Friends through the years

There's nothing like a friend. 

And our girls sure have some great ones.
We've all been finding ways to spend some free time with good friends. There are times in the year where the calendar is so full that we struggle to find a free moment. 

A couple of weeks ago, the girls grabbed up a friend and we headed to indoor ice skating for the afternoon. 

These two cuties have been buds since they were infants! I love how despite being in different elementary schools, they adore each other's company and give us parents a headache with all of their chatter! 

And these two middle schoolers are just the sweetest together, not to mention hilarious! 

I was lucky enough to sneak away one day with this group whom I've known over 20 years now. We ran a 7K, enjoyed some good food and drinks and a LOT of laughs lasting late into the evening. 

We're all so lucky to have some great friends in our lives :) 

Spring time

It's officially spring around here and any increase in temp has allowed us to spend more time outside. Couple that with more daylight, and we are becoming pros at Lincoln's request of "around around the block". He loves spending so much time outdoors and I will be honest, it affords much better sleep for him so we get outside as much as possible! 

(Even when he squats down at the storm drain and all I think about is the movie IT)

Sometimes it's a gigantic mess, as he splashes in puddles 6" deep. His cutest cow rain boots don't stand a chance with all of that water. Luckily he doesn't mind getting a little wet or dirty because spring time is the worst of them all to try staying clean. Our back entryway is constantly filled with wet shoes spilling over onto hardwood floors and bringing the puddles indoors. 

I sure love watching his delight so it's all worth the mess :) 

Overnight guest

It's no secret that we have a favorite 4 legged friend around here. And when we get the opportunity to bring him over for a sleepover, we JUMP at it! This was the first time that Ryan was going to actually be home during his visit (we often try to time them when he's been traveling). But given that Angie was having surgery, it was easy to convince Ryan that I was bringing home an overnight guest :) 

I love how we stands and stares at me when we get into the truck on the drive home. I giggled as we drove along and every once in a while, I would see his head bob up and down in the rear-view mirror. 

He is such a sweet dog, and bonus....he matches our wood flooring! Baylor is a Golden Retriever, and he sheds a lot. But with his coat the same color as the flooring, at least you don't see it very much! 

Oh how we loved up on him for those 15 hours he was in our care. 

Ryan had to chuckle (Ryan is not a dog person) and asked me "does he just follow you everywhere?". Um, yep. 

I went to bathe Lincoln and turned around to see his smiling face at me. I snapped this photo and sent it to Angie who replied with "he's smiling!". 

And at the end of the night, he laid at the foot of the couch next to me. Regan had a late night of dance but hurried through her shower and homework so she could love up on Baylor before bed. If there's one of our kids who wants a dog the most, it's her. 

The next morning, as we got ready to head back to work, Baylor all dressed and obedient, Lincoln whined that he needed more time with Baylor. He stood by the door and gave him extra hugs before we headed back to the hospital for work :)

Thanks Angie for letting us keep Baylor overnight! 

Birthday party -6th grade style

Due to a number of factors (mostly that our calendar is incredibly full), we had to delay Regan's friend party for several weeks. And then, as 6th graders apparently do, it was a spur-of-the-moment planned party. 

But let me tell you, we had so much fun!

She texted a few friends, asked them if they wanted to help her celebrate by tackling Nickelodeon Universe on a Friday night. Toss in some pizza and a quick stop at DQ, and just like that, her party was planned!  

Those girls giggled and rode ride after ride and even let me tag along :) I ended up a Vera Bradley tree, hanging onto all of their purses during each ride. We shut down the park and everyone went to bed happy and tired. 

Snow-fun

We've had a lot of snow this winter. A LOT. so we've gotten through by discovering all sorts of unopened toys. Some from a year ago. 

Lincoln went bananas over this drill toy and he/Sidney even created patterns occupying them for hours! 

Don't get me wrong, we have found our way outside when the elements allow. Our driveway makes a small impromptu sledding hill and Sidney tried her hand at snowboarding. That girl is multi-talented I tell you. 

And when we get really bored, and mom gets pre-occupied by a phone call, you later find your child cleared off all sorts of toys and climbed his way atop. It was a perfect perch for his morning playtime! 

We're getting restless for spring and ready for warm weather, 

doing anything we can to help the days go by. 

Lincoln's swim meet

With two older sisters who are incredibly active in sports and activities, Lincoln spends a lot of time on the sidelines, A LOT of time. He happily sits through 3 hour dance recitals, gymnastics meets, music programs and softball games. Rarely does he complain, usually it keeps him wildly entertained. However, now that he gets a turn on stage or as the center of attention, he is so excited to shine! 

Recently, in the middle of a snow-storm, he was signed up for a swim meet. Let me be honest, it's not a real meet, it's only for fun, there is no dedicated "winner" and everyone receives ribbons for participation. But the excitement on his face leading up to his "race" was sheer joy! He could not wait for us to watch him in the pool. Given his age, they keep an instructor in the lane with him at all times, and let him do his thing :) It's so cute to watch him swim! 

Pardon the very toothy grin...I think his cheeks hurt from all the smiling that evening :) 

Way to go Lincoln! We're so proud of you! 

Gymnastics meet 2018

Sidney has been hard at work learning some advanced gymnastics skills this year. She enjoys flipping and rolling and jumping and this week, was able to participate in a winter meet held at her gym. She did quite well and ended up with two 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place and one 5th place for an all-around of 3rd place. (she wasn't thrilled with her finish....but we were ecstatic!). She made the podium and we are so very proud for all that she has learned so far this year.