Hilton Head {part 1}

We had this vacation booked for over 6 months, and when we got a placement we knew they wouldn't be able to come with us because of limited space in the condo. It was strange leaving them with strangers, but at the same time it allowed us to relax and spend lots of quality time with our kiddos. 

After the month we had just prior to this, I really couldn't imagine being on vacation and not running around like a crazy person from 6 am to 11 pm every day. We took turns sleeping in and taking naps every day (say what?!)

Our schedule was the same every day: breakfast, beach, pool, lunch, nap (some at pool), beach, dinner, pool. And it never got old.

This kid loved just sitting in the sand while the waves came up to his feet.

We ventured over to some other beaches so the kids could experience larger waves. The beach we stay at is always calm and when the tide is out we can't really get to the water.

The public beach never seemed crowded (which is surprising since the beach we stay at never has anyone else at it).

We followed down a path that led to a river (which later produced an alligator on our beach). Eek!

There were a few windy days where we got blasted, then it was smooth sailing the rest of the time.

And we had to get gelato a few times :)

My mom and grandma stayed a few doors down from us so it was nice getting to spend some time with them.

We also extended our vacation a few days longer this year and it was so nice!

We are so thankful for these special trips we have been able to take our kids on.

in a blink of an eye

This past month has been a blur. Our computer locked up that has all our pictures on it so I felt majorly behind on posting those (such as Evangeline's birthday *sigh*). But that will have to wait until it gets fixed.

But in the meantime we connected with a dear friend from 3 years ago who we thought we'd never see again. We hosted some girls and this lady (from Peru) a few years ago and she happened to be touring again this year. I just cried and cried at how gracious God was to allow us to be connected once more.

Ari also finished his first grade year. (Insert loud cheering from me!!!) He had a spring program then we sadly said goodbye to a great teacher. I tried to talk her in to moving up to 2nd grade :)

Ari finally lost another tooth! His first tooth was lost a year ago in April and this next one was pulled by the elementary principal on the last day of school. :) How memorable.

In the midst of school ending, we got a placement in our home. Our world quickly went from busy to insanely busy. But we have adjusted well and we are all enjoying the new additions.

We've had lots of play dates with these friends. Enjoying s'mores, playing baseball, playing hair dresser, and playing more baseball.

We also ventured to the zoo. It was super busy but was totally worth it. The new lego exhibit is incredible!

Most of the lego statues used over 80,000 lego's and about 500 hours to build. Wow!

And in case you didn't already know...we're a little coo-coo :)

This is about how I feel most of the time these days :)

life's been busy

I'm still trying to figure out how it's May already. So glad it's going fast since Ari will be done with school in a few weeks (insert joyous music here). Yay!! We've been busy with dance, soccer, friends, birthdays, mowing, unclogging drains, laundry, etc. Ya know, the usual.

We had a few days in the 80's that the kids were begging for the kiddie pool be dug out of the shed. So we obliged. Then after that the weather turned rainy and seems to have stayed that way ever since.

The kids are enjoying this soccer season. Despite the rainy days, we've still had games. (And I've had a few attitude checks while sitting out under an umbrella trying to keep 3 kids dry). First world problem for sure. And I'm so thankful to have healthy kids out running around...and many, many other things to be thankful for as well.

Evangeline has made lots of progress since the last time she played in the fall. She actually tries to kick the ball now, despite all the other kids chasing the ball too.

She also turned 5 out of nowhere. (Gasp) What?!?!

She is growing up way. too. fast. Before I know it she will be asking for the car keys. *sigh* 

AJ had to be out of town for a few days which corresponded with Ari's random day off school, so we went to the zoo. The lion cubs were so active! And after we made it to the elephants we could hear the lion roaring!

The kids and I had a great time. The weather was pleasant and we surprisingly didn't have too many field trips to navigate.

Lincoln missed his morning nap, but ended up sleeping for nearly 4 hours afterwards. Woah!

The flamingos are always hilarious.

AJ made it back in town on E's birthday just in time for dinner. So we hit up Scotty's for Kids Eat Free Tuesdays (thankyouverymuch) then made our way to Monkey Joe's.

And at some point this past month, Selah spent some time with nanny. She's becoming more and more independent each day. And less crazy too :) We've seen a heart change the last few weeks and we are so thankful to be coming out of a challenging stage with her.

Evangeline also had her first dance recital. She was definitely in her element. Tutu's, dancing, a stage, and an audience. That's what our days are filled with at home anyway :) So thankful for the girls who organized this ministry.