South Florida Vacay

I had the opportunity last week to fly down to Florida to join my mom and aunt for a vacation! I knew I would miss Eric and the children but also was so looking forward to time away. I had not been to that part of Florida in almost 12 years! It was so fun go down memory lane and spend special time with my mom and aunt. 

My first day we had lunch at a marina. So beautiful to eat right on the water. 

 There crazy beasts were everywhere! It was actually kind of shocking. I don't remember this at all growing up down there. Some were huge!

 My elementary school!

 Such breathtaking views

 After taking a walk on the Broadwalk we got to see the moon rise. So incredible (and pictures do not do it justice at all)

 Walking around the Margarita-ville resort. It was so beautiful inside!

 Loved being able to sleep in every day! What a treat!

 Brunch at Ella Cafe. It was so quaint and such delicious food!

 Rosemary caramel latte. Oh my yum!

 Fair skin problems-hiding from the sun at the pool. 

 Brunch at the Broadwalk. 

 Brunch at Warsaw Coffee. The lavender vanilla latte was so good!

 About to fly back to the mountains! Such a wonderful trip!

These are the days........

Some school days are challenging. And some days look like this......

No matter the day, I do not take for granted the joy and pleasure of educating these four. We are wrapping up our school year here soon and I am excited to move forward. I have some very fun things planned for our next school year and some changes underway. I love being able to reflect and tweak and move forward! Love these students of mine. 

Ice Cream Party

Loving this weather and time outside!

Spring Recital

We are so proud of Everett as he wraps up his second year of piano lessons. Saturday was his Spring piano recital and he did so well. He was so excited to play his piece and spoke with such confidence during his introduction. Not something I could have done at age eight! We are loving watching this little boy grow up. 

A Princess Tea Party

Eleanor was invited last Sunday to a princess tea party at her friend Victoria's house. She was so thrilled! We had lemon cookies, cupcakes, fruit, and tea of course! Eleanor loves all things pink and girly so this was right up her alley. So thankful she has such sweet friends!

Fun at Hands On Museum

Our friends invited us to play with them earlier this week at Hands On Museum and we were happy to do so! It had been awhile since we have played and explored there and the children had such a good time. Everett and Hampton enjoyed going on several scavenger hunts (put on by the museum) and putting on a play. Eleanor loved the play grocery store and painting. Thatcher loved the fountains and rice sensory box. Also, he put on a Carolina Panther cheerleader outfit from the dress up box and it took a lot of convincing for him to take it off when it was time to leave! That boy cracks me up.

It was such a fun time with our friends!

Easter 2017

Praise our Father for sending His Son to die on the cross for the atonement of our sins. And better yet? He rose victorious from the grave! As a believer and follower of Christ, this is my favorite day of the year. He has risen! He has risen indeed. 

Spring Fun

We are absolutely loving these warmer temperatures. I do not think I realized how much we all needed more fresh air and some sunshine. 

 We try to visit a park/playground at least a couple times a week. This particular playground is just a giant sandbox. These two are in heaven and can sit and dig forever. 

 Eric cleaned up our back patio and yard this week and the children have loved it. Squirt gun fun!

 I used some of our Amazon points and got an air popper. Why have I not had one before?! It is awesome. I have a feeling we are going to be making lots of popcorn!

 I remember playing with "cornstarch goop" when I was a little girl. It is basically just cornstarch and water. I made a big bowl of it for the kids and let them have at it outside. So fun and it brought back so many fun (and squishy!) memories. 

The Biltmore Estate in the Spring

Last Monday we went and visited the Biltmore Estate with our dear friends (who we pretty much do most of life with) to see the gardens. The tulips were in bloom and it was beautiful! Living here never gets old and I feel blessed daily. 

 We even got to hear a mini concert of a flutist!

 Several bathroom breaks with small children are a must. 

 Everett was most interested in trying to name all the gods and goddess statues that were in the courtyard. Also, pictures of the mountain range in the background just does not do it justice. So gorgeous!

 Everyone loves sweet baby Caleb!

Another field trip success! We cannot wait to go back.