Birthday Girl

Today is my 35th birthday!

However, we have been celebrating for one week now.  

One night Sharleen made me one of my favorite dinners.  It was delicious and so much fun to be together with everyone. All of the cousins love playing together in Mimi's luscious backyard.  It is not going to be the same when Ben and Melissa move to Arizona for residency.  

Another night, we went to Midway to celebrate Camie's and my birthday.  We had a big BBQ and of course... a pinata!  It was a lot of fun.  

Then, this morning when I woke up, my kids had made me breakfast.  They were so excited and couldn't wait for me to come into the kitchen.  I just loved it.  

Celebration #1

Celebration #2

Celebration #3

"The perfect breakfast"

(an english muffin, mint milano cookies, pretzels with a chocolate kiss, and diet coke on ice)

School's Out

"Isabella with Mrs. Tidwell"

Isabella was very sad saying goodbye to her third grade teacher.  

She is wonderful in every way.

The last day of school is always bitter sweet.  

You say goodbye to the teachers you've grown to love, and to the classmates that have brought stability into your days.  

As a mom you say goodbye to a perfectly clean house and surrender to the sun.

I love it!

"The Graduates"

Cecily, Francesca, and Finnegan graduated from Kindergarten today!

I can hardly believe that these three little angels have just finished Kindergarten.  In many ways, it seems like yesterday when they were all lined up in one crib, smiling at whoever was next to them.  Time goes so quickly.  During their graduation I watched each of them proudly say their parts and sing with their own unique personality shining through.  I couldn't stop smiling.  They are unlimited joy.  

Family...

Here is Mimi and Grandpa in their backyard.

Anna, Finn, Cecily, Isabella, Eva, Marli, Francesca, and Ellie

Ellie and Isabella

Sky

Sweet Baby Sara

There is something very special about Mimi and Grandpa's backyard.  As soon as we arrive, the kids run straight back there and are so happy.  They can stay and play for hours and love every minute of it.  

It is freedom. 

The Baby Bird...

Last night we were in Midway at Noni and Pap's house and a baby bird had fallen into one of the window wells.  The kids were fascinated and watched this little bird for a long time.  We went outside and tried to find a nest.  We couldn't see one, but there were several robins flying around the front yard.  We decided to get the bird out of the window well and see if it would know what to do.  Tyler got it out and set it in the grass.  About 5 minutes later a bigger bird flew down into the grass about four feet away from the baby.  After a couple of minutes we all went into the house and watched through the windows, trying to let nature take it's course.  For the next ten minutes the "dad" bird hopped around the baby, but never got closer than three feet.  Then, an amazing thing happened... the "dad" got a worm and put it in the baby's mouth.  Hooray!  It continued to do this until we left.  We were all so happy!

Well, this morning my parents went outside to check on the baby bird and as they approached they saw the "dad" circling the baby and flying toward any magpie that came close to it.  As my parents got a little closer... boom... the "dad" nudged the baby bird and they both flew off together.  My mom called to tell us and we were all so excited.  Amazing !  

HERO!

Sunday Ride

Each Sunday that we go to Midway my kids want to ride horses.  I love it but not half as much as my Dad does.  His whole face lights up when they ask, "can we ride today?".  Lance gave them a quick riding lesson (although Finn is quite good and fearless already).  Francesca was excited because she could turn her horse to the right and go all by herself.  Finnegan likes to climb on the fence,  have his horse placed about two feet away, and then jump onto it.  Whether, Finnegan is in the saddle or on the side of it, his horse starts to walk and Finn heaves his body into position.  It's a little surprising at first but it works for him.

Cecily's missing a tooth!

Cecily lost her first tooth this morning!!!

She was so excited and could not stop smiling!