A New Running Buddy

All ready for their first run together

For a long time now Dave and I have enjoyed Saturday morning runs together.  Preston has been begging to go on a run with alone with Daddy so we told him that once he turned 5 he could start doing weekend runs with Daddy.  After the chaos of birthday parties and our trip, Saturday morning arrived and we had one happy boy on our hands. ;)  They ran a mile in about 13 minutes.  He LOVED running with daddy and is already looking forward to next week!

10th Anniversary Trip . . . a Little Preview of Heaven!

Bright and early Sunday morning Dave and I headed to the airport for our 7:55 flight to Cancun, Mexico. Thankfully our precious friends the Karhans volunteered to let Savannah and Preston sleep over with them on Saturday night so we didn't have to get them up at 4 am on Sunday. Once we dropped them off our vacation officially had begun. I knew we were going to have a super fun, relaxing time but I had no clue just how amazing our trip would be.

Leaving on a jet plane

We arrived in Cancun and quickly boarded a bus for Secrets Maroma Beach.  Upon arriving at the resort we were told to sit and wait out front.  Little did we know our preferred club room benefits were beginning already.  A little cart picked us up and sped us around to an air conditioned club where we were told that they had upgraded our room to ocean front!  They gave us a pager which would go off when our room was ready and then escorted us to lunch.

Waiting for our room on a comfy bed in the middle of the resort

After lunch we still had some time before our room was ready so we found this bed to rest on.  We enjoyed the ocean breeze and a nice cold beverage while we played cards. Right at 3pm our room was ready and Mar escorted us to the room.  I think my mouth almost hit the floor when we walked in!  The view was incredible!  From our private terrace we could walk into our pool and just past that we could see the amazing turquoise water on the beach.  Plus the room was pretty fabulous too.  Mar assured us that she was there if we needed anything . . . more chocolate, more drinks, more pistachios, more anything just call her and she would bring it right over.  Seriously??  Yep, and she did!  Not that we called her a lot because they checked/restocked our room at least 2 or 3 times a day!

No time to waste!  Let the fun in the sun (ok, shade) begin!

My view Day 1 . . I could get used to this!

We spent most of our time just relaxing in the shade by the pool where we could see the beach.  We enjoyed pool side service, some quiet time reading, a nice walk on the beach (which had the whitest coolest sand ever), and just not having to be on a schedule at all.  I think it took me a good day and a half to unwind and relax without worrying about anything . . . which was long overdue!

I loved the swings at the beach bar!

The resort also had tons of activities you could do.  We went on a kayak tour to the reef, a bike tour of the resort, and also enjoyed several night time shows.  One night we checked out the foam party on the beach but decided that wasn't quite our style.  Ha!

On Wednesday we did a bike tour of the area and ended at the amazing beach

Unlike our honeymoon, we actually found the gym too!  Dave and I worked out three mornings together before hitting the breakfast buffet. :)

This man made me one happy girl each morning with my made to order chocolate crepes

Oh and the spa was incredible too.  Once we discovered that the hydrotherapy circuit was included with our preferred room we went every single day!  It was almost just like getting a massage, only you had to walk yourself through the circuit.  It began with the sauna, then steam room, super cold water tank, warm water tank and then you walked through the 5 water massaging stations before ending in the jacuzzi.  It did wonders for Dave's neck and this girl sure loved the extra pampering!

The Spa!  We went every day for our Hydrotherapy circuit

Enjoying the shade at the pool

Room service 24/7 was also included with our room.  We took advantage of ordering lunch in and another day of ordering some nighttime dessert.

Room service via the secret box

Sadly after 3 full days at the resort it was time to leave. :(  We were up early to pack and catch the shuttle back to the airport and this was the view from our room.

Our last morning . . . the sunrise from our room

This was such an amazing trip.  A chance to catch up with one another and celebrate 10 years of marriage.  I have to say it was just what the doctor ordered.

Faith Family & Freedom Concert

The kids really enjoyed the Faith Family and Freedom concert last year so we made sure that we worked our vacation around it this year!  It was a super fun night . . even though we had to leave before the fireworks.  We still saw four different Christian groups for a whopping $5 each. :)   

Our Peanut is 5!!

Last Saturday we celebrated Preston's birthday with a few of his friends and our family. He had a Ben & Jerry's Tie Die party!  It was super fun and delicious too. :)

The party started with making homemade chocolate ice cream!  Preston loved putting in the chocolate.

Then each friend got to tie dye their own t-shirt

Happy Birthday Preston!

The party friends, missing Cole

When we got home Pawpaw, Mark and Great Grandma joined us for the family part of the party.  We had Chick fil A lunch and opened gifts.  Of course, as usual, one of Preston's favorite gifts was his box of graham crackers from Great Grandma!

This morning we all celebrated Preston.  He got a book from Savannah and finally got his big boy car seat just like sissys!  He really wanted daddy to join us for our annual Chuck E Cheese adventure on his actual birthday so we went late in the afternoon and daddy joined us after work.

I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing Savannah read to her brother!

YES!  Chuck E Cheese birthday fun!!

This year even daddy got to join in the fun.

It's so hard to believe that Preston is 5!  He is a non-ending source of joy and laughter in our home.  Some of his favorite things to do are riding his bike and tractor, playing school with his sister, building legos, playing games as a family, and of course running around like all little boys do.  His big upcoming adventure is a run with daddy.  He has been saying for weeks that once he turns 5 he is going to get up early on Saturday with daddy and go for a boys run . . and he's totally serious!  He already reminded us that once we get back from our trip he has to start running with daddy. :)

Here are some of my favorite Preston sayings:
"Can I go bare footing?"
"I need some sun scream FOR I can put on my bathing soup!"
"Can I have some kretzels?" (yes he can say pretzels, but to him they are called kretzels!)
"I miss Ms. Farlene!" (our precious neighbor Marlene)
"Can we go to Roosters?" (Bruster's ice cream)

Preston we love you so much!!  I'm so thankful we have you home with us another year before big school starts.  May you never stop laughing, playing, and seeing the joy in life!

10 Years Ago Today . . .

I said "I Do" to the most amazing man I know.  I wish I could say that the past ten years have all been wonderful, but the truth is that they have been filled with the best and worst days of my life.  Together Dave and I have been through quite a bit of loss, sadness, and drama BUT we've survived and our marriage has thrived.  I have to say that without Dave by my side every single step of the way I could never have made it.  God knew that I needed him . . . someone to love me unconditionally.  Someone that would listen.  Someone that would remind me everything is going to be okay.  Someone to give and give and give when there's nothing left to give.  So today we celebrate the first ten years of marriage.

Dave came home with flowers and we enjoyed a dinner of leftovers, which was perfectly fine with both of us.  We then went out for a Bruster's treat because we had a mystery shop.  Yep, that's how we roll.  In a few days we'll be in Mexico really celebrating our anniversary together.  But, for today we've enjoyed an ordinary day with each other and the simple life we have with our crazy kids.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love you Dave and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for our next 10 years together!

A Day to Celebrate Savannah & Daddy

Up bright and early to open daddy's first gift, a Super Dad shirt!

Today was a super special day in our house!  Not only was it Savannah's actual 8th Birthday, but it was Father's Day . . . or rather Daddy's Day as we like to call it.  We are so blessed with a dad that gives 200% . . that's a 100% at work and then another 100% at home.  He never complains and is always willing to jump right in to help the moment he gets home from work.  Whether it's with homework, daily baths for the kids, dishes, folding laundry, chores, or just whine control, daddy is always willing to help!  Dave, we love you so much and could never express how grateful we are for you and the way you love, lead, and serve our family.  Happy Daddy's Day!!

Celebrating Savannah's 8th!!

I cannot even wrap my mind around the thought that my sweet Savannah is 8! It seems like just yesterday we were checking into the hospital, scared to death, anxiously awaiting our baby girl's arrival. And now? Here we are and our first born is turning EIGHT! Where does time go?

Savannah has grown so much this year. She has become a young lady that loves to read and is a very critical thinker. She is also great with math and honestly can sometimes do mental math quicker than I can. Savannah is such an over achiever when it comes to school. She sets high goals for herself and works hard to achieve them. She loves her brother and doesn't mind playing with him (really teaching him in her play school). She is a bit of a home body and loves spending time with just our family. Still into crafts, games, and girls days out, there is never a dull moment with our Gracie Bell!

For her party this year she begged for a sleep over.  So we carefully chose some of her closest girl friends and had them over Friday night (Friday the 13th) for a party.  They played hard outside, enjoyed pizza and lemonade for dinner, ate lots of junk food, decorated and ate cupcakes, watched a movie, and then giggled for quite a while before I finally called lights out.  It was such a special time and a super fun party!

Playing outside waiting for the cousins to arrive

The Birthday Girl!!

Everyone with their decorated cupcakes

Chick fil A breakfast on Saturday morning

Her official birthday, June 15!

One of the things I love about Savannah is that she is super creative.  We couldn't find the 8 candle we had at her party so she recommended we use a 7 and 1, not because she was 17 or 71, rather because they add to 8!

Happy, Happy Birthday Savannah!!  We love you to the moon and back!

The Spelling Bee

My heart is so full right now.  I could not be prouder of my sweet Savannah.  She represented her class in the 2nd grade spelling bee today and did a wonderful job!  After about 19 rounds there were four students left and Savannah misspelled the word gnaw.  They went so long that the teachers had to start using their vocabulary words from the entire year, words that they were never required to spell!  I could never have stood in front of a room full of parents, teachers and all of my classmates and have spelled anything correctly, probably not even my name!  So, I am super proud of Savannah's accomplishment.

Although she knows she did well (at least I hope she does) she said she was most proud of being recognized on WE ROCK in front of the entire school this morning.  It was a total surprise!  She was given an honor for having the most AR (accelerated reader) points for grades K-2 at a whopping 499. They even gave her a Barnes and Noble gift card . . . so guess where we are going this afternoon to celebrate?! :)

After coming home to relieve the sitter, Preston and I decided to go back to surprise Savannah for lunch.  It was such a fun day!  The boys in Savannah's class sitting across from us were quite amazed at Preston's math skills too.  HA!  What a wonderful year we have had in second grade . . . bring on third grade!!!

Savannah with her teacher, Mrs. Baker

Slip and Slide Fun

As soon as Savannah got off the bus she asked about going to the water party at Lena's house this afternoon.  I wasn't sure exactly what the plan was, but I quickly figured out that the neighborhood kids had all been invited to the Richardson's house for a slip and slide party!  Mr. Dace arrived home from work and was out (still in his work clothes) setting up the plastic for his amazing, self constructed, designer, slip and slide.  By the time I verified it was okay for my kids to play, got them dressed in their suits and covered in sunscreen, and walked back over, he was squirting dish detergent all down the slide to get it ready.  The kids play for at least an hour before retreating to their back yard for some super soaker water gun fun!  I guess sometimes the most fun is had on days with OUT a plan. :)

Wrapping up the School Year

The past week has been filled with fun activities for both Savannah and Preston. As the school year at PSE comes to a close there are a ton of special events! The first one happened last Thursday at Camp Eagle Rock. Field day is held off campus, one grade level at a time. I was able to swap the little kiddo with Elizabeth so we both could enjoy some field day fun. These pictures are tiny and compliments of the class mom (no idea why they are so little).

Savannah clearly had a blast.  When I got there to set up the class lunch she was soaking wet and smiling from ear to ear!  Then today was the annual Parade of Nations.  Each class represented a particular country and dressed accordingly.  This year Mrs. Baker's class represented Kenya.  The classes each parade in and then after the entire school is in they come back up as a grade level to do the dance they've learned in PE.

Fungi Alaphia was a big hit!

After the Celebration of Nations Preston had a play date with his buddies Jake and Luke.  We met at a park and the boys played until they couldn't take the heat any longer.

This week Preston and I have also had fun keeping Baby Hudson two mornings.  Miss Leslie is wrapping things up at school and since WEE school is already out, we've had the pleasure of keeping her little one a couple of days.  He is such a great baby and a certain someone has LOVED being able to act like a big brother.  But he'll have to get his fix with Hudson because Lord willing there will be no more little ones to call our house home. :)

Preston pushing Hudson on a morning stroll

There are still a few more fun parties at PSE to finish out the year.  The Accelerated Reader party is tomorrow (which Savannah clearly qualifies for with a whopping 486.5 points), the perfect attendance party is Thursday (she's had perfect attendance all 3 years), the 2nd grade end of the year water party is Friday, and the 2nd grade spelling bee is on Monday.  It's going to be a blast!