Memorial Day

On Monday, Memorial Day, Lincoln said,"I love Memorial Day, it makes me happy." I feel very blessed this can be a happy/ thankful holiday; I know for many it is painful. I'm thankful for the men and women who have died for my freedoms.

The Friday before Memorial Day, dad and I surprised the kids with a trip to Tweetsie. I got the kids in the car like we were going to school, and then passed the school. Lincoln said," mom, I need to go to school, Piedmont community charter." I told him I was tricking him and we were going to Tweetsie instead. Drake immediately was excited. Lincoln looked so worried. He told me he wanted to go to school first. I let him know I had already emailed his teacher, so she knew he wasn't going to be there. After I told him that, he got excited.

The weather was perfect, the crowds were perfect, so we ended up staying at there for over 6 hours! Dorothy really enjoyed her first trip. Lincoln thought it was pretty cool to ride all of the rides and even ride some by himself.

The pool opened up this weekend, but it was so cold in the morning, when we had time to go. The boys were shivering, but still wanted to stay in. Dorothy stayed home with Dave.

When it warmed up later in the afternoon, we set up our water slide. 

7 more days of school left!

Is it Summer Yet?

Geeze, May has been so busy already, I'm ready for summer break!

I had a babysitter watch the little ones, so that I could attend Lincoln's field day. I didn't want to spend my time chasing them off the field, and I really enjoyed watching Lincoln and his classmates. We had prepped Lincoln for a few weeks about field day: he is naturally competitive and would always like to win. I was so proud of his good sportsmanlike performance! He cheered on his classmates, didn't freak out when his team lost, and was fine to not be chosen for every event. It was a great day!

Later that week, I braved a field trip with all the kids. Bad decision! Drake was thrilled to be part of the big kids and did great for the most part. He was even chosen to demonstrate "measuring." 

The kids were gathering for lunch, and Drake got ahead of me. I couldn't get around all the kids, because I had Dorothy in the stroller. Long story short, I lost Drake for 3 minutes. He is never allowed on a field trip again!!

It was perfect weather to go strawberry picking last week. Jack and Drake were fantastic pickers!

So, they were rewarded with play time on the equipment.

Dorothy and her friend Kennedy waited patiently.

We have spent tons of time outside. Dorothy loves playing with the hose.

I love to see these two on the swing together.

And, what kid doesn't love playing in a car? Watch out, Dorothy at the wheel!!

Dorothy is walking a lot more now, and her little personality is coming through. She was making a grumpy face, because she was stuck on the drawer.

Dave made chocolate milk shakes, and gave some to our very own Dairy Queen. She would not let go of the cup, even when it was empty. Dave tried to take it away, but she got so angry. He gave it back to her and she ended up keeping it in the tub with her.

I am so Spoiled

I felt like a queen on Sunday. The kids and Dave made Mother's Day fantastic! It started when I was getting ready for church: Dave asked me to come out for a second. When I opened the door, the boys jumped out from under the covers, yelling, "surprise, happy Mother's Day!" 

I had so many wonderful cards and cute gifts from them. I am posting them, so I have a digital form for the future.

Lincoln's card from church:

Drake's card from church:

Lincoln's book from school:

I've always wondered what I would look like as a blonde! He also made a sweet handprint tile at school.

My mom and dad came down, and Dave made a delicious brunch for after church. We feasted on eggs Benedict, grits casserole (dad made that), fruit salsa, and homemade beignets with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. 

I love this holiday to be able to praise the mothers in my life, but my heart goes out to the women whose mothers have past away too young, to the women struggling with infertility, and the children whose mothers are not the greatest. I found myself praying for all of the above, sending thankful praises for my mother and gratefulness for my precious gems.