Oh Spring...How We Loved You!

Summer is in full force already, but I never posted any of our fun from the Spring. So, here ya go...

While the weather was so nice, we would hurry home from school and scooter or ride bikes around the neighborhood until it was time for supper. On weekends, we would scooter to nearby parks to play.

On our way to the park


Swinging


On our way back home...stopping for some "power"...aka grapes! : )


I enjoyed looking out into the backyard at our blooming rose bushes.


Rylie loved the weather, too!


We went to an outdoor event at Aunt Mari's work...there was fun for the kids, live music, and yummy food...we all had a fun afternoon!

Petting the miniature horses


Walking with Aunt Mari


We got our faces painted!


Just chillin


We had a wonderful Easter weekend, too. We celebrated with Grammy and Grampy at their house first. Then, the Gonzales family came to our house the next afternoon to hunt eggs and have lunch. We had fun watching the boys hunt for eggs in the backyard. Aidan was very into it this year...definitely collected the majority. Jason was a little distracted by the play set and having fun in the backyard. And, Gavin wasn't walking all that well yet, so he was content to find a few and then sit and watch the action. It was fun going through all the eggs with them afterwards and seeing what was hidden in each one!

Aidan with all his loot Easter morning...the Easter bunny was good to him!


Gavin trying out his new shoes (which he's already outgrown!).


My attempt to get a pic of the boys together


"Hunting" Eggs


Counting his eggs


"Peek-a-boo" Jason


Me and my boys


If only the spring-like weather would stick around a little longer...we sure did enjoy being out in it while it lasted! But, we are still looking forward to a fun summer. I only have 2 more weeks of work and then we're off until August! : )

Mother's Day

Today, I am reminded of these three things...three truths that I know and think of often, not just on this "special" day, but worthy of noting none-the-less...

1) I have the most wonderful mom in the world! She is the most giving, caring, kind-hearted, and strongest woman I know. She was dealt a crappy hand at a young age...lost her husband, was left alone with 2 babies, no degree, and no job. I'm sure she was a selfless mom from the day we were born, but I was too young to remember those days. What I do know is that in that time of despair, she picked herself up and chose to live for her babies...she created a world in which my brother and I felt much love and support, we never wanted for anything, and never really knew how hard times were for her...in that moment, before I really understood or knew it, she became my hero. And, now, I get to watch her with my children...amazing, once again. She would do anything for them, too! There were some rough spots...as there are for all families...but I truly do not know if I could have done what she did...in fact, finding out if I could is my greatest fear. I pray that none of us have to learn if we are that strong, but I thank God that my mom was and is today. Thank you for being such an awesome inspiration to me, mom. I only hope that I can be the same to my children. I love you more than I could ever describe Mom...Happy Mother's Day!


My mom, her mom, me, and my boys


2) I have an amazing Mother-in-Law! She has a huge heart and would do anything for anyone...whether family, friend, or stranger. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and support in any way possible. She is not possessive of her children...she has always let them spread their wings and fly...knowing that they were rooted and would return home. She is always very kind and understanding when "sharing" us at the holidays...I know I am very blessed in this area as many of my friends have a hard time with that! Mona, I love you, and hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day...we enjoyed spending it with you!


Mona and all four of her grandchildren


3) Last, but certainly not least, I am blessed every second of every day by the two reasons I am able to celebrate this day. I cannot even express how they have changed me and the love I feel for them...I know other mother's understand that! As I rocked Gavin to sleep tonight, and again as I patted Aidan a little while later, I was moved to tears by the overwhelming love I feel for them. As a friend once said, having children is like having your heart beat outside of your body...so true! Aidan and Gavin, thank you for calling me mommy and letting me share in all of your sweet moments. If all the boys and girls in the world were lined up for me to choose from, I would choose both of you! I love you more than you will ever know!


Me and my boys


Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in my life!!!