time. I let them decide what they wanted to see and where they wanted to go. There list included the monkeys, climbing trees, Monkey Hill, giraffes, swamp exhibit, and then elephants. We made a couple loops then left by 12. We definitely could have stayed longer and seen more, but that's the beauty of a membership too! We made plans to meet Austin for lunch so I didn't want to be too late meeting up with him. We parked at his hotel and walked to the RiverWalk. It was about a 2-3 block walk. We got the the Food Court and the kids wanted Cane's. It was nice just to spend time as a family. Its nice we can meet Austin downtown like this occasionally. After lunch the kids and I came on home. I was tired and ready to rest up. That evening we had soup and grilled cheese for dinner. The kids and I also took another walk. 
It felt good to have an extended weekend like that. It was like a way to ease us all back into routine and such. I am trying to really absorb January and the slowness it brings.