Seven and Four

Luke and Kate turned 7 and 4 back in October. It amazes me how quickly time goes. Luke had a pool party with friends and family (and I forgot my camera!). It was a blast. Kate turned 4 in Rosemary Beach, lucky girl. We had a family party for her when we got back (which I DID get picts of). 

Luke is such a smart, sweet boy. At seven he is an AMAZING reader, soccer player, Lego builder extraordinaire, math guru and lover of all things sports. He is obsessed very interested in teams and their stats. He is loving first grade and is just really a fun kid. We love ya, buddy.  

Kate, oh Kate. This girl. She is such a smart, sweet, caring and funny girl. Kate started pre-school this year and absolutely LOVES it. She would go everyday if we'd allow it. Kate has been taking dance for just under a year and is enjoying it very much. Her favorite things to do include: playing kitchen, mamma to her babies and anything art related. Kate is sweet and a joy to be around. We love you sweet sissy. 

Christmas Day 2014

A little bit of snow . . .

It may not have been much snow, but that was not going to keep my kids inside. Neither did the frigid temperatures. Much fun was had in the 30 or so minutes they were allowed to play outside. Of course hot chocolate with whip cream and marshmallows had to follow. Today has been a good day. : )

A fun day

We feel so lucky to live near beautiful lakes and hiking spots. It's great to get out and breath in the fresh air. The kids love throwing rocks, picking flowers and searching for bugs. Happy, indeed. 

Easter 2014

We had such a fantastic Easter weekend with our family. It was full of laughter and fun. So thankful for His sacrifice. He is risen, indeed! 

Luke turned 6 . . .

waaaayyy back in October. I have been terrible about blogging. Six is a big year for Luke. He started kindergarten, playing soccer, learned to read, add, subtract and formed friendships on his own. He is having a fantastic year so far (now that he's half-way to 7 I can say that with confidence!). 

Luke is super smart. He is a fantastic reader and he amazes me everyday we sit down to read together. He absolutely loves Legos. His favorite card game is Go Fish, he would play it all day, every day if I would comply. He loves playing outside with our new neighbor friends and is anxious to start riding his bike without training wheels. Luke is just a sweet, fantastic kid and we are so lucky that he's ours. We love you, buddy.

Six year check-up stats:
Height - 44.5 inches ~ 21st percentile
Weight - 44 pounds ~ 31st percentile

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! I am spending the day lazily hanging out with the kids. The boys have already put together their new Lego sets, Kate is joyfully playing with her new Elsa and Anna Frozen dolls AND we've been sledding. As I type this blog post, I am listening to them laugh and color with their new crayons. It's been a great Valentine's day so far. Now I am just waiting on my honey to get home and it will be perfect. Happy mama, indeed. 

Florida!!!!

So . . . we took the kids to Rosemary Beach . . . back in October! Gesh, this post is long-overdue. As always, we had an amazing time. We are even debating a Spring Break trip (5 weeks from now!!!). 

Luke's 1st Day . . .

Holy smokes was it really 5 months ago that my sweet boy started kindergarten!?!? Wow. Time flies. Looking back at these pictures makes me realize how much Luke has changed and grown in those short 5 months. The morning/day went off without a hitch, no tears were shed. From Luke or me, surprisingly. And now that we are 5 months into this school thing I can say that it is quite lovely. Don't get me wrong, I miss him while he is gone, but he loves school and is thriving. He is learning so much, so fast and has the best time. I am so excited for him and I love how excited he is each day. 

Christmas Tree Farm

We have lots to catch up on, but I'll get to that eventually (This is our family journal after all!). This past weekend J and I took the kids to a tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree. I have NEVER done this before and it seemed like an idea out of the movies, ha! The weather was unseasonably warm, which made for the perfect day to run through the "woods" in search of the "perfect" tree. 

The sun was a wee bit too bright for Ev, so I loaned him my sunnies.

We ended up finding a bigger tree for the living room and let the kids pick a small tree for the kitchen. Hilariously it was small and light enough that they were able to carry it themselves. I absolutely love Kate's face in this photo. 

Absent . . .

I have so much to catch up on! I can not believe the last post is from July. Holy smokes that was a long break. Everything is wonderful. I have lots of updates coming . . . until then, here is a pic of my sweet babes from tonight. Pure bliss. 

A glimpse of our Summer fun

We are having such a FUN Summer! We've had a great combo of relaxing weeks and busy weeks. I am not ready for it to come to an end. Loads of pictures . . . 

George Owens Nature Center Story Time

Summer Festival 

Before the temperatures heated up the kids were happy as could be  playing with a cooler full of water and their water shooters. Simple bliss

The boys love our new neighborhood pool!

Swim lessons!

12th Anniversary!!!!

Sleepover with mama while Daddy was at work

1st time bowling!!!

We took the kids to fly kites - it was so great 

Visiting the Bison (so much fun)

Happy 4th!!!

Kate's 1st time tubing

Despicable Me 2

Tball trophy awards ceremony!