Holding on

I am holding on to summer tightly.  I am holding on to waking up late and wearing flip flops and sundresses.  I am holding on to days of doing whatever we want.  We have filled our summer days with trips to the beach, different parks and swimming at grandmas.  We joined our cousins for a fun filled night on the boardwalk and made memories in Sea Isle with our cousins and GG and Grandpa. I want to stop time and keep Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ the ages they are now.  I want to hold onto waking up with all 4 of them cuddled next to me in bed.  There is nothing better than that.  I want to delay school another month and have them to myself just a little longer.  Last night I listened to the 4 of them laughing in Joey and Owens bunk bed.  They giggled and read books and talked.  I loved listening to them and just want to hold on to that.  For now though  I need to get them ready to head down the shore for the day to an adventure on a pirate ship!  I will keep making memories and hold their hands today and kiss them and watch them smile.   We are holding on to summer as long as we can!

Kicking off summer the right way

As each day passes and my babies get a little older, I am more and more proud of who they are becoming and yet a bit sad that they are growing up. 

TJ has finished his first year of preschool.  I cried so hard the first day he went, yet I am so proud of how he did.

Owen just graduated from preschool and in September he will be in kindergarten.  I held him a year so now I really have to let him go.  We are so proud of you Owen.  Your teacher said you were very independent and the most well mannered boy.  I am not surprised. 

Joey just finished kindergarten and had such a great year.  Joey is so confident just like his daddy.  He talks to everyone and really loved school this year. 

Ryley just finished second grade.  Boy does third grade sound so much older.  You are the sweetest and so smart.  Even though you are the oldest, I love that you snuggled up to me last night at the ball game because the fireworks scared you a little. 

Fantastic report card all around.  So proud of you guys.

Well it's summer and these next couple months belong to us!  No more schedules or planning.  Now it's about being together and having a blast this summer.  I think we stated off right.

We met our cousins for a 3 hour hike which ended with a swim in the lake and a stop for ice scream.  Maybe the ticks on Joey wasn't the best part but he forgot about that already.

We spent our Friday afternoon and night at the pool.  Pizza, swimming and friends on a Friday - a blast.

We started off Saturday morning with a bike ride.  We spent our afternoon and night at a baseball game with snacks, music and hundreds of kids.  I think you had a great 7th birthday Joey.  You had that handsome smile on your face the whole day.  I love you buddy.  So proud of you.

Today is a family day with our cousins which means the world to my kids.  Tomorrow we hit the beach.  Now that is making memories and that is the way you kick off summer with your kids!

Slow down the pace

We left tball a little early today and skipped a lacrosse game for Ryley.  We take their sports seriously but sometimes we just want our Saturdays back.  We felt guilty for a little while but that feeling was gone as soon as we were in the car together.  We drove upstate to my cousins house.  I always love taking the drive because we pass horse farms and drive to an area that is less busy and congested.  I felt relaxed as soon as we arrived.   The highlight of my day was watching my kids play in the pouring rain with no care that they were soaked.  Their clothes and hair were soaked to the bone and yet they were running around with smiles on their faces.  The backyard was one huge playground with lots of laughter.   What sports did we miss?  I don't remember.

Little Things

Sometimes the smallest things can bring such a smile to your face.  Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ; I hope someday you realize the little things you guys did or said, brought me such happiness.  Here are a ew:

1.  Ryley, I love the books and notes you write to me.  I love when I go upstairs and I see one taped to my door or resting on my pillow. 

2. TJ, I love that you tell me you love me 100 times a day.

3.  Joey, I love how you just can't get close enough to me when we lie onthe couch and you want to snuggle.

4.  Owen, I love when you wake up in the morning and come into my room, you wake me up by saying "good morning, mommy," and give me a big kiss.

I also love: (this is the competitive part of me)

That Ryley scored 2 goals in lacrosse and wants to play midfield so she can play the whole field.

That TJ can handle a lacrosse stick and throw the ball better than older kids.

That Owen likes someone to pitch to him so he can hit the ball far.

That Joey loves to play hockey, tball and now lacrosse and wants to be good.

You guys make me smile every day.

Let's play ball

Spring is here.  It's still a bit chilly, but I at least was able to put away the snow pants and snow boots and bring out the baseball gloves and lacrosse sticks.  Joey and Owen are playing tball. (they look adorable in their hats and baseball pants).  They had their first practice and game the other day.  Owen had a smile on the whole time.  At one point, Joey was on third base and Owen was up at bat and I heard Joey say, "come on Owen, you could do it!"  I just can't take how cute they are!  Ryley had her first lacrosse game.  Ryley scored a goal and her team won!  It was a proud week for the Dargans.  They were all so proud of themselves, and they should be.  Joe is the tball coach and lacrosse coach and I love to watch him with the kids.  He was meant to do this and the kids love it!  Joe must really love it because he went out and bought all the boys lacrosse sticks and we now have our own games in our backyard.  TJ throws the ball with his stick like a champ!  There is going to be some competition around here!

Sweet souls

Saturday was freezing, but we headed out early in the morning for the Hillsdale Easter egg hunt.  We are getting tired of winter coats and hats and gloves but it doesn't stop us from having fun.  The kids gathered lots of eggs on their hunt.  There were a few kids who showed up late and missed it.  There were a few more kids who didn't get anything.  Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ all decided to give up some of their eggs, candy and treats and share with the other kids.  They were so sweet and felt so bad that some of the kids had nothing.  They did this a few times.  It made my heart melt.  They did it on their own and with no complaints.  I am so proud of them and how thoughtful and selfless they are.  It was a proud mommy moment.

Three Generations

This is something to be proud of:

Three generations.  My mom always tells me how proud she is of me.  I remember her always telling me that when I have a daughter someday I will understand the bond and the overpowering feelings of love.  Well, mom, you were right.   It's amazing.