You Crazy Animals!

Spring Break 2017 was pretty fun. I thought it would be fun to try the zoo this year. I didn't think I could wrangle three kids by myself but I invited my parents along for a fun filled, albeit exhausting, day! Alex was excited to see the elephants, Amelia the tigers, and Ella the zebras. I was hoping I'd finally get to see the giant panda. I'm happy to report that none of us left disappointed. Here are some pics from our day at the National Zoo.

Flamingos!

My panda. 

Ella trying to sketch one of the animals.

My crazy animals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Many Faces of Handsome

The many faces of handsome are all the same face to me. This face. Is it not just heart melting?!?

So what is this hunk up to these days? Well he is always trying to keep up with his big sisters. He loves all balls for every sport and he seems pretty coordinated too. If it's up to him you'll find him outside playing soccer or throwing the basketball. But he also loves to cuddle and he snuggles up to his momma on a regular basis. The only other thing he feels quite so intensely about is food. "Foo Fil-a" is his favorite (Chick Fila), but he also knows where they sell donuts and he's very quick to point it out if we happen to drive by. He loves dancing, singing, and just being an all around love bug boy. He recently got off the bottle 🍼... hooray! And he's showing some interest in the potty but for now still prefers pooping by the window, but gets mad if you come into the room because obviously a boy needs his privacy to poop in his diaper. He talks all of the time and with each stage that comes and goes I get a little sad thinking this is the last time we will go through this, but also it's very fun to see him grow. So bittersweet I suppose is what they call that feeling. And a reminder to enjoy him in every stage. His big sisters adore him and he is truly a delight in our family.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Shaun turns 35!

My young and devilish husband recently turned 35 and I forgot to document it... for shame! Actually, he probably doesn't care. He doesn't love birthdays as much as I do, but few adults do love birthdays as much as me. We had a simple family celebration on his birthday and that weekend we had a date night. So nothing as fancy as going out of town for the weekend, but a step up from going to the mall on our anniversary. And really, as much as I love celebrating, it really is about just spending time with the people you love. That's what this Birthday was all about.

Obligatory family cake photo!

Date night at Firebirds, our new favorite restaurant.

So happy birthday to my best friend and the love of my life. You keep me young at heart, and that's not just because you're three years younger than me. You make me laugh and you are the perfect yin to my yang.
 

 

Budding Musicians and other talents

Now that Shaun's career has taken off, it seemed like the right time to start thinking about music lessons for the girls. We inherited a free piano last year and we finally got around to having someone come out and tune it. Amelia started piano lessons about a month ago and she's doing a great job. Ella on the other hand has been drawn to the guitar, so she started taking lessons about a month ago as well. Now our home is alive with the sound of music... always... no seriously, always. Okay, so it can get a little crazy at times, but I seriously love to see them learning and developing talents. There's nothing that brings me greater joy. Shaun has been learning along with Ella so sometimes they practice together. We were given Shaun's guitar by a friend who was moving and we are currently renting Ella's guitar. 

I still need to get a photo of Amelia at the piano, but I'm happy to report that they are both thrilled to be doing different instruments. The same can be said with their other hobbies. Amelia is quite athletic and enjoys running, basketball and soccer. Soccer season has recently started back up and she's thrilled. She also joined the running club at school. 

And here's a picture from her first soccer game.

Ella took the picture so we got more field than we did Amelia but that's okay. 

And when it comes to sports our Ella is quite talented as well, but she's more of a solo sport person. She's been horse back riding since the fall and is progressing nicely with her lessons. I think being with the horses is also therapeutic for her to some extent. Too bad her mother doesn't really know a thing about horses, but I did go with her to her last lesson (papa has been taking her up until now), and it was great to see her on Dottie, the horse she typically rides. 

I guess you could say I'm very proud of these guys. Not to mention they are both on the honor roll at school, and Amelia received a couple of other accolades including receiving the "heart of kindness " award in her class, which makes me proudest of all. I tell them more than anything I want them to 

1. work hard 

And

2. Be kind
 I often feel like I'm completely messing up as a mom, but some moments I feel like all of these life lessons are starting to sink in, and these two are becoming beautiful and lovely young ladies. At least some of the time. And I'll take sometimes. 

Amelia with Liam during her award ceremony 3rd nine weeks.

 

 
 

 

 
 

Winter's Last Hoorah!

We've had a relatively mild winter this year. Most of February temperatures stayed in the 60's and even 70's. I'm not complaining either. I could get really used to mild winters. Maybe a move south is in my future one day. But that being said, the kids were getting sad that we weren't going to have any snow at all. Luckily, a late March storm brought their dreams of sledding to a reality, if only for a day. 

Our one and only winter hoorah! It was fun while it lasted. Now bring on Spring I say!