Spring Break Fun

Right before the children were out for Spring Break they celebrate READ across America and Dr. Suess's birthday. Below you can see my Cat in the Hat.

Then we headed out the next day for Jacksonville, FL to visit S2J2 with a quick stop in Madison to pick up Taylor and Coco! We arrived late Friday night and then go up early to head to the city to see Sarah finish her 15K run. The race audience was exciting!

Joshephine and Langley even participated in the Diaper Dash and received their own medals!

And of course what good even doesn't have blow up fun!

There were numerous outdoor picnics



one swim day....that was really windy and cold!

I didn't get in this water but it was not heated and the wind was blowing so I can't even imagine how cold it was!

Then we headed off to the beach. The waves were great and even drew some surfers but once again it was cold but that didn't stop these children.

My little diva saying something very important I'm sure while Josephine was running circles around her. I believe that I have this on video.....to come later!

These two went straight to digging when they arrived on the beach.

There were some fantastic parks near Fleming Island and the children can't wait to go back! These little girls were quite the climbers!

Just a cute little pose to say "hi" to daddy!

One afternoon Uncle Shannon even gave everyone kayak rides....he was very popular!

The great climbing wall at one of the great parks we visited. 

Taylor and sweet Jackie! You can see Taylor in the backgroud. I was so glad that Taylor could join us on the trip. He wrote me a sweet thank you letter with a drawing of my truck on it....I'm afraid he only remembers the very long drive!

I know that Parker remembers the black snake that popped out of the bushes while she was hunting lizards!!!!

Uncle Shannon decided it was best to chop off its head with hedge clippers and later debated with himself whether or not it was a "helpful" snake or not.....what???? Sorry for the inner turmoil but I think you made a smart decision.  Just saying :)

Just a couple of beach babes



We had a wonderful road trip and trip in Big Blue (that's the name for my new truck) and look forward to heading back out to FL in June for Jackie's Baptism and Josephine's 3rd birthday! I hope everyone else has as much fun!

Bennett sings a solo at his 4K Easter Parade program. We are so proud of our Easter Bunny!

Bennett and his buddy Luke. They are so handsome!

 

Hoping everyone has a blessed Easter

Fat Lips & Fancy Dresses

February started with a BANG literally! Bennett was playing across the street like he does everyday and trip on the trampoline and busted his lip. It was swollen for a couple of day, then went down for a day and then it looked like this! And the next day it was all better! Craziness!

Langley had her first dentist appointment

and it went great!

Parker was asked to be in the Children's Court for the Junior Auxiliary's Annual Cotton Ball. So the day before we went to the salon for manicures. Of course whe picked off all the pretty polish before the big night but it was fun. 

Mom and dad all dressed up and headed off to the Cotton Ball.



We look good if I do say so myself :o)

Parker and her classmate and friend Campbell.

The Royal Court dance.

Parker and her beautiful hand made lace dress. I hope that she/Langley will choose to wear it again.

The next day was a beautiful day and the girls took advantage of it and got some vitamin D.

and so did their dog purses....

Parker's creations

 Most children bring party favors home from birthday parties...but not Parker. She gathers up all the ribbons and tissue paper

and makes beautiful flowers!

Langley sings

As promised.....Langley's singing debut!

January randomness

Girls Night In -- while Clif and Bennett were off at the hunting camp we girls did our hair and nails 

 Bennett and Langley are very proud of their tower

 Many cold days have kept us inside this winter so the art room (aka the dining room) has been put to good use by all the children. Let us know if you have any requests!

 Parker has once again added another career choice to her growing list. She attended a pizza cooking party at the Viking Cooking School and had a wonderful time and has decided that she would like to be a chef as well. Below she is making cream cheese icing for the cookie pizza.

Merry Christmas

I know that this is posted very late but I just wanted to make sure that we had a record of Jesus' Birthday Cake. We hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and was able to celebrate with family and friends. 

 

New Year's Eve

We had so much fun traveling to see family before Christmas we thought we would just continue on down to the Gulf Coast. Just so we wouldn't show up during nap time we took a side trip to the Bass Pro Shop in Pearl. the kids loved it and we killed a little bit of time while breaking the trip up.

Langley really took to a guitar that connected to a microphone while in Gulfport. She kept singing on it (video to follow) and this picture is the best because she is on a dinosaur in the garage/play room without a shirt!?

Penny made herself right at home on Lauren's expensive drapes :)

The weather was a bit chilly but we were able to head over to base and play at the fantastic playground.

Then on to planning the new year's eve celebration with the purchase of fireworks. I have no idea why Bennett didn't want me to take his picture but you can tell from this photo.

Then we were on to mussel fishing with a stick and guess who led the pack....can't see her can you?

Anxiously awaiting the fireworks

There is the fisherwoman!

KABOOM! and these were bought in a tent off the highway! Way to go Clif & Crosby!

And no New Year's Eve is complete without some sparklers! 

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration in Gulfport and look forward to many more if they will have us back!