Schools Out For the Summer...

and I couldn't be more excited! My main reason, besides the obvious of getting to spend every day with both of my kids, is the fact that we all get so sleep in an extra 30 minutes in the morning. I cannot tell you what a difference those 30 minutes make, but they make a HUGE difference in my day. Anyhow, I have digressed...

My first born, Landon, is an official 2nd grader and I am speechless! He has grown up so much this year not to mention the past 7 years. Here he is on his first day of 1st grade...



and here he is on his last...



He is an incredibly bright child both academically and socially. I am not sure how or why God chose me to mother and raise this sweet boy, but words cannot express my love and admiration for him. Since we moved last summer, he had to switch schools and did so without missing a beat. Anytime, we go anywhere he instantly makes a friend and jumps right into the play. He is an awesome big brother and his little sister adores him. And, she and I are so excited to get to spend our days with him now!

We have lots on our agenda starting with our annual camping trip this weekend in the Smokies. (And yes, I am going to attempt it all 7 months pregnant of me...I am sure I will have something interesting to blog about next week! ) Quickly followed by a week at the beach. (Praying hard that the oil will stay away) Then our days will be carefree and spent at the pool or in the sprinklers, on the playground or on the slip n slide, eating popsicles or making ice cream, going to camps, playing sports, having playdates and spend the nights and maybe another get away or two. So here's to school being out and the official start of summer!!!

Playground Possy

We have discovered a new park nearby that we now absolutely love. A good friend lives down the street and disclosed the secret to us and its now our new favorite go to. Its right next door to a small elementary school, and even though the school has its own playground, they have been using this one while the other one gets renovated. Anyhow, on our first visit to the park, a couple of 4th grade classes were out for their recess. I was a little hesistant letting Lucy run wild amongst the 9 year olds but she quickly fit right in. In fact, she pretty much took over for the entire 30 minute recess.

The teachers kept apologizing to me for their class being so "involved" with her. But I quickly explained that she has no idea she was a baby and definitely considered herself one of them. Once, they became aquainted...



...they played follow the leader with Lucy being the leader.





They made a fan tunnel for her while she went down the slide.



And when she needed a water break, she had plenty of assistants.



She LOVED all the attention and ate it up. I couldn't get enough pictures of my 18 month old and her 4th grade possy.



We really like our new park our new 4th grade friends!

Home of the Braves

It's that time of year again, where our second home becomes the ball field.



I don't mind it much anymore and have actually become fond of our time there. Landon's team is the Braves and they are really good. What a difference a year makes!? We are done with t-ball and have moved on to machine pitch, which I was a nervous wreck about at first. But, nearly every ball gets hit and more often than not it makes it into the outfeild...wow!! A year ago our team struck out at the tee!! Landons hitting has improved so much since the beginning of the season and he is one of the most if not the most consistent hitter on his team.



And he is so quick to get to base, he has been given the nickname "Landon Lightning". I mean, look at that lead!



Of course, it is serious business and each team has at least 4 coaches and teams stats are kept and posted online and the teams are ranked. The Braves are currently in 2nd place with the regular season ending Saturday. Then the playoffs begin. I say this with a tinge of sarcasm, but in all honesty, you can't help but get caught up in the hype. So of course, we go check the stats and ranking after every game. And I have even "boo"ed an umpires call...several times! But no matter how serious the "grown ups" are taking it, the kids are having a blast!



And of course, Miss Priss is everywhere and into everything she shouldn't be. She really deserves her own post, but I don't have time to snap any pictures of her. And when I say she is into everything, I mean it. The mud, batting cages, sneaking onto the feild or dugout, behind the feild...you name it! The only reason I have these pictures is because my parents came to a game and I had 5 minutes to get some shots...thank goodness. And never to be outdone she still manages to steal some attention!



Since, we are at the ball park so often and usually in the middle of dinner time, I have been searching and trying out crock-pot recipes. This one is so easy and good and is now one of my favorites and all 4 of us loved it! So if your in need of something quick and simple try it and enjoy! (This is perfect for Cinco de Mayo)

Crockpot Enchiladas

Place a package of chicken tenders and 1/2 jar of salsa in crock pot on high for 4-5 hours. Once cooked, shred chicken and add a 1/2 can of enchilada sauce. Cook another 5-10 minutes until heated. Pre-heat oven to 350 and fill a soft taco with crock pot mixture and place seam down in a dish. Once enchiladas are filled, top with remaining enchilada sauce and plenty of cheddar cheese. Bake 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. I served with a can of black beans and yellow rice with sour creme and green onions.



I really love our game nights now and am treasuring each one of the them. Did I mention that the new baby is a girl! So, this is it. Landon is our ball player and will be the only reason to go out to the ball feild. He is growing up too darn fast and I am enjoying each minute of my sweet baby boy and little slugger! So go Braves and go Landon #40!!