Spring is here!

This is my most favorite season! The blooming trees and flowers make me giddy. Dorothy also enjoys all the flowers: she must have picked ten before I saw her doing it.

All the kids jump at the chance to help water.

We had a terrible storm one night, so we lost power. It was more light outside than inside, so we had breakfast on the back porch. 

It's amazing that the kids tend to remember and talk about small things like that.

Besides the flowers blooming, I also love being able to spend tons of time outside. The kids enjoyed watermelon and water balloons one afternoon.

Another afternoon, we played with cousins and had icees. This pictures just screams "childhood" to me.

The trampoline has already got lots of use. We even got BB on there!!

Drake's good friend Abby came over for an afternoon.

After playing outside, Dorothy was glad to have someone to play dress up with her.

Update on the kiddos:

I haven't seen Lincoln dress up in costumes much anymore, so it made me smile to see this.

He is growing up so fast! His feet are like man feet and he is already up to my shoulder. He and Dave have been going to Brazilian Jujitsu at least once a week. Lincoln earned his first stripe earlier this month, which means he has shown progress. Dave earned a stripe this weekend. 

He has been reading Harry Potter, loves to draw and is such a creative dude.

Drake has really enjoyed preschool and has earned the name "hot shot." He loves animals and jumping around the house. I have to brace myself when I hear him say, "Oh, come here you." It means he is running to me, getting ready to hug me. I'm pretty sure he has been teaching Bear Bear how to take selfies!

Dorothy is saying more. She says the boys' names, night-night, there it is, poo poo, potty, and mine. Whenever Dave or I get our shoes on or get our keys, she starts shouting, "Me, Me, Me," so she won't get left behind. Even thought she wakes up before 7am, she isn't a morning person. It takes her a little while to not be grumpy! She gets very upset if we give her a drink in a sippy cup. She wants to be just like her brothers and use a regular cup.

She had a fever one morning, which is the only reason she wanted to slept in my arms. 

The days are getting busier with school winding down and end of year activities. As much as I enjoy Spring, I am looking forward to the summer, when our schedules are lighter. 

March Madness Part 2

On Easter Sunday, there were over 20 friends and family at our house. My Uncle and his family, my parents, and Cleve's family all came down from Hickory. We went very non-traditional for dinner and had a BBQ! 

Sunday morning was the day we were all healthy minus baby Sam, so the 5 of us made it to church. 

I wish I had taken more pictures, but I guess I'll always feel that way! 

Hunting for eggs and baskets in the house, since it was raining

Checking out the Candy

Pretty ladies

Boy bonding time over Minecraft

Showing off the goods

When our guests from Hickory left, the kids enjoyed leftovers on the back porch. They are so silly!

The Young boys ended the day with a big ol' bubble bath.

We were all sad when the Youngs had to go back home! Every time Dave goes out of town for work, Lincoln asks me if he is going to Denver. 

I promised Penny a slumber party at my house if she would be better about her potty talk. She worked very hard and earned a night with us, so we figured Spring break would be a great time for it.

We painted nails (she and Drake had to have the same colors and patterns).

We painted with water colors.

We also got messy with Play dough. Penny made a pretend Popsicle for her and Dorothy.

Our Sprinng break has made me really look forward to this summer. It was lovely not being on a schedule and being able to spend time with good friends a family!

March Madness

What a fun but germy month this has been!

Drake's buddy Abby from church has spent some time with us, since her mom is very pregnant. She is a joy to have around the house, and I love to hear her and Drake play together.

Lincoln had a field trip to the science center in downtown Charlotte. The boys were so wide-eyed walking down the street, looking at all the tall buildings. The museum had tons of cool exhibits like lying on a bed of nails, tug of war,air lift chair, water tables, and even reptiles. The boys really wanted me to pet the python Sydney, so I was brave and did it for them!

Dave left for the airport and 5 minutes later, Dorothy puked everywhere. About an hour later, Lincoln lost it. By that time, I was feeling nauseous. Thank goodness, mom swooped in after work to help out. Drake was so excited he was the only one healthy! 

The next morning, Dave called to get a prescription for strep throat. Everyone else was recovering well, so we went to Walmart for a few things. On the way home, Drake exploded in the car. I had to coop puke from the seat belt holes. Ugh, it makes me want to puke thinking about it! After about 20 minutes of scrubbing and cleaning, Lincoln comes outside and asks, "are you not done yet?" Wrong question!!

The next week, we visited the gardens for a visit to see Peter Rabbit. Turns out Drake and Dorothy aren't fans of Peter Rabbit, but we did enjoy playing some lawn games and the cute crafts.

Later that week, the Young family came for a week-long visit! Unfortunately, I had the flu, so I spent one day up in Hickory in order for the medicine to kick in and for me to not be contagious. A few of the Youngs came with some stomach issues. Between the flu and the stomach virus, we didn't venture far from the house. The kids totally didn't mind: they were busy playing outside (so thankful for beautiful weather) and catching up on video games. It's so great that when they come, everyone has a good buddy to play with.

Eating outside together-

Water balloon fighting-

Jumping on the trampoline-

Collecting inch worms (hehe)-

Dying Easter eggs-

Playing at the park-

Picnicking outside-

Water slide and sprinkler fun-