Independence Day

Brad's parents came up to spend the day with us. We had a nice lunch at Freddy's, and a delicious steak and shrimp dinner before fireworks. What can I say, we love food. Lucas was so cute, and always tried to find Grandma to hold her hand walking in and out of the restaurant. 

Grandpa took on Emma at chess, and was a little surprised that she knew how to play and he actually had to start really playing.

 The fireworks were spectacular! Much bigger than I had anticipated, and we will definitely do them again here next year!

And watching them with Lucas just made it so much more entertaining :)

July 4, 2017

That time we had a cat for a week...

So it all started when Emma's best friend had kittens and she went there for a birthday party. She of course spent the next couple weeks begging for one. I wanted nothing to do with a cat, and thought I had an out because Brad was allergic. Well, she went and gave that sweet little look and plead to Brad, and he completely folded. So I talked to the friend's mom, and we figured it best to do a trial to see how it went. In the beginning, everyone was all smiles with this little critter running around.

and I admit, it was a cute little kitten. 

But Brad was having major allergy issues, I kept having to keep the kitten from scratching people and things, and the two animals just wouldn't leave each other alone. The cat treated Lizzy like it's mom and was trying to drink from her, and then claw/bite at her to play. Usually, Lizzy would excitedly greet the kids with kisses and tackles, but with a cat, she just followed it around 24/7 and Emma had a really hard time not having her dog attention. (Not to mention, she wasn't too thrilled with cleaning a litter box). So, we said goodbye to Biscuits, and made it clear that we would not be trying cats again. Phew!

June 2017

Just June

One of my volleyball friends had baby bunnies and invited us over to see them. They were adorable.

 Jake had a cute little end of year Kindergarten program with fun little songs they had prepared. (He's in the middle). And then he brought home this little gem. When I grow up I want to "be a Dad and a bus driver" because "I am awesome." I love this kid!

Emma had her last ballet recital, and did wonderfully to the song "A Thousand Years."(Middle-front)

 I was impressed by her ballet ability. Her teacher continually put her front and center knowing that she would work hard and memorize the dance so some of the other girls that couldn't remember could follow her. She moved swift-fully and gracefully into each move. I may like to brag about my kids... Well done Emma!

 I keep catching Lucas out in the strawberry patch. He may or may not pick and eat any strawberry he can find regardless of color, dirt, or bug bites. I do try and pick with him to ensure they're ripe and wash them before he eats them, but this kid is so sneaky fast!

And the beginning of summer means we have friends over A LOT.  Mathew and Lucy came to help us break in the slip n' slide. We are lovin' summer!

And last, Emma performed her first duet at a nursing home for a mini-recital. I love to hear her play and improve on the piano, but love it more that she enjoys to play!

June 2017

80's Bring On The H20

We no longer have a neighborhood pool, so when it started getting into the 80's, I needed a new source of water fun. Enter our first slip n' slide.

Lucas was a bit hesitant and didn't appreciate me grabbing him and making him slide down with me. That's right, I was joining in the fun, too. He was quite content splashing in the puddle at the end between sliders.

And we snagged a little pool to play in, too. Both items completely worth it. It doesn't take much water for a splashing good time.

May 29-31, 2017

Mainly May

Luke loves his older siblings, and loves to be where they are. I love catching them in their sweet little moments together -- enjoying a cold one... popsicle that is 😉.

And some more random pictures of our joyful, everyday moments.

Trampoline hair and electronic party, I guess?

My niece Autumn came into town, and her little Christopher had a fun time playing around with Lucas. Hitting cars with bats. Definitely boys.

Jake tried his first session of baseball. I tell ya, that was the hardest, most boring sport to sit by and watch. He did pretty well for his first season, and said he had fun. It was coach pitch, and he almost always got a hit, which was great.... I'm hoping to keep him brainwashed into thinking soccer and basketball are much more fun though...

This is Jake's last soccer game for the spring. He scored a few goals, had a lot of fun with his team, and continues to improve. (He's the one kicking in green)

 These boys have been on the same team for a couple years now, and they always have such a great time together! This is them doing a group hug at our end of season soccer pizza party. Great group of boys!

 May 2017

Spring!

We are LOVING this spring weather, and living next to a park has been awesome! We spend quite a bit of time there.

 And at the library for craft time in the morning when Emma's at school.

 Even sneaking in a few playdates before school with Jake's best friend Ruben.

 Emma had her big Spring Recital, and I'm impressed with how fast she is progressing! 

 Luke doesn't last long, and Brad or I usually take him for a walk when he's had enough. Jake sticks around knowing there's always refreshments at the end...

Lizzy even had a friend over for a while. Pepper did not appreciate Lizzy constantly following her around, but Lizzy was in heaven with a little buddy.

 Jake wanted to try a blue berry bush. Here he is showing Luke where to put the water, and his project finished. So far, the bush isn't taking too well, but it's still alive out there... Jake's holding on to the hope of blue-berries.

 Lucas likes to exercise with Brad.

And with the nice weather, the kids are learning new things. Emma trying to roller blade, and Jake learned how to ride a bike without training wheels.

 LOVING SPRING!

April 17-30, 2017