Sneak Peek of Summer

It's kind of nice (or maybe a tease) that Memorial Day weekend gives us just a glimpse of summer days to come. It gives us the push we need to make it through the last couple of weeks of school. Fun days, but busy days for all involved. Parents, students, and teachers everywhere- we can do this! 

We were excited to pick up Butterbean and head to the beach with Grandpa and Grandma. 

There was lots of beach time...

With natural treasures...

And Pirate (Grandpa) treasures....

Pool time (in the ice cold water)

 Lots of beauty shop...

We even took a trip back to Medieval Times..

 Princesses...

 And Knights...

A perfect combination for these two-

Summer nights...

And we can't forget the never ending game of charades....
I would be very impressed if anyone could guess what they are acting out in the next two pics:)

It was a great trip and happy peak into the months ahead!

*In other news, Parker is now a green belt!

*And Tinley had her last day of preschool in the 2's class. Here she is with her class on the last day celebrating with a water day and party.

How can this be?

This is the day that the Lord has made...

Let us rejoice and be glad in it! What a joyful day we had on Saturday. So many little (BIG) miracles to celebrate. 

We were excited to go to Lucy's birthday in the park! 

What fun to see so many people we love in one place...celebrating together!

 And you just can't look at this birthday girl without smiling!

And as if that wasn't enough sweetness, these treats were pretty good too!

Parker was getting to know a new friend...

Lots of great times at this Carousel!

Just a little while later, we got right back to celebrating with Anna and Andrew.

We can't wait to meet this little miracle...and see this Mom and Dad enjoying her! 

We all had an exciting time...even a fun (and cold) dip in the pool for Parker.

We love you already Baby O!

9 Years!

It's hard to believe we've been married 9 years! How is that even possible when surely we've just turned 25? When I look at this picture I'm struck by how it seems that not much and a whole lot has changed at the same time. It's quite possible this could be us now (plus a few gray hairs) having a good time and enjoying each other's company...But there are two very important little people that weren't there.... just our miracles waiting to happen.  Parker and Tinley often ask us why they weren't at our wedding....we've tried to explain:) God has blessed us so richly in our 9 years of doing life together. We have so much to be thankful for.  

Here are some more pictures from our recent wedding adventures...So fun to be able to celebrate ALL together this time;)

An EventFULL weekend

If we're going to celebrate, might as well make it last all weekend! We headed home for a full weekend of events...

Matthew and Meagan had a beach party shower where they looked right at home with the decor. 

Tinley and Parker had been at Christopher's pirate birthday party and were still in full excitement and gear upon arriving to this next party. Every beach needs some pirates!

This is how you get your moneys worth on playground equipment!

Having some fun with games for the bride and groom to be!

His tools and her tools..let's see who uses them more!

And today- Mother's Day is no small event. I get to be a mother and we have mothers and grandmothers and friends who are mothers, and lots of other people who mother us all along in many ways. It is truly a group effort to share and enjoy in the blessing of motherhood.

This morning I got some sweet poems and projects that Parker had worked on from me at school. I got Tinley's last week...Here are some things I learned from these

How old is your Mom?- According to Tinley- 2, According to Parker- 53 (point for Tinley;)
How much does your Mom weigh? - According to Tinley- Big
Parker's said, My mom is as pretty as a Princess (Point for Parker;)
What do you like to do with your Mom the most? Parker says snuggle (I will remind him of this one day when he's embarrassed by me- I have it in writing)
Where does your Mom like to go? - According to Tinley- Target (I do love to snuggle and go to Target- I'd say they know me well.)
*And my favorite* 
What was your Mom like before kids? Bored - Enough said!


Pictures with Ganny!

Picnic time!

Play time!

Annual wiffle ball game...

And how I spent all weekend with my Mom and did not get a picture with her- I just don't know. So in honor of how I hope she feels today, here is a picture of her at the beach relaxing yet taking care of 4 children (plus me). Mom's are pretty amazing!!