A League of Their Own

Marie and Andy had a very busy spring with soccer and tball going on at the same time. 

 Marie worked really hard learning the game of t-ball and practicing her skills. 

She is definitely a little athlete. 

The final game even gave her the chance to hit the ball from a coach's pitch!

We are so proud of her effort and hustle with sports this spring. She showed a lot of hard work and dedication.

Welcome to age 4, Bennett Andrew!

Bennett turned 4!

 To celebrate, he invited some of his classmates from pre-school for hot dogs and ice cream cake. 

To get some of their energy out, Dad designed an obstacle course for the kiddos to run through first!

 Marie and another older brother of one of the guests, helped put super hero tattoos on everyone. 

Bennett is such an inquisitive boy. He says things and makes connections that make us adults say, "Huh, you are so right!" 

His one-liners are impeccable and his comedic timing is unreal...even when he is supposed to be in trouble, he usually makes me laugh (secretly, of course).

 He requested donuts and spagetti for his big day, and that's just what he got!

 Bennett at 4:

favorite color - red or orange

best friend - Marie

favorite thing to do - swim or golf with dad

favorite toy - lightsaber

Bennett, you are such a smart and funny boy. You challenge us every day by asking good questions and by pushing limits. You are kind-hearted and we are so happy we are able to watch you grow!

We love you!

Father's Day

We enjoyed a lovely day with Grammy and Papa on Father's Day. 

Dinner, park, naps, and the boat made a nearly perfect day, nearly perfect!

 

These 2 fathers are such a blessing to our whole family. 

I am so thankful to have my angel of a Dad looking down on us, an irreplaceable Papa, and husband who is the exact Father I need for our children.

I came across this quote and I feel it is perfect for this day:

Black Hills - Day 4: Reptile Gardens and our final night

On our last full day, we woke up to a very very very hot day!

The kids all wanted to see snakes, turtles, and alligators so we headed back over to Rapid City for Reptile Gardens.

It was at least 102 degrees and humid. We knew it was going to be an uncomfortable but the kids really wanted to go! 

The reptile dome was hot and humid but there were beautiful creatures to see!

The kids loved trying to spot the chameleons, parrots, and other lizards.

But, the best part for them was petting the 150 year old tortoises

and watching a man "wrestle" an alligator.

After our tour, we enjoyed a picnic in the parking lot trying to cool down.

It was also Jess' birthday so we headed back to the cabin to cook one last supper. 

The kids played, the adults talked and cooked, and we stared and stared at our lovely view!

This was such a fantastic trip and we are very thankful for the memories we made!

Black Hills - Day 3: Spearfish Canyon & Date Night

We woke up to this beautiful day ready for a hike!

That is, after a glass of wine, dance on the deck of the cabin, and cup of coffee to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary!

After we packed up the vehicles full of food, bug spray, sunscreen, and secret water balloons (shhh!), we drove the long windy road to Roughneck falls. 

This was a 2 mile hike and the kids all did great!  

It's amazing what a great view and the promise of a water fall does to encourage those little legs and feet. 

This is one of my favorite spots in the world. 

After the hike we were ready for some shade and food!

The kids chowed down and so did the adults. 

Eddie and Andy snuck away and surprised the kids with a water balloon and water fun fight - the kids were ecstatic! It was the perfect way to cool down after our hike, too!

*****

After a few naps and relaxing, the kids were ready for their baby sitter (Jess' Aunt) and the adults headed out for a special dinner in Deadwood.

We enjoyed a long meal full of conversation and lots of laughter. 

After some dancing and drinks, we headed back for a night cap at the cabin on the deck. 

What a beautiful way to celebrate 10 years!

And just like that, she is 7

Today, Marie turned 7!

How?  I have no idea....

I have tried and tried to stop her from growing, but alas, here she is:

 

This picture was taken on her birthday morning while at our vacation cabin in the Black Hills.

Her birthday wish was to go see Mount Rushmore. 

Her wish came true!

  

After her special day, we sang "Happy Birthday" over a big chocolate fudge cake and enjoyed a dance party with her buddies. 

Prior to our vacation, she enjoyed a night of bowling, pizza, and ice cream cake with her friends.

Marie Beth at 7:

favorite color: Gold

favorite subject: math

future career: artist

You are a kind-hearted child with the ability to reason, ponder, and make sense of even the most difficult of topics. 

You are always helpful with your brothers and they adore you for that.

Friendships mean so much to you.

Reading, drawing, and writing are some of your favorite things.

This year you are developing your athletic skills and finding your competitive side. 

Your dad and I love watching you play sports and learn more about them. 

Happy Birthday, Marie!

XOXO

Black Hills - Day 2: Mount Rushmore and Bear Country

On Day 2, We woke up and wished Marie a "Happy 7th Birthday!"

Her big wish for this trip was to visit Mount Rushmore so that's exactly what we did!

 It was a hot day but the kids did pretty well walking around the viewing areas and inside the museum.

 Marie walked in, took off her visor, and said the Pledge of Allegiance. Like I said, this was really important to her!

Bennett is George Washington's, "biggest fan," so we had to spend some extra time learning about him.

 After Mount Rushmore and some lunch, we drove through Bear Country.

 The kids loved watching the different animals move around, especially the bears splashing and playing in the water.

 The kids (and I) spotted an ice cream stand and definitely needed some!

It was the perfect way to cool off.

 Everyone was exhausted after this day!