Friday, May 23, 2014

School's out for summer!

Kindergarten, here we come!








Our final year at Shepherd of the Desert makes this mom a bit sad.  While we've been thrilled with each of Lily's teachers the past three years, Mrs H has a very special place in our hearts.  She totally 'gets' Lily and her personality, and these two seem to have a really neat bond.  So thankful for a successful year in the PreK 4's!
 
Ms S was an awesome class assistant this year too.  An absolutely lovely woman!



Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Mother's Day weekend

This past weekend was a pretty special one.  Mother's Day and my birthday fell within one day, and Ryan pulled off one heck of a surprise!  He flew Grandma to Arizona to spend the weekend with Lily and William…and we were off to Denver for an adult only weekend!

Thank you Grandma!!!
After a late flight Thursday night, Ryan had a work obligation on Friday and headed to Colorado Springs.  I kicked off birthday week with a lazy morning watching the Today Show, a workout, and room service followed by an amazing facial at the hotel spa.  BEST DAY!!

Later that afternoon, I was able to catch up with one of my longest (I almost said oldest, but neither of us want to admit that!) friends, Rachel.  It was such a treat to hear about her life in Denver and all about baby Copeland.  She is truly taken with motherhood, and I felt so encouraged and excited to see my own babies after our time together - I loved comparing stories about the good and hard times with children, marriage, families, etc.  It felt like not a single day had passed since we last chatted.   Thank you Rachel, for taking the time out of your busy day!

Once Ryan was back in town, we joined up with our good friends Walter and Melissa.  The rest of the weekend was spent with lots of laughter, dining out, a brewery tasting followed by a drive up into the foothills, and great conversations.  Thank you for entertaining us and opening up your home!  We had a blast and will be back!!

While our travels the past few months have been amazing, and Ryan and I enjoyed some much needed adult only time, I can honestly say I'm happy to be home.  These crazy kids of mine wear me out and push me to my limits each and every day, but I am so lucky and thankful to be their mom.  Sometimes absence really does make the heart grow fonder!  :)

Lily insisted on "cleaning because mommies can't do anything on Mother's Day!"
two little monkey's jumping on the bed!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Pool time

The first 100 degree weekend called for an afternoon at the pool.

Lily is done with swimming lessons for the year, and is becoming an awesome swimmer!  She can swim the length of the pool unassisted, is starting to learn strokes, and just recently learned how to get herself to the very bottom of the pool to retrieve toys.    It's a huge parenting relief to not worry about her being water safe, and to watch the pure joy that comes from swimming on her own.  We are all so proud of her!



William Tommy prefers to sit on the edge filling cups of water and giggling at Lily's shenanigans.  However, he did finally get in with Ryan then proceeded to get mad at Lily for stealing away Daddy's attention.  Oh, the life of a second child.  :)

 

It's going to be a fun summer with these two!



Monday, April 21, 2014

Happy Easter

The Easter bunny came, bringing a few gifts and lots of jelly bean filled eggs



Post church pics...



Once I finally put the camera away, Lily whipped out a few Easter presents…swimsuit, goggles, and a water gun…and started a water fight with the whole family.  Lots of giggles and fun memories on our Easter morning!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Easter Egg Hunt

Our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt!


A surprise appearance by the Easter bunny as well as baby chicks and bunnies made for a very special afternoon with our neighborhood friends!  William was beyond thrilled with the animals but was absolutely terrified of the Easter bunny…he would start screaming and running away each time he noticed the bunny was anywhere near him.  





Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A week with Nanny

Nanny had Lily and William all by herself for EIGHT DAYS!
Luckily, she seems to still be talking to me and loving her grand babies. :)

We received numerous photos of their activities while she was in charge.

lots of tea parties, inside and out




a visit to the Simple Farm, one of our favorite places

hours and hours of dress up
(Lily is a bride getting married to her prince)

and of course a visit to Scottsdale Gymnastics!


Where were Ryan and I? Key West!
Thank you to Ryan for his hard work last year, and his company for inviting us on this amazing trip! 

And thank you to Nanny for giving up a week, loving on our kiddos, and allowing us to go on a MUCH needed vacation.
We appreciate and love her more than words can express!