48 hours...

A lot can happen in 48 hours. Earlier this month, during a 48-hour period we experienced hope, sadness, exhaustion and fear. Several weeks have passed now. And although, we still experience a wide range of emotions in our family, I am making a conscious effort to focus on the many positive things we experienced in the just the last 48 hours.

First a little background to explain the pictures. This past weekend, we ventured to Indianapolis for a little getaway and adventure at the children's museum. Although we stayed only one night, it was a taste of a true vacation and made me more hungry for uninterrupted family time.

And now, in no particular order, a list of positive, simple joys that are too often overlooked or not appreciated.

• The persistence my 2-year old has in having fun. Although it sometimes exhausts us, I am grateful for each moment and wouldn't change a thing. It is because of this persistence in having fun, that within seconds of walking into the hotel, Elliana began the broken record requests of "go swimming now?"

• And, because of that persistent request, we all had a great time bouncing and playing in our own private pool (as it seems no one else wanted to swim in February).

• I am thankful for my husband who somehow always knows just the right way to bring a smile to Elliana's face, different than the kind of smiles that Mommy can create.

• Plush sheets, Aveda bath products, fancy decorations in a hotel and the simple joy that we were away from home with no chores to do.

• The joy of eating out...no dishes, no preparation. Just ordering, waiting and enjoying. Ahh...what a huge joy.

• The ability to experience a "different museum" as Elliana kept calling it. To learn, laugh and play.

• The joy that dressing a Barbie can bring to a toddler.

• Appreciation for returning to a warm, beautiful home. A home protected from the fierce thunderstorms last night and a safe haven for us to be "us".

And although we were gone only 24 hours, I am continuing to be grateful and appreciate this dreary, rainy Monday which will round up this 48-hour period.

• for a friend who encourages me when I am feeling down and can listen to me babble on and on. (You know who you are).

• for Elliana's goofy grin and happiness for giant, stuffed characters who interact with her. It makes me smile.

• for friends who share their tickets and teach us how to make the most of a toddler in a big kid world

• the joy of a driving a car, something both Elliana & I enjoy and appreciate.

And so, just as life can down hill in 48 hours, it can also go back uphill. And for that, I am beyond grateful.