Spectacular Sunday with Cousins

Buddy greeting Preston

We have missed seeing Great Grandma and Uncle Denny's crew for so long!  After a few texts to plan a visit to Charlotte, we ended up having an all afternoon reunion of sorts at Ms. Kay's house outside of Salisbury!  She was so gracious to have a huge spread of food and open her home for all 6 crazy kids and 7 (semi-crazy) adults too.

 

I think one of the highlights for my kiddos was being able to spend lots of quality time with their cousins that they haven't seen in forever!

Silly girls

Kay had gifts for all of the kids, not just those with birthdays!

The entire crew with Great Grandma!

 After filling our bellies (too full) and opening gifts, it was time to hit the pool!  I think the kids (and Mark) spent well over 3 hours playing in the water. It was fabulous sitting in the shade with the fan blowing just listening to the laughter and seeing the fun the kids were having.

The kids loved this huge raft

What a wonderful, laid-back day!  I'm so grateful for Kay and Mark who hosted, for Vicki who brought Great Grandma and that we were all able to find a day to see each other . . . these memories will last forever. 

Silly Uncle Mark diving with Preston

Billy Graham Library

Dave's parents were able to come up Friday afternoon for the birthday party and decided to visit the Billy Graham library this morning.  We had never done the complete tour so we all joined them after Savannah finished running club this morning.  It was very informative and absolutely fascinating to see just what a huge impact Billy Graham has had on so many people across the world.  After the tour it was lunch time so Grammy & Papa treated us to lunch in the cafe there. What a fun way to spend the morning!

Party at the Park!!

Somehow the kids talked me into planning a birthday party again this year.  Even though we discussed how DISNEY was our party and that instead of a big party we could have a few friends over for a movie or something fun, as the time drew closer they became more and more sad that they weren't going to get to have a birthday party.  Long story short, we finally agreed that we could have a combined low key party at a local park.  The only problem was that because we waited so late to plan it, the times available were few and far between.  Thankfully, we found an open Friday afternoon and quickly sent out evites to see if anyone would be able to come.

 We were thrilled that lots of friends were able to join us and as you can see they had quite a fun time!  Savannah organized some games with water balloons and we brought squirt guns too.  So, there was plenty of water fun to be had by all.

 At 6pm we all stopped for pizza, watermelon and cookie cake!

The boy table

The girl table

Happy Birthday Savannah

Happy Birthday Preston

Then it was time to hit the playground before parents came to pick everyone up.  I think it might have been the easiest party I've ever planned, and the kids might say it was one of the best too!  And just like that, we are finally finished with our June celebrations.  Whew!

It's Official, Preston is SEVEN!

In light of all that has been going on with just getting back from Disney and multiple celebrations, this little guy has been very patient in waiting for HIS day! I absolutely cannot believe that he turned 7 today.  Of course the first thing he wanted to do was open a present . . .

And somehow I got talked into carrying on the tradition of going to Chuck E Cheese while daddy is at work . . . 

We continued celebrating with dinner out at Chick fil A!

And of course there was a birthday dessert of Preston's choice (thank you Chick-fil-A AND Barnes & Noble!)

This little guy is one special dude. He goes non stop from sun up to sun down . . .rarely slowing even to eat.  He loves his sister more than anything (possibly anyone) and is big into playing games and lots of sports outside.  Preston is still very generous and has a tender heart.  He makes friends easily and remains a people pleaser to the core.  There is rarely a day that goes by when he doesn't make us laugh . . . AND cry out of frustration trying to get him to eat his vegetables. ;)

Preston we are so very thankful for you and the joy you add to our home. I can't wait to see what God has planned for you and how you continue to bloom in first grade!  

Happy Happy Birthday Peanut!!!

12 Amazing Years and Counting . . .

Today has been a super special day in our house!  Not only are Dave and I celebrating 12 years of marriage together, but the kids are celebrating one super duper amazing daddy!

The past 12 years have certainly been an adventure.  We've had many times together  that were wonderful, but have been through our share of challenges in the valley too.  I'm so thankful God blessed me with this incredible man.  He loves our family unconditionally, is honorable and respected both at church and work, and always gives his best trying not to disappoint anyone.  

One of my favorite things about Dave is the way he leads our family, always pointing us to the Lord.  These kids love their daddy SO much.  Dave always takes time to get in the floor to play, do Preston's crazy nighttime puppet show, read "one more story" and make every school activity he possibly can.  I've been told many times that I "just don't do it like daddy" . . . mainly because daddy has the patience of Job!

Daddy chose to celebrate at the pool!

Dave, I couldn't be more thankful to be doing life with you.  Our kids adore you, but I love you even more!  Thank you for putting up with our crazy schedules, for never complaining and for loving us through it all. Here's to many more years together. :)

Double Digits for Savannah!!!

I'm not quite sure where time has gone, but today this amazing girl turned the big 10!  It was certainly a memorable birthday as we were in Disney for most of the day.  When we got home we had a quick dinner and the let the birthday girl blow out her candles to close out the celebration.

I'm so thankful God gave me the opportunity to be Savannah's mom.  I learn so much from her and am continually challenged to be a better person.  She has such a determined spirit, mothering instinct, and is careful to keep a select few close friends tight.  She loves a good book and the only thing that would make her happier than an entire day reading in her room is some yummy dessert! :)

Savannah, I am SO proud of you and the young lady you are becoming.  I can't wait to see what God had planned for your life . . .

Disney World 2016

We are finally here!!!  After dropping our carry on luggage at the resort and collecting our celebration buttons we practically ran to Magic Kingdom!

 

Preston favorite ride (non rollercoaster one at least) was driving the race cars in Tomorrowland.  It was so much fun watching the joy on his face as he crashed again and again . .  

Dinner night one was a luau at the Polynesian.

 We hit Magic Kingdom again bright and early Sunday morning.

This was outside of the Peter Pan ride. We worked the fast passes and hit the high wait rides early.

Another family favorite was the Buzz Lightyear ride.

We took a cool break for the Micky's Philharmonic show. I couldn't help but capture this photo again since we took the same shot 4 years ago.

And this one 4 years ago as well!

Day Three began at Hollywood Studios.

How crazy was it to run into one of Savannah's friends and their family while waiting for the Muppet show?!  Our favorite ride of the day was definitely Toy Story!!

One last picture before calling it a day and heading to the resort pool!

After some fun at the pool (and a run on the treadmill for me) we headed to a delicious buffet dinner at 1900 Park Fare.  Amazing food, fun characters, and of course the kids enjoyed the personal birthday attention with these cupcakes. 

Day Four was spent at Epcot! Test Track was our first stop where we enjoyed designing our own cars and then racing around the track!

We explored a lot around the Seas and they loved this huge sea turtle

Another one of my favorite pictures was the kids trying to "catch" the dancing water!

Who needs a candy shop when you have a coke shop?!?  This kid was in heaven trying the different 

kinds of "spicy" drinks.  

We bought a passport and had it stamped as we explored all 11 countries in Epcot!  The afternoon wrapped up with another amazing dinner at an Italian restaurant in Italy. 

Either he was just starving, couldn't find the fork, or just didn't care how you're supposed to eat spaghetti.  It was delicious and he ate it all!

 Of course there was more birthday treats, songs, and celebrations! Almost 12 hours in the park and still going strong . . .

Our final day was spent back at Magic Kingdom just doing the favorites! Tea cups, Buzz, the race cars, space mountain for the boys, and of course the people mover. :)

Who doesn't like huge ice-cream treats before lunch?!?

Once again, it's good to the last drop.  Good grief!

One last family castle picture and we were headed back to the resort to catch the Magical Express back to the airport.

This was such a fabulous trip! With the kids being older they were able to hang a lot longer in the parks and did practically ZERO complaining even though we walked and walked and walked all day.  We were thankful that it only rained for about 10 minutes our entire trip so we didn't even need our ponchos.  We were also thankful that we were isolated from all of the terrible events in Orlando while we were there.  It was truly a magical, unforgettable trip!