POO!L POOL! POOL!

My kids LOVE swimming and playing in the water.  Who doesn't on a hot summer day?  We have decided not to get a pool membership anywhere this year, so we will be living it up in the backyard again.  Between our blowup pool, my sister's water slide, the splash park at the zoo, and trips to lakeside using some guest passes, I think we will be in good shape this year!  Oh and if you didn't already know we are GOING TO DESTIN JUNE 18-24th.  If  you could not tell by all the caps I am just a little excited:)  I have been wanting to vacation for some time now.  Mimi and Grandaddy will be joining us, my Dad informed me he would enjoy going and playing some golf, so the deal was made and I couldn't be happier.  Here are some pictures from today.  Ava is already asking if we can go back outside to get in the pool even though we have already put in three hours worth!  I think Ava is going to LOVE her vacation just as much as her Mama!

It's Warm Again

We have had some unseasonably cold rainy days, but the past two days have been delightful.  The kids and I are ready for summer.  I love being outside as much as possible, and so do the kiddos.  A big congrats to Ava for graduating from her first year of preschool.  Enjoy the pics.

Happy 60th Dad (Grandaddy)!!!!!!!!!!

Despite a brief monsoon at Churchill Downs, we had an incredible day celebrating my Dad's 60th birthday.  We had a winning ticket of nine dollars, not much but it was a win!  Ava and Alex enjoyed everything the track had to offer from the pretzel and drink to the horses, and betting:)   Later that day we picked up our sitter and headed off to dinner.  I enjoyed spending the evening with my Dad and the rest of my family and friends.  Happiest of birthdays to you Dad!!  We love you so much! 

 Alex with his cousin Pete!

Grandaddy giving Ava a quick lesson on horse racing

Dad and Father Ralph

 My Dad and his sixth grade teacher Sister Anthony

My Mom on the phone talking to Tommy in NYC filling him in on the day.

My Dad and his sisters, Nancy, Mary Grace, Margaret, and Diane.

Mama's Day!

Mother's Day was great.  We went to church, had a nice brunch with my family, a trip to the cemetery to visit past loved ones, and we wrapped up the day with a cookout with Bert's family.  In between we cleaned up the house and played at the park.  Everyone is fast asleep and will hopefully be ready for Ava's end of the year preschool program tomorrow morning.

Let me just say every Mother's day I reflect a little bit on what it was like to become a Mommy for the first time.  I was so happy, scared, excited and nervous all at the same time.  I can't say enough how awesome it is to be a Mom.  Sometimes I get caught up in the day to day clean up and get frazzled with all the things that go along with Mommy hood, but I honestly could not ask for anything more than to be a Mom.  The incredible feeling I get knowing I gave life to these two sweet babies.  I love them so much and am honored to be their Mommy!

First time Mommy!  My sweet little Ava weighing in at 9lbs,9ounces

Second time around, Alex weighing in at 7lbs, 15 ounces.

Ava's gift she made for me at school:)

Alex gave me flowers from the backyard:)

Another incredible Mommy, my sister!

Ava listening to a story that Mimi recorded her voice on.... I think I was interrupting her.