05-02-15 Date Night

Since having kids, I can probably count on two hands the number of date nights we have had. (I know, it's not good.) We always have the best intentions, but our plans get sidelined by illnesses, or family activities, or just plain old fatigue. So it was a blessing to have people take the kids this evening and Tim and I got a little bit of quiet time. 

For our date, Tim took me to dinner at one of my favorite local restaurants. It's a gem of a sushi restaurant in the little (and I mean little) town of Deale. Outside of NYC, they have the best sushi I've been able to find. If you get the chance to go, try the Crazy Roll. It's huge, and a little pricey, but very tasty... (It has crab, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado and apple, and is covered in red and black roe.) Yum!!

This morning was ballet morning, so the boys hung out with me in the lobby while C did her class. 

05-01-15 It's happening too fast...

It's happening too fast... This growing up... This changing.

You are so eager for it to happen. You measure yourself by your milestones. 

And I sit at dinner both heart brimmingly happy and heart achingly sad as I watch you, trying to freeze these moments in my mind so I can return when you are grown and can remember you here before your hearts have been broken and the world has done its best to drive you down. 

Your laughing, your silliness is completely genuine. And completely wonderful. And completely contagious! I love you. 

04-30-15 The Walker

For Christmas, baby E got a walker from his grandparents. This evening we finally put it together. He is still too small for it. His feet don't yet touch the ground, but he will be growing into it quickly! He enjoyed sitting in it for about ten minutes and the big kids enjoyed pushing him around. 

04-29-15 My girl

04-28-15 Birthday

When I got home this evening, my kids could barely contain their excitement to give me their presents. It was so adorable. :) They each gave me a teenage mutant ninja turtle birthday card and some bath stuff. It was so wonderful. We ate cupcakes and listened to music. We are getting to bed late, but that's ok! 

Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes!

E took his first tumble down the stairs this evening. We have told him *multiple* times that you can't crawl face first down the stairs like a dog, but there is nothing like experience to prove it. He lost his balance after the first couple of steps and tumbled down the rest. Thankfully he wasn't hurt, just shaken up. 

I could use some prayer. I hurt my neck over the weekend and it is still bothering me pretty badly. I have been having excruciating headaches. Also, I think I am coming down with a cold. What a way to usher in my mid thirties, huh?!!

04-27-15 Sleepy Baby

You know how I can tell that this baby is really really tired? 

He is asleep and he isn't wrapped up. He has probably only done this a handful of times in his life. He has been sleeping a lot the past few days. Growth spurt, maybe?

Gotta say, those cheeks are awesome!

04-26-15 Water

I know, I've mentioned it multiple times, but I love living near water. I've never much enjoyed the beach, per se, but I love being able to look out my windows and see water. And on days like today, when the weather is pretty much perfect, I love just being near it! So glad we have this little park behind out house. 

04-25-15 Maryland Day

Maryland Day has become quite a tradition for our little family. It is the one day out of the year that the University of Maryland throws open its doors and invites the community in for a huge open house. I mean HUGE! There are over 400 events spread across campus that cover just about every topic imaginable. There are activities for all ages and interests. Since my department is in charge of this day (not me, personally) we always run an event. This year I had the early shift, so we were on campus by 8 am. Once my shift was over, we spend the remainder of the day exploring campus. C was able to check everything off her list. The most important things were getting cotton candy, getting a balloon animal and giving the mascot, Testudo, a hug. The kids had a blast, and we covered nearly the entire campus. By the time we left, we were understandably exhausted! 

(Disclaimer... There are a ton of pictures.)

We ended the evening with a birthday party for my sister in law and they got to play with their cousins, so needless to say the kids were wiped when we got home. Praying they have a good nights sleep, 

04-24-15 Mom's Night Out

This evening I hosted a Mom's Night Out for our MOPS group. We did a photo scavenger hunt. I came up with clues for 25 locations for them to decipher and then take a photo of. It was a lot of fun and they did a great job! They got 21 of them in the hour and a half they had to search! Afterwards we grabbed Thai Food for dinner! Yum! 

The four person selfie with the iPad is tricky!

What is a bunny's favorite restaurant?

04-23-15 Purple for Abby

C has a pretty special friend named Abby. Abby was born with a rare medical condition that affects her ribs. Today was a big day for her, as surgeons were going to make a second attempt at a VEPTR surgery to help with her ribs. Her family requested that people wear purple today (Abby's favorite color) and send them pictures so that she will be able to see them as she wakes up. Praise God the surgery was successful and Abby is beginning the long process of recovery!

In honor of Abby, C wanted to do a little photo shoot to show off her purple! We love you, Abby!!

Get better soon, Abby!!!