Afternoon at the park by the lake

We went to a park by the lake with friends last Thursday. There were 9 kids, all under ten, between both of our families! My friend and I were so busy chasing kids around we hardly had time to visit. As soon as our van doors opened the older 8 scattered in 8 different directions ha! We had a great time though!! This was our first trip to the lake this year. Last week was spring break for C. We didn't do a whole lot so this was a fun outing for him. At least he got out one day. We wanted to go to Boone on Friday but it rained up in the mountains all day so we had to cancel. 

Of course C had to climb this tree that hung over the lake. I had to stop S from climbing up right behind him ha! 

L with her little friends. They were so cute together! 

After we left the beach area we drove through the park over to the playground. S was so excited to get to sit in the front seat for a few minutes ha! 

One of our little friends' was so excited to ride in our van with L for a few minutes. So cute! 

We had such a fun time and were worn out when we left. My younger three took long naps that afternoon and I got a migraine and had a long nap myself. So much fun though! We can't wait to go back! 

Five Years Old!

I can't believe this sweet girl is already five years old! It seems like we brought her home just yesterday. {She turned five last week, on the 23rd, so this post is a little late.}

The past five years have been a wonderful and amazing journey with our sweet J. She's grown into such a sweet, sensitive and helpful little girl. She's smart and funny and creative. She loves school, loves to learn, loves arts and crafts and playing outside. She loves all things girly girly too.. like bows, and jewelry, playing with make-up, nail polish, pretty clothes and shoes and pretty tutus.



Here are some of her favorite things at 5:



ANIMAL: BUNNY, ELEPHANTS, GIRAFFES, DOLPHINS



COLOR: PURPLE, PINK, GOLDEN



SWEET: CHOCOLATE



PLACE: MALL



RESTURANT: MACARONI GRILL



FAST FOOD: PANDA EXPRESS



FOOD: PIZZA AND SPAGHETTI



STORE: TARGET, BUY BUY BABY (ha! so cute that she likes Buy Buy Baby.. lord knows we go often enough. :) 



OUTFIT: BUNNY SHIRT



MEMORY: PETTING THE DOLPHIN AND MEETING NEW BABY SISTER



BEST FRIEND: C (her cousin) 



SCHOOL SUBJECT: SINGING ABC'S



FAVORITE SONG: TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR



CARTOON: HANDY MANNY



MOVIE: FROZEN, DOLPHIN TALE, TANGLED

We celebrated pretty small this year and I'm still feeling pretty guilty about it since five is supposed to be a *big* birthday. We had a girls' day out to Dallas a few weeks ago. And then for her actual birthday we had gifts and cupcakes at home, just as a family, and we watched "Tangled" together. When she went to bed that night she announced it was her "best birthday ever!" As long as she had a great birthday I guess that's all that matters.. no matter how big or how small we celebrated. :)

Happy Birthday sweet J! We love you so much! 

Fall Birthday Fun!

We went to a cousin's birthday party a couple weeks ago. The kids had a blast with backyard pony rides!

 The hired pony owner cracked me up with the crazy dreadlocks and outfit!

 There were also little donkeys to pet.

 So cute!

C didn't want to ride the pony at first but I finally got him up there. He was glad he did!

The pony lady gave each child a shiny marble and told them to close their eyes while she sprinkled magic dust (gold glitter) over them. She was quite the character. :) My kids were the only two who seemed to be really intent on closing their eyes tightly and concentrating hard on their wishes. Ha! Cracked me up! They were so excited about the "pixie dust" in their hair. I think they watch Jake & The Neverland Pirates a little too much. :)

The kids were so cute laying side by side during the gift opening. I love how close they are. Always together. :)

 Later on they brought a t-ball tee out. J took a few swings..

But C played with this thing for over an hour! He was getting pretty good by the time we left. I love his concentration face here. :) And he didn't even want to eat dinner, just wanted to back to playing t-ball.. even after dark. It was so cute. Definitely an idea for Christmas this year.



The kids had a great time at the party! Ponies, donkeys, t-ball, goodies and lots of fun!!

A day at the farm

A few weeks ago we met up with some other local bloggers to visit a little farm in a nearby town. When I was a kid we visited friends almost every summer on a big farm. Even now, when I think farm I think of acres and acres and acres of crops, lots of cattle, lots of pigs, lots of chickens, sheep, goats. A huge red barn, silos, out buildings, windmills, tractors every where, a big white farmhouse... you get the idea. Anyway, this farm was definitely a little farm. The goats were the only animals we saw besides a few chickens and several dogs. But we had a good time and it was the perfect size farm for a little outing. Unfortunately we were late and missed a hayride (my kids would've loved it!) but we still had a fun time!

This was my kids' first visit to a farm and they weren't quite sure what to think about the goats. I think C might have fed the goats a few grains but I'm not even sure about that. I'm pretty sure he dropped all the grain before he got close enough.

The kids weren't too sure about the farm animals but they had a blast running and playing. I think this was the first truly cold day we've had this fall. It was really chilly out.

While the kids were playing they noticed one of the chickens running around the yard, outside of the pin. Each of my kids ran up to me, one after the other, and excitedly told me that "A chicken got out of it's cage and we don't know how it's going to get back in!" Ha! 

We got a few fun pumpkin pics!

There were several dogs running around. This one was the sweetest thing! And I truly LOVE this pic of J. She's always afraid of dogs.. even little dogs.. but she warmed up to this one and you can tell she's really happy to pet him. I love the expression on her face.

This dog was so sweet and patient. He didn't seem to mind four kids petting him at once.

There was a little farm store on the property. The kids had fun picking out a few little pumpkins and paying for them before we left.



We'll definitely visit this farm again. I really want to try some of their fresh produce next time. And I would really recommend a trip out if your kids haven't experienced a bit of farm life. One of my friends is even having birthday party here for her little girl which sounds like a lot of fun!

Valentine's Day

 I finally got my long awaited camera this Valentine's Day! I'm so excited to have it! I also got some beautiful pink tulips from my sweetie! Tulips are my all time fav. They're a lot prettier in person than here.

 Thursday afternoon the kids and I went up to J's preschool class for a Valentine's Day party. C participated with the class and had so much fun!

 Earlier in the week we had friends over to decorate Valentine's cookies. The kids had a blast!

And baking cookies in the morning. My pics always upload backwards so these are out of order.

Don't you love how C is really concentrating while rolling out the dough? I love his face there!

4 years old!!

Little Miss J turned 4 last week! 

 We gave her a little sewing machine on her birthday! She can't wait for her grandma to teach her to sew!

The night before her birthday we had a small party. These pics are out of order but they crack me up! J was SO shy and expressionless. My sister brought a friend with her that J doesn't know and J is super shy around strangers. These pics are so funny because she looks so sober.

 This doll is actually a gift from our friend Becky.. bought before J was even born! I've been saving it for J until she was old enough to play with it. J is thrilled to have a doll who shares her name!

Last minute decision to make a "Hello Kitty" cake... not the best but at least J knew what it was supposed to be!

C helping bake the cake.