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!

Birthday Week

Yangcai left right before our birthday marathon. Our busy birthday month, did cross my mind when we said "yes" to hosting. I knew it would mean less thought and planning put into some birthdays. Really, is it every convenient to invite a perfect stranger into your home for a month? I am finding that for me being busier with a full house helps keep my priorities straight. Not having time to overthink and over plan can be a blessing :) The days of my fancy party throwing are limited and that's okay.

Owen's birthday was the same day as the Run 4 the Fund, so his birthday breakfast did not include EJ and was pretty basic.

You know you are getting old, when you have only item on your birthday wish list and it is expensive enough to be split by your parents and grandparents. Ha! He has wanted a go-pro for a long time. His hobby right now is "mini hoop" trick shot videos with friends. The first time he wore his chest strap gear a little kid asked him if he was a "you-tuber." We have been laughing about it ever since.

He celebrated with his two (local) best friends with trampoline arena and wings and basketball game watching at a sports bar, with EJ.

We had a mini celebration for Aunt Lissa's birthday which included Owen's name in the candle blowing.

A dear friend brought me flowers a few days after Yangcai left. She is a faithfully praying friend who knows first hand the pains of saying goodbye to a host child. Grateful to be known and loved and prayed for!

 

EJ surprised me with tickets to see Third Day in concert. He knows me SO well :)

When my day came and I was celebrated with a thoughtfully planned meal cooked/grilled by EJ with cheesecake (my favorite) for dessert. Each of my kids celebrate me in subtle ways each a perfect reflection of who they are. Being a mom for 12 years has lowered my bar for my own birthday and I am genuinely ok with that. That hasn't always been the case, I am glad God continues to work on me. Choosing to be thankful in the little things really does make a difference in my heart.

Soggy Christmas Town

I don't recommend amusement parks on a rainy day. The kids received Busch Garden's Christmas Town tickets for Christmas. We were limited to specific days because of a promotion. The day we could make work ended up being a dreary, wet, wet day. These photos are quite comical now that our clothes have dried ;)

  They were the only ones on the rides. That was the only advantage. 

 My parents and sister's family came along. EJ didn't take the day off, but he didn't miss much.

The lights were beautiful and we had a fun dinner on the road trip home bc we couldn't stand being in the rain past 5:30. Now we can say we've been there, done that, not sure we will go back anytime soon. Summer time is way better :)

Thanksgiving Part 2

After staying with Mim 3 days we headed to the beach to be with EJ's dad and grandma.
Stopping for soft pretzels has become a yummy tradition.

Since we don't get to celebrate Christmas together, Pop Pop and Nana give the kids their presents early so they can enjoy watching the kid's reactions. And there was certainly a lot of excitement.

An early morning game with Pop Pop.

 The day after Thanksgiving is the town's Christmas festival and tree lighting. 

We found a few friends.

 We couldn't believe our eyes when she willingly approached Minnie Mouse. 

She later announced "I was so brave" which she quotes daily. 

We had a delicious dinner prepared completely by EJ's dad. I feel guilty every year but arriving on Thanksgiving doesn't allow me to help much. He is a pro. Nana joined us at the table which is a gift. Last year she was not feeling up to it.

 EJ and Nana spent time looking through boxes of old photos.

 The weather was the warmest it's been in all my 15 Thanksgivings at the shore. 61 degrees!!

 I didn't really plan for so much beach time but we scrounged around in the garage.

Talking on his shell phone :)

 "I love the beach, you know" said Avery

What a treat!

I really truly would be okay if it never got cold :)

Thanksgiving Part 1

We spent the first part of Thanksgiving week with EJ's mom. She is doing SO well after having knee replacement surgery only 4 weeks ago. We are so thankful she is on the road to recovery and will be able to come visit us for Christmas.

She treated the middle two for painting pottery. They had a blast and can't wait to see the final product when she comes for Christmas.

 EJ's old toys are still a hit.

 The older two had fun playing football the day before Thanksgiving.

Looking at toy catalogs for Christmas gift ideas.

Our visit was short but sweet and the kid's loved spending time with Mim.

Halloween 2015

The Kindergarten Parade - his shark costume from last year made another appearance :)

 This picture shows just how small our Ry Guy is compared to his classmates

 We carved pumpkins at a neighbor's annual pumpkin carving party

EJ was gone last week for FIVE days to be with his mom after her knee replacement surgery. We MISSED him something fierce! Mom was around A LOT to help. Phew, it's a lot juggling 5 schedules by myself, I am so glad I don't have to do it more often. EJ's mom is doing well but recovery is slow and painful.

Ryan had to save his pumpkin seeds for roasting or planting, he didn't care which.

No theme to our costumes this year other than RANDOM. Only for a picture and "happy birthday" video to Mim, did I wear this muscle shirt ;) Mason did not wear the wig with his ninja suit all night. And yes, Owen went around the neighborhood as a mullet wearing tie-dyed penguin (who scared cousin Tripp all night).

These two... a match made in heaven.

Everyone had a fun night. My parents and sister's family were here for dinner and trick-or treating. Thankful to have family nearby.