10 On Tuesday: Spring Cleaning Edition

Spring in the Midwest is a fickle season. March started out lovely and then went back and forth between cold and rainy to lovely and well it continued into April. Gross! Once Valentine's Day has come and gone I am basically ready for spring weather, spring attire and playtime to take place outdoors daily.

In hopes of inspiring the weather to remember spring had sprung, I spent last week spring cleaning. I clean the house on the regular (read weekly) but there are some tasks that don't get done on the regular. Here are 10 things to add to your cleaning routine to get your house spring ready!

1/ Refrigerator and Freezer: I emptied everything out, tossed anything that needed to be and wiped our all drawers, shelves, dispensers, etc before placing the items back in. I did this before a grocery store run so my fridge was pretty bare which made the task simple. I didn't think our fridge was dirty but it certainly was more organized and my husband noticed!!! Cue the face of shock!

2/ Behind oven, fridge and top of cabinets: These spaces just collect dust and because we don't see them often  ever they tend to get neglected. It was a simple extra step that didn't require much time or effort but the "cleanliness next to holiness" side of me just loved sucking up those dust bunnies to be banished forever!

3/ Bedding: We went beyond the typical sheet change. We washed all the bedding; pillows, mattress pads, blankets, duvets, bed skirts. It was a LOT of washing but I just think of all the unseen dust and such that was washed away.

4/ Blinds: The most tedious, painstaking task of my spring cleaning routine. Section by section, dust them off. They do get so dusty and I noticed this week when cleaning my house did seem noticeably less dusty than usual. I'm just going to attribute that to being a HUGE help!

5/ Windows and windowsills: We have our windows open a LOT during the fall and then with winter and all that moisture, the windowsills can get quite dirty. I will need to take the screens out and hose them off but that will be another weekend now that the weather has warmed up.

6/ Diffusers: We use our YL diffusers every night and I don't always clean them as often as I should. I just learned that the oils can actually build up in our diffusers over time and cause them not to work! YIKES! So I let distilled vinegar sit in them about 8 hours (put some in when you wake up), ran it with the vinegar in it for 3-5 minutes then, emptied it, used water to clean the tight spaces and rubbing alcohol on the metal disc. Super simple!

7/ Purge everything: I went through all cabinets, drawers, and closets in every room (including kitchen and bathroom, hall closets, entryway closet). I switched out clothes for a new season, got rid of tones to donate or put in our spring garage sell. That task made our whole house feel more put together.

8/ Vacuum: Walls, baseboards, corners, air vents. Vacuum EV-ER-Y-THING! Use the attachments, move the furniture, and get to work!

9/ Vacuum: No this isn't listed twice by mistake. I clean our vacuum every few months but after a spring cleaning, it needed done again. We have a shark and I empty out the canister, wash and rinse the filters and wipe out all the parts I can. We want to actually have our vacuums work well right?

10/ Light Fixtures: There are some I do pretty regularly but others I just overlook. I did them all when I cleaned. Bathrooms, hallways, entryway, bedrooms! ALL OF THEM! It wasn't too hard but it did make me want to update/replace some of them! Ha!

Here is a spring cleaning checklist I used. I broke my house into phases and it took about 3.5 days. Do you spring clean? What would you add?

Weekend Recap

It was one of those rare weekends around here where we didn't actually have any set plans.  And, as I started looking over the next few weeks and into April, we really don't have a free weekend for awhile. 

{F R I D A Y}

On Friday, it was a little chilly and windy so, to beat the weather, we had my friend and her daughter come over to play after lunch. My boys. Oh, my sweet boys. I know they are young and maybe it was because there was only one friend and maybe it is the difference between boys and girls but goodness, my kids need a lesson on play dates! Not really, but that afternoon Hudson and Beau sure were tired and seemed a little over-emotional. Definitely had a good little talk about how we host our friends and let them choose what to play. Ha!

Friday night we ate in. I made some delicious lasagna.  Confession: I have NEVER made homemade lasagna. I know! Crazy! I made lasagna roll-ups (once) and it was SUCH. A. PROCESS!! But this recipe was so simple. Like 20 minutes to prep and then throw it all in the oven. I added egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and some parmesan cheese to the ricotta cheese mix. And to the pasta meat sauce, I added minced garlic and chopped onions and peppers. And, we served it with some garlic bread from the best little pasta place in town. My whole family ate it up!!

via

We played with the boys and introduced them to some Planet Earth which they DUG! Then after we put the boys to bed, Andrew and I indulged in a little Parenthood. I'm a bit obsessed and only slightly want to change my last name to Braverman. ;) 

{S A T U R D A Y}

Saturday we ALL slept in. It was so so nice!! I made the boys cinnamon rolls and myself a little shake before getting in a quick workout while Andrew went on a run. 

Did a total body circuit and Insanity Max 10 Minute Abs.

Since it was chilly again, I didn't want to spend all day at the house with not much to do. We decided to take a little day trip to Springfield to do a little shopping and grab lunch. I needed to run to Kohls. We went to some stores and looked at flooring. (I am so ready to start the remodel process!!) Then we grabbed lunch. 

This cutie cat napped on the way. Those hands behind his head?!!! Swoon!

With the boys being over-emotional Friday, I have to brag about how great they were at lunch. At lunch, we were seated and placed our order quickly. Forty minutes later, our waitress came to tell us the kitchen had lost our ticket so they were making our food. The boys waited a little over an hour and sat so good, never really complaining. 

After lunch we made one last stop. Hudson is all signed up for t-ball so we needed to get him a bag and glove. And of course, we needed to check all the hunting, fishing, camping, outdoorsy stuff before leaving! ;) 

The boys were wiped from the day. We had a late dinner and after baths, the boys went to bed. 

{S U N D A Y}

We woke up to SNOW this morning! I could not believe it! Only in the Midwest can it be snowing on the first day of spring! By the time we left for church, the sun was shining and it was already starting to melt. PTL!!! Bring on spring! 

The littles at church today got to come in and lead us all in a song for Palm Sunday. I started working in the preschool area recently and have loved seeing how the truths of God's word and his love are being taught each week to our kids. 

I stayed to help during second service while Andrew and the boys went to his parents to play. After lunch and playing the boys went down for a late nap. 

This weekend was simple, fun and flew by! This week will be packed full as we head into the Easter weekend: play dates, Easter toes, preschool party and a date night. 

Hope you all had a great weekend! 

Spring is in the Air

Aside from Monday, this week's weather has been beautiful. Nothing was better than an almost 75* day on Tuesday but nonetheless, it has been blue skies and sunshine and we've taken full advantage.

Since Monday wasn't the nicest, and since Hudson and Beau didn't feel super great Monday morning, I caught up on a little cleaning, laundry and food prep for the week.

Which left time for LOTS of outdoor play on Tuesday. We went outside around 10:30 Tuesday morning and basically didn't come in until bath time! {Breaking for lunch and dinner of course!!}I even did my work outside for a bit while the big two played and Gabe napped. And that night, I had the faintest of faint lines from my tank top. I mean, it was enough to make my heart squeal.

This photo cracks me up. The helmets while driving! HA! They had just been riding bikes and went to drive around Gabe. Bless!

Yesterday was nice but so windy!!! We played outside for about an hour after preschool and lunch but that wind was just too much! I had it was a "nap afternoon" for everyone just because I knew it would be a busy evening. 

Digging. Don't have a shovel?? Golf club or bat will do!

Last night, my friend was having a trunk show at her house.  Since fall, two new, local clothing boutiques have opened in our area and I am IN LOVE with their stuff! They ship anywhere. They have a website for easy ordering but also both offer trunk shows. So they set their merchandise up at your house and you and your friends shop, drink and be merry! Perfection, right??? Plus it supports small business and I am all about that being a small business myself! 

My friend, Jenny (who was having the show) lives a couple streets over so I invited her to send her crew down to my house for dinner and to play. My friend, Jill, was coming with me to shop so her husband brought their kids over and my backyard turned into daddy daycare!

8 kids. 5 boys, 3 girls. Ages 8 and under. 

I just have to brag on my sweet guy for a second. I came home two hours later and all the kids were playing in the basement (it had cooled off and was dark by the time Jill and I returned), happy as can be, and my entire kitchen was spotless. He even washed Jill's pan she brought over to help with dinner! Like, dad of the year. He is the best!!

I can't wait for the temps to really warm up so I can start wearing all the fun new looks I've been collecting. I will highlight a few things soon!

And today is another gorgeous day! I see a long walk and more playtime outside in our future!!

Oh, this guy got a little messy during breakfast this morning. #longhairdontcare? I see hair cuts in my boys futures too! ;) 

Weekend Recap

This weekend was one of those simple weekends but one I want to remember forever. 

Andrew left Friday morning to head to our Kentucky property.  He wanted to do some work on it; get it ready for hunting season and just get to know the property better. 

The boys and I had a work morning.  I wanted to get some tasks knocked off our list before we head out to vacation.  They were big helpers playing outside while I cleaned out the van, helping me at the store. 

It was a really hot day Friday. We decided to forgo nap time (Gabe wasn't going down for his afternoon nap well anyway) and have some fun in the backyard with water.  Sprinklers, water table, buckets, squirt guns. They boys were delighted. 

When they had enough of the water (and heat) we came inside to play. I am starting a round of the 21 Day Fix with my challengers on Monday so prepped my breakfasts and some lunches for the next week.  I love prepping food! It makes staying on track so much easier and my grocery budget always seems less. I guess I am more decisive about my meals so less throwing extras into the cart! 

I eat two "muffins" for breakfast. They count as one red and one green.

Gabe is cutting his fourth bottom tooth (giving him a total of EIGHT!) so went to bed earlier than normal! Bless his heart! Cutting teeth, pulling up to everything and moving all over the house wears a guy out! 

The boys and I colored before they went to bed.  It has been something of a habit lately.  I love unwinding after our days, talking about whatever they want, watching them choose colors and create. 

After the boys went to bed, a friend came over to visit for awhile.  You know those friends who you can talk about anything with? Who make you laugh and when they leave you are blessed by your time with them? I am so thankful for the great friends in my life! 

Saturday was a lazy morning.  We slept in. I made breakfast. Nothing that needed immediate attention. No where we had to be. It was pure bliss! We ran out to my mother in law's (my father in law was with Andrew) to see her and the boys' cousins for a bit. We picked up some activities for the boys to take in the car on vacation.  We made it home for lunch and they were all fading fast.  I got all three down for a nap! 

When they woke up I promised them a pizza and movie night. They also requested candy so went on a candy run too! They sure know how to work their mama! ;) 

When we got home from picking out a movie, I gave Hud and Beau haircuts and we played outside.  We took baths a bit earlier than usual and then settled in for our movie night. 

Candy selections made. 

Pizza and apple slices. Simple was the motto of the weekend. 

Andrew got home late Saturday night and our Sunday was a pretty typical one.  We went to church and then to lunch with friends. We got caught up on some work around the house.  

Such a simple weekend but one that was filled with fun! 

This time next week we will be on vacation! Can't wait!

Weekend Recap

Yeah so, technically I meant to post this yesterday but you know how Mondays can be right? Now add to that a traveling husband and we'll just say I ran out of time.

In all actuality, I just filled  my day yesterday will my boys.  I was drinking in my time with them.  It was a perfect 70+ degree day {the only day like that this week} so we spent the morning outside, came in for lunch, and then met friends at the park to play. I made a SUPER simple dinner for the boys and then took them for ice cream; for which I had coupons so they indulged to the happy price of FREE! ;)

So no post yesterday.

But I feel like that perfect Monday come on the heels of a really great weekend.

{Friday}
Friday was a typical day. We didn't have any big plans really.  Our boys slept later than usual because of a late night with friends the night before (more on that later). My brother came over to pick up Beau's old crib.  He and my sister-in-law, Tori, are having their first baby in August.  Another boy for that side of the family!! Andrew and I chatted with him for quite awhile.  Hudson and Beau loved that Uncle J was over!

My friend, Tessa, messaged me about having lunch.  This girl is one of the funniest, sweetest people I know so when I asked the boys if they wanted to have lunch with Tessa, they were all about it! Any adult interaction in my week is a plus. It was kind of cold and dreary, but we took the boys out for a walk.  About a mile in we realized how cold and dreary it actually was.  I ended up carrying Beau the whole mile home, Tessa carried Gabe, and poor Hud ran/walked the whole way! Such a trooper!

We came home and changed into some warmer clothes. Then, we met my in-laws for pizza.  They came over for a bit after dinner to watch a local high school team in the semi-final state basketball game.  After they left, it was still kind of early but Andrew and I had been totally thrown off from the time change so decided to go to bed! How exciting are we!

{Saturday}
Saturday morning Andrew and I were going to split duties.  I needed to spring clean. I had already done my regular cleaning for the week but wanted to clean and scrub all the baseboards, clean my windows, dust on top of my cabinets, mop and vacuum again.  Hudson needed to get a blood draw (his iron levels have been low). That obviously is no fun task so Andrew and Hudson had a special breakfast date before and then shopped for a friend's birthday present after. (See how we planned that--good, bad, good??)  Beau, Gabe and I got to work.  We were pretty much finished up by the time the other two got home.

After lunch and getting the boys down for nap, Andrew went for a run and then I went for a run.  It was such a beautiful day.  I wanted to take full advantage so decided to go further than I had been.  I *thought* I remembered this route I had run with a friend, but apparently I didn't.  I ended up getting turned around so three miles turned into about four and a half.  It felt really good though and the day was beautiful!

I got cleaned up, made a corn casserole and then we loaded up to head to a friend's house for a cookout.  Their set up was so beautiful, y'all. Their patio off the back, with a pool and this gorgeous gas fire pit.  And then the backyard rolls down hill and backs up to a conservation area, which is perfect because they have like 8 horses or something.  My boys were in heaven!! They rode a pony, rode the gator, ate burgers, chips and cookies. Talk about an ideal night! The sunset was beautiful.  And I don't know if there is anything than spending the night with great friends around an open fire.  Gabe was so mesmerized by the flames he fell asleep in my arms. We went home happy and tired.

{Sunday}
We woke up and got ready for church. We were well rested since the boys slept in and Gabe SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Are you rejoicing with me??? (I mean, technically, he woke up at 5:30 for a bottle..but 9 pm to 5:30 am is through the night in my book!!)

Church was wonderful.  We went to my parents' for lunch after and played there. Then Andrew had to go out of town for work.  The boys went down for a late nap.  We spent the evening playing outside and taking a walk.  Hudson is riding a big boy bike with training wheels.  He does great until we have to cross from one side of the sidewalk to another.  He slows down and hits the incline awkward and tips.  He definitely bit it a few times but he was getting better towards the end.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too! And have a great week!

Weekend Recap: Labor Day

Man it is hard to find time to blog while juggling our new addition and settling into life! I feel a bit disconnected from reading my favorites but such is life! We will find our rhythm and routine again! (Right???)

All last week Andrew took off work to be home with us and it was amazing.  If we could ever find a way for us to both work from home I would do it! I (and the boys) adored having him with us! We knew we wanted to spend the weekend soaking up his last few days off.

On Saturday, we woke up and got everything ready for a quick trip back to Decatur.  My uber-talented friend was squeezing us in for a newborn/family session. I can not even tell you how excited I am to get these photos back.  I had her do some shots of just Gabe of course but I really wanted to capture our family in this new stage.  So she shot some of just the brothers, the boys with Andrew, the boys with me, and some family too! Don't worry, I will post those up as soon as we get them! :)

After pictures we stopped at one of our favorite spots back home to grab some lunch.  My mom met us because she was coming to stay this week with us.  Since I had a section I am technically not allowed to pick up anything heavier than Gabe or drive for two weeks.  I am not so good about that but having an extra set of hands while I try to figure out how to wrangle three kids, three and under is BEYOND helpful! I am so grateful to have her here with is!

By the time we got home on Saturday everyone was pretty tired.  We ate dinner, got baths and watched a bit of Pocahontas. {I taped it for the boys weeks ago and they love the music} Needless to say we all slept hard.  Well, in between feedings.  Which {sidenote} currently, are about every 2-3 hours.  Could be better, could be worse.  But Gabe is such an easy baby.  He goes right back to sleep after his feeding.

On Sunday I woke up to the scent of blueberry muffins and the sounds of my big boys giggling at the kitchen table.  Gammy had them up and ready for the day! It was so sweet! Sunday was hot and muggy but the boys wanted to be outside.  I sat with Gabe in the shade and it wasn't bad at all.  Andrew set up the boys mini pool and put their slide with it.  They had so much fun sliding into the water, playing with water guns and dumping buckets on each other!

After a busy day outside, that evening we took it easy.  We rented The Lego Movie and made a big pile of blankets and pillows on the floor.  We also made brownie sundaes, something that I don't think we've ever made together but they sure were good! Hudson was very into the movie.  Beau, not so much. Gabe pretty much slept through it! ;)

On Monday, we planned to keep the day low-key.  The past week had been extremely busy with multiple trips to Springfield, then a trip to Decatur and a new baby...we just knew we needed to get back on a schedule at our house.  We spent the day watching movies, playing inside, and getting Hudson's things ready for his big first day of preschool on Tuesday.

I hated to see last week end, having everyone at home.  But I am looking ahead to fall and it's glory! I can not wait for all the fun my favorite season brings!

Little Things...

I can not believe summer is over and kids are starting back to school.  I can't believe my sweet boy will be starting preschool in a couple of weeks.  It just doesn't seem possible.  And yet, when I look back from the beginning of summer to now, it is hard to ignore how much my boys have grown and changed!

Beau- 21 months

Beau is a character! He is happy go lucky with a million make you laugh faces! He cracks himself up more times a day which ultimately leads the rest of our family to laughing too! He has become so independent this summer, wanting to do more on his own, trying things by himself.  He is fearless and doesn't realize he is smaller than Hudson. He likes to do things that Hudson is doing.  They get along so great {most of the time}.  He has become a picky eater and a messy eater to boot! And his language has really developed this summer.  We can't always understand him {Hudson can better than us} but he can show us if we just aren't figuring it out quick enough.  His phrases are such a delight to hear!

Some current favorites:

"Wash dis, Mom!" {Watch this, Mom...said like a robot with a large pause between this and mom}
"I did it!" with hands raised in the air and a huge smile on his face.
"Wuch you doin, mom?" followed by my reply then "Ooohh" and "Why?" Repeat this sequence a number of times during any given task. {Me mopping the floor, folding laundry, making dinner}

I love that he calls Hudson {Hudshin} by name and even his little fits are sweet {not always at the time}.

Hudson- 3.5

Oh our sweet first born! Gosh he is a joy! And a challenge! Three is hard.  Hudson is so smart.  He gets things quickly, loves big and feels deep.  He has such a desire to express his thoughts.  He likes to be right and do right but also likes to do what he wants too! His vocabulary amazes us.  He referred to a Mulan's "reflection" the other day to which Andrew just looked at me dumbfounded! He loves to play outside, ride on his bike, draw with chalk, color, paint, sing.  He is beyond ready to start preschool; asking often what they'll do there, what he'll learn.  He is observant and sensitive.  He is kind.  He is inquisitive and funny and can be all boy! He is brave when we least expect it.  He loves his friends fiercely and talks about them often.  Hudson seems so big, so grown-up.  It is a joy to watch and yet breaks my heart too.  I know we are leaving the stages of toddler hood behind.

Some Hudson commentary:
When playing in the rain he came up to me and said, "Dey aren't tears. Dey're jus waindrops." And then patted my hand and smiled.

After nap we were taking his lovies (some blankets, a giraffe and two Mickeys) back to his bed (he naps in our room so Beau usually naps longer) and he dropped a Mickey.
Me: "You left a Mickey. Come get him."
Hud: "Oh jus yeave it."
Me: "But he'll be sad!"
Hud: Turning to look at me, totally serious, "Mom, dey aren't real." Walks away

It doesn't seem real how much I love these two boys.  They fill my cup over.  

Weekend Recap: State Fair

Hello, Monday! I don't think I have ever been so excited to see a Monday roll around in all my life....well, at least not in the past 10 months! It is BABY WEEK, y'all! This little guy can come anytime he wants this week because we have officially checked everything off our summer bucket list with our trip to the State Fair this past weekend.

We have gone to the fair every summer since we had Hudson.  And every year I get more and more excited to go because the boys are older and can do more, take more in and get excited about different things.  I think every time we asked Hudson what his favorite part of the fair was he changed it to something else. So sweet!

Last year, we went right when the fair opened and loved that timing.  It was late morning so we lunched our way around the fair and planned to do the same this year.  Well, no such luck.  We live about an hour from the fair location and when we woke up Saturday, it was POURING! Beau kept saying, "It rain. Hard!" over and over as he looked out the window.  Andrew, being diligent as ever, checked the Doppler repeatedly, trying to figure out our best window to go.

So the morning was a bit lazy.  I did laundry and cleaned (shocking since that is all I feel like I've done this past week #nester) and we played and introduced our boys to Aladdin (woohoo) since it was showing on TV and, ummm, rain--what else were we going to do? We left a little after noon.  The boys slept on our drive over and we killed some time at Scheels before heading over to the fair grounds. It was raining but not too much and we waited in the car for about ten minutes before venturing out.  My mom, who met us at Scheels, had an umbrella and the boys' stroller had a covering but it was honestly just a sprinkle (and it ended about 10 minutes into our time at the fair).  We went to the Little Ag area first.  Our boys are such wanna-be farmers; I love it! They looked at the chicks and the farm tables.  Had it been nicer we would have done the Little Farmer walk-through but it was still raining so we stayed under the tent area and let them play a bit.

We left there and went to our first food stop: corn dogs, fries and lemon shake-ups! Our boys CHOWED (and so did the adults!).  Is there anything better than fair food? #idontthinkso

After our little "snack" we went to the rides area.  The big slide was closed due to the rain (really sad) but most of the other rides were all open.  I didn't have any thought that Beau would be hesitant.  He is our little daredevil.  He has no regard that he could get hurt or is high or anything like that.  Hudson on the other hand gave me a moments pause.  He is our boy, that when climbing at the park and realizing how high he is, freezes and doesn't go up or down, just calls for help.  Well, surprise, surprise, both boys loved doing everything! Hudson even rode this "octopus" ride with Andrew that tilted up and back down and their seat spun around the whole time.  He had the biggest smile on his face!

We walked to look at all the animals.  My boys thought that was great.  They loved them all and couldn't get sit still in the stroller, wanting closer, or out! It is in those moments that farm life appeals so much to me.  But then I remember all the work it takes to run a farm like that and I am not sure I am cut out for that.  Maybe when my three boys are older! ;)  We went to the area where you can milk a cow.  We tried this last year with Hudson and he wouldn't even go near the cow.  (I mean, honestly, those animals are HUGE!) This year, he went up to the cow, petted the cow, got really close to milking her, but then backed away. Bless the young boy's heart that was helping out at the time.  He was probably in high school but was so patient with Hudson, showing him how.  So sweet.  Beau petted the cow too but didn't get much past that! They sure enjoyed their free milk afterwards though!

Then we trekked it on over to Andrew's favorite part, Conservation World, but not before grabbing a funnel cake and mini donuts. I am not a fan of this part of the fair.  Our boys are a little small for the activities in this area and honestly, it is deer and fish.  Do you know my husband? We get a lot of that already.  But nonetheless, we made the journey and walked around.

Our last stop was of course, the dairy building with the famous "Butter Cow".  The boys got some ice cream there.  It was already almost 5:30 and this mama was winding down! So we headed back to our car and made the trek home. But first..pony rides.  Because you can't not do the pony rides!

We got back home, got baths and put our kiddos down around 8.  They were so tired! And so were Andrew and I! It was beautiful or sunny this year but it was cool and the rain held off! I am so glad we got to go and make some more memories with our boys before fall and all this change!

Happy Monday!

Another family weekend

Last weekend was another weekend spent with family, only this time, it was MY side of the family! My brothers' families and I are a bit spread out {not super far, and possibly going to farther} so we don't always ALL get together as much as we would like.  We pass through Springfield on our way back to Decatur for visits and on that drive we always pass a local outdoor water park.  Hudson ALWAYS comments and asks if we are going there.

Well, this past weekend, we did just that.  My parents, both my brothers and their families and our brood met in Springfield to make a full day (and a night) together.

This trip was really nice because, 1)it was only an hour drive and 2)we were just staying one night.  After several long weekends I could pack up this family for one night in about 10 minutes. ;)

We met at the park as soon as it opened and the boys wasted no time getting wet.  And by boys, I mean my my husband and  younger brother.  They (and J's wife Tori) took advantage of the fact that my older brother and his family hadn't arrived and the fact that it wasn't too crowded and went down some "big kid" slides.  Beau and Hudson wondered right over to a children's area and got in!

Not too soon after, Zach, Rachel and their boys arrived.  You may recall here where I talked about how close in age my nephews and boys are. Hudson and Graham are only 4 months apart.  Beau and Emmett are 6 months apart.  Yes, between both sides there are three 3-year olds and three 1(ish) year olds.  {And no, none of it was planned.}

Graham is a boy after Hudson's heart because he too was a fish in the water.  Totally fearless!! They rode slides, swam around, and got completely soaked!! Beau and Emmett loved the water too!!

Outside of the water park are some rides, a putt-putt area, driving range, and picnic area.  My parents brought all the makings of some yummy lunch so we took a break from swimming for lunch.  Four hungry boys never waited so patiently! 

Do Emmett and Beau not look like twins? I can not believe how blonde they both are!! 

Bless their hearts! I hope they are always close and can encourage one another as they get older to be the men God created them to be!! 

Typical. 

After lunch we continued the slides, pools, and waves for about another three hours! Just as everyone was getting tired, it became really cloudy.  Then a huge clap of thunder cleared the pools.  It worked out that we had the whole day there with perfect weather.  It only started to rain after we were loaded in the cars! 

Since it was a bit of a drive (Jay and Tori live in the suburbs up north) we opted to make a whole day and night of it.  We checked into our hotel and everyone cleaned up before heading off to dinner.  Bless my dad (or whoever it was) that called ahead.  Because when I walked in and said 10 and two high chairs the poor hostess' eyes got rather large until she realized we had called ahead.  {Could you imagine two parties that large coming in at the same time?} 

The original plan was to have dinner, change into pjs and head to the drive in once it got dark.  But with the rain we made a Plan B and went to the theater to see a movie instead.  Planes:Fire and Rescue if you must know! ;)

What's a movie without popcorn and peanut M&Ms?

Don't let Beau's face fool you. Dude was out before it was half over.  Emmett held strong though! 

The movie was pretty cute {I am actually not a fan of the Cars/Planes movies but eh..) and both our boys were zonked as we headed back to the hotel.  So tired they slept in until 8 the next morning.  We were in bed by 9:15 people! PTL for hotel black out curtains, amen?!!!

We all had breakfast together the next morning before heading back home! 

{Had to get Papa in one of the shots!}

It was such a fun little visit even though it was short.  I am so so thankful for our family, close cousins, and memories being built! That night my SIL, Rachel, reminded us that the next time we'd be together we'd be a crew of 13! It is amazing to see how God has grown our family.  

Picture overload courtesy of Gammy.  It's much easier to actually capture memories and moments when there are extra adults, one of whom is always toting a camera. ;)