Pioneer Park Easter Egg Hunt

Today we went to Pioneer park for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. When we arrived we noticed there was a choo-choo that looked like Thomas. Finn was very excited so we got in line to do this first. When it was finally our turn we strapped Kenzie and Finn in and let them go by themselves. This is the first time we've sent them on a ride without a parent, so I was a little nervous, but they did great! They waved the whole time and were all smiles when they returned. After this we got ready for the hunt. They divided the kids up into age groups. Finn was first, he was a little slow to understand, but eventually got the hang of it. When it came time for Kenzie she knew just what to do, but there were so many kids it was hard for her to participate. There were tears at the end, because she had only gotten 4 eggs, then she realized there was chocolate inside and decided she would be okay. We ended our morning with a stop at the bounce house and a look at one of the local fire trucks. 

waiting in line for the choo-choo

Kenzie & Maya

ready to hunt

Keeping the Peace

Every five weeks Jim has graduation for Chiefs Academy. This means a long day for him and an even longer day for us. My goal for today was to wear everyone out while keeping everyone happy, with minimal fighting from the big kids. We started the morning off walking Kenzie to school, then I took Emersyn and Finn to the playground. After a morning of playing we went back to pick Kenzie up and had a race home. With lunch and naps finished we just needed to survive the afternoon before dinner. We decided to take another race and head to the playground in our complex. The kids had fun playing in the sand and climbing the structure. Emme enjoyed sitting in the sand and chewing on the sand toys. Then it was on to dinner time, usually the hardest part of the day for us. I was relieved to find out that Anne and Levi were coming to my rescue. The kids were so excited to see them and it made the rest of the night fly by!

running the path

toes in the sand

climbing up the slide

Kenzie and her turtle

face full of sand

So what I have learned about staying sane with 3 kids is keep them busy, keep them outside and keep them moving!

Two Chompers

The Many Faces of Finn

 sometimes sensitive

usually up to no good!

 always curious

 full of laughter

definitely a character, my little man Finn

Fun in the Garage

Tonight Levi stopped by for a visit. The kids were ecstatic to see him and dominate his attention for a while. While Jim worked on some projects in the garage, Kenzie practiced riding her bike and Finn checked out the motorcycle with Levi.

"full speed"

Faithful Companion

This year marks 11 years that Durham has been a part of our family. We adopted him from the Broward Animal Rescue Center in South Florida. He was estimated to be about 8 weeks old, a little black furball, with a dipstick tail and big paws. I went to the rescue center with a friend to help her find a dog. The owner saw a sucker and put this adorable puppy in my arms and the rest is history.

A little older, a little grayer and a little bit grumpier...

but still our sweet fur-baby.

Reaching for toys

Emersyn has gained her balance and can sit up unassisted. Now she's started reaching for items and rocking on her hands and knees. We set Emme on the floor with her basket of toys and let her go to town. We're enjoying these last days before she becomes comes mobile. Then this house will really be crazy!

Emersyn's favorite toy