Spring Break 2011

Our spring break did not start off like we planned. After the big wedding the kids and I loaded up bright and early Monday morning to spend two days with our old friends in Georgia. We were about 10 minutes away from our destination when we got the dreaded call from Kathy. The fifth disease was still going around JW's old preschool and would mean that I could be exposed to it. So after breaking the news to the kids that we would not be seeing our friends and the crying had stopped, we stopped for lunch and then headed south to Poppy and Tutu's. Once Brian joined us on Tuesday night we were ready to head out Wednesday morning to the beach! Now, I must say I was a bit nervous that my parents 2 bedroom condo might be a bit tight for all of us(including Millie) but it worked fine. The weather was great so we could be outside everyday. Here are K and JW ready to hit the pool after we got there!

 

We ate out the first night and then returned to the condo for a quick stroll on the beach

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R's little footprints in the sand.

The first morning we ventured to the beach we saw some interesting people dragging nets in from the ocean onto the shore. When went in for a closer look to see what they caught and what kind of marine life we might find. They caught fish, sting rays, and some crabs. They would throw back the rays and crabs and only kept the fish. It was really cool to watch them pick up the rays and throw them back. There were several children watching and they taught them how to safely pick up the baby fish and throw them back into the ocean. The lady below was holding a crab so that the kids could see it up close. She also tried to let K and JW pick up a fish but they were a bit scared and preferred to watch the other kids.

Daddy, K and R on their way to the little tidal pool.

 

Poppy working hard trying to bury the ever moving JW!

 

R with a nice big sand dollar we found. For the record, the sand dollar was later broken but not by the almost 2 year old but the almost 5 year old!

Ms. Mallory is now MRS. Mallory!!!

Well, it is official Ms. Mallory and Mr. Joel are married! We headed to Cullman the second weekend of March for a weekend filled with wedding festivities. Poppy and Tutu were also in attendance, which was a big help with the kiddos. Everything went well and the wedding itself was beautiful. Their photographer got some great pics that I will definitely be getting. R was also in attendance but all the pictures of him are on Poppy's camera(including a good one of me and Mal). On Sunday we headed home with a VERY tired crew. Great weekend but we were all ready to be home and in our own beds.

O, how I miss the days when my kids knew how to smile.

 

 

The Monday after the wedding, K enjoyed dressing up in my veil and my slip from my wedding day!  She LOVED playing the role of the bride.

 

The Hamiltons and some Art

After many failed attempts the Hamilton's finally were able to come for a visit. Between weather and sickness we thought the visit might not ever happen! We had such a good time we forgot to take pictures! The weather was not the best but no one seemed to mind. The kids did great and loved the big slumber party! The guys even let Kathy and I get away for a couple of hours to go and check out some shops. We were all sad to see the weekend come to a close and can't wait till our next get together.

 

 

K had an art show at her school one night where all the students had one piece of artwork displayed. K's choice was a landscape.

The whole crew had fun checking out the artwork and exploring K's school!

The Hamilton's and some art

After many failed attempts the Hamilton's finally were able to come for a visit. Between weather and sickness we thought the visit might not ever happen! We had such a good time we forgot to take pictures! The weather was not the best but no one seemed to mind. The kids did great and loved the big slumber party! The guys even let Kathy and I get away for a couple of hours to go and check out some shops. We were all sad to see the weekend come to a close and can't wait till our next get together.

K had an art show at her school one night where all the students had one piece of artwork displayed. K's choice was a landscape.

The whole crew had fun checking out the artwork and exploring K's school!

Happy Valentine's Day

Well, today has been a busy but fun day. K and JW were so excited to take their treats in for their teachers. And I must say that my decorating skills are improving- the sprinkles and one color of icing helped! K before heading out to school.




2 hours later, JW was ready to head to school.

And here is the whole crew. We tried to get a decent picture but being right before bedtime and cookies it was not successful. O well- at least they are happy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

O-our Valentine's are still seating in the front seat waiting to be mailed. So gp's and aunts and uncles your cards will be a bit late.

Snow Angels

There really was not enough snow for snow angels but that did not stop JW.



Still excited about making snow angels.

Realizing that snow down your back is not fun and maybe snow angels are not that cool!

Snow Finally!

Well, we finally got a dusting of snow and the boys were thrilled. Since it was such a small amount K had to head to school, so she did not get to play. This was R's first real time to explore the snow. Last year he was not walking so he really did not spend any time in the snow. He was a little unsure at first but warmed up to it. It helped that there was not much so that he could easily walk with no problems.





JW lost no time making tracks all over the yard!

All smiles!

R, Millie, and I came back in first to warm up. JW then resorted to bringing the snow to the windows for R.

Toomer Girls and Random Fun

We finally let the kids pile in our tub for a bath. I know you all are jealous of our beautiful wallpaper! Trust me this picture does not do it justice.



This year was my first time to host the Toomer girls get together. I did a throw back to one of our college recipes- Taco soup(thanks Mrs. Ruth). I love having people over where you can just put the bag of chips on the table and let them serve themselves from the pot. True friends for sure. It is hard to believe that this was our 7th year to have one. There were no kids (minus mine running in and out) so we were all able to just relax and catch up. It is always so much fun to visit and wish we could do it more often. It blows my mind how long we have been out of college! Ladies, I think we are getting old! We did have a few that were absent this year and hope they can make the next one. Laud also gets extra points since she flew all the way from Texas- in the snow none the less! Thanks for a wonderful visit girls and can't wait for the next one!

These three behaved so nicely while the girls were here. Notice I did not say four. Millie was so nervous and even snipped at Flink. After everyone left she chilled out and was fine again. Millie, just wait till June!

K received some birthday money from her great grandma. After carefully comparing and searching she decided on a cake play-doh kit. I must say K and JW have really enjoyed creating their own little cakes.

Tea Time

K asked if this year she could have a tea party with a few of her classmates. She was so excited and really enjoyed helping plan and prepare for the party!



We made cupcake sugar cookies for the girls to take home in their goody bag. They may look like they have been decorated by 6 year olds, but that is the true talent of myself, Poppy, and Tutu. Although they did not look fantastic, some "cookie experts"(BP and Unca B) assured me that they were very tasty!

The girls did a great job painting their heart dishes. And since they dried quickly the girls really took their time and were able to add more detail with a second color. They really did turn out cute and made another nice party favor.

More Tea Time

After the painting and playing the girls sat down to enjoy their "tea" (lemonade) and sweets.



Unca B even helped out pouring refills for the guest.

After the guest left Brian and I headed out for a dinner for Ms. Mallory and Mr. Joel. Thanks Poppy, Tutu, Unca B and Auntie M for coming and helping make the day extra special for K!