Camping With the Girls

Well, the weather forecast was calling for torential rain, severe thunderstorms and possible tornados. For most, that would cancel plans for a camping trip; however, not us girls! We'd had this camping trip planned for months and nothing was going to stop us. I'm so glad, too. We had so much fun! We spent the evening with lots of good food, drinks and laughs! The best part was that by dinner time the weather had cleared and we were building a campfire that we spent the evening around. We also pretty much had the ENTIRE park to ourselves because I guess we were about the only ones willing to go against the storms. Thanks for a GREAT night, girls! Tammy getting the fire started

The four of us

Happy Birthday, Kyle (again)

Tammy, Steve and Conner weren't able to come to Kyle's birthday party because they were on a camping trip. They had us over to celebrate Kyle's birthday at their house instead. We had hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixins'. It was all delicious and we had a wonderful time! Kyle posing with his once decorated birthday cake. Advice from Tammy.....don't leave the cake out in the garage even if it is only 64 degrees outside. It will melt!

This picture was sitting on the table...how cute. It was taken when Kyle was 1 year old, I believe.

Thanking Steve for the birthday presents

and Tammy

and Michelle

Tammy's birthday was 4 days after Kyle's, so we brought her a gift, too. Hannah had picked out her card. It said something about Happy Birthday to the Birthday Princess. I believe it had Cinderella on it???? Anyway, Tammy thought it was cute.

Taking Conner for a spin

Kyle's Birthday Party

Kyle had a Hot Wheels themed birthday party complete with a full taco bar. Tacos are his absolute favorite food and that was what he requested. It was an absolute PERFECT day for a party. The weather was beautiful. The kids had so much fun playing outside together.

Uncle Jason gave Kyle his gift right away when he got there. He couldn't wait. Kyle got bases and batting gloves. Perfect for the upcoming ball season.

Kyle with his buddy, Miles

Hannah with her friend, Kayla

Madelyn

Jason relaxing

Hannah and Henry

Singing Happy Birthday

Christian enjoying his cake

a group picture attempt

Kyle and his buddy, Trenton

When everyone was gone, Kyle and Hannah started playing with the new toys. This one was a lot of fun. I even enjoyed playing it with them!

making ice cream sundaes

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, KYLE!!

Easter Party

Kyle's class had an Easter Party on Monday, which also happened to be Kyle's birthday. I joined the party for a little while. The kids had so much fun, especially hunting Easter eggs.

Happy Birthday, Kyle

We were supposed to be off school for Kyle's birthday this year; however, because we had snow days we had to be there. The good thing was our school was having a family night at Walther's on Kyle's birthday. This meant free mini golf for the entire family. Two of Kyle's friends came home with him afterschool. He chose McDonalds for supper and then it was off to Walther's for some golfing. Hazel and her Mommy met us at McDonalds and then joined us for golf. We also ran into other students from school, so Kyle had a great time! opening his birthday presents from us

I had this envision of everyone taking turns and actually playing the game the way it's supposed to be played. It was the fastest 18 holes of miniature golf I have ever seen!!

They were all fascinated with the water, and somehow all the balls kept going in there:)

Kyle and Jackson taking a break to tell a story.

Are you really 6?

Today is Kyle's birthday! I can't believe he's six years old. How fast the time does fly.

Dear Kyle,

Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday that you were my tiny, baby boy. Now look at you. You're almost finished with kindergarten, playing on sports teams, and hanging out with your friends. How fast the years fly by. I've enjoyed spending every second of it with you, too.
Kyle, you were my first-born. When we brought you home, I wasn't even sure what exactly being a mommy was all about. I knew it was something I wanted more than anything in the world, though. You've taught me so much these past six years. Being your Mommy is the most fulfilling experience. My heart is so swelled up with love because of you.
Kyle, at six years old, you still love to dress up in costumes. You have dozens of them. Your sister is is still your very best friend. You watch out for her and you play with her. When the two of you are home together, you play all day long together. I often just sit and listen to the two of you play and talk to one another. You love each other so much, and there's rarely a time when just you and your sister's interactions with one another doesn't bring a tear to my eye. Lately, she's been wanting to sleep with her "bubby" at night. You let her. She enjoys being near you and that's okay with you. You even include her when your friends are around. You still love art. You will color, draw, cut and create for hours. You are totally obsessed with Legos. You love to play on the computer. You played on your first basketball team this year. Daddy was your coach. Now, you're playing baseball for the first time. You are doing so well in kindergarten. You are learning to read and it's often you reading to me at night now, instead of me reading to you. You are a good student, always getting a "smiley - I had a good day face" on your folder. You make me cards all the time. They are filled with hearts, flowers, me, you and I Love You's. They are the sweetest things and always make my day.
You love your friends. You love your family. You love God.

So, my baby boy, we'll start this next year together full of hope of what it holds and looking forward to every single second!

I love you with all my heart,

Mommy

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday began with the kids waking up to see what the Easter bunny left them. (I took pictures. I know I did and I can't find them on my camera!) After that, we went to Mass and then came back home to change clothes. Well, all except for Hannah. She insisted on keeping her Easter dress on all day. We headed back to Ben's parents' house for the day because Adam & Benecia were in town for the day. It was truly another beautiful day!

Had I realized at the time how bad the shadows were from the trees, I would've chosen a different spot for these pictures!

blowing bubbles

Hannah and Aunt Benecia

more sidewalk chalk pictures

The finished Kyle

The finished Hannah

Ben with his brothers

Rich with his four boys

Rich with his five boys

Having fun with Uncle Adam