And the rains came down...

School was cancelled all of last week due to flooding.  We were fortunate in that our neighborhood didn't flood and we didn't lose power. Our dog freaked out during the storm, though.  We initially put her in the garage, but she ripped the frame off the door, so we got a crate and brought her inside (and gave her a lot of Benadryl).

We couldn't go far due to roads, but it mostly felt like a 2nd Spring Break. Swim team and t-ball/softball were cancelled, as well, so we had a week of no obligations.  Heavenly.  One day I met up with a friend and her kids and we went swimming at my brother's house.

Another day, we drove out to Double Lake where my brother had reserved two campsites to play for a bit.  We left Jack behind so he could camp with my dad, brothers, and cousins.  He had the best time.

Ellie and I did a mother-daughter night with friends and we went to see The Jungle Book.  My friend drew jungle animals on all the kids' faces.  It was so cute.

But most days, we just hung around the house in our pajamas - reading books, watching movies, and playing games.  It was just what I needed to feel rejuvenated and end the school year strong.

Dear Ellie on your 10th birthday

Dear Ellie,

I can't believe my little Ellie Choo-Choo is now in the double digits! And you are so tall!  I measured you for our upcoming Disney trip and you are 58 inches tall! Stop growing.  While it makes me sad to see my little girl grow up, it is also a lot of fun.  It makes me so happy that we share a love of reading and that you enjoy many of the same books that I do.  In a lot of ways, you are a mini-me...but a much better version.

You are amazing with little kids.  I have had you come help me in Nursery at church a few times, because you are so good with them.  You re patient and fun and they adore you.  You are not as patient with your little brothers, but I understand it is hard when you live with them.

You got a phone for your birthday so that you could start being more independent.  You aren't quite ready to be left home alone while I run errands, even with a phone, but I feel safer dropping you off at your various practices like softball and swim.  Speaking of softball, you were awarded the game ball last Saturday!  You enjoy soccer, softball, and swim team.  You are in the running club at school, but I don't think you enjoy it quite as much.

You are still doing really well academically.  You have had a rough year in terms of getting switched to new teachers and away from your friends, but you haven't let it affect your grades.  You took part In Destination Imagination this year and I was really impressed with your creativity and problem solving.

Ellie, I know as the oldest child, I expect a lot out of you.  Sometimes we butt heads and get frustrated with each other.  I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you.  I don't know what I would do without my Ellie-girl.

Happy birthday, baby.

Love,
Mom

Dear Sam at 3 years

Dear Sam,

You are now 3 years old!  We started the day with a doughnut cake.  You loved blowing out the candles.  I am not sure you quite get the whole birthday thing, though, because when we dropped Ellie and Jack off at school and Jack told you, "Happy birthday, Sam" you responded with a "Happy birthday, Jack" of your own.

Oh, Sam...how do I describe you?  You have the BIGGEST personality.  You are loud, demanding, and oh so funny.  You definitely dominate the family. You tend to bully your brother and sister around and sometimes that drives Jack to tears, but for the most part they humor you.

Your vocabulary is really increasing.  You refer to yourself in the 3rd person most of the time.  You will ask you dad, "Will you play air hockey with Sam?"  You tell me, "Sam wants his truck. Give Sam his truck RIGHT NOW!"

I am pretty certain you would be potty trained if I wasn't so lazy or busy.  You go in the toilet if you aren't wearing a diaper.  But sometimes you demand that I put a diaper on you.

Your favorite things to do are to swim (with floaties), play outside, ride your battery powered truck, and watch "Monkey George."  You also love to play with kids your age at Ms. Donika's house or at Nursery,

Sam, words cannot adequately express how much we love you.  You drive us completely crazy, but you are amazing and I wouldn't change you in any way.  Happy birthday, Sam the man!

Love,
Mama

Easter and birthday celebrations

I am playing catch-up here so I am just going to do mainly a picture post to recap Easter weekend.

Obligatory dying of eggs.  I only had to put Sam in time-out twice.

Easter morning.  I felt pretty clever with those cinnamon rolls.  Too bad I burned them,

This is what happens when you let your kids eat chocolate for breakfast.

Tom's dad with all of the grandkids...even the New Jersey cousins!

 

Traditional Easter cake that I stole for my kids' birthday cake

Sam loved hunting for eggs