Our own backyard adventure park

Just wanted to share some pictures of Steven's most recent project. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Steven has been turning our backyard into an adventure park. We now have a tire swing, climbing wall, and tree platform that he CLAIMS to have created for the kids - I'm not sure they're not really for him, though! I will admit, this has kept the kids entertained for the past week! The zip line has also been added to our backyard, but I forgot to take a picture of it.

Rylee's birthday celebration

This year, rather than have a birthday party, Rylee had a "nail day" at Jill's salon. Jill gave pedicures while her co-worker gave manicures to the girls. Rylee was allowed to invite 2 school friends and her 2 cousins to this event. It turned out so wonderful - and it was stress free unlike the typical birthday party I find myself throwing - no decorations or planning needed, but the girls had a blast. After their nails were beautiful, we had lunch at Fatz (Rylee's favorite restaurant) and cupcakes for dessert.

I can't believe my little girl is already 6 years old - she is growing so fast - I feel like it was no time ago that I was holding her in my arms for the first time at the hospital. Where does time go???? She has brought so much joy to our lives, and I thank God for my precious babies EVERY DAY!

Babysitting fun

While on break this week, I had the pleasure of keeping my sweet niece a few days. Lorelye LOVES to play outside - just had to share these sweet pictures!

Tubes - AGAIN

Rylee had tubes put in her ears a little over a year ago. Well, here we are again! Her left tube came out; and since it came out, fluid has stayed behind her eardrum causing her to have trouble hearing. She's also had several infections because of the fluid. So, after attempting to help this fluid go away with numerous rounds of antibiotics and antihistamines, we're back for a second tube in this ear. Rylee was in and out of the surgery center in an hour and a half - the anesthesia wore off immediately after she left, and she already hears more clearly!

Rylee's birthday

Rylee turned 6 on 4/14. The family came over that evening for baked spaghetti, cherry cobbler (instead of birthday cake at Rylee's request), and some fun outdoors. Steven spent much of his Easter break creating an outdoor adventure park for the kids - we now have a tree house (or deck as I call it) with a climbing wall attached, a zip line, and a tire swing right in our back yard! Obviously, my husband gets bored easily and needs something to keep him busy at all times - the kids are thrilled over all this! So, for Rylee's birthday night, everyone tried out the zip line. By the way, the top picture is of Isaac - isn't he growing! While he didn't get to play on the zip line, he came to watch the others!

New family pics

Several weeks ago, April took some updated pictures of the kids. Her in-laws own some BEAUTIFUL property and it makes a gorgeous background for photos!

New family pics

New family pics

New family pics

Easter Sunday - time with family

After church, we headed to Buffy's house for Easter lunch and NUMEROUS egg hunts. After the kids hunted eggs, they insisted on hiding eggs for the adults. After a huge delicious ham and chicken pie lunch, we had burgers and hot dogs for dinner at my mom's. Needless to say, we were quite full after dinner!

Easter Morning

On Easter morning, the Easter Bunny had goodies waiting in the kids' baskets. They always leave their baskets on the front porch the night before for the Easter Bunny to fill. After the thrill of exploring all the new items, Steven made the kids bunny-shaped pancakes for breakfast. Then we all got dressed for church for our annual Easter drama. (Not sure what's up with the quality of these pics -for some reason they all turned out a little blurry.)

Easter

Caden and Lorelye have difficulty keeping Easter egg dye off their clothes, so we had to strip them to keep from ruining clothing. After dyeing eggs, Lorelye snuggled up to her older cousin - aren't they sweet!

Easter

On Good Friday, we dyed Easter eggs with Buffy and the girls and Jill and Lorelye. The kids had a blast - Rylee and Vanessa now take this event VERY serious. Caden was beside himself with excitement while dyeing 2 or 3 eggs, and then he was ready to watch TV. Lorelye wanted so badly to get one of the eggs and put it into her mouth!