A First for Me

So….for the past 5 months (Jan - May 2014) I have been getting up at 4:30 am, three days a week.  THIS IS A FIRST.  To train for a triathlon.  ANOTHER FIRST.  Then I actually did said triathlon.  AN UNBELIEVABLE FIRST. 

The swim was horrid.  I thought I was drowning the entire time.  The bike ride was slow and the run even slower BUT I did it.  I still am not exactly sure what made me sign up so many months ago but somehow I managed to actually complete a race and have fun doing it thanks to hanging out with these lovely ladies!  

Side note.  I had hoped to keep the motivation but now, four months later when I am actually posting this, I am sad to say that I have barely exercised in the past two months.  Time to train again…..

Just a night

Just a normal, average spring evening.  The sun was shining.  Daddy and Alexandra were lounging in the hammock and Avery was busy playing polly pockets.  We did a bit of yard work, we did a bit of organizing and we were just happy.  Life is good good good!

Avery and Averie

One of Avery's great friends from school is also named Averie.  Here they are on an after school ice cream date.  My Avery is sad that her and the other Averie will probably never be in the same class because they have the same name and therefore the teacher couldn't just call out Avery/Averie but would instead have to say Avery S or Averie B and apparently my Avery thinks this would be way too confusing!

Make New Friends….

Avery gave girls scouts a try this year and she did have a lot of fun.  Her good friends were there to laugh and giggle with, they got to run and play, enjoy treats, learn about animals and giving back to the community.  LOTS of good stuff!  The photos below are from her end of the year ceremony and the presentation that her troop did on caring for animals.

Mom's Day

I love this day!  Always breakfast in bed, beautiful notes and cards and a day to have a great excuse not to do the dishes or laundry.  :)  A bonus this year was some family we had in town so the girls were able to hang out with their little cousins - Jayson and Julia.  

Me and my ladies.

The girls with Julia.

Alexandra and Jayson

Ballerinas

This is Avery and her sweet neighbor friend, Olivia.  Both girls were in the same dance class this year and looked equally gorgeous on picture day!  Can't wait for the big show!

Mr. Ginard

Alexandra is in the third grade, learning French, and really adores her French teacher.  He is very kind, caring, patient and funny with the kids.  Matt invited him to come dirt biking with the family for the day and they all had a blast together.  Alexandra was so happy and excited to show him how she could ride!

geesh - gorgeous

Camp Fire Girls

We participate in a girls book club at the local library.  It is way fun and the organizer does an amazing job putting together activities and crafts related to the books we read.  This time it was about camping so the treat that night was s'mores around a sparkly paper fire.  Sweet indoor fun!

Indoor Picnic

THIS is what family is about.  I loved it!  The girls decided to host a family picnic in the family room.  They set out a blanket, made sparky name-tag napkins, everyone was given a dollar, some gum for dessert, family question cards and a little piece of art.  Daddy made pizza and it was just an awesome time to sit together and connect.  Magic.  Love these people!

AAAAAHHH - Aliens!!

You would think I took this picture around Halloween time but no, rather is was April and were at the Planetarium store which is well stocked in items of an extra-terrestrial nature.  CREEPY!

Easter Family Shot

Here we are, in our Easter finery on a gorgeous April day.

Easter Fun!!

 What a GREAT family day!  Started the day out with the photographic egg hunt which resulted in happy ladies, squeals and smiles!  Then off to grandma and papa's house for another egg hunt, treats and breakfast.  Later in the afternoon we joined several friends for another hunt, treat and fun!  We were ALL tired at the end of the day - but what a GREAT time!  AND, to really complete the Easter experience the girls were able to play with and hold a bunny and some chicks!

CHOCOLATE BUNNIES!

A ride down the street to grammies house!

Avery and Laila.  The Easter Bunny brought a little baby elephant to match her beloved Ellie.

Bunny ears!

THE HUNT!

THE TREASURE!

THE BUNNY!

THE CHICK!

…and for good measure, we'll just round this out with a sweet little smile!

Dye All The Eggs!

Last minute again (this is my mantra this year) but way fun to have grandma and grandpa stop by for a little fun.  We all try to be create for the first few eggs and then well…..we just want them dyed.  But still, an Easter tradition!