Outdoor Fun

With warm weather upon us, we have been spending a great deal of time outside.

Our backyard is riddled with baby toads which the kids just love to catch and play with.

The children are out on their bikes and scooters, playing on the swingset, and in the wading pool. They have also been a great help in planting some new plants and in keeping them watered. Lunch is often eaten on the deck and the kids may be seen some afternoons running around with a homemade popsicle.

The girls finished preschool the middle of May. Elyse graduated in a cap and gown from K-4, and both girls were in the end of the year program. Mack's last day of first grade is tomorrow the 4th of June.

Picture Day at Preschool--My Three Girls

All dressed up for spring and sitting pretty.

Noelle's Third Birthday

Noelle's third birthday was on May 11th. We made her an Elmo cake and decorating it was a group effort. "Happy Birthday" was sung, party blowers were blown, and of course, fashionable party hats were worn by all.

Noelle got to celebrate with her preschool class the next day. She took in ice cream cups to share with her friends.

We used her birthday money to buy her a wading pool and it has been great fun for all. The first day she put a potted plant in for a swim--that was the end of that swim time!

Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom Visit

Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop came for a visit Thursday through Saturday. We had such a delightful time. The weather was so pretty Thursday afternoon so we sat outside and watched the children ride their bikes on the driveway, swing on the swing set, and climb a few trees.

Patrick's Dad came over and chili with us for supper and then took the older two children as well as my father for a motorcycle ride. It was the first time in my father's 68 years that he has ever ridden a motorcycle--Yay, Dad!

Friday brought cooler and wetter weather, but it did not deter us from our fun. We went to the Riverbanks Zoo where we walked a beautiful trail along the river, saw the Botanical Gardens, and enjoyed the zoo animals. The reptile house was a big hit for everyone. I was amazed by the furry anaconda poop (what does that say about me?). We also got tickled watching the lion cubs play and the gorilla picking at his toes.

The kids loved playing with Pop-Pop and giving lots of cuddles to both Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. Grace charmed her grandparents with her smiles and coos. I loved watching Grace lay in her grandmother's arms, looking up into her face, and "talking" so sweetly to her. It was precious.

Our visit was short but very sweet. I am so glad for the special time we enjoyed together.

Down by the Riverside

Spanish Moss and Flowering Trees--Beauty designed by our Awesome Creator!

There Were Three In The Bed

Elyse loves to hold Grace each night as I am tucking her into bed. She suggests that I go do something so she can take a few minutes to snuggle with her baby sister. This particular night Mack decided to join in the cuddle time. I love Grace's face in the photo with her and Elyse.

Look Out For Firetrucks

As I was putting Noelle to bed tonight I noticed that she had a goose egg on her temple. Surprised that she had not come crying to me about it, I asked her how she got it. At first she told me that Pepper (our dog) did it. That was believable as Pepper will sometimes resort to using his teeth when Noelle gets too rough (which she often does). However, as she thought about it, she decided that it was not Pepper but Bella (our cat) who gave her her boo-boo. Then the story changed again. A firetruck did it she told me (we had just finished reading a story about a firetruck). The firetruck not only got her but also Mommy, Daddy, and Jesus! How did I miss all this?!! The moral of this story...be aware of rogue firetrucks!