what we've been up to these days

It's hard to believe that on Tuesday we'll be flipping the calendar over to May. April has been busy for us but May is already promising to be busier...whew! And of course we're gearing up for summer! With just under 30 days left in the school year I don't know who's more excited...me or the kids??!! We have lots of fun things planned and big changes coming this summer for our family!! I booked our 10 year anniversary trip yesterday. Damian and I can hardly wait to celebrate! Emma is also signed up for gymnastic camp and we're hoping to go to Indiana for my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary celebration at the end of June. So far the first few weeks of summer are booked!

Here are a few things we've been up to lately:

We went on a field trip to Legoland a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and Emma was excited to have her Daddy chaperone. I was there with my class but was able to spend the day with my students and Emma and her friends too. We cannot wait to go back and take Max. He is going to absolutely LOVE it!

We used to live close to Cypress Gardens/the location of Legoland and Emma always loved the Southern Belles. When she was 3 she was a Southern Belle for Halloween! She enjoyed the one built with legos.

 After a VERY dramatic day, she finally pulled out her top right tooth. I love my toothless girl!!

 We've also been cheering on our little slugger!

There are t-ball games most Tuesdays and every Saturday morning with at least one practice a week. The season ends May 12th and we're going to miss seeing this little guy in action!

 The kids are getting so big and of course are very helpful!

 They helped bake cookies a couple of weeks ago! Before I know it they'll be cooking dinner! :)

 I took the kids to Damian's golf course the other day. Before we rode around they played at the park. The weather has been beautiful here lately with a couple cool days but I can tell summer is coming with the 90 degree weather right around the corner!

 my silly kids

 more t-ball fun

Today we went to the beach at Honeymoon Island.

 It was a perfect beach day.

 I enjoyed every minute of sunshine and relaxation.

I was pretty bummed that my camera battery died and I only got a few shots when we first arrived. We had a blast and even saw a dolphin swimming a couple feet in front of us. The kids played in the sand, splashed in the water, and soaked up the sunshine.(without getting burnt of course!)

Hopefully I'll be better about keeping up with our pics on here.

 We have birthday parties(so far we've been invited to 6), golf tournaments, cousin sleepovers, Mother's Day, dance recitals, end of the year testing for me(yuck!) and lots of paperwork, planning, cleaning, and organizing.

 Bring on the fun times!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday started out like it does every Sunday for my family...by attending church. The kids were so excited that we stayed over at Gram and Papaw's house so they could go to church with their cousins. It was a little rowdier than it is with just the four of us but all the kids sang songs, participated, and followed along with the mass. Pure sweetness!

 Of course I had to snap a few pics in our Easter best. Max was so proud of his "real" big boy tie.

I may be a little biased but I think the kids were absolutely adorable!

After church, we headed back to my parent's house for our Easter brunch. There was an overabundance of delicious food...everyone pitched in and served up a feast!

It was such a beautiful day we ate outside. Brooke and I enjoyed our mimosas!



The kids(and dads) played their little hearts out...flying kites from their Easter baskets, running around, and throwing the football.

Damian spent a lot of time holding sweet, smiley Lucas. Don't worry I was a bit of a baby hog too! Noah decided he was a big kid and was doing his best to keep up with his big sis and cousins!

The kids are old pros at the egg hunt!

On your mark, get set, go...



Pure chaos is pretty much what you get with 10 kids 10 and under!! Especially when Uncle Sean brings silly string and Papaw runs around spraying the kids. Watching my dad made me laugh so hard I almost fell out of my chair! The kids LOVED it! Next time we'll know to get a can of silly string for each kid...lesson learned!!



Max and Emma fell asleep soon after we were on the road. Playing with cousins is hard work!

We had a simply wonderful Easter.

 

Easter with the Hillens

On Saturday morning, the Easter bunny made an early stop at our house. Unfortunately, I didn't take one single picture. It was a little after 8:00 when the kids woke up and checked out their goodies. They were so excited! I'll have to take some pics with their fun new things.

In the afternoon, we headed to Damian sister's house for the Hillen family Easter celebration.

It was a beautiful day full of family fun! The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and we enjoyed laughing, talking,watching the kids hunt eggs, and just hanging out!

Today we went to church with my family and then had an Easter brunch and spent the day at my parent's house. We had another wonderful day celebrating and spending time with family. Overall, this was a fabulous weekend! I almost don't want it to end! Many more pics to come!

Coloring Eggs

Last night we colored eggs and of course I got some pics of my cuties! They are very excited about Easter this weekend. Going to church, yummy food, and precious time with family...it doesn't get much better.

We have a jam-packed Easter weekend planned Saturday with all the Hillens and Sunday with the Robbins family! I am sure there will be lots of play time with cousins, egg hunting, and fun..fun..fun!!

My Little Slugger

I have taken a ton of pictures of videos of my little slugger. I just realized I put some of them on FB but not on here. I just love watching Max on the field. He LOVES putting on his uniform and going to his games each week. He really pays attention and is a great little ball player.

We are so proud of him!