H2O + Uncles + Mr. Jerry + Daddy = FUN!!!

I only have this one photo that I feel like I can post without being punched in the face. But I had to post a reminder for our family that we had an amazing Memorial Day celebration together.

Poo Pa, Uncle Albert, Aunt Tami, Nanny Barb and Mr. Jerry, Auntie Karen and Uncle Tom all joined us for a potluck cookout this evening. The food was great. The desserts were awesome. And we had lots of laughs.

The kids have enjoyed lots of moments in the sprinklers and even the pool (our blow-up version) this weekend because it has been HOT-HOT-HOT! We dug out the water shooters (a Dollar Tree spectacular deal - not guns, but longer tubes that squirt water) earlier today. I thought I'd be cute and squirt Daddy. But little did I know that Emma was sneaking up behind me and got me soaked! I couldn't even be mad because as our neighbor, Mr. Watts said "Values are caught, not taught." And Mommy was shooting Daddy with the water gun so it was only fair that Emma got me too. :)

But this evening was even more hilarious at the adults (men, of course) were trying to be fun and squirt the kids, only to end up soaked by the end of the evening. Uncle Tom finally gave in and jumped in with the kids. Kendall was not a big fan of the craziness as she just wanted to keep her pool water IN THE POOL. Emma and Clark, however, were sharp-shooters and seemed to enjoy all of the fun of chasing the big guys around the yard.

Thank you to all who serve our country to keep us safe.

And thank you to our family and "family" for joining us today. It was truly a great evening!

First Recital

The girls had their first (only?) dance recital today. It has been a busy weekend with a block rehearsal on Friday, dress rehearsal yesterday and then the actual recital today. The girls have taken part in Wee Dance which is a mix of tap and ballet for the little ones, which lead to two different costumes and two different dances.

All of the girls in the class did such a great job. They were just beautiful and we loved watching them. We were lucky to have Aunt Tami come for the weekend to see them perform. Also in attendance for the rehearsal was Ms. Sue and Alex. Today, Daddy, Uncle Stevie, Auntie Karen, Uncle Tom, Tommy and Stephanie came to see the actual recital. Nanny Barb graciously offered to manage the backstage duties since my range of motion is limited following my surgery. She was a real trooper, though I'm sure she will not be volunteering to do the same job for any future performances.

Anyway, we were so proud of their performance. And mommy was on the other side of the camera as Aunt Tami had her camera out to get some shots. Even Emma was in on the photo-taking. While the makeup had to be pretty dramatic, in the end, they were just beautiful.

Recap: Fun Time with Nanny Barb - Part 1

Nanny Barb and Mr. Jerry have taken on a big job by agreeing to be the caregivers for the kids when we have to be away overnight. Troy won an all-expense paid trip for 3 nights to a certain location in Orlando that shall-not-be-mentioned specifically for fear of emotional distress that could be caused. I had surgery on May 3rd in Nashville so we were away for a few more days the following weekend. I just recently was able to get the pictures from her camera and wanted to start posting a few at a time.

They are such precious people and have blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. The kids are completely comfortable in their home and we are worry-free because we know that they are safe and loved. And I'm also very grateful that they are so thoughtful to grab a camera and get some pictures when we are away.

I'll be back soon with another installment.

Our Easter Blessings 2012

We had a really fun Easter with the family. Poo Pa, Uncle Stevie and Uncle Albert hosted lunch at their house with ham, sweet potato souffle, beans, rolls and.....EASTER BUNNY CAKE! Yum. It was all a hit with the kids (and the adults).

The kids really lucked-out because the Easter Bunny actually made a quick run by Poo Pa's house and managed to hide quite a few eggs in the backyard. They had SO much fun hunting for the goodies. And, as you can see in the pictures, Clark was the winner of the extra prize when he located the Golden Egg. What a tradition that could be for us!

After lots of sweets and treats, we decided to skip naps and head straight for the outdoors. They had time to ride bikes, play in the back yard, "mow" and run around for HOURS before ever having to come indoors. Auntie Karen and Uncle Tom dropped by and he even got in the fun when he chased the kids around the yard. I am hoping that they will sleep like rocks tonight!

Happy Easter to all and to all a good night.

Sharing Smiles

I just needed to get a post up with something to make me smile and laugh. Obviously Kendall was more interested in being silly in order to make someone smile and Emma was all about sharing a smile. And then we have Clark giving us his classic (and ever-so-charming) toothy grin. Either way, I hope these pictures bring a smile to YOUR face.

Summer's Coming!

It's time to plan those summer parties for birthdays, church youth groups, etc. I have a perfect solution for lots of fun on a hot summer day... a Nothing But Bounce Water Slide Party. And if you click on my link (here, again) it will help me save for our membership to the pool this summer. It's only $100 for the giant waterslide party for 90 minutes. Trust me, the kids are going to think you are the Best. Parents. Ever. :)

If you haven't been to a NothingButBounce party, check out their website (click on the link here) and see what they have to offer. It isn't a fancy website, but they really offer a great deal. We had our birthday party at their church location and just went to another one yesterday. They have already added a new and more exciting inflatable (picture below is from NBB)! All of the kids loved it. Friendship Church has many other programs to offer that are just awesome, like summer camps, drive-in movies and Zumba classes. Checkout their website here.

I promise to get back here with some pics of the kiddos this week. It's been crazy around here, but I'm sure that is no surprise. :) Happy Monday.

Pirates and Princess Night at Chick-fil-A

Daddy took the girls to dance class this evening and Clark got to have some quality time with Poo Pa, Uncle Stevie and Uncle Albert. Since Clark had dinner with the guys, the girls got to have another dinner-date with Daddy at Chick-fil-A.
They had lots of fun at the Pirates and Princess night where kids could dress up. The girls didn't have their princess outfits, but it looks like they had plenty of fun anyway.