Pool's Open!

The neighborhood pool opened this past weekend and the kids have been itching to go.  Since it has been a bit cooler here lately we knew the water would be cold and it was.  I am such a chicken I didn't get in past my waist.  The kids and Paul warmed up pretty quickly though.  They both love the water.  I must say that Katherine is fearless!  She absolutely loved being in the pool.  Luke does too, but he is very cautious which is good.  I have a feeling K is going to be a handful this year!

Memorial Day Happenings

Luke's new favorite hobby -- basketball!

I have been saying for a couple of weeks that I wanted us to find somewhere fun to go eat breakfast today.  It isn't too often that Paul and I both have a 3-day weekend.  So, I thought it would be neat to get up and drive 30 mins - 1 hour away to a neat breakfast place and do some local touristy things.  All the places we were interested in were closed today. So, we opted for an old favorite -- Puckett's Grocery.  We decided to visit the downtown Nashville location this time.  It did not disappoint.  Although it is in the middle of all the city hub-bub it stayed true to its classic southern cooking.  They had a buffet available today.  Paul and Katherine ate that and Luke chose a Mickey Mouse pancake.  I love their bacon and biscuits!  We lingered over breakfast and definitely beat the holiday tourist crowd.  There was quite a wait when we left.

I had the great idea to go visit the new Music City Center which celebrated its Grand Opening earlier this week.  Unfortunately, it was not open to the public today. Next, we drove down to the train station at River Front thinking we could take a train ride, but it was closed for the holiday.  We finally ended up at the Bicentennial Mall.  They had dancing fountains to celebrate each of Tennessee's rivers.  Luke was begging to run through them but we didn't have a change of clothes for him.  We finally gave in and he and Katherine had a blast running through the water!  They would have stayed all day if we let them.  We let them  play for a long time since it was such a nice day.  They didn't put up too much of a fuss when we told them it was time to go.  We were in a dilemma with Luke and his clothes.  We stripped him down to his underwear and wrapped him up in one of my sweaters for the ride home.  Katherine had a change of clothes.  She is fully potty trained now with the exception of bedtime, but we always keep extra clothes on hand in case of an accident.  I am going to remember to put Luke some clothes in the car now, too.  In the Summer you just never know when a water play opportunity might present itself.

They were both worn out when we got home and took naps. We spent the rest of the day at home working on some outdoor and indoor projects.  I am currently obsessed with painting our front door so I spent a good bit of time researching door colors.  It is narrowed down to navy and black which are both safe, conservative choices.  We'll see when I get around to doing it.

It has been an absolutely fabulous weekend with fun had by all.  I love when we have an extended time off to enjoy being together!

The Tradition Lives On...

Katherine made some new friends -- adorable twin boys!

The National Cemetery 

We went to church this morning and, as expected, there was a lighter crowd because of the holiday.  Lunch was next followed by naps for all!  The gorgeous weather continued today.  It was a little warmer, but still below normal for this time of year.  This afternoon we went to the Reynolds' for their annual get together.  Mom went for the first time this year.  The food was excellent as usual.  I, of course, left the main ingredients of my salad at home on the counter so it was a bust.  Oh well, there's always next year!

Mr. Reynolds always gives a guided tour of the National Cemetery  behind their house.  Paul and I haven't been since well before we had kids.  Luke really wanted to go so we all tromped through the grounds listening to Mr. Reynolds narrate.  The kids mainly enjoyed the wide open space to run and play.  They both made some new friends which was cute.  By the time we got back it was past bedtime so we packed up and headed home.  It is always a fun time and are grateful for the invite every year!

Picture Perfect!

This weekend's weather has been absolutely picture perfect!  We were glad when Paula was feeling up to having company today to celebrate Memorial Day!  We all went up this afternoon and grilled burgers.  Paula always likes to celebrate.  Kristen and I set tables up outside and put the go-to standard red/white check cloths on.  Even though Paula wasn't able to come outside she enjoyed some of a burger and visiting with the family in the living room.  She was so glad to have us all there.

Paul made the first ice cream of the season -- it always tastes so good.  By the time we knew it it was close to dark.  It was such a beautiful day that none of us wanted to leave. The kids played and played.  Luke loves playing catch with Paul and JonJon.  It is great knowing we have two more days off from work!!!

A Day With Mommy!

After lunch treat!

Luke and Clifford!

Luke and I both had dentist appointments this morning.  We dropped Katherine off at school and ran a few errands before we went to see Dr. Barkley.  I was a little nervous since he had a cavity on his last check up. I didn't let him know I was nervous though.  He did awesome at the visit and didn't have any cavities!  They recommended he start using a fluoride mouthwash every night to get some extra cavity-prevention help.  Luke wanted to eat lunch with Paul so we stopped by to pick him up at the office.  He chose to go to Jason's Deli.  It was packed, but so good.  I love their salad bar and free ice cream!  Luke got a PB&J.  It was fun hanging out with Paul on a workday!

Our next stop was the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale. It was completely overwhelming!  Luke had fun and picked up a few books for he and Katherine as well as one for his class at school.  Much to Luke's delight I had a quick return to make at Opry Mills.  He got a surprise Lego set from Nonna this week so I told him he could not buy one today.  I did let him go and look though!  After a quick stop at home it was time to go get Katherine.  Luke said the day went by too fast and I agreed! Love spending one on one time with my little guy!

Time for a Haircut

Katherine is getting into playing "haircut".  Her latest thing is to have anyone that will participate put a towel around their neck while she gives them a haircut.  She gives you a shampoo, cut and style and then asks for $20 -- Paul tells her she is overpriced.  She insisted Daddy needed a quick haircut before we went to church this morning!  I think he loves it!  I must admit it is nice when she brushes my hair and makes me "soooo pretty for the party Mama"!  Oh, how we wish we could just bottle this up!  She is so fun right now!

Mother's Day Festivities

Claudia, Luke and Jon

Hard to believe it is Mother's Day weekend already! The weather is absolutely beautiful here right now!
We went to Mom's this morning and I planted some flowers in her courtyard as her Mother's Day present.  I wasn't able to get everything I wanted, but it was a nice start.

This afternoon we went to the farm to grill out.  We have had this planned since shortly after Paula came home from the hospital in April.  It was great that she was excited we were coming.  Everything was low-key -- we just roasted hot dogs and s'mores.  We mainly stayed outside and took turns going in to visit with her. The kids rode bikes, trikes and ran around.  They loved roasting marshmallows!

We don't have much planned for tomorrow -- church and maybe lunch somewhere.  Just going to enjoy time as a family.

Preschool Graduation!

Getting ready!

Luke and Rylee -- together since infants!

Proud parents!

Luke and Connor -- going to miss him next year!

Luke's teachers - Ms. Katie and Ms. Sonja

So glad Luke's buddy could be there!

The cupcakes were a hit!

Showing off his new Lego from Nonna

Tonight was a BIG night around here -- Luke's Preschool Graduation!  He has been so excited about it for weeks.  He has been practicing his songs and talking about the reception afterwards.  The night did not disappoint.  We were so glad to have Nonna, Bill and JonJon there with us!  Luke looked so proud when he was walking down the aisle and saw all of us.

The ceremony was short and sweet.  Their was a slideshow of all the kids at different ages - infant, toddler and present.  Each child was also awarded a "superlative".  Luke was voted "Most Likely to Become President"!  WOW!  We were blown away.  He is such a special little guy!  We stayed at the reception for a bit.  Afterwards Mom, the kids and I went to Chik-fil-a for supper.  Paul went to see Nene and tell her all about it!

We are so proud of Luke and what a sweet little man he is.  So excited to see what God has in store for him!

Special Night

Paula and Bill have wanted a barn quilt for a long time, but had not been able to find anyone to make one for them.  They found someone in another state and helped with the design of a quilt for the farm.  Through a series of events it was able to be delivered this past weekend by a truck driver from Portland.  It is amazing how things work out.  Bill has been itching to get it up and so tonight Paul, Jon, Kristen and I met at the farm so the boys could hang it up.  It is beautiful!  We are praying that Paula will feel like getting out to go see it in the next few days.

We had a really nice visit with Paula tonight and it was good to be together.  We truly are blessed with a great family!

Another Saturday...Another Project

The first Saturday of the month can only mean one thing...Home Depot's Kids Workshop.  The kids look forward to this every month!  Today's project was a bird feeder.  Note to self..when painting is involved wear appropriate clothing.  This is the second time we have gotten pain on our clothes and it will not come out.  I find it strange that they don't use washable paint for a kid's project.  Luke had to find out what next month's project is so he can look forward to it -- a lawnmower pencil holder!

Top Hog

We went to Gallatin tonight to see Paula for a bit.  It was an impromptu visit so we didn't plan for supper.  When we got ready to leave Luke suggested we go to Top Hog.  It is a little Mom and Pop bbq place in Gallatin that would always go to when he spent the night at Bop Nene's.  I had never been there  but had heard all about it.  The waitress got a kick out of Luke ordering the fried catfish platter -- he and Nene usually split it.  I got the bbq with corn cakes which were so good. Katherine actually ate some of the bbq and a serving of mac and cheese.  Luke wanted his picture made with "Patty and Pickle".  That is what he named the paintings of the two pigs on the  building.

I ran in Walgreen's to pick up some things for Paula and Paul ran them back out to her.  We asked for a to-go box for the catfish so Paul offered it to her when he got back.  She ate several bites of it and the cornbread and said it tasted great!