Family Fun Day

Monday was a great day for us. Craig had a slightly off schedule last week with all of his work at the end of the week (vacation on Monday, sick and in bed Tuesday and Wednesday, worked like a dog Thursday and Friday). Therefore, he reasoned that he really couldn't cut someone's grass on Monday after doing the same thing on Thursday, especially since he'll be doing everyone's yard later in the week so yards won't be too overgrown while he's on mission trip next week. All that to say, he took Monday off and we decided that we wanted to fill the day with family stuff.

We starting with a trip to the Kidstock park. We love this park except for the fact that there is very little shade. However, it does have tons of swings, climbing stuff, slides, two misters and only one entrance/exit spot. We also found two of our family friends up there, so we had a blast.

swings all around

Trinity and Xander (and a few other kids) cool off with the fish mister

Kalyn was quite upset that she didn't make it too the top - too many other kids bouncing the ropes around

Kalyn and Xander peer out of the pirate ship

Then it was off to do a little shopping (I know this wasn't fun for the kids, but it was a small trip out of the way). Craig and I decided last month that this month we'd set aside some money for some new running shoes for us. Craig got a steal of a deal (they were originally $24, marked down to $17 and then rang up $9), while mine were only a small deal (originally $50, but on sale for $30). I love mine and can't wait to try them out. They are so light, yet so comfortable - well they were when I was trying them on.

We took a break to enjoy lunch at CiCi's pizza. We love it! All you can eat pizza, salad, dessert goodies and free mini ice cream sandwiches for the kids. Yum!!!

After nap time and dinner, we headed out to Lifetime for a jump in the pool. Unfortunately, we discovered that the outdoor pool was closed for the day and quickly realized how spoiled we have become with the larger outdoor pool. Trinity really wanted to practice her glides, floats and "ice cream scoops" (swimming stroke). And here's what we saw:

Trinity's "flip float"

Trinity's glide

Trinity's "ice cream scoops" swimming

We couldn't believe what progress she had seemed to make overnight. She wasn't doing any of that just two days before that. We were so excited to see her doing so well!!! I was so glad to be able to capture it on film - or on SDcard, I guess the new phrase is. Way to go Trinity!!!

A Day of Celebrations

Saturday was a wonderful day for me. It was a busy day - actually only a busy 4 hours, but it was a great 4 hours. It began with a baby shower in the morning for our dear friend Lisa. Little Geof is growing, but still oh-so tiny. He is just adorable, though. We had a blessed time of fellowship and celebrating Geof's arrival.

Lisa, Geof and me

From there, I headed back home to pick up Craig and the kids and head over to our second graduation party. We were so excited for Luke as he walked across and got his diploma. He's been such an active member of our youth ministry for a long time and it has been a true joy to watch him grow in so many ways. Congrats Luke!!

the family with Luke

Unfortunately, we could only stay for about 15 minutes at his party as we had to head back home, unload Craig and the kids so I could head to my second baby shower of the day for Emily. Emily is the daughter of our music minister and financial secretary at church. I am great friends with her parents and was so excited to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her first child, a son - due on July 11 (one day after my birthday). It was another great time with friends. I love these days!!

Emily and her mom, Lynne

Swim Lessons

Another summer, another round of swimming lessons. I am a huge believer that my kids will learn to swim. Growing up in Orlando, everyone had a pool. I had a blast swimming. I don't want my kids to miss out on that fun. Kalyn is a lover of the water. She's jump off the side, attempt to swim underwater and loves splashing around. Trinity is slightly more . . . umm, how should I put this . . . timid about water. She is not a fan (AT ALL) of putting her face underwater or having water even poured over her head. She's in her third year of swim lessons, usually having to take a class at least twice to pass their little exam at the end. We are greatly, greatly appreciative to my parents who have volunteered to cover the costs of all swimming lessons. We've been very pleased with our Roswell Recreation Department and their swim lessons. Their costs are very affordable (around $45 for 8 classes - 4 days a week for 2 straight weeks) and they have great teachers.

This year, we were looking forward to having everyone in a swim class at the same time - Trinity in Level 2, Kalyn in Level 1 and Xander and me in the Mommy & Me class. I must admit that I was not too excited to be jumping in the cool water, but nevertheless, I was willing. Unfortunately, we arrived the first day to find out that Xander's class was cancelled due to not having enough students sign up. He was a bit more upset than I was. He kept asking to go to his class. However, if any class had to be cancelled, I was glad it was his. It meant I didn't have to get in the cold water and I could watch the other two in their classes.

We were so excited to discover that Trinity's class was being taught by Miss Grace. Grace was Trinity's teacher in her first class two summers ago and was excellent. She had such patience and encouragement for Trinity. When we walked up to class the first day, she told us that as soon as she saw Trinity's name on the roster, she offered to teach that class. That's saying A LOT because Trinity was not what you would call a smooth student in her first class. She was more like that child that you see out and say, "I am so glad that's not my child." Yep, that was her. Screaming, crying, pulling away from the water. But she made progress from that first couple of days. And here we are today. Another bonus was that two of Trinity's friends from school were in the class with her. It was looking to be good.

Last week's lessons went well. We also had a number of opportunities to head over to the Lifetime pool for out-of-class practice for Trinity. I'm thinking that has made a difference. Here are some pictures of our girls in their lessons.

the girls were not too excited about even getting in the baby pool the first day

a big splash for Miss Grace

Trinity's swimming with putting her face underwater

Xander climbs up to get a better view of Trinity's class

Kalyn and her teacher, Miss Casey

Kalyn's out in the water

Trinity working on her strokes

While I enjoy watching the girls, I do give Xander a break some days as we head down to the playground. He has fun with the slides, ladders, swings and simply running around.

Memorial Day Camping

Last weekend brought about Memorial Day and our annual camping trip. It was a great opportunity to see friends we don't see too often and simply relax for a bit. This year, we had five families going camping together. Usually it's not a problem to find sites together, especially if someone goes up earlier on Friday. However, this year was different. There were no five spots close together. We were all within walking distance of each other, but meals were a fun rotation to whichever site was cooking and hanging out at night was a bit more difficult. We expected rain, but were hit with only a couple of showers. Not too bad. Since there were a ton of pictures taken, I'll give you preview of what you'll be seeing in the slideshow:

• playground time - with Xander climbing under the motto of "I do it myself" (and he did)
• fun at the campsite
• marshmallow time
• Erica cooking - and not burning the pancakes
• blowing bubbles
• lunchtime
• we've got tons of toys and all he needs are rocks and a stick
• all the kids checking out a butterfly on the ground
• fun at the nature hut - the craft was called "fish weaving"
• a game of Monopoly Jr during one rain shower
• all the kids hiding from the rain during dinner
• movie time (during the rain)
• the girls playing Yahtzee
• the first scavenger hunt
• cute hair curies in Kalyn's hair
• all the kids (that would be all 13 of them)
• pull-ups with and extra umph
• putt-putt for the older kids
• more relaxing around the campsite with yummy smores
• bike riding
• one last round on the playground

Enjoy!!!

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Happy Anniversary

Today is my parent's 41st anniversary. I would like to wish them the greatest of congratulations. Craig and I are both very blessed to have parents who have given us the examples of staying together through all kinds of life experiences. Thank you for living such a meaningful example.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

We love you!!

End of First Grade

Last Thursday was Trinity's end of the year party. I was able to find a sitter for the younger two and go enjoy this day of celebration for her. I was so glad that I did. She has had an amazingly wonderful teacher this year who had been a great help throughout the year with all kinds of stuff. We have loved her.

Trinity's grade is pretty big - 9 classes of 18 students. That makes all grade events pretty crowded. Their party was a big event too. All the classes went outside and got to enjoy a picnic lunch, games, bubbles, make-your-own-trail-mix and general slightly organized chaos. Here are some pictures from the festivities. You'll also notice her new haircut. It's a great summer cut - it wasn't supposed to be that short, but that's where it ended up.

face painting (I think that's supposed to be a butterfly)

fun with bubbles

hand tattoos - a see a butterfly theme

playing a bean-bag toss game with her class

picnic lunch with Trinity's friends Alyssa (in the purple), Ms. Castleberry, Addison and Jordyn
lunch time

Trinity and Michael (they are in church together, TAG together and were in the same kindergarten class last year) - they are great buds

A Day Without Kids

Last Saturday was my second 5K run and a first for Craig and I to run together. I was looking forward to it, but about two weeks prior to the run, I could tell that I hadn't been training appropriately. I was excited about running for little Grant and seeing my friends Brooke, Amy and Brad. Saturday morning, we got up early, had a good breakfast and headed out to Marietta for the run.

the reason we ran - little Grant

Craig and I with Brooke and Joey

team run for Grant

We were pleasantly pleased to also see Brooke's husband, Joey, at the run. We checked in and a bit later began our run. It was a little harder run than my first one. I attribute that to a late night the night before and not training as much as I should have. However, it was a great time with friends and Craig. Craig was wonderful enough to even walk with me during some of the event. We finished together, hand in hand. Our time was 32:49, just under a minute less than my last run. In the end, I was actually more energized in finding our next 5K and training more for it.

hanging out before the run

ready to run

the run in progress

coming in to the finish line

all done

Following the run, there was a great little festival with food, drinks, Icees and giveaways. We were able to stay around for the awards ceremony and the raffles. We-okay, really Craig-won a brunch for four people at a great restaurant. We can't wait to enjoy it one day. It was a great time for Craig and I to simply enjoy the festivities.

Craig and his winning brunch certificate

Afterwards, we headed home and debated what to do with our free day. A whole day - no kids. The options are endless. We checked what movies were playing, but nothing really sparked our "have-to-see" interest. We decided that a nap would be in our best decision for the rest of the day. And it was wonderful!!!! Rarely, do we get two to three hours of completely uninterrupted time to simply rest. Our back door was open and we were able to enjoy listening to the light rain outside. Perfect!!

Following our nap, we headed over to a graduation party for one of our 15 seniors from church. We've known Kate and her family since we've been at Crabapple. I can't believe that she's graduating. She's been a great sitter for our kids and we've enjoyed lots of time together through youth trips and dinners out.


That night, we got the chance to hang out with two of our former youth, David and Christy. We had a great time of amazing fellowship, yummy smores and encouraging conversation. We pulled out old pictures and got to reminisce about some times from a while ago. It was exciting to hear about their plans for sharing God's love overseas. It has been exciting to watch them grow and blossom in wonderful ways! Sometimes when the youth work gets tough, it's good to be reminded that it's all worth it!

Girlz InC Kickoff

Last week was a busy week. We had a crazy-busy weekend leading into last week and then it was Trinity's last week of school and time to get ready for our annual Memorial Day camping trip. However, I'm getting ahead our myself. We'll break it out into a few different blogs. Let's start with last Friday.

When Trinity got out of school, Craig and the kids loaded up and headed down to Bowdon. Due to our busy schedule, we had arranged for the kids to spend the weekend with Craig's parents. It worked out wonderfully.

Friday night brought a kickoff to a new ministry for the youth girls at our church - Girlz InC. The InC stands for Identity In Christ. Young women are completely overwhelmed with all types of messages of who they need to be, what they need to look like and what they should be doing. However all of that is so different than what scripture tells us. About a month ago, my friends Paula and Laura and I decided to begin a new ministry which focuses on helping the girls determine who they are, in the eyes of God. We were really excited to start it with a fun slumber party at my house.

We had a blast. We played games, ate yummy goodies, enjoyed some wonderful spa treatments and had a meaningful Bible lesson time. Paula, Laura and I were treated to themed makeovers by the girls (I was rocker, Paula was 80's and Laura was Hollywood). Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I had to retire early to get some sleep before my 5k run the next morning, but I heard that the late night movie and next morning's breakfast went off without a problem. I'm already looking forward to our next event - a pool party in June.

the girlz

general mingling

playing the "Who Am I" game

Makeovers for everyone

the whole group

breakfast on Saturday morning

Kalyn's Last Day of Preschool

Friday was Kalyn's last day of her 3 year old preschool class. To mark the special day, her teachers decided to have a picnic lunch with the families and a tee-ball game. I'm not sure if they still thought that was a good idea after the game began. It was so cute and amusing to watch. Kalyn got a good hit, ran to first, meandered to second and the was soon lapped by the boy who batted behind her. I think she eventually made it home.

Ms. Elaine tries to get the class organized for the game

It's a hit

and she's done

Xander kept saying, "Mommy, I pay ball. I pay ball."
After the ball "game", everyone pulled out their picnic blankets and lunches and we had a great, relaxing meal. It was fun to watch the kids interact and hang out with one another.

Following the lunch, Ms. Elaine gave each child a gift - a baseball whistle. Great! All in all, it was another fun day. Ms. Elaine and Ms. Melba were great teachers - both Trinity and Kalyn have been in their class. We love our teachers!!

Kalyn & Ms. Melba

Kalyn and Ms. Elaine