Welcome to Summer!

I saw on Pinterest a “Welcome to Summer” Party. I loved the idea. What better way to kick off summer than a surprise summer party. Because a party just isn’t a party without friends, I asked Ginger, Brooke, Michelle, and Alicia if they wanted to celebrate summer with us. We had all our kids walk to our home together, then they were greeted with: cotton candy, snow cones, cookies, popsicles , pop, water balloon piñatas, slip-n-slide, water toys, side walk chalk, and anything else that reminded us of summer.

The wind was doing a number on our banner, but luckily the kids had something to run through.

I hired a professional photographer to come take the kids pictures. I paid her with snow cones, and cotton candy.

 

I think Dodger and Bronx came to the party to find their one true loves. Dodger seemed to be quite taken with Siena, and Bronx was smitten with Haven.

 

 

The kids had soooooo much fun, and the moms enjoyed ourselves also. I’m so glad we did this. Thanks for all your help ladies.

Batter-UP!

Conner played machine pitch this year. It was fun going to his games and watching him. He would always hit the plate with his bat every time he was up. He was hitting pretty good at the beginning of the season, but then a ball went crazy out of the machine and almost got him in the head, so now he steps back and aimlessly swings. James worked on it a bit, and he did a little better, hopefully he will have forgotten by next year. His first time up to bat he ran all the way around (he was last batter) and didn’t touch one base. Then when he got home he gave me a thumbs up and said, “I did it, we won the game.”

Mother’s Day!

Mother’s day was pretty good this year. While I enjoyed a Sunday nap, James and the kids cleaned the house and planted my flower I got from church in my new pot which had pictures of my kids around it. I loved it! I feel so blessed to be a mother to such wonderful children, and a husband who is such a great partner in raising our children.

Conner Turns 7!

Wow! I can’t believe Conner is already 7. My kids are growing up way to fast. Conner is such a wonderful part of our family. I think if I were to call anyone in our family the “peacemaker” it would be Conner. He is so kind, and good at making friends, I have never seen him in a situation where he hasn’t made a friend, no matter the age. He also is smart, and good looking, lucky dog. I’m so lucky to have him in my life. Happy Birthday Conner!

 

Conner had a pretty good birthday, he got to go to the circus (our big gift), and he got a cotton candy machine from my parents. Happy Birthday!

The Circus!

We decided to take the kids to the circus for part of Conner’s birthday. Andy and Alicia came with us. We ended up with the best seats with out having to pay extra. The seats you paid extra for were in front of us to the right, so no one was in front of us. Are kids loved the clowns, dogs, and elephants, but didn’t quite appreciate the really amazing acts. They had people walking around trying to sell us stuff for outrageous prices, so we were glad we talked to our kids before hand about not asking for anything. Conner did want to ride the elephant, but we were the mean parents that wouldn’t pay for it. It ended up being a lot of fun, I’m glad we went.

 

Cinco De Mayo!

I love Cinco De Mayo! What’s not to love? Great food (fried ice-cream, 7 layer dip, enchiladas, chimis, quesadillas, etc. mmmmmm), Good upbeat music, you get to pound a piñata, and when it breaks candy flies everywhere, and Beth all dressed up in her Mexican apparel.

We started preparing the piñatas a couple days before. Very messy, but the kids loved it. We made one big one (ended up being for the adults), and Bryant and Conner made two little ones for the kids. They were all supposed to be Kirby.

Showing their final product. I gave Ethan this little boat to paint because he was napping during piñata making. I think the boys did a great job.

Alicia (bottom left) and Beth (right side) showing off their gang signs.

Don’t you think Beth looks awesome.

Pounding the Piñatas!

Don’t you think Andy needs a little girl? Until then he can borrow Paige I’m sure.

Brooke as a Piñata.

Danny as a piñata.

Nicole as a piñata.

Time for family pictures!

My nephew Brett (in the previous post), had a Mexican theme for his prom date,

so I borrowed this. It turned out so fun.

Brooke worked so hard on these mustaches and we didn’t really use them (I was going to take group/family pictures with them, but it got late. As if I didn’t have enough pictures),

so we had a little fun with them that night.

Here is the video we got of the "adults" hitting the pinata.  Sorry Alicia, James didn't think to get out his IPod to video until after he saw how awesome you did. 

Beth breaking our way nice bat.

Andy

Brookie

Sorry Danny, James was multitasking (video, and piñata duty).

Watch Ethan in the background.  Don't worry it didn't get him, it got Danny instead. 

Thanks everyone for coming! This will be a hard party to top, but we'll try.

I had so much fun, I hope everyone else did too.