2016

2016

Our Story

My photo
Ben and I met in 1996, began dating in 1999 and married in 2001. Now 20 years and 2 children later, we have returned to where our life together began. Ben works for the Federal Reserve and I have the privilege of staying home with our two precious boys.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Caden's Spring Show

Caden's Spring Show was tonight and he did the best yet of any of his shows! He followed along with the hand movements and even decided to sing some of the words...which is a big deal for this kiddo.
Love this face!
 They sang several songs but his favorite song is Hosanna and we've been hearing him sing this song at home for months! When they played this song, he got even more animated.
 Love, love, love that they use sign language in all of their songs!
 After the show, I took Ethan back to the classroom to pick up Caden and took a quick picture with both boys and Ms. Janice and Ms. Tamara. 
I LOVE our school and that my children have had the privilege of this legacy as part of their childhood!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Easter

We had a low key Easter this year. I was sick the entire week before Easter and then shared my cold with Ben so outside of church, we spent Easter at home. Even though we weren't super busy, the boys had a great weekend and we made cupcakes and dyed Easter eggs. We were tucked in bed early Saturday night because we were excited to see if the Easter Bunny would show up. 
The Bunny did not disappoint and two little boys were super happy the next morning!
 Complete with an early wake up due to the anticipation of checking their baskets :-)
 After some time to play and special Easter morning doughnuts, we got dressed for church. I am thankful for a casual church. I debated a short minute about having the boys tuck in their shirts and wear belts with their khakis but quickly dismissed the idea.
After church, we did an Easter egg hunt inside because it was wet outside. We used our dyed Easter eggs from Saturday morning that I failed to get any pictures of :-(
 Somehow, they magically each found the same number of eggs. No meltdowns!
After the egg hunt, the boys ate lunch and had some playtime until it was time for Easter dinner complete with boy decorated cupcakes for dessert.

A nice, relaxing Easter...hopefully Daddy will feel better soon!



Friday, March 25, 2016

Church Easter Egg Hunt

We kicked off the Easter season with the egg hunt at church. The entire week was so beautiful and warm but Saturday morning was a little chilly. Instead of putting the boys in their Easter outfits, we settled for polo shirts and jeans. Rain was in the forecast so they wore sneakers instead of their nice shoes. Thankfully, we were in good company because everyone else was similarly dressed.

Either way, the kids had an amazing time! There was breakfast, crafts, balloon animals, face painting, and several other stations set up. We love our church!
Caden would have nothing to do with face painting
Then it was time for the egg hunt!

It was a great Easter Egg-stravaganza!



Thursday, March 24, 2016

March visit to the Farm

We were fortunate enough to get to make another weekend visit to the farm. The boys had a Friday out of school and Uncle Chad, Aunt Ashley, & Collier were able to come down as well so made it a family weekend. We left Thursday afternoon to head down there. Unfortunately, Morgan wasn't able to get off but we are already making plans for an April visit at our house with all of us.

First thing Friday morning Grandpa moved the cows across the road to the other pasture. The boys couldn't wait to help!
 
I'm not quite sure why, but I LOVE this picture of Grandpa and the boys!
 Ethan racing across the pasture...thankfully his shoes stayed clean even though he wasn't exactly watching where he was stepping ;-)
 It is not uncommon to find military helicopters flying in the airspace around the farm. There is a practice facility not too farm from town.
Lucy had a blast on this trip! She definitely remembered her last visit to the farm and steered clear of the cows. She got chased last time...hilarious!!!
 I believe they would ride all day with Grandpa
 Granny and I guarded the gate while everyone else walked and rode the pasture
 The weather was beautiful and that afternoon there was just enough of a breeze to get out the kites.
 
Even Collier and Uncle Chad got in on the action
We had a wonderful family dinner Friday night and the boys worked it off running around afterward
 
The next day everyone went down to the stable to feed Payton.
 
Collier was adorable! She would clap and say "yay" every time Payton was fed a carrot.
 We spent the rest of the afternoon down at CJ's. He grilled some amazing BBQ chicken for us and we had a great time laughing and catching up. It was another great weekend at the farm!


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Supercross

We wrapped up February by heading to Supercross. I believe I am outnumbered when it comes to choosing events in this family. Before we bought tickets, we gave the boys the choice of either going to the circus or Supercross, the poor circus didn't have a chance. Anyway, after an amazing time at Monster Jam in January, we were really looking forward to an action packed time at Supercross. Ethan asked a little friend from school to go with us and we all had a great time.
 
It was neat to see the dirt bikes racing around the course and jumping the hills but the consensus in this family is that Monster Jam is the event for us :-)

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Pinewood Derby

It was finally the big day!! Excitement was in the air! And it was time to get our Derby license.
Pictures, first!
 
 Both boys got registered after having to remove some weight. Pretty much everyone else had to do the same so we think their scales may have been a little off that day. Caden's car took a crash early on because Ethan accidentally knocked it out of Ben's hand. Thankfully, another Dad came to the rescue with a drill and Ben was able to re-insert the axles. We were back in the race!
 Both Ethan and Caden did well in their heats! Ben did a great job with their cars!

 But a couple of cars ran a little faster


 Ultimately, everyone had a great time even though we did not win. The three boys are already planning their cars for next year!