Butterfly Pavilion

 The kids had a great time exploring all the Butterfly Pavilion has to offer;

 Rosie the Tarantula,

 Butterflies,

 Sea creatures, like this Star Fish,

 Beetles,

 and Earthworms.

After the museum the kids and I explored the nature trails outside.

We had so much fun, we decided to come back the next day with a picnic and explore some more.

Such a beautiful place.....and close to home!

A Relaxed art Home Birthday Party

With our deck under construction, we opted for a small, at-home birthday party this year, and Lillian was game! Lillian chose an ice cream theme.  We decorated the house with construction paper Ice Cream Cone cut outs, complete with 3 scoops and a cherry on top.  Each kid got to take home ice cream cone poppers (The scoop of ice cream on top popped off and snapped back on), ice cream cone stamp pads and ice cream shaped bubbles.  We served a light dinner, but the main attraction was the ice cream bar of course! Mike finished the deck floor just in time to put the furniture in place and relax and enjoy the party.

 

We had a surprise visitor Saturday morning before the party.  We had heard Great Uncle Bert was in town, Ingrid had messaged me the night before, but when the doorbell rang that morning, we were all still surprised to see him! 93 and looking good.  (I have to mention, he wasn't driving, Bert had flown out to visit friends and they gave him a ride over).

Lillian's Spring Program

 Lillian walked on to that stage with the confidence and presence of a kindergartner. 

 And sang her heart out!

 Jak was proud of his Sister

 And Lillian had great stage presence!

 When the program was over, Jak couldn't wait to hug her, he rushed right to his sister!

Lillian with her girlfriends Ayla and Hannah.

 It was a gorgeous day and Opa took the opportunity to enjoy the view with the kids.

Folks, We Have a Five Year Old

 I think she's proud of her 5 Year Old Status!

She helped bake her own cupcakes for school.  And Jak licked his lips in anticipation!

 Lillian proudly helped serve the cupcakes to all of her friends at school,

 As an after school treat, we headed over to the library. 

 And went out to dinner to Sweet Tomatoes, salad buffet restaurant....the soft ice cream bar at the end was the icing on the cake!

 Aunt Cathy, Johnny and Layla sent Lillian a headband making kit.

 Grammy Kerschen sent Lillian 5 crisp one dollar bills.

And Aunt Candy & Uncle John sent Lillian the SAME headband making kit.  Guess it's no secret, headbands are Lillian's favorite accessory right now.

Grandpa sent her a fancy etch-o-sketch type thing.  It's great to practice her writing on!

And both Grammy's sent her back yard type toys...Bring on summer!

Real Life Moments

A quote that suits me so well at this point in our lives.  Like Mike always says, "These are the good ol' days".  And this blog helps us remember every moment.

 My sweet little guy, he has his moody moments and three year old tantrums but mostly he is a lover.  He hugs me and says, "Mom, remember this hug, remember it always." And "Mom, you're the best mom ever."

 Jak picked all the grape hyacinths from Mike's job site for me the other day.  He says "You need these mom, cause they're beautiful and you're beautiful".

 I'm not sure who entertained who more, Jak had the goats eating grass out of his hands.

My soon to be five year old received a box of hand-me-down clothes from Layla today in the mail.  Her enthusiasm is so theatrical!

A Little Time for Mom & Dad

Every once in a while we get to dress up and act like adults.   It was so nice to have a night out with Mike.  And the kids LOVE having a babysitter.  Perfect!

Local Meteorologist, Mike Nelson emceed the Wish of a Lifetime Gala.  When he walked by our table he said, "Hey you could be my hair twin".  Then he added, "or my daughter".  We had to pose for a quick picture, we really do have the same shade and curl to our hair!