Memorial weekend get-away...to a farm.

My grandfather, Jack, grew up in Oklahoma on a farm, and the family still has the house and all the land.  He loves to go up there, as do some of my cousins.  I didn't really get the farm gene, and haven't been since 1997 : /  We decided to go this year since the boys are old enough to handle a day trip, skip naps, etc.  I am so glad we did, they had such a great time!  I had to fight every urge to not clean them off every 3 minutes.  Sunscreen, dirt caked on, grass, sweat, cake crumbs, ketchup, strawberry juice running down their faces - not to mention we were with cows...well they were very dirty!!  All day long!  We got got home around 10 PM, got everyone cleaned up, and David and I were not even to the boys door to leave the room and they were fast asleep.  

Braley and my aunt, Missy.  Missy (my mom's sister) got the farm gene.  She loves it up there, and the kids love her.  We road in the back of a pick-up truck (don't worry, just around the pasture so we could see the cows!) and you would have thought that was the most exciting thing these kids have ever done!

There was a momma cow in labor and I was really hoping we'd get to see her calf born, but they thought it would be another several hours.

I love how you can almost feel my uncomfortable-ness with being in the back of a truck with filthy kids - but I'm telling ya, by the end of the day, I was embracing it.  Liked it, even : )

Yes, this happens often.  Love them.

Seeing a water well and how the cows get clean, cold water

Gearing up for a great Memorial Day today!  David is playing golf with my folks, and I'm taking the kids to our neighborhood party and picnic.  Then we are meeting David and my family for a pool party and cook-out.  Thankful to live in this great country and for all who serve and make this possible!

My neighbors probably get a good laugh at me at my almost daily attempts at getting good pictures of the kids.  "Hey guys!  Look at mommy!  Smile! Say cheese! Wait, Jack! Get back here!  Look at MOMMY!  Get your finger out of your nose!  Hands out of your pants!  Say CHEESE!  I'll give you an m&m if you stand still and smile!"

Worth it for a few cute shots : )

More fun out in the backyard!

Sibling love.  Seriously?  Can't beat it!!

Finally got some iphone pics on the computer.  I still can't believe I actually ran a marathon.  I have another one planned for November, then a half in April, then another full next June in Alaska.  Safe to say I am hooked.

Right after, walking to meet my family at the car.  I had never felt so exhausted, yet so amazing!  It was wonderful.

David ran the half (in 1.5 hours, he is insanely fast) and all 3 of my boys fell asleep in the rocking chair that afternoon.

We showered and went out to dinner that night, and I paid for it the next day!  I should have rested that night.

Wow, this is all over the place.  Fast forward to Wednesday of this week.  Paige had a mother's day tea and musical performance.  Bless her, she hates being up on stage in front of people.  She looked like she was about to burst into tears the whole time.

But she looked cute : )

Jack and his new favorite toy - Paige's new hello kitty hat.  Hilarious.

Friday, we met David for lunch at Chesapeake, so after we went over to a near-by park.  We love this park, but don't live around there so we never go.  But we have been 3 times in the last 3 days because they keep asking to go to the "sand park."

My mother's day has been lovely.  Church, brunch, and time with my family!

We have spent most of the day outside, and we skipped naps so we wouldn't have to miss any of the fun - therefore all kids are sound asleep by 7:30 PM.  Big smiles and time to relax!