Bikers

Santa gave the kids new bikes for Christmas.

It took Elijah all of about 20 min to master the 2-wheeler with no training wheels.

He's so proud.

Mills was already a pro.

Yes, she's sporting a tank top in December!

And to complete her biker look she had to go put on her new "leather" jacket!

Now I can't wait for the time to change and for some sunshine after work for possible family bike rides.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and you're already kicking 2015 in the butt!

New family member

So for months and months I've been looking for a new pet.  

Cute and cuddly but low maintenance was the criteria.  

Then one day a friend posted on FB that three kittens had been abandoned on her property and she was

 looking for homes for them.  I pretty much knew as soon as I saw that sweet face I'd found our new pet. 

 Elijah named him Casey Jones, but basically calls him "meow meow" 99% of the time.  

He's been such a fun addition to the family.  

The kids love to play with him and he's a total snuggle bug when they've worn him out.  

I've never been a huge pet person.  I like animals, I just didn't grow up with them so unlike most of you I 

don't feel the need for a fur baby in my house.  This lil guy has won my heart though.  

I'm sure glad he's joined our funky bunch.

August Break Day 16

"Look Down"

Growing girl

 I swear she grows another inch every time I get to see her.

She was very focused on building her lego house this weekend and with that window light filtering in I 

quickly grabbed my camera to snap a few photos of her.

A messy brand and dirty feet.  That's our Millie.

This girl has spirit.  She is determined.  She plays hard and loves big.

I do love that sweet face.

In-law Jackpot!

We planned a summer time get together with family for this weekend 

and I feel so blessed to have enjoyed some quality time with precious people we don't see enough of.  

I really hit the in-law jackpot.

This is Eden Rose, she is quite possibly the cutest girl on the planet.

I mean really.

I couldn't keep my camera off of her.

Millie made it out of the pool long enough to scarf down a hot dog.

Stealing another piece of my heart with every smile.

Papa Roger proudly looking at some of his son's work.

Cameron's half smirk.

My husband cheesing it up for the camera.

I didn't take near enough photos, sometimes I think that's a sign I am having too much fun.

I am so grateful for the miles traveled and yummy dishes shared.  It was all so wonderful.

I cherish each and every one of you.

Weekend Wrap Up

Succulent shopping, strawberry cake, a housewarming party, swimming, and x-box.  

That about sums up our weekend.  

The 107 + temps here have required all errands happen early and afternoons are spent in the house with the A/C blasting.  

That bill is going to be fun!

A Post Easter - Easter Message

So...did you have a nice Easter?

We managed to squeeze a little egg dying in between baking cookies and riding horses and watching movies and shopping for Easter outfits. 

Millie is quite the artist, just like her sister.  She enjoys being creative and had a blast coloring eggs.

Next on the agenda is this beautiful boy's 7th birthday party.  In past years I've got a tad overboard on planning and spending and making a huge deal out his birthday.  I'm afraid I've set the expectations pretty high for myself.  I am going to make a real effort not to spend so much time on pinterest this year and try to keep it simple.  Besides I'm running out of time, it'll be here in a few short weeks!

I can't believe he's going to be 7.  I know I am biased and all mommy's think their kids are the best, but as far as 7 year old boys go...he's a very sweet one. 

I am proud to be his mommy and so blessed to be the one he wants to snuggle with when he gets sick

(except of course that I in turn get sick but I'll suffer through almost anything to get to kiss that sweet face.)

 

Our Easter celebration started off with a Good Friday service.  This is something our church hasn't done in the past but I very much enjoyed starting the weekend off with the right focus.  Just like any holiday it's easy to get wrapped up in all of the prep and making sure it's a special one for your kids you forget to take a moment and focus on what it really means to you and sharing that importance with your family. 

For me, Easter is everything.  With out the sacrafice Jesus made for me I would be hopeless.

 

Easter Sunday was full of family and food and colors and smiles.  We put on our new fancy outfits and headed to church to sing praises to our risen savior.  We hunted brightly colored easter eggs and shared a delicious meal prepared by hands we love.  We gave thanks for salvation and the blessing of family that we hugged and spent much needed time catching up with.  And I personally ate way too much chocolate...like all week.  (Curse you Cadbury!) 

  

I know it's late but from our family to yours I hope you had a wonderful Easter and the truth of what it is all about resonates with you all year long. 

You are loved, beyond your comprehension.  

Just Horsing Around

Well helllooooo there!

Spring break this past week has meant time with the girls, time off work for Devin, time off mom duties for me while the husband played Mr. mom, and on Thursday we all took the day off for Family Fun Day.  Millie went horseback riding for the first time on her birthday last December and fell in love.  We decided to plan a trip back to the ranch where this love of horses began.  It was so fun to see their giant smiles and of course take a few photos of the fun day.  

I will never stop being impressed with these beautiful creatures.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!