Spring Break 2017

Spring Break 2017 was amazing! The best part is that it didn't include any extravagant and expensive vacations! We started the week by saying farewell to Gary and Pam who had been here for two months. We were so sad to see them go back to Colorado!

We spent some time playing with neighborhood friends. There was supposed to be a picture of the big kids on four wheelers but it disappeared somehow.

We surprised the kids Sunday morning by telling them we were going to stay in a hotel. This sweet boy asked for a suit case from Santa and hadn't had an opportunity to officially use it. He was so excited! He kept asking, "Are you for real? Are you for real mommy?" 

We went to the Birmingham Zoo and enjoyed the day together. It was a little chilly, but a beautiful sunny day.

We stayed at Ross Bridge and enjoyed an evening swim after dinner.

The following day we used our membership to the McWane Center. We've been several times, but this was the first time daddy had the opportunity to go with us!

Tired babies on the way home!

Payton had been asking to get her ears pierced for a few months, so we thought this would be a great time while we could watch after them while she was out of school. She was a little afraid, but did great! You can see she was all smiles when she finally got to see them!

That Tuesday we celebrated Emmerson's 7th birthday at Surge. The kids had a blast and wore themselves out.

We spent some time at home playing.

We celebrated a very belated birthday for Spencer.

We even got to experience our first rodeo! Our meaning everyone but Jonathan. It was an experience to say the least.

Snuggles and reading at home!

It was a perfect combination of busy and quiet. 

Payton's 8th Birthday

As usual, the birthday celebrations continued on and on. This year we decided not to have a big party because Payton really wanted a gymnastics bar. She decided she would have a few friends over and go to the gymnastics meet in its place. She had a family party on the day before her birthday.

These two sisters love each other to pieces. They currently share a room even though they have their own. Don't get me wrong, they fight and bicker, but the love between them is inseparable. 

Nana and Bamama came to eat lunch with her on her actual birthday and bring a treat to the class.

Sweet friends.

It is unbelievable that our first born is EIGHT! She brings us so much joy and has a heart of gold!

For her friend party we took some girls home from school with us. We first headed to Hickory Dickory. We then went home for a bit before eating dinner at Laredo's and a Auburn Gymnastics meet (some of her favorite things).

Our sweet girl is just amazing! We have sassy days for sure, and those seem to be getting a little better, but she has a heart of gold. She is kind, sensitive, and hard working. She hates wearing cutesy clothes and would much rather wear Nike shorts and a t-shirt. She loves Jesus and attends an after school Bible study that she loves. She has been working very hard in gymnastics and absolutely loves everything about it. She is as smart as a whip and is rocking 2nd grade academics. It's hard to believe that it's been 8 years since we were blessed with this precious girl!

We couldn't be more proud of the young lady she is becoming. Happy birthday, sweet Payton!

Ready for Spring

We had a really warm February and the kids were ready to enjoy some lake time. Since it wasn't quite warm enough for swimming, they settled on sand castles.

Anderson spent hours practicing his cast. 

This year we were out of school for President's Day, which we haven't been the last few years. We celebrated with lunch with daddy and a fun day at the park with friends.

Daddy Daughter Date Night 2017

The girls look forward to Daddy Daughter Date night every year. Shannon surprised them by coming to do their hair for the big event.

These girls are getting so big and I just can't stand it. Harper wanted the glittery twirly dress and Payton wanted more of a big girl look.

They ended up eating at Red Lobster, danced some, and stopped by Wal-Mart for a fun prize before coming home. We had two tired and exhausted little girls by the end of the night.

In the meantime, Anderson is now big enough to participate in some mother son action. He wanted to go to Chick-fil-A for our special night.

We had fun night eating nuggets, sharing ice cream, and enjoying some play time on the playground.