My 1st Birthday as a Mama of 3 :)

As always, Ike and the kids spoiled me rotten for my birthday.  I had an appointment at the spa for a massage, manicure and pedicure.  The best part was just quiet time to myself to relax.  They had lovely gifts and delicious cake it it was a great day.  I'm so thankful for my family.

That evening was the final day of Vacation Bible School at our church.  The children performed a few of their songs.

Father's Day - June 21, 2015

We had a lovely (very hot) day to celebrate Father's Day.  We went for lunch at The Mount Vernon Inn and it was delicious.  It was nice to have all the Dad's together in one place.  

Uncle Arthur at 94 and a half came for lunch as well.  

My 3 Loves

Lizzie was growing so fast we realized we better try to get a picture of the 3 of them in their Big Sister, Big Brother and Little Sister shirts.  Jennie Marie sent these for Christmas and they wore them in the hospital.  But here at just a few days shy of 4 months, Elizabeth's was getting a little snug.  

Growing so big!!

Our Little Garden

 We had been talking about giving the little raised bed next to our drive way an overhaul.  It had become over grown and Ike and I are no green thumbs... we honestly didn't know what was a weed and what was a flower.  So, at the end of May we decided to try a little garden and bought several tomato plants, cucumbers, zucchini, lavender, mint, potatoes, onions and banana peppers.  Since it is now August and I'm just getting around to writing about this I can give an update on our progress. The first thing to grow was the banana peppers.  The mint has been turned into several mojitos, we have a ton of tomatoes as long as we can pick them before the squirrels, we picked our first zucchini today, we have enjoyed a cucumber and a few potatoes so far.  It's been fun.  We will try to keep it up.  Our vacation in July hurt a couple of plants due to no rain the entire week.  But we are still chugging along and will continue to harvest our veggies.  :)

We were the supervisors.  Daddy did a good job.

Memorial Day Weekend - Arlington National Cemetary

The kids had been asking to take the metro somewhere.  We don't usually metro into the city because it only takes us 20-25 mins to drive.  But we decided we would metro over to Arlington because traffic would be terrible on Memorial Day Weekend.  Unfortunately, the metro was also a disaster and it was the LONGEST trip.  However, we used it as a teaching moment as we reminded ourselves and the children that a little metro inconvenience is nothing in comparison to the sacrifice some have given for our freedom.  We changed our perspective and payed our respects to those buried at Arlington.  

 When we got home Mason started working on this.  He made Daddy write all of the words to The Star Spangled Banner but he drew all of the pictures.  

I love this kid.

May 21 - Sad Goodbyes

 We had to say goodbye to our very best friends, The Murphy's, as they move to San Diego for Joe's new assignment.  We are so proud of them and love them dearly.  It will be lonely here without them.  Their house was almost empty but we took by dinner for a floor picnic before they headed out the next morning.  

 Julianna tried to lighten the mood for us.  Miss Dawn and I are criers.

I did have to remind her that she was not allowed to pack Elizabeth up in her suitcase.  I'm pretty sure she would have tried.  Looking back at this picture as I finally get around to posting these makes me smile and cry all at the same time.  We miss you Murphy Family!!

School Shenannagins

May 7:  Mason got his very first ride on the school bus for his Kindergarten field trip to Oxon Hill Farm.  Here he is with his best buddy.  They had a blast.  We went on a tractor ride and even milked a cow!!

 I was so happy to be able to chaperone the field trip.  I did as much of this as I could for Julianna and wanted to do the same for Mason even with a new baby sister at home.

 He was afraid to milk the cow at first but he was brave and gave it a try.  He said he didn't like the way the udders felt! :)

 These 2 made it possible for me to go with Mason.  I knew Elizabeth was in good hands with Nee Nee and Pop Pop. 

May 8:  Julianna had her 3rd grade presentation on for Greek Day.  She chose Athena and did a beautiful poster describing the Goddess.  She made the spear as well to have an artifact at "Museum Day." 

Elizabeth's Nursery (May, 2015)

Our sweet little bird has left the nest and moved to her own room.  She had been sleeping in a crib in our room and it was wonderful.  But it was time to make the change and her room has turned out beautifully.  She is now 3 months old, still a sweet and happy baby.  She sleeps well and is still nursing.  Her little room is so tiny but perfect.

I am so excited about her dresser/changing table.  Ike wanted to make something and we looked and looked for a piece to re-do.  He finally came across this piece on craigs list.  Its an old Bombay Company dresser.  The size was perfect.  It was just too tall.  So Ike removed one drawer to make it the right height for a changing table.  We painted it to coordinate with her curtains and it is beautiful.  It is so bright and pretty for her tiny room.

Sweet baby has grown and changed so much!

Tball and Lacrosse Spring 2015

The kids both had fantastic seasons with their sports teams.  We are so thankful for patient and helpful coaches to teach them good sportsmanship and skills.  Julianna's lacrosse team actually won the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League Championship for the 3rd/4th Grade Age Group.  It was kind of a big deal.  The best part was Julianna scored a goal in the championship game!!!!  Mason finished his last season of Tball and will play coach pitch baseball in the fall.