Mother's Day at Starved Rock State Park

On Mother's day we decided we would go to Starved Rock and spend the day as a family. Our family loves to hike and have a picnic. So that is just what we did. This was the first time Carter hiked the entire way and wasn't in the backpack. He did a great job and made it the entire 2.5 hours. (Well, Daddy did carry him on his shoulders for about 10 mins.) We did a new hike this time and it was beautiful. Our family was able to walk behind the waterfall and we all thought that was pretty cool. The weather was beautiful and perfect for hiking. The kids have really become great hikers. They know to stay on the path, not touch the greenery in case of poi sin ivy, and listen for the waterfalls ahead. This time we even had to do some maneuvering around water puddles and mud. Mom, has also learned to pack spare clothes and shoes for everyone. It was a great trip and a great day

Kennedy Turns 7!!!

I can't believe that Kennedy has turned 7. I really do wish time would slow down a little. She has definitely come out her shell a little. She loves to play "mom and dad" with Carter. When she plays alone she seems to play with her Bitty baby, complete arts and crafts, or sing and dance in her room. For her Birthday it was great that my mom and dad were able to come out and visit. It was very special for Kennedy to have her Grandma and Grandpa here when she got home from school. We had a very busy afternoon. When the kids got home from school we visited with their grandparents, did some homework, and let Kennedy open her birthday presents. We then had a quick dinner (from the crock pot of course) as we had to head out for soccer practice. Joe arrived home before we left and all of went and watched Tyler practice and the other two played on the playground. Afterwards, we came home and had cake and ice cream, then showers and bed for school the next day. I feel so bad because in the craziness of it all, I did not get any pictures of the kids with Grandma and Grandpa! I have noticed that lately I am slacking in the picture taking area!

Kennedy asked for a ladybug cake. If you haven't realized I am not big on store bought cakes. I like to make them myself for the kids. So you will see my attempt at a lady bug cake. I think the only mistake I made was cutting it wrong so I couldn't frost the outside of the wings.......OK maybe it also had something to do with being in a hurry to get it done before she came home from school and not being able to let it cool long enough! Anyhow, it tasted great and Kennedy loved it, and that is all that really matters. She had a great birthday!

EASTER

On Easter morning, the kids were excited by the Easter baskets they found and the eggs that were hidden outside. The weather co-operated so that we could have an egg hunt outside. After church we cleaned up around the house and started dinner. There are a few pre-Robert's, SYSCO people who also did not make it home for Easter, so we had them over for dinner and all celebrated together. It went well, I was a little concerned when Joe told them, "No don't bring anything, we've got it all covered ". But everything turned out great and we all had a nice time together.

Easter Egg Coloring

We were hoping to color Easter Eggs with my parents, as the were to visit for Easter weekend, but my mom was sick. So we colored eggs as a family the evening before. I tried a new kit this year and was happy with it. We didn't dip in color as usual, I found that dipping was not a lot of fun for the kids......you know you have to just sit and wait! So instead I bought a kit where you stamp and paint on the eggs. The kids...and Joe and I.....had a lot of fun with this. I will look for this same kit next year.....and will boil more eggs!

SPRING BREAK

OK, so I know it has been a very long time since I have posted.......but as they say "better late than never"! So time takes us back to our Spring Break Trip to Panama City Beach Florida. We had such a great time. We enjoyed the beach, the sun, and being together with most all of the immediate family from Joe's side. (Jordan wasn't able to be there since he is in college). We spent our days out on the beach and in the sun. We had some cooler weather a couple of days but that did not keep us from playing outside or from getting sun burned. Even though we have a pool it is so different to enjoy the ocean and the beautiful sand. Tyler and Kennedy would play on the edge of the waves but Carter stuck to the sand. We did venture out a couple evenings and went go-karting. One day it rained all day long so to get out of the house we went roller skating. Carter was the surprise, as he was able to skate well all by himself. Not everyone was brave enough to get out there but our entire family did....and so did Rita! This is as much for the big kids as it is for the little kids. We look forward to this trip every year and always have a great time.