Easter

Easter was simple this year. We had no travels, no big events, nothing super special...other than the reason for the day's celebration! It was perfect. We relished in the simplicity of the day.

The four together.

It was Cinderella's first Easter.

With her Great-Grandpa Paw Paw Arnol.
Just the three boys.
Just some of the fun...

A Band-Aid Makes Everything Better

When I pick G up from school it is no uncommon that he has done something that required a band-aid. His wild antics are always causing cuts, bumps and bruises. Thus, earlier this week when I went to pick him up and he had a band-aid on his elbow, I thought little of it.

However, that same evening that he hurt his elbow, I was frantically getting ready for a meeting. As I was rushing around the house, I was paying little attention to the fact that G was digging the the cabinet where we keep movies and games. I figured there was little that he could hurt in the cabinet...

I do not know why I assume things about him...

When I walk back through the living room, I hear some bizarre cracking noise and then G screams "Oh no! Daddy is going to be mad at me!" I run to survey the damage.

True, he had broken a PS2 game in 1/2, but I was not that concerned because I hated the gamed to begin with. I thought it was violent and stupid. However, I did not think that if I expressed these thoughts that G would ever learn that he should not do what he had been doing. So, I say, "Oh, G, Daddy is going to be upset. I know that was a game he liked. I do not know what is going to happen. I am disappointed in your actions. I know you know it is not okay to be in that cabinet."

He said, "I'm sorry Mommy. I will fix it."

"G, you cannot fix it. It is broken in 1/2."

"No, Mommy, I can. I have and idea..." And, with that, he ran into his room with the broken game and I continued my mad rush to get ready for my meeting.

So, now I am leaving, and this is what I am presented with...
How could one not laugh.

Reaching One More...

For close to three years our church has been preparing for today.

Today, our new sanctuary opened...


These are really bad pictures, but I cannot find the good ones I took! :(

Yea, below are pictures of G and his favorite little girl! I think he loves her so much because there is no other little girl that will wrestle with him!
This just made me laugh! Poor Cinderella! I guess she had something in/on her nose! Ha!

Day at the lake + Crawfish = Family Fun

The start of spring means two pretty big things at our house...the fishing at the lake gets good and because the crawfish are in season, the eating gets good too! Thus, we celebrated with both today...

We had a lot of crawfish...and G helped himself to a lot of cake!
Yep, he helped himself to fists full of cake!


Eric would cook and then he would do this... He finds his kyack so relaxing...that is until we "accidentally" zoom past him on the jetskis! Ha!
G is always in charge. Even from the porch he can dish out the instructions for what all need to be doing. Here is he instructing his uncle on how to fish.
Still giving instructions...
I do not know if he REALLY caught this fish; however, he claimed he did when he was taking the picture. He was telling me that he did what he was telling Daddy and Kason to do! I believe his story!
Noting is ever simple in our family. Even going on a leisurely boat ride is drama...who is going... who is driving...how long we will be gone...who is staying with the little ones...I just decided it was not even worth it! Plus, I did not want to be seen with Kason in that wetsuit! Ha!
Even Ballerina is into the good things at the lake! Of course, she is eating again! Yep, potatoes, corn and mushrooms cooked with the crawfish! She loved it!
She stays awake observing as long as she possibly can.
The, she finally succumbs to sleep when GiGi rocks her.
Even Rudder and Maggie get in on the good times at the lake!
Thanks Justin...that is SCARY!

A Howlin' Good Time

For the first part of our Spring Break fun we headed to the Great Wolf Lodge water park. Not knowing what to expect, we did not stay long; however, we had an incredible time. We are even making plans to go again soon!

It was more than enjoyable to watch the kids be able to have so much fun...together!

Coordinating everybody for a picture never really works...I do not know why we continue to attempt! :)

G rejoicing after the first time he went down the "big boy" slide! Yea!

Ballerina crawling in the water...At first she was NOT a fan; however, by the end of the second day she thought she was quite the pro! It was humorous!

Ballerina and Daddy lounging...

This was when she was still not a fan...I think the look on her face is more of a disgusted look.

Chillin' with Mommy watching her brothers!

G trying to put on the snorkel he insisted he needed!

Cannon dodging the bullets being squirted by his brothers!

G informing Daddy that "the water doesn't squirt in the middle!" You should have seen his face a few seconds later when he learned it DID! Ha!

Gunnar preparing for the drenching from the "big bucket!"

Cinderella was still assessing the situation...

After dinner...just before story-time in the lodge...

Listening to the story-teller.

Still listening!

For the first part of our Spring Break fun we headed to the Great Wolf Lodge water park. Not knowing what to expect, we did not stay long; however, we had an incredible time. We are even making plans to go again soon!

It was more than enjoyable to watch the kids be able to have so much fun...together!

I think, however, for Eric and me, the most enjoyable part of the short trip was not only the time we were able to spend together and with the children, but also the time we had with good friends and extended family. Uncle Justin lives just around the corner from the Great Wolf Lodge, so we were able to spend 2 evenings with him. It is always good to see my siblings. However, we were also blessed to be able to see dear, dear friends of Eric's and mine from what we like to call our "younger days." The friends from our "younger days" that we keep-in-touch with are few and far between; however, Eric's friend Brock and my friend Sarah are exceptions...they mean the world to us. Because we see them so rarely, we truly cherish being able to spend time with them. I KNOW Brock and Sarah know more about Eric and I than I will EVER care to disclose! We relish as their families grow and we pray our friendships will only continue to blossom!
Me, Brock's wife, Felicia, Cinderella and Kalie. Kalie brings me joy! The way she talks/screams is delightful! :)