Hakuna Matata!

They LOVED their first off-broadway show. What a huge treat and great bday gift for them. I have wanted to see The Lion King for a long time and it did not disappoint!

Cousin Love

I have been watching my nephew a couple of times a month, since the beginning of the year. He adores my kids which makes it really fun. He loves time with Avery in the mornings, takes a nap and then has more cousins to play with in the afternoon!

 Ryan is amazing with him. He kind of takes over when he gets home from school ;)

I almost lost my job after his momma saw these stunt pics ;) 

 Fortunately, he moved super slow over the ramps. Promise!!

We go to story time most weeks, which is great for both of them and something I am less tempted to do with just Avery. She is really benefiting too!

2 years apart in age, but you'd never know it by their size. They have very different personalities and do tend to act more like siblings than friends, meaning they argue and fight over toys, etc. Plenty of good lessons to be learned for all of us.

I feel very blessed to be so involved in this little one's life. He had my heart from day 1 and I am so fortunate to be with him so much. I love that his cousins are some of his best friends, and vice versa.

We love being around to watch you grow, Tripp! Happy 3rd Birthday!

Spring Clean

It's been a looooong time since I've done consistent yard work. This spring I worked really hard for more than a week. It was awesome and I loved it. My kids are finally at an age where they can be trusted to play both indoors and outdoors, while I work. Plus my body is stronger and was able to endure days of work in a row without too much soreness!

Avery really enjoyed working too.

A whole new flower bed by the mailbox was a lot more work than I anticipated. Digging out grass and then making holes by a huge tree, is not easy or quick. But we love the results.

 Our garden was tended too. I am afraid not all the transplants were successful :( Time will tell.

We had several trees removed which mostly opened a huge can of worms as the underbrush is more visible now and needs some major attention. Good thing we are done inside the house (at least for awhile)!!

One important lesson learned, it require much less effort and time to trim and destroy, than to load and discard at the dump (with a loaner truck). At one point EJ might have joked I was the Tasmanian devil. 

The exterior of the house got power washed and it motivated me to clean windows. 

This girl, I love her, she helped with such joy.

My view from the kitchen, with dwindling mulch pile in background. 

Ryan loves bugs. Avery loves him. And I love spring (at least before the 2 weeks of rain).

Ryan turns SIX

This guy is SO FUN to celebrate and SO EASY.

 His first "friends" party, ever. And 3 weeks after his bday. Oh, the third child ;)

 We weren't the slightest bit surprised that he wanted a pottery party. 

Almost more girls than boys ;) This has never happened with his big brothers!

 The dessert isn't the highlight for him, so I kept it simple and easy! Blue is his favorite color.

 The guests were almost more excited than he was for him to open their gifts. Super cute. 

All are classmates from school.

 Girls make way better cards. Not that I didn't already know this ;)

He painted the puppy. The finger-painted plate was a gift from the store. 

Love these special memories.

I am certain he will always be small in my eyes. I suppose that's how you get stuck being the "baby" forever. I know technically he isn't anymore, but somethings just don't change in a momma's heart. I am ok with that and I am pretty sure he is too. He is my cuddling one, my creative one and MY biggest fan. My introverted/shy-self, learns so much from the way he loves and interacts with people, those he knows and makes known to him. His love of God is endearing and I look forward to all that God has in-store for him. Happy 6th Birthday, Ryan! We love you to the moon and back.