Additional spring break pics

I had to add more pictures from our week off together because they are just so cute!

Spring Break

We had been looking forward to spring break since the winter. We love a week with no school. For us, that means everyone is home together. Owen informed me the other day that he likes it when we are all home. (so cute) To make it even better, Joe took the week off as well. The weather wasn't perfect but the Dargans had a blast. We always have fun together. Sunday started off with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." (that was not my favorite part of the week, but the kids loved it)

On Monday, we headed to Alstead Farm for a hayride, hay climb, Easter egg hunt, and wagon ride. (all smiles) The Dargan kids are so easy to please. On Tuesday night, we had Hibachi.(a Dargan favorite). On Wednesday, we saw Rio. The kids loved it, and even Joe and I had a few laughs during it. On Thursday, we headed down to Point Pleasant. We love the boardwalk. Everyone can be a kid on the boardwalk. The kids loved the rides and Joe and I had a blast watching them have so much fun. We remember how much fun we had when we were down there as kids, and we still love it. I want my kids to experience that excitement of being down the Jersey shore. After a full day at the beach, we stopped at Grandmas and Pop Pops for dinner to end the day even better. Friday was another adventure for us. We took the kids to Great Adventure. We started off with the Safari which was incredible! There were lots of laughs, especially when the giraffe was almost on our car. Next were the rides. Ryley could not wait to get on a roller coaster. Ryley and I went on Rolling Thunder. She laughed the whole time and I smiled at her and enjoyed watching her and listening to her. We held hands and laughed together and just had so much fun. It was one of those times I will always remember. We talked as we waited on line and we were both so excited (God, she is just like me). At one point, she held my hand, then hugged me and said "I love you mommy." Did I say how much I love being a mom? The boys headed to Loony Toon land and loved it! Even though Ryley became a roller coaster pro,she still loved going on the rides with her brothers. At one point, Ryley and Joey had their arms around each other as they walked. It was an amazing day. Saturday was a special day. It was time to visit our puppy. We took a 2 hour trip to PA to visit a litter of pups. The pups were all over the kids. They enjoyed every second of it. Joe and I smiled again as we looked at our kids and said "those 4 are amazing." They really are. I have never been so proud in my life.

Looking up to one another

Each day I hear Joey yelling for Ryley and Owen yelling for Joey and TJ yelling for Owen. It's amazing how they all look up to each other. They sometimes sit on the couch and snuggle up as Ryley reads a book to them. Joey watches Ryley in awe as his big sister reads to them. Owen just wants to sit next to his big brother Joey. He wants to do whatever Joey does and always wants his approval. TJ repeats everything Owen says. He asks Ryley to change him and goes to Joey to ask for help with his socks. Ryley is the big sister and is always proud to teach them new things. She in a sense looks up to her brothers. She respects them and protects them. They love each other so much. It is an amazing to watch all of this as a mother. I am proud.

What's new?

Well, it's March, and the school year is almost over. It's amazing how much they grow and change over a few months. Ryley is starting to look older. She is losing that baby face of hers. She is the sweetest girl. She reads to me now and spells words. I can have any conversation with her about anything. She understands everything and loves to learn. She loves to dance around the living room, play dress up, school, and still likes to walk her baby in the stroller. She cuddles with me every night.

Joey too seems so much older. He has learned a lot from his big sister. He looks up to her and is also the best big brother. Joey is smart. He asks questions and loves to learn new things. He loves sword fights, playing in the dirt, superheroes and armymen. He has a wonderful heart. He will eat yogurt 5 times a day if I let him.

Owen has grown a lot this year. He does not stop talking! He has become very independant. He wants to pick out his own shirts in the morning, put on his own sneakers and jacket but still needs to have mommy tuck him in very night. I will never get tired of that. He loves to play with Joey. He always wants his approval. He loves playing outside and going on adventures but always looks forward to coming home. He loves home. He would eat Lucky Charms 10 times a day if I let him.

TJ is a character. He is always happy. He will follow his sister and brothers anywhere and repeat everything they say. He hugs and kisses them any chance he can. TJ is such a good listener and such a good boy. His smile is captivating. He is so playful. Lately, he loves lucky charms, taking naps on the couch, puppies and loves to run!

Watching the 4 of them together makes me proud and fills my heart with love.

Mommy and her babies

So proud!! always will be!

I love these guys

We finally had a nice Saturday where it didn't rain, the snow melted, and the ground was finally dry. Joe and I headed to a park to enjoy the day. Family time means the world to us. Seeing the four of them playing together and laughing makes us proud. As they played, Joe and I actually had a few moments to sit, talk and enjoy the happy view.

Having innocent fun

I forgot I had these pictures on the camera. In one, it looks like Owen is talking to the snowman. I think he was, after all, Joey and Owen were very upset the day he melted! I can't say I feel the same. I am ready for spring.