Home Rennovations with the hired help!

Our "hired help" being Rob's parents--Brian and Launa. They were so awesome to come out for a week and help me complete so many home improvement jobs. We accomplished so much in their time here, I really wish I could fly them out twice a year...once for home improvements and once for just a fun visit! Here are some pics thanks to Launa who documented the chaos and fun from the week. I was so grateful to them both. Brian worked in the kitchen non-stop and Launa tackled ALL my laundry (which she can attest to being many loads) and basically allowed Carys to be her buddy all week. Carys really needed the extra love and attention, so I am glad Launa was so patient with her many pleas to "play a game." We did have some time to eat out and watch a movie, so I didn't' crack the whip too much! ;) I hope they don't decide to never come back because it sure was fun that week.

Summer has begun!

I began this spring telling myself that we would have a slow leisurely summer, but all the while knowing that is very difficult being me. So, summer has officially begun. I have been looking forward to this summer because I feel I can really enjoy some time with my kids after, what I felt, was a busy year. The first 2 afternoons alone were the LONGEST days ever! But, alas, that was just two days without a plan. Now, I have a plan. A plan to do nothing some days, but a plan to do plenty. Don't get me wrong, we still have tons on the schedule and i am telling myself it is all for the kids, but I know it is so I can get out, not to have to clean my house, or make the day fly by. I am enjoying it. So far...

We are playing a lot. (pool, parks, friends, spray parks)

My house is messy a lot. (renovations, company/visitors, toys and more toys, and towels oh, the towels!)

We are learning a lot. (respect, boundaries, gratitude, reading, and math)

My kids eat a LOT!!! (chips, milk, pancakes, cereal, yogurt, milk, milk, milk, anything you can pass off as food they inhale!)

Cameron screams a lot. (He gives us all headaches and we are all happy for nap time!)

I love family time a lot. (movie nights, cook-outs, pool weekends, fhe, and tickle/wrestle time)

I think this summer I am going to grow a lot...and so are the Morgans!

I love that Captain is just looking at Cam like, "why aren't you wearing any pants?"

The token toddler in goggles shot...you know you have 1 or 2 or 3 of your own kids!

Last Day of School Messy-Party and Tina's visit!

A while ago a friend posted some pictures of their pudding painting summer fun and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind! I just had to do something messy! I decided the last day of school is a great occasion for such a fun activity! I started only inviting neighbors since they can run home and clean off when finished, but I ended up opening it up to a few close friends, too. Tina and her kids came to visit and I was so glad they were here for it! If anyone ever wants to repeat it, here are a few of the things I did. I will add some activities (and kids) next year when I do it (yes, I think it will be an annual thing, so mark your calendars) since now I know that the kids are totally up for getting dirty! oh, the things I can come up with...parents will hate me!!! (insert my evil laugh here). The kids each brought a towel and can of whipped cream. They each filled two pie plate with cream to start and they lined up to throw their pies. Next we had them split into teams and paint their faces with cool whip. The partner was supposed to throw cheetos a the cool whip faces to see how many stuck. unfortunately, we live in 80% humidity and the cool whip was melting straight off their faces...oh well, they ate the cheetos instead--crisis averted. We had a pudding painting station on the side of the house with two tubs of pudding, both chocolate and vanilla. They could hose off in the slip n slide and the pool. I added a little bit of chocolate syrup to the slide so it was extra fun. They grabbed whatever messy materials were left (syrup, pudding, cool whip, water) and basically played war and chase until it was all gone! It was pretty funny to watch the kids go at it! We ended with root beer floats. It all cleaned up really quickly with the hose and lasted about 1.5 hours. It was tons of fun and a total success. I look forward to next year!

Carys needed a snack!

Carson is always all smiles...love it!

Luke is winding up for the kill!

1,2,3, throw! It was a sloppy mess!

Luke

Alysson even looks pretty covered in cool whip!

Carys

Luke and Nick H. getting ammunition.

Sam and TJ were the funniest of the group. They fought a good fight together!

Puppy palooza---carys turns 5!

I gave in to Carys' pleas for a birthday party with friends. I was supposed to have the year off from party planning, but I caved. she wanted a puppy party and I gave her one. Her friends were coming with their favorite stuffed pet. They put on a pet show and introduced their animal and why they were special. The kids had to behave like dogs and ate out of bowls and went on a hunt for their doggy bags. Then they decorated their cupcakes like puppies. All in all it was a simple party the kids seemed to have a lot of fun.

Spring Break part 3--Morgans and Strongs in NC

After our fun in FL, we were lucky to be able to coordinate a trip into the mountains to celebrate Uncle Mike's birthday and Easter! It was so much fun. Thanks to Aunt Courtney for planning it. We are hoping to make it a regular thing...or we were hoping, but now they are leaving us alone in the East for Utah in a year! I guess it will just be us and the Strongs next time and I would be alright with that! ;)

Cute Cousins...they are only about 4 months apart!

Our future biker...

Wes and Cam being cute and silly!

The East-coast Morgans!

The crew on top of Blowing Rock.

This was the cabin we stayed at...it was really nice!

No Easter is complete without dyeing some eggs!

I got to spend some time with Grady this trip and I was so happy to become buddies!

The kids are patiently awaiting their bday cake...uh, I mean bday pie!

Uncle Mike's birthday pie

Just a cute picture of my kids zonked out!

Wes

Uncle Rob attempting a spiritual Easter message for the kids!

The two beautiful girls...Addie and Carys

Mike wanted to go mountain biking...here is rob and below is Mike in the mountain. rob said Mike was in much better shape, but it was a lot of fun. I was almost worried he was going to take up another hobby! yikes!

We had so much fun!!!