The Fighter's

What a great weekend with family and friends... Sunday my parents threw a Memorial Day cookout...it was the perfect day.  Dad smoked the best ribs I've ever had, the Indy 500 was on, the slip and slide was out and the sun was shining.  My dad, Doug and good family friend Frank sat outside with the smoker all day, listening to the 500...drinking Bloody Mary's...my dad said a salute to my Grandpa Bob and the way he did Indy 500 day:-)  I always remember growing up, having to rush home after church on 500 day so my dad could watch the big race.  I love that sound of speeding Indy cards...lets go racing!  Here's a shot of Frank, Doug, my dad (with patriotic hat the girls picked out for him) and Dan.  The girls and I attempted to make a cherry pie...but failed.  Tasted okay...looked like the grossest thing ever.  You be the judge...it was a source of humor for the day. Olivia liked it...and she also liked Brad... Monday morning we picked up my parents and went to "downto

...a dramatic, artsy 3 year old... with a crazy, constant 1 year old (who loves elephants)... and a dance crazy, slap happy 5 year old... ... Then add in some homemade strawberry shortcake and a last day of school celebration... plus some more 1 year old...who can't get enough of her strawberry shortcake... and you get this... Top it all off with a dance party to the chipmunks, with slap happy 5 year old and dramatic 3 year old... and you get a perfect Friday night!

The school year has come to a close and so has Ava's preschool career!  Next stop...Kindergarten!  I am so excited for her - she cannot wait until the day she gets to climb the stairs of that yellow bus and venture off to the "big" school.  And on the flip side...I cried like a baby after dropping her off at preschool for her last day!  I'm one of those moms:-)  How did we go from this... to this...??  So quickly?? ...I just can't believe how fast these 5 years have gone!  But this time has been precious to say the very least. I wouldn't trade it for the world.  It has been a blast every step of the way...so much fun to watch them learn and grow.  I love my Ava Bean, Kate and Olivia to the moon and back 50 infinity times... So instead of being sad about a chapter closing...I'm focusing forward.  We are going to live it up this Summer - spending lots of time together, enjoying sleeping in a bit, having everyone home during the day and exploring what Su