Party time!

Who doesn't like a party? And what is more fun that back-to-back parties -- nothing at all according to Hatcher. The kids had a great weekend. We got together to celebrate both Haley's and Ava Mei's 4th birthdays. So much fun. Haley wanted her party at Monkey Joe's - where of course EVERY kid has loads of fun. There was cake, apple juice, pizza, prizes won by Derek and of course JUMPING! Lots of jumping! It was cute to watch the kids just have a blast. There were many times that they would try to go down the slides at the same time - or race through the obstacle course. So much fun - and the "workout" made for a good solid nap! Haley and Hatcher often talk about each other and Haley tells folks often how the two of them are getting married. Just too cute! Happy Birthday Haley!








With nothing planned for the weekend - sha right, Derek and I knew we wouldn't want to cook every night. So we decided to gather some friends and eat out at Ippolito's Italian on Saturday night. Uncle Derek, Aunt Cynthia, Maddox, Uncle Neil, Aunt Ramona and Baby Sophia joined us. It was loads of fun. The boys behaved for as long as they could - they did pretty well. Then we all headed back to our house for dessert and drinks. The big boys played Rock Band while the little boys played outside on the playground. The girls were able to catch up, get some 'baby love' and watch the little boys play. We had a great time as we always do. Baby Sophia is growing so fast...I got this cute picture of her with the rabbit ears on. And although there were more opportunities for getting photos of both the "band" and the 3 smaller boys...I tried to enjoy my time. Although I did manage to get this shot of Maddox and Aidan while they were playing on floor near us girls. So much fun.



Ava Mei decided to go a different approach and chose the Bowling Alley as the sight to celebrate her 4th birthday. Bumper bowling, pizza, cake, apple juice and ARCADES! Does life get any better? Surely not when you are 4! Then can someone tell me why all the temper-tantrums? I mean - for the love! Not sure if it was the sugar - or weekend filled with fun...but man can Hatcher (and Aidan for that matter) give you a run for your money when it comes to begging and pleading! My camera's battery died early into the fun...but I have some great action shots of the bowling. I have to mention that Hatcher is a perfectionist. Hmmm - wonder where he gets that from? LOL There was one time that he tried to roll the ball down the lane and it just didn't have enough momentum, so he decided he would go after it - without heeding the warning that Derek game him about crossing the blue line. Not even a full step in, the waxed floor got the better of him and up into the air he went. He recovered well - a bit embarrassed, but such a trooper. I tight squeeze of Derek's leg and he was back at his second shot. Way to shake it off Hatcher! So proud. And may i just say, Hatcher ROCKS at the motorcycle riding arcade game. He leans without fear on those things. And Aidan, was a star at air hockey - though to be fair, he just kind of kept his block in position. So much fun! Happy Birthday Mei Mei.

Spring has arrived...so have the activities at school

With spring officially here, it seems there are a host of things going on at the kids' school. First was the spring student photos - the timing of which caught me completely off guard. I would have scheduled Hatcher's laser treatment further out allowing for more time to heal, and i would not have gotten haircuts the day before. Hatcher's hair grows so fast that we cut it really short...probably too short. But, all in all, nothing really of major concern. It was fun to pick out what the kids would wear. It was colder than i thought it would be so I had to scrap my original plan and go with the button-down and khaki option. They looked so grown up. I am excited to see the proofs.



Next it was carnival time. The school does this twice a year and lately they have had the misfortune of selecting overcast or rainy days. This was no exception. Although only a drizzle - it was constant and wasn't at all conducive for being outside. So, the party was taken indoors. The older "after school" kids hosted a cake walk and face painting. Both Hatcher and Aidan won a cake. I should note that Hatcher won from sheer determination. After Aidan won early on, Hatcher decided he could too. He must have been up there for 30 minutes. At one point, someone came over and pulled his number on purpose so he could win and enjoy the rest of the action. Aidan picked out brownies and Hatcher got a blue and green balloon cake. I talked the kids into sharing the brownies there on the spot and told Hatcher he could take the cake to school the next day to share with his class. I was not keen on all that sugar and calories coming into our house...there is enough there already. After a hot dog, snow cone, chips and some brownie it was time to let the kids ride the train. We took them outside and let them ride it several times. Go figure that just when Derek and I thought - okay this is a good opportunity to leave - we are already outside... they announced the arrival of the magician. So back inside we went. The kids really enjoyed it. He did magic, sang songs, acted a fool for the kids and even did balloon animals at the end. At one point Derek was brought "on stage" as part of the act. Hatcher and Aidan were so proud of their Dad...too cute! When it was all said and done we packed up their stuff, took two very tired and cranky boys home...after one LAST ride on that train!






I know I have mentioned it before, but Hatcher really loves to take photos. He took this one of Derek that night as we were showing them the photos I took from the carnival. He has gotten some pretty good shots!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Too fun...kids make holidays - wait is this a for real holiday - so much fun! Who knew all the "activities" around St. Patty's Day? I guess you are supposed to set Leprechaun traps to catch the mischievous little fellas. And there is something to getting tricked and being left a gold coin? All new to me...I have to research and prep for next year. Meanwhile - thankfully, the wonderful teachers at the school filled those gaps for me. The boys had so much fun and were so excited to tell me about all the mishaps that the crazy and nutty Leprechauns did in both of their classes at naptime. In fact, when I joined Aidan's class, they were all gathered in the bathroom to see where the Leprechaun left muddy footprints on the wall, had peed green pee in the toilet and not flushed and left a trail of glitter EVERYWHERE. Good thing I am not part of the cleaning crew! The kids loved it and thought the whole thing was hilarious. It was all Hatcher and Aidan could talk about right up until bedtime.
Enjoy the photos...I sure did. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!

Happy Birthday Uncle Ben

Hard to believe my LITTLE brother is 34. Seriously, I remember Mom's 37th birthday VIVIDLY! Time flies...and yet moments in elementary school are crystal clear. Growing older is not what I expected...in many ways, it is much better. And for that I am thankful. I hope Uncle Ben had a wonderful birthday. We took him to Ted's Montana Grill for dinner and then back to our house for some rum cake (mom's recipe - thanks mom!). So much fun!

Some favorite recent moments in time...

Derek and I really try to make the most of our free time with the boys. He hurries home from work, probably earlier than he should, and I work less hours than I should; but, at the end of the day - it is so worth it. These precious moments seemingly fly by so fast. And as much as Derek hates it, I try and keep the camera within arms length - at all times. Although lately - the tides are turning and with the handy invention of the iPhone and "on board" camera...Derek has gotten involved with capturing those precious moments too.

I am sharing just a selection of some of my favorite recent moments. What I love most about these photos is that they really are "a day in the life." What we do every day...filled with the most amazing smiles and moments that just melt your heart and remind you of what is really important. The importance of living in the moment, loving and cherishing your family, and enjoying the time you spend together making memories. I am such a fan of trying to capture those moments and tell the story, so that when you get older you have reference - but also, you don't loose site of the importance of life. I really have been struggling with work/life balance these days...and photography - the photographs I take, remind me...remind me to stop and enjoy the moment. Hatcher and Aidan are no longer babies. Heck, Hatcher is more a big kid to me everyday. It goes by so fast...I don't want to miss, or forget a thing. It is all so precious...so much fun...so much work...and such an amazing ride. Enjoy these moments...

Hatcher on guitar and Aidan on drums creating their own Rock Band

Hatcher swinging on the rope at gymnastics

Hatcher looking cooler than a movie star with his new sunglasses

Hatcher super proud of his Cat in the Hat - hat that he made at school for Dr. Seuss' birthday celebration

Aidan so proud of his artwork - talking up a storm

Hatcher - being so super brave before his laser treatment surgery

Aidan learning to ride his scooter on his own

Our third and most likely final snow of the season

On March 2nd, we experienced what is mostly likely our final snow of the season. It was recorded as just over 4" that fell - but because it was mixed with sleet, freezing rain and rain...it just didn't amount to much on the ground. We still made the most of it and played in it as long as we could - and it wasn't raining. I am so ready for spring to arrive. This has been one hell of a long and cold winter. I know my power/gas bills can confirm that sentiment!
Here are a couple shots from the day!

Mommy goes to NY and Daddy takes the boys to the Aquarium

What a wonderful and amazing group of girlfriends I have. I am so lucky! The 6 of us, who have been getting together at least once a month for the past 9 years, traveled together to NY for the weekend to celebrate the coming arrival of Melanie's first child. Melanie, who worked with all of us and is part of the group once removed...LOL and the Mommy-to-be, hosted us for the weekend. And even though the second Nor-Easter was landing the same day we were scheduled to arrive in NY - nothing stopped us from having a great time. Not even the 17+ inches that fell in total BEFORE we landed. Even Flat Stanley (the paper man - a school project for my niece) had a rockin time!

I didn't get time to do too many things that are "uniquely New York" - but I had a great time none the less. Thanks Derek for taking care of things while I was away...I didn't worry once...okay, maybe just once.




While Mommy was away, Derek entertained the boys along with Grandaddy Wayne and Aubelita for the weekend. Between a party at Monkey Joe's on Saturday and a trip to the Aquarium...Derek stayed busy. And everyone had a good time. Looks like it was a win-win for everyone. I did miss the boys ( and I do mean all three), it was GREAT to get away.

Hatcher's new hobby...and a trip to the Circus!

Recently, Hatcher has really been into taking pictures. I let him take some photos around Christmas time and he has really gotten the hang of using the camera. Of course he is merely finding us in the viewfinder and clicking the button, but none the less, he is doing a great job and now we have someone who can take pictures of Derek and me on occasion. I recently got a much shorter hair cut and wanted to get a photo...so I let Hatcher have the camera and this is what we got. Too fun!


It has been a long time since I have been to the circus. I think it was 2 years before Hatcher was born. Well...I got a last minute email about tickets for the circus being half off - it was the final weekend it was in Atlanta. So, I figured why not. It was great. We had great seats and the kids were excited and seemed interested...for almost all of it. It was a little too long for Aidan and he got bored at the end. Derek and I really enjoyed it. There were elephants, dogs, horses, zebras, and of course tigers. no motorcycles in a cage...but we did have the pendulum swinging act. It was a good time...we will definitely go again next year!