I'm Going Out for a While...

With four of my most favorite people. We've been friends since forever. Some friendships date back 20 years. As we have aged and started families, our times together are few and far between.

Luckily we were all in town at the same time and were able to grab dinner and drinks. The last time we were all 5 together was over two years ago. It seemed like no time at all passed. Love these girls dearly. Can't wait until our next gathering in February and our 2nd annual beach trip in June!

Me, Jamie, Brooke, Wendy, and Charlotte

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Two of my best friends and I went down to Gulf Shores for a long weekend. The whole crew couldn't make it, but we more than made up for it. The camera didn't come out very often, but these are the pictures Charlotte took. It was a great trip. Not long enough though. I can't wait until the next girls' trip.

Hang Out House

I have always wanted our house the be the hang out house for the kids when they get older. Well that wish is coming true a few years early. Several kids have moved into the neighborhood, since we spend so much time outside and apparently have the "best" toys, all the kids seems to hang around here. It drives Chad crazy because they don't have the best respect for our things, but to me, they are just kids having fun. Of course, Marlee and Cooper love having the older kids to play with.  I don't mind at all because I always know what the kids are up to. The only negative is the parents seem to take advantage of the free baby-sitting. LOL

I snapped a few pictures of the kids playing in the sprinkler this afternoon. Marlee was a little hesitant about running through the sprinkler, so the twins took her by the hand and ran with her. I'm so glad she finally has some girls to play with. Everyone was sad when we had to come inside. I think several of them would live with us if we would let them. :)

The First Game

Marlee had her first soccer game this past Saturday. It was a beautiful day for being outside. It was rather humid for April, but I will take sunny skies in any fashion after the wild winter we had.

She put on some face art for the game.

Warming up with some quick runs, but it looks like she and K were warming up their conversation.

Pre-game jumping.

Kick off

The ball is headed straight for her. I don't think she was ready.

A Whole New World

We have officially started the world of sports. Marlee had her first soccer practice last night. She did great, but more important than that, she had fun!

Party with Friends

Cooper had several of his friends over this afternoon to celebrate his birthday. The weather was perfect (a bit windy though). We were able to walk up to the gazebo and utilize the space for all the kids to run around.  The kids made cute paper bag puppets and had fun playing with chalk all over the sidewalks. Then came cupcake time. I was proud to have made his cupcakes and thought they tasted pretty good. After singing happy birthday, Cooper needed help blowing out his candles. Why? Because I didn't realize I bought the trick candles that don't blow out. OOPS! LOL Then came presents! He was so sweet and appreciative of his friends' gifts. The kids enjoyed running around and working off the icing. I am so glad he had such a special day with his friends.

Dreaming of the Beach

Today we headed over to the lake and enjoyed a picnic with friends. The kids played in the sand, dreaming we were all on the beach by the ocean. Those dreams aren't that far away. I'm so ready for spring and summer.

Sunday Funday

Our friends, The Owings, invited us and another family over for lunch after church Sunday. It was a beautiful day to hang out and eat good food. Here are a few pictures I took. Yes, I know there are not any of Cooper, but the computer is acting up. I will try and add some later tonight.

Play Date Fun

Marlee's BFF came over a few weeks ago for a play date. They all had a great time playing outside. I am so ready for continuous warm weather. 

A Best Friend's Birthday

Marlee's little best friend, Kyndal had her 4th birthday this past weekend. She invited her 3 closest friends over to her house for pizza, cupcakes, and fun.

Christmas 2010 Recap

We had a wonderful Christmas! It amazes me each year the amount of stuff we come home with. Last year I said it was the best Christmas ever, but the kids' enthusiasm before the holidays made this one for the books. They could not have been more excited. They randomly broke out in song walking through Target. We crafted until we could craft no more. Cookie baking and decorating was funny. I think the kids ate as much icing as they used to actually decorate the cookies.

We made the decision to go home to visit family before Christmas this year. Last year we left on Christmas Day, and the kids had to wait several days before playing with their gifts from Santa. We were able to visit with all of the grandparents and be showered with lots of great toys and other goodies.

Well Thursday morning I started feeling bad. My body was aching all over. No I didn't get the flu shot but did for the kids. I took some meds and the aches went away. I started to feel worse later in the evening. I was worried I was coming down with the flu, but I did not have a fever. We got home on Christmas Eve around 6. We fed the kids, set out milk and cookies for Santa, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and tucked the kids in bed. Of course on the most important night of the year, Mommy is sick and the kids WON'T go to bed! It was 11 o'clock before they finally gave in. They were SO excited! I ended up sleeping on the couch Christmas Eve because I couldn't stop coughing.

Chad had to go wake the kids up Christmas morning. Those little sleepy heads. They devoured the wrapping paper and played with everything all morning. We had a yummy breakfast followed by lots of sleeping by me. I told Chad I needed a Christmas do-over because I don't remember very much. I was just going through the motions. To make the day even better, we had snow. Not nearly as much as our friends in GA, but at least we can say it snowed on our first Christmas in TN as a family.

By Monday (my BIG 3-0), I was not feeling any better. So I decided to go to the Take Care Clinic at Walgreens. I was fearful that I had the flu or strep. Both were negative, thank goodness. It was just a terrible sinus infection. I took 5 days worth of a z-pack and now feel better. So I also need a birthday do-over.

By Wednesday I felt well enough to take down all the Christmas decorations. Then we headed back to middle TN for a birthday party for Jacob. The kids had a blast playing at the jump house. Thursday we headed to the Music City Bowl with friends. Despite the outcome of the game, we had a great time. I was sound alseep by 10 on New Year's Eve. I did hear some fireworks but didn't get out of bed to see them.

Now we are back in our regular routine of preschool and work. I'm thinking it is going to be a long winter. We are on our third round of snow with more predicted this weekend and next week.

Here's a bunch of pictures out of order! Enjoy!!