Lake Charles Getaway

Clark and I are big fans of Lake Charles.  You can get there in two and half hours, do a little gambling, hit the pool, and have a nice meal.  It makes for a great 24-hour getaway.  So, we decided to a make it a group event and my mom and Ray and Debra and Taylor all came, too!

Here are some after dinner pics:

We had so much fun! And, we laughed.  A lot.  I love how Debra and Taylor are just a part of our family.  In fact, at one blackjack table, a dealer asked if Taylor was my brother.  At first I said no, but then I corrected myself and said yes.  She said, "I thought so, because you tease each other".  I love that  they are a part of us and we can all have a blast together.  

I have a feeling this won't be our last Lake Charles adventure!

An Elsa Party -- At Home

As it was time to prepare for Everly's birthday party I asked her… do you want a Chuck E. Cheese party?  Or a spa party? Or a party at a play place?

Her response…. "I want an Elsa party at home!"  That's all she wanted, so we made it happen.

Including a visit from her favorite princess!

Here are lots of pics!

Her best friend from school, Sarah, came.  Everly was so glad she was there!

A surprise visitor!

Everly was so excited to see Elsa.

Elsa played lots of fun games and stayed for singing and cake.

Our favorite princess with her favorite princess!

All of us with her before she had to go back to Arendelle.

One more picture with Sarah before she left!

Can you so excited? Someone couldn't wait to open presents.

I'm very low key when it comes to birthdays.  But, I do like to make my kids happy.  Thankfully, we were able to give Everly the exact party she wanted!  Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Summer School Fun

Our wonderful preschool has a "summer fun" week.  It was a great way to prepare the kids for next year.

I received an email from Ms. Jeanne (Walker's pre-k teach from last year) letting me know that Everly would be in her summer fun class.  When I told Everly, she was over the moon!!!!!!  She couldn't believe that she was going to be in Walker's old class.

And, Walker was beyond thrilled to go to the kindergarden class.  It was a great prep for the upcoming year.

Are we really going to have a kindergartner and pre-Ker next year?  Doesn't seem possible!

Four Year Old Baby

How did this happen?  Our sweet little baby girl is now FOUR!  Happy Birthday Everly!

We had a great day…. starting with donuts, followed by a carousel ride:

Then some swimming and popsicles:

And, of course, cupcakes!

Everly is still our strong-willed girl.  But, along with that strong will, is a precious, talkative, creative, full of life girl.  We are so thankful that she completed our family four years ago!

Tiny Dancer

Walker has done t-ball and soccer, so it's time for Everly to have something as her own.  Time to dance!!!

Oh my goodness, so cute in her little leotard, and ballet and tap shoes!  The good news, she LOVED the clothes.  The bad news…. she isn't quite sure about dancing yet.  Well, I think she likes the dance part, she just isn't sure about being away from mama.  It's been trying, but overall she's making progress.  I have high hopes!!!!

Swimming Time

I'm not sure how it's almost July and I haven't blogged about the fabulous swimmers in our house.  The difference between last summer and this summer is night and day.  Both kids started swim lessons in March, just to get a jump start on it.  I wanted them to hit the water ready to swim.  It worked wonderfully and they are both doing so amazing!

Here they are before a swim lesson:

And, some fun in the sun!

They love swimming with Ryder!

And, getting frogs out of the pool!

We are loving the pool this summer and plan to be in it lots more!

VBS!

Can you believe it?  My kids are old enough to understand and WANT to go to Vacation Bible School.  What fun!

I was excited to volunteer… it truly is an amazing week and so fun to see so many kids having a blast.

Here we are before the first day:

A quick picture as special agents!

Day two (Go Frogs!):

Day three (go Longhorns!)…. our special buddy came, too!

Ryder enjoying the fabulous snow cones!

Day four (donut stop on the way!):

Not sure who that is with Ryder, ha ha!

And, the final day, with mystery guests!

It was a great week and it's every parent's greatest achievement to hear your children talk about Jesus.  We love Crossroads and the foundation they are helping us with for our children!