A HOT End to Soccer Season!

Yesterday was Russell's last soccer game and it was hot, hot HOT!!!  Aron propped up our beach umbrella to help shade the boys while they were on the sidelines, but the boys still required ice and water to be poured over their heads to stay cool.  From watching them play, you never would have known they were hot and tired.  These boys played their hearts out!  It was so awesome to watch them this season.  They have improved so much since their first time together back in August.  We celebrated their undefeated season with a pizza party at Cody's house following the game.  What a truly wonderful group of boys and parents!!! 

Go Pirates!!!

Russell with his medal!  He was so proud and hung it by Aron and my race medals.

The cupcakes I made for the team party.  I impressed myself!

Cupcakes!!!  Yummmmm!

Sloane's Graduation Day

Wednesday was a bitter sweet evening for us.  Sloane had her pre-k graduation.  It was wonderful to see her celebrating such a marvelous achievement... especially since she's been announcing to everyone for the last two weeks that "I am still in pre-k, but after I graduate I will be in kindergarten!"  She was thrilled to sing and show off at this fun event.  I arrived two hours early in order to get front row seats and it was worth every minute of waiting!  After the children performed and received their diplomas, a slide show was presented with pictures portraying each child from birth to present.  I had to dry my eyes as the sweet memories flashed before us.  As we drove home afterward, Russell and Sloane chatted endlessly while I cried quietly thinking that time most definitely goes too fast!

So excited for her BIG night!

Singing "There ain't no mountain high enough!"

Flowers from Mommy and Daddy.

Sloane and Sadie - Besties!

Carnival Chaos!

Friday was my school's annual carnival.  The weather was not the best so most of the events had to be moved indoors, however the rain did not detour the kids from having a BLAST!  Aron and I decided, "who needs Disney World when you have the Morgan school carnival!!!"  Russell and Sloane ran from activity to activity with 100% pure happiness!  The favorites were the bounce houses, dunk tanks, train ride, glitter tattoos, and purchasing items with their tickets earned.  Thankfully Aron was able to meet us there or else I never would have been able to keep up with the two of them!  Since Morgan is also Russell's school, it was great to see him showing off in his domain and enjoying time with his classmates.  I was delighted to see over 1/2 of my class in attendance as well.  It was terrific to celebrate with all of my beloved children!!!



Russell gets ready to soak Mr. D!

His giggles were fabulous!  Since he didn't hit the target,he ran up and pushed it!  He observed the 6th graders doing this prior to him. 

Sloane's turn!  Mr. D taunts her from behind the cage.

Bull's Eye!!!  She got him!  Thank you Mike for being such a great sport!!!

Train rides!

Glitter tattoos!

The cake walk.  No luck this time, but check out ALL the cakes behind the kids!!!  Someone was busy in the kitchen.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the MARVELOUS MORGAN PTO!!!  

Memorial Day Fun

I can feel it, I can hear it, I can see it...  Summer is almost here!!!  We have 13 days of school left and I couldn't be more excited.  After a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend, I am itching to have my days free to enjoy the sunshine with my two favorite kiddos!  We spent two of our days with my family.  It is always nice to be surrounded by those you love.  Russell and Sloane were spoiled with attention by everyone.  They played games with Katie, wrestled with Uncle Keith, fished with Papa and Cindy, explored with Great Papa, and so, so, sooooo much more!!!  At bedtime Saturday night Sloane said, "Geez Louise! I am spoiled!"  Yes, ma'am you sure are!!!  I too find comfort in the familiarity of home.  It is peaceful to be in a place that brings me such wonderful memories of Mom.  We finished our weekend in Royal Oak, enjoying the tradition of parades and backyard picnics.  Thank you to all the men and women who have and still are fighting for our freedom!!! 

Some of the neighborhood gang waiting for the parade to start.

Casey and Sloane - too cute!

Zeke and Russell - buddies!

The kids couldn't wait to make snow cones with the new snow cone machine from Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn.  Nothing better than snow cones on a 94 degree Memorial Day!

Diva 1/2 Marathon

What a FUN weekend!!!  I spent the past weekend with two of my college sorority sisters, Sarah and Maria, in Myrtle Beach.  We ran the Diva 1/2 Marathon and it was a BLAST!!!  I plan on signing up for next year ASAP!  Besides having wonderful weather and relaxing girl time, I set a new PR for the 1/2 marathon.  I finished in 1:55.18 and I couldn't be more pleased.  Check out some of our fun!

Pasta dinner the night before our race.

Pre-race photo.  We were up at 4:45 a.m. and ready to go!!!

Post race celebration!  We were awarded medals by local firemen (some were shirtless), and handed roses, champagne, tiaras, and boas!  What a fun end to a terrific run!!!

Back at the hotel soaking up sun, relaxing our legs, and sipping frozen cocktails!  Mmmm...  I do love a pool side bar!!!

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day that included flowers, presents, church, brunch, and an afternoon of shopping!  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family.  I continue to miss my mom and will never let a day go by that I don't think of her.  I celebrated Mother's Day with her in my heart as I know she was with me.

A message from Russell:

A song from Sloane:

Country Music 1/2 Marathon

Whewww!  Can you say busy!?!?  I love spring... the weather, the activities, the fresh air...  however, I can barely keep up with all that is going on.  After being a bit delayed in blogging, I thought I better post a few pictures from our fun race weekend in Nashville. 

We headed downtown Nashville to pick up our race packets and enjoyed the weather while eating outside at Rippy's Bar and Grill!  What a great view of Broadway!

Saturday Morning.  The race is over!!!  Aron passed me at mile 8 and I never caught back up.  He finished just under 2 hours while I was just over 2 hours.  Not my best race, but fun!  We both felt great and enjoyed being together.

Gregg, Aron, and I post race!  The guys enjoyed a free beer and then we headed off for massages!  Nice!!!

We had a great final night our on the town.  Delicious food and awesome bands!  I hated to leave.