Grandparents Day

We were thankful that Grandma Betsy could join Ava for her "Grandparents Day" celebration at school this year!!

 She started the celebration by visiting all four DeKorne great grandchildren.

So special to have a GREAT great grandma close by!

When Mom's away...

I was gone a few weekends ago which coincided with the river drawdown they do in order to allow people to put their docks in and clean stuff out. 

It was a good time to be gone.

Mud.

Mud.

And more mud.

Plus some mud.

It's so great how God puts us with people that balance us out. I'm very thankful Mark is the kind of fun dad who will do this with our kids.

Cause if it were up to me-

no thanks. :)

After all that fun then got cleaned up for guitar lessons.

Naptime...

Then some more outdoor play.

Three cheers for Dad!

Sometimes I don't like Pinterest.

Because it makes people like myself feel very inadequate. I will never have those parties that they show on there. I can't make that stuff, or do that stuff, or print those labels. I just can't. 

So we went with good old fashioned fun. 

The bounce house.

The front yard.

 The cotton candy machine.

 Hula Hoops...

 Did I mention cotton candy? 

(This was, admittedly, a completely selfish rental...I love that stuff so much)

 The candy man giving Grandma a tutorial

 The birthday girl and her friend Molly 

 Please note the candy topiaries that I stole from Pinterest people after they used them at a marriage thing for church. When you have no talent: steal other people's. 

 Our wonderful Erica and Ava. 

 Grandma Betsy

 Paige, Ava, Natalie, and Molly...

 I mean it was worth the money just for our family :)

-The favor station-

 And Mark and Dean wrapping things up. 

We had a fun night celebrating Ava...hot dogs, extreme amounts of sugar and bouncing, and fun people. Who needs Pinterest!?

I got to retire five years ago!

Early retirement never looked so cute.

HaPpY BiRtHdAY to AvA!!!!!!

Oh how we love our sweet 5 year old...

The first thing she wanted to do on her birthday morning was hold her brother..and since it was her birthday, I let her. (and took a shower)

She got all dressed for school by herself. 

(Because you know I wouldn't choose sandals with tights. But since I remember my Mom not letting me wear my pink Candies tennis shoes on many occasions, I figured I'd let her be free. Love you, Mom.)

That night for her special dinner she chose: wait for it: Buffalo Wild Wings. Obviously we've trained her well in her 5 years. I was kind of pulling for Carrabbas but wings and a noisy venue were probably the best choice.

After a quick stop at Coldstone (birthday cake didn't come til her party a few days later...), we headed home and jammied up for gifts.

I love this age-she is still delighted so easily...her face in this made me smile.

 She was so grateful and excited and sweet....

 We love you precious 5 year old! So thankful you are in our family and for your kind heart. Happy, happy birthday!!!

Starburst Jelly beans just might be the key to life.

This is how I spent most of my nights in April. Me, Hutch, Starburst Jelly beans, and Friday Night Lights.  (Mark was there, too). It was pretty dreamy. I'm not sure if it's just the fact that you can't get them whenever you want, or if they really are that good. A special thanks to everyone who fed my addiction and supplied me. 

And I know Jesus is the key to life. Lest you were concerned FNL had corrupted my moral fiber.

 My dear friend Kim had a beautiful girl baby-Kendall-5 weeks after Hutch. Their first meeting went pretty well.

 Hutch turned one month but was really 6 weeks in this picture. I'm just so bad at being on the ball. So bad.

 I love how they are looking at each other in this picture. My friend Katie told me before he was born what  a dream her 5 year old was with their new baby-and it's been true. Ava has been like a back up mom and so sweet with Hutch. All the girls have, really. I'm so thankful we've had no jealousy (Reese) or hurting him (Reese). :)

 Reese and the head thing again.

 Had a fun single mom dinner with my friend Michelle...Hutch dug her. :)

 Got back out in the water! It's sure nice to be back home.