Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great, long weekend. Bryan's mom came in from Meridian, MS and the Starrs came in from Dallas, TX on Friday. We left for Branson Saturday and met the Barnicas for dinner while the Craigs and Starrs stayed back at the hotel so the kids could swim. We left for SDC early Sunday morning. I was a little worried because there was a 80% chance of thunderstorms that day but it held off until after lunch. The rain wasn't too bad and we were able to enjoy some more rides. Once the rain started getting very heavy, we decided to make our way to the train depot so Bodi and Dougie could ride the train. The boys were so excited because that was the one thing they wanted to do. After waiting in line for a while, we were finally able to board the train but at the last minute, the conductor informed us that the ride was cancelled due to heavy rain! All in all, it was a great trip. We enjoyed spending time with family and our closest friends who are actually family to us.

Nana, Emma, and Bodi

Bodi finally met the 36" height requirement and was able to ride more rides this time :)

Emma and Ze riding the roller coaster

Here comes the rain, Bodi's ready though

My boys taking a dip in the pool

Mother's Day

I had the best Mother's Day! I always look forward to the crafts the kids make for me at school. Emma painted a flower pot and planted a Marigold in it. Bodi made a picture frame. They were both so proud of the gifts and it made me so happy to see how much love they put into making them.


Amy and I couldn't figure out where to go for brunch on Sunday, so we let the kids decide...Chuck E. Cheese it was! Although it was our day, it was nice to see the kids have fun. Amy took the pictures and I'll get them loaded as soon as I get them from her. Later that evening, the Craigs came over for ribeyes and filets. After dinner, we cuddled with the kiddos for a picture, I had such a great day with our families.

Silver Dollar City

We decided to take the kids for a quick weekend trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. The Craigs also joined the fun. We left bright and early Saturday morning and made the 2 hour trip up north. The roads were very curvy and eventually took it's toll on Emma. She threw up in the car about half way there. After a 30 minute pit stop to clean her up, we were on the road again. The kids had so much fun at SDC and had even more fun at the hotel, which had an indoor pool. We purchased season tickets and will visit again soon.

We got there just in time for Bodi to fall asleep.

He missed the first 2 hours there!

There was an area just for the kids. Emma could ride most of the rides but Bodi only met the height requirement for 2 rides. He might be able to ride more by the end of Summer, as he only has one more inch to grow :) Doesn't Bryan look like a giant in the frog ride?

I honestly didn't think Emma ride the swings, but she did. My heart stopped the entire time they were up there. My little girl is so brave!

We also caught some shows, the Chinese Acrobats were our favorite!

More fun pics

We had such a blast and can't wait to come back in May!

Emma's 5th Birthday

Emma turned 5 on Saturday, March 14th. We can't believe how fast our baby girl is growing up. She is so excited about Kindergarten in August and is already reading and loves math. She definitely gets this from her Daddy, the smartest guy I know.

We had her party at Jump Zone, as you can see,

she had a blast!

It was tough gathering all the kids for the group

picture but we got some of them in this shot.

The Birthday Girl sitting on her throne.

Opening gifts

Later that evening - Emma blowing out her B-day candles;

she's not big on sweets so I made her a fruit bouquet. Yes, I made it :)

Emma and the balloons Nana sent her

Emma in the musical dress Kenny and PT got her.

She's also holding the Nintendo DS we got her, look at her reaction

below as she opened it. Her reaction was PRICELESS!

Happy Birthday Emma,

we love you!!!

Mae's 1st Birthday

We traveled to Dallas to celebrate Mae's first birthday.

We are so proud of her and are so happy that she is doing so well.

Kennedi, Emma, Natalie, and the Birthday Girl

Me, Dad, Mom, Amy, Emma, and Natalie

AiLien and Bryan... Bodi chomping down on calamari, he loves it!

Valentines Day Party at School

Emma's party was crazy, the kids had so much fun.

Emma pictured here with her friends, Katie and Katie Mae.

Bodi's party was a little more quiet, he pretty

much "chilled" the whole time.

We decided to ditch Bodi's party and join

the fun in Emma's room.

The ladies love Bodi :)

Jitterbugs

Last weekend, the girls had a Jitterbugs performance. Jitterbugs is a theatrical dance class that comes to their school once a week and holds 3 performances a year. This one was special since Natalie was finally old enough to participate. They performed 4 dances, unfortunately, Natalie suffered stage freight. The show went on with Natalie cheering Emma on.

First dance - "Who Let the Dogs Out"

Natalie watching from behind the scenes

Second Dance - "Chim Chim Cheriee"

Third Dance - "Secret Agent Man"

Fourth Dance - "The Ugly Bug Ball"

Bodi kept trying to go on stage and finally gave up...

then he decided to entertain himself by trying out each seat in the auditorium.

After the performance - Bodi was so proud of Sissy!