July 4th

We celebrated July 4th at the beach with our family. Griffin and Sarah Kate were able to visit with all of their cousins, which meant there were 7 kids in the house at times. Lots of fun and lots of noise! We spent time at the beach, playing putt putt and watching fire works. I'm so glad G & SK were able to make special memories with their cousins. Even a week later, SK asks almost everyday where her "friends" are.

 Annaleigh (9 months), SK (2)

 Griffin (4)

 Hudson & Thayer (2.5)

 

Mother's Day

I vividly remember how it felt to meet those little babies who would forever change me. They were in many ways strangers that day ... precious gifts that each day has removed a bit more of the packaging to reveal the amazing individuals inside. Becoming a mother has undoubtedly been the most exhilarating, frustrating, humbling, challenging, and simultaneously fulfilling experience of my life.

Despite my best intentions, there is absolutely no way to do things perfectly. We all just pray and do our best. We take the sloppy kisses, treasured refrigerator art and unsolicited expressions of I love you as payment in full for the sleeplessness nights, worried prayers, vomit stained household items, stretched out skin and all the other sacrifices that have been required along the way.

I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to have this job - even on the hard days. The kids made my day extra special this year by picking out little gifts they knew I'd love. Griffin insisted on chocolates & flowers and SK choose a gift card & candle. Seeing their expressions as they handed me treasures makes all of the long days worth celebrating.

Durham Bulls

A couple of weekends ago we took the kids to their first Durham Bulls baseball game. It was at 5:00 and very hot. The kids made sure to stay cooled off with constant requests for treats from the concession stand. I'm pretty sure we covered every stop: ice cream, funnel cakes, hot dogs, icees and pizza.

Easter Activities

Before Easter we went to an egg hunt, met the bunny, had school parties, dyed eggs and decorated a bunny cake. Then to top it off the Easter bunny came and delivered gifts. The kids get so excited about the holidays.

Easter Sunday

This Easter we went to my parents house. We all went to church Sunday morning and then came home to a good lunch and baskets for all the kids. Griffin and Sarah Kate stayed an extra night since preschool was closed on Monday. They love going to GiGi and Pop's house.

Marbles Museum

Last Sunday morning we decided to take a trip to Marbles Museum in downtown Raleigh. Griffin and Sarah Kate had lots of fun running around and exploring new toys.

Soccer Games

Griffin is still enjoying soccer every Saturday and he is learning a lot. I'm so glad he's enjoying his first team sport. All of the kids swarm around the ball and run in a group, which is cute to watch.

Sarah Kate thinks she should be allowed on the field with her brother and she loves playing soccer with her pink ball.