Pool Day

The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous. One thing that we are enjoying a bit more than Arizona is the consistency in the weather. The temperature doesn't drop as drastically in the evening (which keeps the pool warmer) and the outdoor temperatures are beautiful and comfortable for more of the year. In between school and baseball, the kids have found time to take dips in the pool almost daily.

Unfortunately for this big boy, homework is a daily part of life. Thankfully, he can do it outside!

We got Coco registered for pre-school for the fall. She'll be going to the 3's class two days a week- I wasn't ready to give her up any more days. She'll be our first child to be one of the oldest children in their class.

This sweet boy auditioned (much to our surprise) for the Kindergarten end of the year musical at school. The Kinder classes are performing The Little Red Hen and Cruz landed the part of the dog. This part has several singing solos. His teacher said he has a beautiful voice and amazing pitch for a six year old boy. Please pray that he doesn't chicken out. Cruz has had major stage fright in the past so we're hoping this goes well.

This is a very classic unhappy Coco face.

While she has her unhappy moments, she also has super happy, content ones. I loved just watching her color the other day while snapping a few pictures. She's just so sweet and I don't even want to forget her at three and a half.

Her curls! I just love them.

Her faithful companion is never far away. She and Cooper have a much different relationship than Cooper has with the boys. The boys have always been kind of indifferent too him but Cora adores him. She pets him, snuggles him, puts his leash on and leads him around the house and loves to just take care of him. He, in turn, is never far from her side. Cooper has also calmed down quite a bit and seems older- hard to believe he's 9.

Busy April Happenings

We have had a crazy but fun April. 

Rowan gave his first big oral presentation at school. Everyone in his class was assigned a famous person. Rowan was assigned Colin Powell. He then was required to research, write a report and give an oral presentation as if he were Colin Powell. He had a blast getting his outfit together and did such a great job.

Cruz's class took another field trip so Coco and I tagged along again. This time we went to a neat place called the Storybook Gardens. As you can see, Cruz has made friends at his new school. 

Around the middle of the month, I joined four Arizona friends in Austin, TX for a wonderfully fun girls weekend. These are my best AZ girls so to have special time with them was such a blessing. We spent Friday through Monday sleeping in, shopping, getting pedicures, eating fun food and just chatting. Roger held the fort down here and did amazing at getting the kids where they needed to go and even making it to work with Cora in tow.

The girl at the car rental place gave us a free upgrade to a minivan. This amused us quite a bit but hey, it was roomy and we were comfortable. 

Amazing authentic Texas BBQ

We did another escape room experience in Austin. We didn't make it out this time either! It was so rainy the whole time we were there but we still managed to have a blast.

I arrived back home from Austin on Monday and then the next Tuesday morning, Coco and I left for a girl's trip to Disney World. We met up with my friend Mellissa and her daughter Genevieve for two days of fun. Roger and the boys had an amazing time doing guy stuff. I hear they played a lot of sports and did a lot of swimming. I'm so thankful that they have such a wonderful dad.

Coco and Gigi ready to have breakfast with Mary Poppins and Alice.

Kisses for Pluto

Mickey Mouse!

She's so sweet and so much fun! I just love having special girl time with her.

She just loves meeting all the characters at the parks. She is happy to stand in line and meet them over and over again.

Pluto is her favorite.

Love you sweet girl! <3 p="">

We have Cruz's very belated  birthday party with his school friends coming up this weekend, which should sum up our crazy April. It doesn't look like May will be much slower paced! We are looking forward to lots of visitors, celebrating Roger's birthday and the end of the school year. 

Family Photos 2016

It was time for our yearly family photos! We decided to embrace our gorgeous new surroundings and do pictures at the beach. I love all of these and can't even pick a favorite! If there is one you'd like, please email me and I'm happy to get you a copy. 

Photos by Nicole Kristin Photography

Happy Birthday to Jade!

Coco and I made a quick trip to Illinois to celebrate Jade's 4th birthday. When I say quick, I mean quick! We left Tampa at 7am on Saturday morning, spent the day in Chicago celebrating Jade and then returned home at 6am on Sunday. It was so worth it though! As they grow older, Cora and Jade are becoming not only cousins but better and better friends. They were so cute together. 

I wasn't sure how my little travel buddy would do but she fell asleep on the plane like a pro.

Jade's party was a Frozen theme. Cora was more than happy to dress up. We decided she should be Anna since it was Jade's birthday and she was going to be Elsa.

The cutest Anna and Elsa ever! 

I'm not sure why I look so tall in this picture! Haha

Coco conked out again on the way home! Such a special time with my girl.

Daddy and Brothers had fun of their own. They went to Disney and spent the day riding roller coasters! I love the order of our kids. It works so well when we "split up" for Rog to take the big boys and I get girl time with my Coco. 

Birthday Two: April 4th

Cruz's actual birthday was on a Monday. He was very excited to bring a birthday treat to share at school. He chose the same treat as last year- chocolate donuts. 

We were able to spend the rest of the afternoon/evening celebrating Cruz. Cruz did some MAJOR present opening. This year we saved all of his gifts to open at one time. He had so much fun. 

He opened his gifts from us first. 

Sis was a sweet encourager and very excited as she helped me shop for some of the gifts.

 We've already played this game several times.

Super excited to share his new Pokemon card with Rowan.

We also got him some Under Armor clothes and a baseball cap.

Thank you Linda!

Cruz was so excited about this game from Great Aunt Jill and Uncle Jim

Thank you Aunty Jill and Uncle Jim! We love games around here. Check out the bottom of the post for some hilarious family videos of us trying out Pie Face.

Wiffle balls were a request due to the sheer volume that he and Rowan go through playing baseball outside.

Thank you Aunt Amanda, Uncle Nate, Jade and Jemma!

This game was such the perfect game for Cruzy that he got it twice! Thank you Uncle Randy and Aunt Nicole!! The boys are going to go to Toys R Us this weekend- he'll let you know what he picks instead. 

Thank you Gee Gee!

Cruz got several other cards throughout the week including a sweet card and giftcard from our old babysitter Taylor. Thank you to everyone for the sweet phone messages and videos. Cruz had the best time watching them over and over.

After presents, it was time for dessert. Cruz chose donuts.

The big SIX year old.

Pie Face Fun: I'd turn down your volume if I were you.. be reading for lots of screaming! :)

Cruz Emerson at 6:

Physical:
Physically, Cruz isn't a giant, and that's okay! He weighs 36 lbs (3rd percentile) and is 42 3/4 in (9th percentile). Though you are small, you don't let that stop you. You have incredible strength, you are fantastic at batting, throwing and catching, and you love kickball. You have huge determination and anything you lack in size, you make up for in spirit. Cruz loves snuggles, hugs, kisses and getting his back scratched.

Mental:
Cruz is so so smart. I know I'm him mom, but seriously! He knows his math facts like crazy, is reading above level and can memorize stuff as fast as Rowan. He does all this with very little effort. Most things come easy to Cruz. One thing that he struggles with is handwriting (just like his brother did). Cruz is learning the value of hard work and perseverance when it comes to forming his letters neatly and correctly. Cruz occasionally reverses his s, b and d when writing.

Spiritual:
Cruz has a such a sweet and open heart. He loves asking questions about God... and he has so many good ones. He knows that Jesus lives in heart and died to save him. Cruz love LOVE LOVES Awana and memorizing Scripture. He is whizzing through his Awana books. Cruz loves to share Jesus with others and is probably our most vocal child about it.

We are so thankful for our special, snuggly middle baby!