Summer

Summer is here. School is over and mornings of rushing around have finally come to a halt (thank God). Our mornings now consist of breakfast outside in our PJ's, bike rides on the driveway at 7:30 (yes we are up that early), and races with our puppy Hobson. Our mornings slowed down in the sense that we don't have to be anywhere, but they are still full of energy when you have 4 kids and a puppy. Ryley is so happy that she can sleep in. Owen and Joey love hopping on their scooters and bikes and TJ loves to lay with Hobson on the deck. We have so many exciting things to do this summer. We may head to the beach, go on hikes, head to the pool and take exciting day trips. We will also take advantage of just being together and sitting on our deck and having family time. Summer is here. Time to enjoy!

Ryley graduates kindergarten

On the first day of kindergarten and the whole week before, I cried at the idea that my little girl was going to kindergarten. Now 10 months later, I cried again that Ryley graduated from kindergarten. OK, so I am a little emotional when it comes to my kids. The year started off rough, but Ry came a long way and had a great year. She did great in school and learned so much. She now reads to me and the boys at night. Ryley is the sweetest girl you will meet. She is smart, caring, loving and beautiful inside and out. I always envisioned having a daughter. I never imagined it could be this wonderful. I am so proud of you Ryley and I love you with all my heart.

Joey turns 5

I remember the day Joey was born. I remember that feeling I had when I first met him. Those strong feelings of love just stay with you and get stronger each day. Now, Joey is 5. I can't believe it. I sometimes wish I could keep them all young.

Joey is such a compassionate boy with a huge heart. We are so proud of the little boy he has become. He is a wonderful brother to Ryley, Owen & TJ. Happy Birthday Joey. We love you so much.

Hiking with the Dargan boys

Family time is what matters to us most. When I am with Joe and the kids, I am as happy as can be. I am so proud of what I have. I am proud of what I have done. I have 4 wonderful children and an incredible husband.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hiking with the Dargan boys (Hobson too!) All they need are some good walking sticks and good snacks and they are happy. All I need are smiles and laughs and I am happy. We had plenty of that. Joey, Owen & Hobson hiked their way to a lake where they got to dip their feet in the water. Of course this turned into dipping their whole bodies in the water. Then Owen looks at me and asks me all confused how his clothes are so wet. He is too cute! TJ tired out and napped in the stroller. I was the lucky one who got to push the stroller up the mountain! We missed Ryley but I am taking her out of school Thursday so we could all head to the beach for a fun filled day.

While hiking, I could heard Joey and Owen having sweet conversations with one another. I look back at them and once again just smile.

Graduation

Yesterday Joey graduated from Hillsdale United Preschool. I watched him march through the room, waving his flag and singing as loud as he could sing. He was so proud. I could not be more proud of him. Of course I cried first. I said I wasn't going to but I just can't help it. Joey is just an amazing little boy with a huge heart. He kisses me every morning and says "good morning mommy, I love you." As he marched through the room yesterday singing, all I could think about was the day he was born. He was this tiny little baby and now almost 5 years later graduating preschool. It really does go so fast. I am happy to say that I enjoy every second and look forward to enjoying every day with my kids. I have not missed anything. I sometimes wish I could go back. I just want to keep them little. I love their innocence.

The same week, I had the pleasure of seeing Owen get his certificate for finishing his first year of preschool. Where does the time go? Every Tuesday and Thursday he complained about going to school and how he wanted to stay home. He always came out out of his classroom though with a smile and a huge hug that melted my heart. His teachers adored him. Owen is a sweetheart. He can be tough, but he will melt your heart. He is a hard worker and loves to learn. All you have do is see Owen smile and you fall in love with him.

Our new addition

I feel like I have a fifth baby, but the new addition to our family is Hobson, our puppy! I finally broke down and decided to go for it. Joe has been asking for a puppy for 6 years and he had all the kids convinced as well that a puppy would be a wonderful addition to our family. After all, as Joe says, "it's America." Joe always says that when he wants people to appreciate the simple things in life. If we are hanging out on our deck and having a nice time then "it's Ameica."

Well I have say that he was right! Some mornings have been hectic especially since it has rained every day since he arrived. To top it off, my washing machince broke down and Joe and I decided to do a detox cleanse so I couldn't drink coffee or eat any food for 3 days. Well, you know me. I have this attitude that I can do and handle anything. It was a bit of a crazy week, but it has been great. Ryley, Joey, Owen & TJ adore Hobson. He is a part of our family.

Highlights of my week:

Ryley and Hobson falling asleep together on the couch.

TJ asking me to lay down with him and then hearing him say "Mommy, I love you so much."

Watching Owen sing and smile at his Spring sing in school. He was adorable. He was so proud of himself as he should be.

Hearing Joey belt out "God Bless America" during Owens spring sing. Joe would be proud!

I sit back sometimes and just say "Life is Good."

Additional spring break pics

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