May 2018

May is always a busy month, but filled with so many fun days!

One of the highlights is always Mother's Day Tea at the kid's school.  This year was Anniston's last Mother's Day Tea at Gingerbread.  It was so much fun watching her perform.  She knew every word and every motion.  She was so excited to celebrate me- she talked about it for weeks leading up to the big day.  When I got there, she couldn't wait to greet me at the door and walk me to my seat.

Performing her songs.

Caris is such a special friend.  We took a picture of the girls every year at Mother's Day Tea.  I'm so grateful for the time they got to go to school together.

After Mother's Day Tea was over, we went for a date to McAlister's, her favorite.  She ordered double mac and cheese like always and I loved getting time with my girl. 

When she got home she loves having snuggles with Livi in the swing...until the others joined in.

Benton was also so excited for his Mother's Day Tea.  He asked me to buy him a bow tie and he wanted to make sure he was dressed extra handsome that day.  He picked out his outfit and I must say, he was definitely handsome.  I was so proud to be his date!  

He was not as excited as Anniston to perform.  He, for the most part, stood completely still and didn't move or sing or do any motions...but he sure looked cute up there.

 We love Teacher Skye.  I'm so grateful for her and the investment she has made in my kids and will continue to make over the years.

We finally hooked up our swing in the front yard!  It has been so fun and has become a gathering place for the neighborhood kids.  Love that!

Papa made flower boxes for each of the kids because they have been wanting to garden.  The kids got to paint their boxes and pick out their flowers.  It has been fun to see them love their little gardens!

I have to admit that starting solids is one of my least favorite milestones.

Anniston picked her own outfit for Pirate Day at school and asked me to paint on a spotted beard.  She looked awesome.

Cuddling in bed together.

Family walk

Trying out the swings at the "blue slide park"

                                                

                                                

On Mother's Day, we got up and got ready and went to church.  Gigi was in town and went with us.  The kids picked out flowers for me and were so excited to give them to me.  At church they had treats set up "for mom's only"...that didn't go over so well with the kids and after church we were dragging our fit throwing kids out of there...but you know what?  I love Mother's Day.  I'm always so grateful for my kids but on this day, it's like an extra shot in the arm of gratitude.  I love reflecting on my kids and how thankful I am that the Lord gave them to me.  They are truly the best gift.

Made at church by Anniston:

Made at church by Benny:

Cuddles with my boy.

Benny's first Gingerbread fishing trip with Dad.

Anniston's last Gingerbread fishing trip with Dad.

Livi's first play date.

 Loves to draw.

Anniston had so much fun at her Beach Party at school.  I was so sad driving to her school to celebrate with her because it was starting to sink in that her time at Gingerbread was truly coming to a close.  But the Beach Party day was so much fun and the weather was perfect!

Ben had so much fun at his Beach Party too.  Eiley loved joining in as well.

The awesome stage where chores are still kind of fun.

Getting mobile.

Ben decided to try t-ball this Spring.  This is his first game.  He did awesome and hit the ball great!  However, when they first start t-ball they really have no idea what is going on and playing in the field is not so interesting.  When the players took the field, he stayed in the dugout.  I went over and asked what he was doing and he explained "I've already done my job".  When he finally made it out there, there was lots of putting his glove on his head and sitting down.  Oh well, we'll get there.

Dancing together.

They love the water and mud.  I am constantly debating if I try to shut this down or just let it happen.

Hanging out outside together.

 This is what our house looks like most of the time.  I wonder if I'll miss this. 

Anniston practicing her photography skills.

 Outdoor snack with my buddy.

I don't always love pictures of me...but I want my kids to know I was around when they were little.

Watching the cookies bake.

Anniston's last day of kindergarten.  I can't believe it.  This year has been so amazing and I can't say enough how grateful I am for Gingerbread and the way they foster confidence in kids.  Gingerbread is such a gift to our family.  

                                               

First and last day of Kindies.

First and last day of Gingerbread.

Teacher Nancy.  Can't say enough about this woman.  I love her so much.  She's so warm and kind and calls out the gold in my girl.  So grateful for her.  

                                                

We love Teacher Katy and Teacher Alicia and Teacher Jessica and the investment they made in Anniston this year.  They are so kind and cheerful and I just love them!

                                                

                                                

                                                

Sing-a-long at the end of school.

                                                

                                                

                                                

                                                

Saying goodbye.

                                                

Me and the little playing at the park, waiting anxiously to pick up the kids to celebrate the beginning of summer.

                                                 

The start of summer always begins with a trip to the gas station to pick out treats.  Then on to the house...I set up balloons and water guns and we went crazy.  Mom got soaked.

                                               

                                               

                                               

Trip to the store with all four.

This girl loves to put sunscreen on her lips.

Tubing with cousins.

Me and my girl.

Eiley's first boat ride of the season.

Benton and Sheila.  I always loves hearing what he names his stuffed animals.

Came into Livi's room to find this.

The sick bed.  The kids love the sick bed- getting peace and quiet and access to the iPad without having to share.

Pops birthday- we made him the lake...pudding and golden oreos and swedish fish.  Yum yum.  Didn't quite turn out as blue as we were hoping.

The kids set out their ingredients for a breakfast they wanted to make.

Their summer baskets.  I got them colored pencils and journals for spending time with Jesus...but they didn't want to use them only for that so quickly they were repurposed.  Oh well, we can try again next year.