Backyard blast!

They look like they're whining in this picture. They probably are.

This is Michael, getting his slide on.

The kids had a blast.

Yep. I can do more than just stand around with a camera. We didn't get pictures, but Michael and I were working some really cool stunts. We were sore the next day...but it was worth it.

The Princess and the Birthday!

Maggie, my sweet niece, turned 3 and had a Princess birthday party at Strawberry park last Saturday. The kids had a great time, and JM and Sharon did a wonderful job. The girls were each given one glass slipper and they had to go hunt for the other one. The boys were given their helmet and shield, and they had to find their sword. It was fun for everybody. Even Molly, who is channeling her inner Maxwell Smart and using her slipper as a phone.

Aidan loved being a knight. He's bound and determined to save the world one day. Either as a superhero or a knight in armor. If I could just get him to save his bed from being unmade, that'd work for me!

Max is simply the greatest kid. Everything about him makes me smile. And my favorite part? He loves to give hugs and kisses!

Maggie looked beautiful. Her cake was befitting a perfect princess. I think my dad was sad that fondant icing just isn't as delectable as buttercream...he's seen too many episodes of Ace of Cakes. He was sure that it tasted just like regular icing!

This was a great start to our busy weekend. It's been so hectic around here that I'm looking another weekend in the face and I'm just now processing the last one! On Friday night of last week, Michael and I saw Indiana Jones. I loved it. I mean sure, it was a bit farfetched at times, but all the elements of a good Indy movie were there. Madelaine kept the kids, and that is always a great time for them. She's awesome. Then on Saturday after the party, we played in the yard. Slipping and sliding all afternoon. Then a trip to the ER that night with Paisley. I thought she had a broken collarbone. Michael was here with the kids, so my folks met me there so I wouldn't be downtown by myself. Turns out she had "nursemaid's elbow" which apparently means some tendons got stretched and her elbow popped and caused her some pain. The bill that I'll get for that will cause me some pain, I'm sure! On Sunday we went to church then over to mom and dad's house, where more pool time and haircuts were on the agenda. We stayed till suppertime, then went home and chilled out for the night and all the next day. Michael went out of town on Wednesday, and will be home tonight, right before Tatum and Trevor's (cousins) birthday party at Pump It Up. So another busy weekend ahead! But lots of fun. More pics on the way!

BILL COSBY HIMSELF

This happened to us today...Molly ate watermelon, then wiped her face on her pink smocked Easter dress that was hanging to dry in the bathroom. When I asked her why, she said, "I don't know!" I had to turn around and walk out of the room.

The rest of the Bill Cosby video is just funny.

"I hate snakes!"

yeah, me too. See, I have so much in common with Indiana Jones! He hates snakes, me too. He runs screaming from 10 ton boulders, me...well, okay.

We preordered our tickets, got a babysitter, and we're off to see Dr. Jones be his wonderful self tonight! I'm so excited. I really wanted the recessional of my wedding to be the theme of Indiana Jones, but Michael (and mom) just didn't get on board with that one.

7 more hours! I'm so excited!

Let them eat cake!

Taste testing...

Bobbing for birthday cake!

I think she likes it!

The end result...then off to the tub!

Fun First Birthday!

Last night was Paisley's first birthday party. We had some sweet family come over to my parents' house and we had a great time.

This is her paisley cake and plates! Naming her after a pattern was a great idea, don't you think?! Suzanne made the cakes, and they were precious and yummy!

This is the birthday girl in her outfit. My friend Tamah did the monogram, and although this outfit gave her fits, we're so happy with the outcome!

This is Aidan, Max, Molly, Tatum and Trevor. Happy cousins, having fun. They love each other so much, and I'm so glad. It used to be chaotic when we were all together, now it's just fun.

And this is baby Jack. He's just taking it all in. Sweetest little guy, ever.

Purple Tutus!

Molly's first recital was last night. She did a ballet and a tap dance. The teacher, Mrs. Donna Hatten, is a precious lady who wants the production to glorify God first and foremost. The girls have fun, get to dress up, and dance to sweet music about Jesus. My kind of show. Molly did really well. She remembered every step, and when it was time to do a turn, she spun on one foot really fast. It was hilarious. She almost took out one little girl next to her. But she did 6 of those spins, and it became her signature move. Our favorite part was the little girl who did her whole tap dance facing the backdrop. Everyone in the room was laughing. It was a really fun night.

This is my girl. She and I spent a lot of time together this weekend getting ready, and I was so proud of her. I could tell she had fun, and did her very best.

Aidan and Molly with their Nonna. It's always fun to have her around!

This is her teacher, Mrs. Donna. She really does a great job with the girls, and teaches them about what's most important.

Before the show...