Allie is 14!!!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Allie! She stepped out of her comfort zone last night and let her friend do her hair and makeup for a prom-themed church dance. Her first dance I might add. She was a good sport! Trey was going to ask her to dance for her first dance but somebody beat him to it. So he was her 2nd dance! She had a great time and even put up with David and I staring at her all night. (we were chaperoning) We love you Allie!!!

Memorial Day

We enjoyed a fun filled family day on Monday, Memorial day. We started out by going to a pancake breakfast, where a veteran spoke to us. Then we went to the Grandmother and Grandpa Sexton's to have a water day. We set up a 100 ft. long water slide with soap, two hoses, and lots of cousins to enjoy it. What a great day.

End of the school year

I can't believe how many things are crammed into the first few weeks of May. I think it's a contest to see how many concerts, author's readings, class plays, field days, end of the year parties, open houses...etc. they can make parents attend in the shortest amount of time. Today was the last day of school. Ahhhhhhhh. Unfortunately I did not carry my camera around to all these events so I hope my kids remember when they are older that I was there. Even when I didn't feel like going to the 3rd class party in two days, mother-guilt kicked in and I went. And it was worth it to see their faces light up and have them run over to me in front of all their friends, hug and kiss me and say "mom, you're here!!"

Pampered

I know that I have it good. My expectations are high and they never disappoint. Mother's day morning as I lay in my bed listening to the scurrying around in the kitchen I thought about my children. I thought about each of their births and random memories of their earlier years. I thought about what a miracle life is and how blessed we have been to have these 5 beautiful children. I thought about my loving husband and all he does for me. I couldn't wait for my children to come in singing while carrying my breakfast....better than Christmas. I love how the toast is cold and the smoothie is lumpy. I love when they all crawl in bed with me and cuddle while I try to eat breakfast. I love that Trey and Allie haven't outgrown this tradition that I did with my siblings for my mom. I loved the triplet massage I got. The smiles and hugs that were free flowing all day. The promise of no fighting that usually falters but is quickly remembered. I loved the time and effort David put into to making a gourmet dinner for me. I hope they know how much this day means to me.

climbing trees

Does this bring back fond memories for anyone?

I remember how much I LOVED climbing that tree. It was like we were in another country up there in our own make-believe world. We played outside so much but the 2 memories I have the most of our outside adventures were this tree and the big eucalyptus tree that was cut down in our back yard for a while. I can still remember the smooth branches of this tree as we would hang out in our bare feet. We all had our designated spots as I recall. (Troy you must have been out reading meters at the time :))

We finally have a tree in our yard that is climb-worthy. In the back corner of our back yard is a fast growing weeping willow. One day a few months ago the kids realized they could climb it! All of a sudden that tree was the meeting place for all the neighborhood kids. There are bushes on one side of it that make a great barrier for pretend wars. Someone up high in the tree as a lookout and someone down low to scare off attacks. This was literally the center of our kids outside playtime when they got home from school for 2 months. I love it. They love it. Spring is wonderful!

Easter egg hunt

I know that it is now May but I wanted to still post a few egg hunt pictures. I have so many good memories from our egg hunts growing up. I remember never feeling like I had out grown it. It is always fun to go find candy and money.......in little plastic eggs. I remember one year I found the plastic bunny that had the dollar bill in it! I remember how cool it was to find an egg when we thought they were all found. Especially if it was one of the tiny eggs. I remember how much I loved my easter basket: big, green, purple, pink and white. And how one year mom planted real grass seed in them so we had real grass in our baskets. I think it's really cool that so many of the grandkids are having an egg hunt in the same backyard that we had some of ours (well Julie and down anyway). Thanks for continuing on the tradition mom and dad!