Check ME Out!

The weather is finally turning and I am able to put on all of Leah's new clothes and many of the hand-me-downs that she was given from Maya. I especially love plaid and also check out these shorty shorts. It is totally priceless!

I love chunky baby legs!
"Mom, seriously, STOP chasing me around the house with that camera!"

We don't need to buy Leah any toys, she would much rather play with shoes. She is constantly playing with whatever shoes are left by the back door.

Happy 9th Birthday Lexy!

I love any excuse to dress the kids up and Sunday night was just that excuse. We celebrated Lexy's 9th Birthday at Pete's Restaurant and got to see the whole family. The food was delicious and we thank Brad and Krista for treating us all!

Leah got many summer dresses for her birthday so we layed them all out and I let Daddy pick her dress for the party. She wore this pink and brown dress and looked super cute!
Seth loves his cousin Lexy and doesn't get to see her too often so he stuck to her like glue.

Big Ro and Brad had just gotten done with the Caprara May Sale so they were ready to kick back!

There is no denying that these 3 are siblings!

Sheryl & Luke

Sheryl, Lexy, Luke and Jess

Brad had a sing-a-long with the kids and they sang everything from Christmas songs to Taylor Swift. Leah sat on Uncle Brad's lap and took it all in.

The BIG kid (Ro) with all of the little kids!

It was a fun filled night and the kids were so stuffed and tired that they slept like logs!

Congratulations!!!

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS are definitely in order for my husband who has been awarded a promotion! Roland's title is now a Senior Food Service Sales Representative! Way to go honey! With this promotion comes many changes, but GOOD changes. Roland will be in charge of many different types of accounts in many different areas so he will be one busy Pepsi man. We are so proud of him! Love you honey!

Excercise & A Picnic

On Sunday morning Ro planned a family picnic and bike ride. We hooked the bikes to the hitch and took a drive to Sackets. It was the most beautiful day for a bike ride and we were so impressed by how far Seth rode. It had to have been 2 miles around the lake. He was so funny, at the end he wasn't tired, just hungry and he ate his face off at our picnic. It was a blast!

Ready to get started!
The family in tow.

Sitting back and taking it all in.

Quick photo opp.

We all worked up quite the appetite.

If I can remember correctly I think that Seth ate half my salami sandwich, strawberries, an apple, pasta salad and sun chips. He rode up quite an appetite.

With all his new energy he chased Daddy around the battlefield.

Stealing a kiss!

Just hanging out!

Home safe, sound and tired! The kids took killer naps while Ro and I hung out on the deck.

New & Improved!

When we dropped off the boat for the LONG winter it had no cover and now we have a brand new cover for our boat. We not only have a cover to protect it from the weather, but also to protect us from the hot sun. Now when we need some shade during a boat ride we are covered. We are so pleased with the work that has been done on it and now we can't wait to get it in the water and get out on it.

Bring on the hot sunny weather, we are ready!

Part of History

I had been listening to The Border all week long on the way to work so each day I got the "Storm Maker" play by play. I really wanted to make an effort to be there when they brought him home and I am so happy that we went. It was so wonderful to see The Wood Family so grateful and happy at the makeover their house was given. Many tears were shed!

They really tried to make it like Extreme Makeover Home Edition and we all had to yell "MOVE THAT FIRETRUCK!" Seth loved it and it was a good lesson to have the kids experience.

Congratulations to Aunt Sheryl who will start a brand new and improved job in one week. New city, new job, new girl! We love you and are so happy for you!

Thank you for my new dinosaur book Uncle Justin. I love love love looking at all of the different pictures and kinds of dinosaurs! I am going to miss you so much!

* Unexpected lunch dates with younger brothers who are moving far far away very soon ARE THE BEST!

Love you Justin! Thanks for spending my lunch hour with me!

Through the Eyes of a Child

Growing up my brother and I were 9 years apart in age so when we would take trips to the zoo I really did not enjoy it, but now that has come full circle. I LOVE to take my kids to experience new things and I LOVE to watch them when they see something new and exciting. This was the case this week when we went to the zoo. Seth has gotten to a point where he rushes through many of the exhibits so I have to call him back and make sure he has seen everything well. Leah is another story. She is so focused and you can tell that she is really taking it all in. I love to watch her!

This lion was right up to the glass so not only were the kids amazed, but the adults were too!
Leah and Marianna are 6 weeks apart in age, but in this picture, Leah looks much younger. I love that I captured them holding hands.

Seth and Lucy have been friends since they were only 4 months old. Look at them now!

I love that I was able to spend a day with my two favorite kids in the whole world.

I can't believe that in only one more year these four four year olds will be in school. Time has truly flown by.

Leah was amazed by the penguins. She watched in amazement as they swam and dove into the water.

Check out Seth's super sized smile!

This tiger really does look real.

Don't you wonder what she is thinking about?

Marianna is such a smiley girl!

I had the most amazing day with my kids. They were awesome all day long and I can't wait for summer vacation to spend every day with them just like this!

Blessings

I have so many blessings it is hard to keep track, but on this particular Mother's Day I felt extra blessed to be surrounded by the most special people. Roland invited all the Mom's and Grandma's to come over for dinner. He prepped and cooked and even cleaned up. It was the most amazing feeling to have to do NOTHING! I could seriously get used to it.

Uncle J was still recovering from his surgery so he laid low and relaxed a bit.
Some of the special Mom's in our life, pretty important ones!

Leah thought is was hilarious that she could make sounds on this toy. She is learning so much everyday.

Seth's stinky toes!

My favorite girl in the world!

One of Grandma's girls!

My favorite boy in the world!

I love this headband to death and try to get her to wear it whenever she will let me.

Roland's homemade chocolate covered strawberries for dessert!

I think that Seth ate about 6 or more!

Thank you to my wonderful husband for making Mother's Day truly special. I better get prepping for Father's Day now.

Thank you also for my wonderful mother, grandmother, step-mother and mother-in-law. You are all very special to me!