Catch up....

So, life has gotten away with me. The days are flying by, the sun is shining, and the kids are out of school. It seems to be so crazy and I'm trying to soak in every moment of it. I guess that means the dog-days of winter are over and summer has begun. Hallelujah! So much has happened in the last few months and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of updated the blog with everything. So, here is one long post to catch up. 

First of all, Rory's family came to visit mid-April. This event really does deserve it's own post, but what does a person do. We welcomed with open arms his Mom & Dad, his sister Heidi, his grandma Dian, his brother (Jonathan) and his wife (Jessica) and their three kids (Noah, Julia, and Colton). It was a packed house to say the least. Kids slept on the floor and dishes need to be washed several times a day. There wasn't a dull moment but the week was so much fun. We did a lot of things together such as the Children's Museum, Aquarium, Lowe's HangTime, and played a lot of cards. We made a lot of memories that week and we enjoyed having them with us. Can't wait to see everyone again. Soon…..Soon! 

The kids loved having their cousins around for an entire week. A constant playdate. 

Another big event is Preschool Graduation for Saige. She is officially starting Kindergarten in the Fall. They had a little program and graduation event, she did so good. She is quite the little entertainer. What a sweetheart! Congratulations Saige, you little smarty pants!

She did so good on her parts. I thought she would be scared and  I was wrong. 

These girls are BFF's. Saige & Teagan.

Saige and Mrs. Beach (I love that lady).

We have started our traditional Sunday's on the lake. Our first day out was Mothers Day! What a great day. 

Probably the biggest thing that has happened to us recently is potty-training Kole. I thought he would be the hardest and I had heard nightmares about potty-training boys. Not Kole! We had talked and talked about it and he kept saying he would do it "soon". On Friday he played outside all day without a diaper and pee'd in the bushes all day. Paiton thinks that is why are flowers are growing so good this year. :) After he had spent the day outside with no accidents, I knew he could do it. Saturday morning, I announced there would be no more diapers and WWII started at my house. He wanted his diaper and I wasn't giving in. He had two accidents and never looked back. One week later, he is a pro. He is still better at going outside rather than a toilet but that will be our next challenge.You have no idea how happy it makes me.  I think I have purchased diapers every month for the last 8 years. Don't worry Huggies will survive without us, I'm sure. What a good boy. We have a lot of moments like this in public. A little embarrassing but worth it. 

I celebrated my birthday – 36! Wow, that number scares me. It was a weird birthday. Not sure if I was depressed or just not in the birthday spirit, but it went by as just another day. No big deal! If you know me, you know that birthdays are ALWAYS a big deal, but I wasn't feeling it this year. I have a song I love and the lyrics say; "Happy Birthday Me. I got love, I got happiness. I've got a good looking man that can cook and a house full of noisy kids. I've got love, and don't need nothing else. Take a picture so we don't forget." I guess that sums it up – I don't need anything, I've got it all, just trying to soak it all in. 

We took a trip to Lake Powell and had a blast. Pictures to come. 

Summer has officially begun. School closed the doors a few weeks ago. Paiton is onto a bigger and better 3rd grader. Wow! That is weird to say. The flowers are planted, the garden is growing, Sundays on the lake, snow cones, water balloons, bike rides, and swim parties are all in full force. I love this time of year and hate it at the same time. There is no schedule, no routine, 10:00pm bed times, but so many memories in the making. 

I love my life! I love my family! Sometimes I lay with these sweet kids at night and listen to them snore and think how lucky I am and wonder why was I chosen to be their mother. They are perfect, they are sweet, and they are the best things that have ever happened to me. Here's to me trying to soak it all in and cherish every moment, even though somedays I can't wait for bed time.