As we are wrapping up a blessed weekend as a family and beginning yet another busy week I wanted to stop just a moment and thank all the men and woman, families, and friends of our service. I am continually amazed at the selfless lives that you chose to live so that we can enjoy the freedom that we do. Thank you for allowing my family the joy of freedom.

We had a long weekend with Brian off Friday for Eli's 'graduation' and off Monday for Memorial Day. We spent time at a parade, hanging out at the lake, working in the yard, and playing with friends...

Today was Eli's big graduation day. They had a big thing - the kids all had caps and gowns, a big ceremony, songs, cake and punch, and a shortened school day. Brian took the day off and we asked Eli what he wanted to do. So after school we headed to Barns and Noble were he, not surprisingly, picked out a couple of history books, then we headed to Which Which for lunch, home for a movie, nap, baseball practice, dinner and to bed. Eli enjoyed his day, school is actually not done until the 2nd but we are getting close. Eli has had a great year, but we are ready for summer.

So this is what Kiley came down stairs dressed in yesterday morning...

Last night as I was driving home from my run I notice something starting to cross the road ahead of me as I got closer I thought it looked like a spider... I ended up turning the car around to look b/c I wanted to see for sure what it was b/c I was pretty sure it could not be a spider (you are not supposed to be able to see a spider crossing the road when you are driving 55mph). Needless to say I saw my first tarantula (besides the zoo) and hope it is the last.

We had fun at the lake over the weekend. There was a little breeze and a storm was coming in which made the water a little rough and the kids loved 'riding the waves' and playing w/the twins...

One evening this past week I was folding laundry in the bedroom and commented that I needed to go start dinner. Eli ran out of the room and I hear him rummaging around the kitchen. I finished folding the clothes and then headed to the kitchen only to be told that I was not wanted. He actually said, "Don't you have a book that you need to read or something like that not in the kitchen?" I did not really have a plan for dinner so I got my book and headed to the porch. I was really pleasantly surprised - Eli with a little assistance from Kiley had dinner on the table for everyone...

Yesterday was field day for Eli, a MUCH anticipated day and I will have to say I was impressed with the production the kids had stuff going from 8-2. Lots of water activities, games, and they also had a couple of army helicopters fly in while the kids watched and allowed them to 'play' on them. Brian took off work and spent the morning with him and then I went in late morning and spent the rest of the day. Eli was scheduled for a baseball game last night at 7 which is really late for us, I told him he needed to rest after school if he wanted to go to his game. He went right to sleep and didn't wake up until 5:30. Need less to say he was worn out! (His game ended up being rained out so we played a few games and read and he was still in bed by 8:30.)

So for mother's day this year (I know if has been awhile) Brian and the kids picked out a plant for me and came home with some paint to decorate the pot with. Brian was gracious enough to allow me to do the writing after the handprints were done :). It turned out cute and the kids love looking at it.

Yesterday Brian also surprised me with a garmin (a really cool running toy) so now my excuses are dwindling :) Thanks for thinking of me hon - your the best - love you!

Brian and Kiley love to tell stories together. They always take turns and Kiley's usually involve a princess of some sort. A couple of night ago we are at the table and Kiley goes to say the prayer - she starts, "Once upon a time...no that is not right what is it mommy?" I tell her dear God and she says, " Oh yeah, I know dear God...the end, oh I mean amen"

The kids love to dress up in our clothes and 'work out' or 'run' it is pretty amusing...

Sorry it has been awhile...

Eli has been enjoying his baseball games. He has gotten one hit off the machine but usually he hits off the tee. He has also gotten a home run which he was very excited about. Kiley is enjoying the games too - she does not do much watching but plays on the toy blanket w/all the other siblings. She was very excited when she found out the triplets from her Sunday School class had a brother on Eli's team too. They enjoy playing w/polly pockets dolls and any other toys available.

Eli had his first baseball game over the weekend and had fun. He got a hit off of the machine so daddy took us all out for ice cream afterward. He said that he always got to go to DQ if he got a hit when he first started playing so he wanted to take Eli. My camera battery died when we arrived at the fields but we have many more games to get pictures at...