More Family Time

 The rest of our Ohio time we spent making memories with our awesome family. We played lots of games and had lots of fun! Kate sporting one of her new outfits (Grandma and Granny took my girls to the mall). And here Granny is wearing a pretty hat while playing games. Jon and Granny always banter back and forth while we play games, so this picture makes me laugh.

 These next pictures are from playing in the back yard with Nathan and Amy and their kids.

 My girls first time playing duck duck goose. Kate was a natural.

Creekin'

 One of my all time favorite things to do is walk in a creek. Something just soothes my soul with the cool water washing over my legs and feet. My Mom's friend has a creek on her land and invited us to use her's when we were in town. It was blissful for me! And the girls loved it too. On the car ride there our girls passed out!

 Kate walked right into the water and it went all the way up to her chest. It was pretty funny to watch her so surprised. Abby was a bit more cautious but eventually got excited about the water.

 This picture shows what my life sounds like. My girls are always laughing, talking, singing, or making some noise! Then our cute family...Kate wanted her wet shirt off since it was soaked.

 Then Mom's friend has a pond on her land. And it is beautiful! This is the view from her dock.

 Kate asked if she could swim...so we borrowed a swim suit and life jacket and she jumped in!I was proud of how brave she was in the water.

Even Abby eventually got into the water. She was again more cautious than Kate, but still at least tried it! I really think I would LOVE having a view like this every day. So beautiful!

Going to Granny's House

 For me a big part of going home is being at my Grandma's house, who my girls call Granny. Her house has such a peaceful feeling about it and so many cherished memories. My girls love being there too!

 While we were at Granny's we let the girls decorate cookies. They all loved it! Kate made one for Grandpa and Dad for Father's Day (that Jon was able to eat when he got there that night).

 Bailey made Granny a cookie, and it was overflowing with sprinkles, but she was a sport and ate it anyway.

 And being in Ohio we end up doing lots of driving. And the girls had a few funny sleeping poses.

Hanging in Hillsboro

 As always, my kids adored their time with my parents. Abby was cheesin it up with Grandpa here and it was too cute.

 Then we ran around the park several times. Both girls love it. And Abby has no fear, she climbs up anything and everything.
Also randomly pictured, our family is easily entertained. Zach was showing us how he can stand up on a yoga ball, and the rest of us all tried to get up on our knees. Lots of laughs.

 My cousin Marie came to visit with her sweet baby. It was great to see her again and catch up.

And as always my girls adore their Uncle Zach. And he is the best Uncle.

Ohio Vacation 2014

 The girls and I flew solo for the first time! I was pretty nervous about how we would all handle it, but it worked out great! I woke the girls up at 3am and we started the drive to Houston.The girls stayed awake the entire time. We got to the long term parking to discover that the shuttle doesnt start operation till 6am....and our flight took off at 6:05. So I had to put Abby on my shoulders and drag our 2 suitcases with one arm and Kate held onto my shirt. I got quite a workout before we even made it to the ticket counter! But, despite the hike we made it to our flight in perfect timing, and the girls were great! Kate took a nap on the flight, but Abby refused to, but at least she wasn't being grumpy! We finally made it to Ohio and Mom picked us up. It was great to be back in Ohio as always.

 I was lucky enough to meet up with my dear friend Allie. Man I love this girl, and LOVE that it never feels forced with us. I am lucky to have such a great lifelong friend in my life!

 Then we headed to Granny's house the second day in Ohio. I LOVE the view from her back window. There were 3 deer just ambling around, and she lives in Cincinnati! I miss being surrounded by beautiful trees.

 This picture cracked me up. The evil eye must be genetic. But they were laughing while they were making faces at each other. Too much fun!

 Then Granny got out her Play Dough, and Kate was in Heaven! Granny has cool gadgets that we don't, and my girl thought it was awesome. While playing she also was playing pretend. Kate is adorable, and quite possibly will become a successful actress, because when she commits to a role she gives it 100%. It is entertaining to watch.

Memorial Day

 Memorial Day weekend we spent one night sleeping in the tent in the backyard as a family. The girls LOVED it, but were short on sleeping. As pictured below, Abby spent the time running and screaming around the tent (happy screams). She thought it was hysterical to chase Chance around the tent, poor dog. After our movie was over, we went to bed at 9:30. By 11, Jon was snoring in his corner of the tent and both girls were still laughing and rolling all over me, so I called it quits. Abby just wouldn't calm down so I took her inside to her crib and Kate stayed in the tent. Maybe not the most successful camping experience, but the girls still had a blast, and as a bonus I got my bed all to myself!

Sum-Sum-Summertime!

 It has officially been hot enough for summer time activities for quite awhile here in Texas. My girls are HUGE fans of the backyard swimming pool this year.  They also love the sprinkler. They splash and squeal for hours.  I'm loving the fun in the sun!

Mother's Day

Jon started off mother's day in a risky way. I woke up with him trying to steal my pillow. I am NOT a morning person....I have been known to hit Jon when he gives me a good bye kiss in the morning. So, I was getting really angry and was about to bite his head off when he successfully got my pillow and replaced it with a new fluffy one. Then I went out to find him making breakfast and doing the dishes on my new waterproof and comfy floor matt. Jon then told me that "I hope you like your gifts, I was very thoughtful". That man cracks me up. He also got me a balloon that said sassy mom, and a I love mom cake.

I can't seem to make this picture rotate, but its cute so just turn your head! These are the beautiful girls who call me mom.

 And this is the man who made me a mom. Love him so much!

Run Sarah, Run!

 Leslie has been trying to turn me into a runner, and so far it's working! We ran a mud run together on April 26th. It was a blast! We got quite muddy, and had some great laughs. I had a graceful fall flat on my back in one mud pit that was priceless. The mud was so great, it even pulled off the soles of my shoes!

 Then this weekend on the 3rd we ran a half marathon! And when I say ran...I mean jogged/walked. I was doing pretty good (keeping up a 14 min mile) till about mile 9. Then I hit a big ugly wall and got a cramp in my leg. I ended up walking the rest of the way. Sweet Leslie never gave up on me and believed in me every step of the way. She didn't leave me, and went as far as walking arm and arm with me for the last mile (which helped ease the pain of my limp!) The experience humbled me and reminded me just how important it is to surround yourself with selfless loving people who will literally be a shoulder to lean on in hard times. I am so blessed by those around me!

Easter Dresses