Saturday Adventures

Today we had a blast at the pool.  Even daddy was able to come and join us!  It was a much needed break from the heat, especially with our long run in the morning and running club for the kids.  After spending a few hours there, we went home to shower and I enjoyed a nice massage mystery shop before heading to dinner with some friends.  It was a super fun, relaxing day.

A Week of Magic & Cooking

This week the kids participated in week-long camps in Matthews.  Savannah was excited to do some cooking in her camp and Preston loved his magic camp.  I was quite impressed with the magic tricks that he came home with too. :)  On the last day of Magic Camp the parents were invited for a magic show where the kids each demonstrated their favorite trick of the week.  Super cool.  Savannah brought home quite a few delicious treats, so that was a win win for us all!

Happy 8th Birthday Preston

In keeping with our annual tradition, we once again ventured to Chuck E Cheese on Preston's actual birthday.  The kids had sort of forgotten about it, but I surprised them and said we could go!  How exciting that Preston hit the jack pot on his first coin play of his favorite game.

After a super fun day that ended with lots of tickets for candy, we waited for Dave to get home so we could head to Red Robin for dinner!  YUM!!

Even after having ice-cream at Red Robin we let him have some cake when we got home.  What a way to celebrate!!  We are so thankful for Preston and the joy he brings to our home.  He is continually going at full speed ahead and always has something hilarious to say.  Preston still loves soccer and playing outside.  He rarely meets a stranger, always ready to make a friend.  His heart of gold, generous spirit, and compassion for others is priceless.  But I do have to say that he has developed quite the competitive spirit with his sister lately. :) We love you so, so much peanut!  Happy Happy 8th Birthday!

Celebrating One Awesome Man

Savannah made a super special treat for Father's Day

In the midst of pure craziness this month, the kids and I have enjoyed celebrating Dave for the past two days.  Yesterday we recognized what an incredible daddy we have here at home.  A dad who sets a top notch example in his work ethic and integrity, one who always encourages and loves us no matter how difficult the day has been, and someone who never fails to pitch in as soon as he gets home . . . including nightly "silly stuffed animal" shows.  I'm pretty sure the kids think he is the better parent and love him more than anything!  Honestly, he really IS the better parent and the best daddy-o any kid could imagine.

Today I have celebrated Dave because he is the most amazing husband too!  After 13 years of marriage, I've grown to love him even more.  I'm so, so thankful for the ways he provides for our family financially, spiritually, and physically too.  He never complains and is truly a blessing from the Lord.  He surprised me with tulips when he got home from work and then we enjoyed a nice dinner out, just the two of us.  Here's to many, many more wonderful years together!

Goodbye Timonne

This year Savannah really bonded with this *interesting* little girl from India.  Although Timonne drove her absolutely crazy most days, they really became great friends.  Savannah was dying to give her a little gift before she moved back to India in July, so we dropped by her house and left a little surprise for Timonne.  Once her mom realized we just dropped it off, she quickly texted and said we just had to come back so Timonne could say goodbye to Savannah.  So, on the way to pick up Preston from yet another birthday party, we stopped back by her house.  It was a sweet time for these two to say goodbye and promise to write often.  Of course I had to snap a quick picture of them! :)

Preston's Sports Connection Party

This year Preston really wanted to have a sports birthday party.  Savannah reminded us of the party she went to at a local indoor sports facility and so we decided that was perfect for this 8 year old party!  Preston chose to have soccer and kickball as the two sports he would play.

These boys (along with some parents and Savannah) had an absolute blast!!  They played so hard and were nasty sweaty by cake time.

 Happy Birthday sweet Preston!

 We served some cake and goldfish . . . 

passed out fidget spinners for party favors . . .

 took a quick picture of the group

and called it a wrap on this fabulously fun, easy party!

This little guy had a grand time and couldn't wait to get home and open his gifts!

Freebie Friday

Today we took full advantage of two local freebies!  Preston's orthodontist rented out half the local theater for patient appreciation.  Since this was our first rodeo with the practice, we had no idea what to expect, but boy were we surprised to get there and each receive a gift card for the concession stand too!  What a treat!!  We were also excited to discover that our closest movie theater now has reserved, reclining seats.

After all of that fun, the kids were both fortunate enough to be able to visit the eye doctor!  Woo hoo!  Okay, so they weren't that excited (but the visits were also free thanks to some digging into our medical insurance policy :)  Afterwards I surprised them with free smoothies at the local smoothie store who had a promo for free smoothies if you wear flip flops.  All in all it was a fabulous fun Friday!

Happy 11th Birthday Savannah

Savannah decided to have a small party on her actual birthday this year.  She invited just a few friends over for a breakfast bash.  Everyone wore their jammies and we started the party with breakfast from Chick fil A.  Yummy!

 After breakfast the girls watched the movie Sing.

Next it was time for dessert.  In keeping with the unique birthday theme, Savannah chose to have a doughnut bar for her party.  We got Krispy Kreme doughnuts and had toppings to embellish them with.

Finally it was time for a fun spin the bottle game with toenail polish.  Whatever color you landed on you had to paint a nail that color.

For gifts, Savannah requested that her friends bring a donation to Beds for Kids, a local organization in Charlotte that provides beds for children here in the city.  So after most of the guests left, we took a trip across town to deliver her gifts.  It was quite an adventure and we were lucky enough to get a tour of the facility as well.

We continued the celebration with her dinner of choice, complete with a candle in her favorite roll!

Happy happy birthday Savannah!  It's hard to believe you are already 11 . . . where has time gone?  We can't wait to see what God has in store for you as you venture off to middle school this year. We love you bunches!

First Pool Play Date of the Season

We were so excited to spend a day at the pool with the Caswell family!  They played and played and played while the mommies sat in the shade and chatted . . . 4.5 hours later we went home. :)

Graduation Dinner

Life has been so crazy that we never officially took Savannah out to celebrate her 5th grade graduation!  So, we decided Sunday would be the day.  They chose Nothing but Noodles and we enjoyed a dinner outside to celebrate our 6th grader. :)

Sara & Denny ~ Wedding of the Year!

After months and months of planning, talking, and anxiously waiting, the big day was finally here.  I was honored to be a part of Denny's wedding to Sara . . and thankful that I finally have a sister-in-law that isn't cra-cra!

Crystal & Chrystal having some pre-wedding fun!

Maddy braiding Savannah's hair

Cousins before the wedding

After a long time of getting ready and hanging out, it was finally time for the wedding!!  It was HOT, but beautiful!

After lots of photos (and sweating) it was time for some special dances!

The emotion of the day didn't hit me until Denny and I danced in memory of mom.  I know she was smiling down from heaven and is so proud of the new family Denny has.  And Denny, NO, I really can't dance!

I loved this cute game they played with raising a boot for who is most likely to ...

And then there were tons of silly photos in the selfie station

I even tried to sneak in some family photos

What a wonderful day it was celebrating Denny and Sara.  I'm so thankful she's now officially part of our family!

This is one of my favorites, although it's hard to see.  After a long exhausting day, I snapped one last picture as the sun set.  The perfect end to a perfect day!