Jenna did awesome in her dance recital.
I am super proud of her for the discipline she showed by going to class all year and preparing for her recital.
What little girl doesn’t love to wear a tutu!
All the grandparents were able to come watch!
Baba gave J some flowers and she was awarded the biggest trophy yet!
Way to go J!
There have been many May activities over the past couple of weeks. They one that threw me completely off guard was this one:
Outside the door to N’s classroom just before I dropped him off for the graduation ceremony, we had a little heart to heart. I wanted to take a moment to let him know how proud I was of him and how hard he’d worked. My eyes filled with tears as I told him how much I loved him. He said, “Oh Mom. Not here. Please don’t cry in front of my friends!” Yes, this little boy is growing up!
You haven’t seen the best of Alabama yet. While I was shopping with my sister, we stumbled on this mother-daughter contest! The spectrum of variety was so entertaining. I took pictures of my favorites although the quality isn’t that great. I thought you’d appreciate them anyway. They speak for themselves…
A couple of weekends ago, I got to go to visit my sister and brother-in-law in Alabama. I got to fly. All by myself. Yes. Just me. Unlike the many many other flights I have taken in the past 6 years, on this one, I could care less what was going on with the person next to me. If he or she dropped a toy? Not my concern. Crying? Too bad. Need to go to the restroom? Well, get up and go. Need to have someone open your peanuts? Ask someone else. Just me, on a plane, with a book. What a gift it was!
It was so, so nice to have a weekend alone with my sister. Alabama was a fun place. I loved the camaraderie I witnessed between those who claim that quirky state as their own! Roll tide. I got to have a bird’s eye view of her world and was so proud of her and her husband!
I don’t know how in the world I got out of there without a sister pic on my camera but here is one of their famous family breakfast!
Flax seed, banana, chocolate chip pancakes. I made them at home the very next weeks but they didn’t compare to the real thing!
Another highlight of the weekend, believe it or not, was thrift store shopping. There were some amazing consignment and thrift stores in Tuscaloosa. I have no idea why. My kids got some super cute new clothes though!
Thanks for the amazing hospitality A and A. Congratulations on three years of hard work and law school graduation!
Today J turns 5. She keeps asking if God is going to stretch her in the night so she will be bigger when she wakes up. As many times as I explain that this isn’t quite how a birthday works, she is still hopeful. Her favorite color is blue. I have a suspicion this is because she looks up to her big brother so much. She loves to sing, wear dresses, and play mom, dad and baby. She’s not a big fan of anything that makes her sweat. Her favorite princess is Rapunzel or as she says, “Reepunzel”. When asked what her favorite memory is, she said, “going to Cinderella Ballet with Ava”. When asked what makes her saddest, she said, “when N is mean to me”. Her dream birthday gift is a makeup set with lots of tiny compartments including every imaginable color of eye shadow. I can’t wait to see her 5 year old face when she opens her gift from us. She is so funny when she cuts loose and is an amazing helper many times seeing a need and filling it, before we ask. What a delight she is! Happy 5th birthday JRE!
SK’s very first time to intentionally smile for a picture. She was so proud of herself!
J’s roller coaster ride.
N’s latest dress up combination- some type of fish. You never know what that kid will come downstairs dressed as next!
We love this place!
I went by myself with the kids and was nervous about loosing SK in the crowd. She started with this monkey leash but we got rid of it about half way through the trip.
We always, always head straight to the face paint!
N was too cool for face paint, for the first time. My boy is growing up!
Their ages:
Cutie!
I was there too 
Running in the sunshine!
They would play in this area for HOURS if I let them! I am so appreciative each time we get to go here and am storing up these treasures! There are many places in the world that have nothing even remotely as nice as this museum! And, we will live in one of them soon.
This winter, I made a quick trip to my parents house when Justin was out of town for something. N wore his coon skin hat for the entire visit.
J loved riding this little roller coaster.
SK spent her time riding this big girl tricycle.
The older two loved riding the go cart with Grandpa.
Everyone loved playing in the leaves!
We love you! You’re the greatest Baba in the whole entire world.
