Kentucky!

We arrived at Ky Lake before lunch, checked in, and met the family at Percell's for lunch.  It is a great lunch spot with a bakery next door.  Their cupcakes are bigger than Gigi's, less expensive, and pretty yummy!!  The weather the first two days was actually on the chilly side.  Crazy for July.  It didnt stop the kids from swimming though!
  A few firsts for this trip-
* We spent time at the "beach area" on the lake.  It was pretty rocky getting in the water, but the kids loved it!
*  Maddie and her daddy went on a 45 minute horse trail ride.  Turner didnt want to, but Maddie had a blast.  I was a nervous wreck!
* We headed to the campground area for a science experiment show and there was a big playground.  The big kids enjoyed the show and Harper loved being able to slide!

Everyone loved the pool and Patti's was great like always!  Lots of cards were played and just time spent with the family.  This was one of my favorite trips.  I love the kids having new experiences and Maddie told a friend that Ky was "magical"!  Ha!!  Everyone had a great time!!  On the way home, we made one last stop.  That post is next.

Vacation Part 1!

We went on our annual Kentucky trip with a few extra stops.  We decided to go a day early and check out the Discovery Park and spend the night in Union City.  We enjoyed it, but it wasnt exactly what I thought.  I was thinking huge Children's Museum.  It was definitely for all ages and not just for kids.
  The kids enjoyed the slide, the maze, and standing on glass 120 feet in the air.  There was an earthquake simulation that Maddie liked, but scared Turner.  We spent a few hours at the park and then headed to one of my favorite parts of our trip....Erica and Daniel's house.
  Erica was my roommate, sorority sister,  and one of my best friends in college.  I cant think of a college memory that doesnt include at least Kevin or Erica, most of the time both.  It has been way too long since we have gotten together,  and I was so looking forward to it.  They have a 6 year old boy, and the kids got along great.  They swam, we grilled out, and spent a few hours catching up and reminiscing.
  It was wonderful and I hope we see each other more often.  Day 1 of vacation was great!

Reality at the Zoo!

Last Friday we met London and Cade at the zoo.  The weather was great and it wasnt too crowded.  The kids loved feeding the birds and going in the Animals of the Night house.
  Not gonna lie....the past few weeks have been hard with the kids.  Maddie and Turner are not doing great in the minding department and have been fighting a lot with each other.  It makes the days long and not a lot of fun.  We all need an attitude change and I definitely include myself in that statement.  I get very frustrated and could handle most situations better than what I do.  That being said, the zoo was fun but none of us were at our best.  At one point London said "my mom said we were being good today".  Maybe she was thankful they weren't acting like mine.
  Regardless, they are our kids and we love them with everything we have in us.  We make lots of mistakes as do they.  They are sinners just like us.  So very thankful for God's mercy and grace.  Working on showing more of that myself towards them.  I hear parenting only gets harder....I cant imagine. 
  Harper was on this adventure as well, just hasn't made it to the talking back or arguing stage yet.  I know her day is coming:)

Day Trip!

Nonna had knee replacement surgery about two weeks ago.  Kev and I went to see her in the hospital but the kids weren't with us.  Last Saturday I decided to take the kids for the day while Kev was at work.  The kids were great in the car and it was a great day.  Big Da went with us to Savannah's new sprinkler park and I was SO thankful.  I planned on taking them by myself and the park was bigger than I thought.   It was great to have extra eyes and hands so that we could split up.  It was fun and somewhere new to go.
  When we got back to the house Brayden and Sophia were there and the kids were thrilled.  They spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and playing.  Aunt Marci, Brittany, and Michael stopped by which was another plus.  Nonna was doing well and I think was glad to see us:)  I hope our kids realize how lucky they are to have two sets of grandparents  that love them so much.  We couldn't do it without them!
  On the way home we stopped in Somerville for dinner.  It was a great day trip and way to spend our Saturday.  Praying Nonna is back to herself soon!

Bartlett Fireworks!

Thursday night I took the kids to the Bartlett fireworks.  There is always lots of food, inflatables, family, and friends there.  This time was no different.....except Kev was at work.  Herding three kids in a crowd of 20 thousand people (for real 20!) has always been a favorite of mine. Ha!!  We made it, we had fun, and Kev even managed to join us before the fireworks began.  Miami and Boo Boo didn't stay for the fireworks and were able to pick him up and drop him off a few blocks away.  He grabbed a Subway and was happily eating dinner with our friends when I found him.  I was pulling the trusty red wagon and trying to let everyone do what they wanted.  We had faces painted, jumped in bouncers, and enjoyed snocones.  The all loved the fireworks.  Harper clapped and cheered the whole time:)  We got to our car close to 10.  We got out of the parking lot after 10:30.  So thankful Kev was behind the wheel - patience is NOT one of my virtues!!  Fun night!

The dress Harper is wearing is one Mimi made for Maddie at that age.  She wore it to the fireworks as well.  It had Maddie's initials on it, so Mimi put  pocket over it and added Harper's name.  Love it!!