My Love

Meet my new love...

Woo hoo!

Loving my new birthday present from Andy and the kids.  Lilly really wanted me to have this bike since we love our bike rides at night.  I've been riding a (painful) hunch over bike and this new ride is oh so comfortable!  Can't wait to get a basket for the front.

Happy Birthday Mommy

I had a great 37th birthday.

No TV.
No lights.
No air conditioning.
No internet.
No phone.
No white noise for napping children.
No ice maker.
No stove.
No microwave.
No filtered water.

Really? I did have a great birthday. The electrician was here today and he turned off our power at 8 a.m. and turned it back on around 3 p.m. I was panicked. I am anal. I am structured. I have a routine and Momma doesn't like to stray from her routine. But it was wonderful! It was a crisp, cool day. I opened the windows. I loved not having the television on. The boys slept fine. We read lots of books and stayed outside all day. We saw friends and went on impromptu walks. We rode bikes and laughed on the porch. We actually left the house (rare) and got gas, soft pretzels, smoothies, and a cake.

Lilly really wanted me to have a nice birthday and was set on getting me a cake. I drove to Classic Cake Company and gave Lilly $20 and let her go in alone (parking lot right up against the door). She picked out a cake and had them write on it. I told her to let me know when it was ready and I'd help her carry it but she came out on her own swinging the bag with the box inside. She was so proud. When she got in the car she said, "I picked out the perfect cake and even told them to write on it!!"

It was in this moment where I was sitting in my car on a beautiful day with my four awesome kids looking out over an incredible treeline meeting the bluest sky that I really let it sink in how lucky I am. My five year old just bought me a cake all by herself. It doesn't get any better than this. I smiled and I thanked my kids for making my day perfect.

*There's no way I'm 37. I do not feel 37. Yowza.*

Dance Recital

Sunday was Lilly's third dance recital. We're becoming pros. Ha.

Last week our family battled a random summer stomach virus so by the time Sunday rolled around we had to make a decision as to who was going to take Lilly to the recital and who would stay home with sick kids. I was pretty upset we couldn't go as a family but Andy was super gracious and let me (and Ella) go.

Lilly wanted a bun in her hair but not just any bun. She wanted a big poofy bun. Her class is not required to wear their hair in any particular way so I was encouraging a nice wash and go style but Lilly's mind was set. I YouTube'd videos on how to put in a bun but didn't succeed so I sent Andy to CVS for a bun apparatus but he came home with the wrong thing. On our way to the recital (which is 30 min away) I ran into Walgreens and found the bun thingy majiggy and then busted a move to the recital. I hate rushing.

We arrived on time but I still had to put this bun in Lilly's hair and hadn't a clue how the thing worked. In all of our rushing we realized Lilly grabbed one ballet shoe that fit and one from when she was two. This is how I sent her backstage for her first dance...

I started to obsess once Ella and I were in the auditorium and I could think straight but then figured it's not the end of the world. Before I had the twins I would have spiraled into a full panic attack but the boys have given me perspective that I can only do so much and at least she was at the recital in costume and on time!

Lilly's famous eye-cut. Ella's famous crazy-smile.

Lilly did a great job in both of her dances and both times she had two shoes. I didn't even ask how or where. Lilly was cool with it so I considered it a success! *She did say, "They kept taking my shoe!" and I laughed because it wasn't her shoe. Wonder who they took it off of each time?

Ella loved the show. She sat still in her seat for two hours in awe of the show before her eyes. She has since played dance recital numerous times. I would love for her to dance but she's too shy to go into the classroom; we've tried.

Everyone is well and we showed Andy the video of Lilly dancing.

All is right with the world.

Skills

Luke is 2 minutes older than his brother therefore he is learning to drive first.
The hands. The feet. Love.

This boy loves him some driving. Atta baby boy.

Lady Godiva

There's so much wrong with this picture.

Brothers

Boy boys are always together. They play. They eat. They ride. They are usually side by side and they know no different. Sometimes, they spat. It's adorable.

Happily sitting in the yard enjoying pretzel rods.

"Hi Momma!"

Something happens. Hmmmm...

Problem solved. I love boys.

What's that we hear?

Looking in unison. I love them so much.

Goodbye Preschool...

Lilly finished preschool. I have mixed emotions. On one hand I cannot believe she's already five and on her way to kindergarten. On the other hand I'm relieved she's done with the preschool that I didn't care much for. Her teachers were nice but I wasn't impressed with the curriculum and did not care one bit for the director. I will send the others to a different preschool that has yet to be determined.

The last week of school Lilly had an ice cream party for parents and siblings and on the very last day a picnic for all families which was really nice.

Lilly's hairdo for her ice cream party...

"Hi Mommy!"

The boys were so good. They sat in their stroller and watched everyone. I know I keep saying this but they are the best babies (thank you God!).

I got the biggest thrill out of seeing Ella sit at a table all by her big self and eat snack like a big girl. Ella knows how to have a good time at home and man can she be super loud and spastic but when we're out, she's generally very reserved and quiet.

Lilly is definitely ready for Kindergarten. I wish it was a full day but it's not so she'll have to get the most out of her few hours there. She is very excited but for now, we're ready for summer!