Fathers Day Weekend - Part 1

Lance and Matt decided that the family should get up at 5 am Saturday morning and head to Roaring River for some good, quality family fishing time. The boys had a great time fishing with Daddy - Grandpa even came along to join in on the fun!

First things first, we had to start the day off with a fishermans breakfast -

warm, homemade cinnamon rolls.

Grayson and Daddy catching some trout.

Feeding the fish at the hatchery at Roaring River.


Snack time for Grayson!

Lance and Daddy working with Lance's fly rod.

Daddy and the boys with their first catch!

Grandpa and the boys!

Love this picture - they were in deep conversation :)

Working with his fly rod again.

Enjoying a day at the river!

We had a great start to our Father's Day Weekend! We all took LONG naps after we got home to make up for getting up at 5am! Tomorrow we are headed to church in the morning then on to Neosho to celebrate our Father's!

Weekend Getaway

This past weekend, we loaded up and headed over to Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO. It was just what I needed, a weekend getaway with my boys and some beautiful, sunny weather!


It rained most of Friday evening - so we enjoyed a yummy dinner at one of the restaurants on the resort and headed to the indoor pool. We were literally in the pool two minutes and they closed it due to the weather. So, we rented a couple of movies for the boys and headed back to our room for some movies and snacks. Here is a picture of the boys watching Milo and Otis - they loved it!


The next day was beautiful! We were a little concerned that we were going to be couped up in the room due to rain all weekend - but we were pleasantly surprised. We took full advantage of the sunshine Saturday and spent most all of the day around the pool. The water was heated and just perfect! Lance picked up right where he left off from last summer with his swimming - that boy is a little fish. I am so glad that he enjoys the water as much as he does.

Grayson on the other hand, he was not too sure of the water, it took him a little bit to warm up. But once he did, he was in the water splashing around and enjoying it. It was just so nice to be outside and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air!

Saturday evening, we took the boys to see Dixie Stampede. We thought they would enjoy all the animals and cowboys - and they did! They both enjoyed the show so much. They sat still and watched the show with big eyes - they even got into the little competition of the show. Lance was not too sure about the idea of eating your dinner without silverware. The first thing he asked me after they brought his plate was, "Mommy, where is my fork?"

As you can tell, the boys were not too excited about having their picture taken at the stampede. Here is our best shots.

After the Dixie Stampede, the boys wanted to head back to the pool.

We ended the evening roasting smores over a campfire - there is just something about a nice, warm, gooey smore that hits the spot!

It was a great weekend - we had so much fun spending time together! Love my boys - all 3!

Preschool Graduation

This past Thursday Lance graduated from Preschool! They had the cutest little program, complete with little caps and gowns - too cute!

I cannot believe how fast these past 5 years have flown by - it is just crazy. It really hit me the other day that he is going to KINDERGARTEN at the end of the summer - and summer goes by so fast anyway - ugh, I am just not ready. He is growing up way too fast! I remember hearing people say, "your growing up too fast" when I was a kid - now I totally get it, it goes by way too fast! I just want to take it all in and enjoy my boys!

Walking in wearing the cap and gown - he was so cute!

After the program with his diploma.

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!

This past Saturday we celebrated my Mom's 50th bithday! She turned 50 on May 9th and had been threatening us for months that we had better not throw her a surprise birthday party - but that didn't stop us! You only turn 50 once, we couldn't let it pass by like it was just another day.

We planned her party for the weekend after her birthday so that she would think she was in the "clear." The party was at Johnny Carinos in Joplin, we picked this restaurant because Italian food is her fav and we wanted this party to be all about her! She is alway doing for others, now it was our turn to do for her and celebrate her!

I loved planning the party for her! Although, I must admit I was very nervous the last few days before the party. She is so sneaky - it is usually impossible to surprise her with anything - but, I think we pulled it off!

She was all smiles all evening long and enjoyed visiting and sharing good food!

Her yummy birthday cake from Ricks bakery in Fayettville - it was as good as it looks!!

When she got there and knew that she had been "set-up"

Mom and Sharon -
have been best friends since high school, so glad that she was able to come!

The spread - was so good!

All of her favorites!

Mimi and her boys!

Love this picture - she looks so happy!

Jordan, Sharon, Mom and Me

(Mothers and Daughters)

The four of us

Blake, Mom, Dad and Me

Mom and her parents

The Family!

(minus Deb, how did we let you leave without

the group pic)

Soccer!

Ok - here we go again, round 3 - I am going to keep up with my blog and keep it updated! I don't know why it is so difficult for me - I really want to keep it updated so we can share what is going on with our little family and to show you just how fast these boys are growing! So, here goes!

Lance played soccer this spring and LOVED it! We think he has found his sport - he loved the constant movement and running. We are going to get him signed up to play in the fall since he enjoyed it so much. Here are a few pictures from his last game of the season - his team didn't have a "winning" season, but he enjoyed it and that is all the matters, right?!

Snowed In.....again!

Last Tuesday night, we got the pleasure of another snow storm - this time we had around 20+ inches of the white stuff! It seemed like it just kept coming down, it was crazy! This was by far the most snow that I have seen here.

Again, being snowed in meant we had to entertain ourselves again and try to try sane while all of us are forced to stay indoors. Matt and the boys worked on tying flies - Matt couldn't wait to get out and test them on Friday and Saturday. He was pretty proud that he caught some pretty good sized fish on flies that he tied himslef! I entertained myself by cooking and baking, again. This time I gave homemade cinnamon rolls a try and I must say, I cannot wait to make them again! They were easier than I thought they would be and there is just nothing better than a warm cinnamon roll on a snowy day! I also made some baked potato soup that also hit the spot.

The Greenfields came over for dinner and to hang out one evening - the boys got out the slot car track and had a blast racing their cars. It was great to have them over! The boys stayed busy and gave the parents and chance to visit and catch up.

We had so much snow!!!

The path to our house...

Our drive way after Matt spent 3 hours shoveling it!

The icecicles were pretty in the morning sun.

What to do on a Snow Day......

Like most everyone, we have been home bound since the arrival of the 2011 Blizzard! Being stuck in the house means we have to find ways to entertain ourselves. Here are a few things that we have been doing to help pass the time.....

Grayson helping Daddy tie flys - such a good helper :)

Look outside and dream about playing football...

Grayson and Riley watching Daddy shovel the sidewalk....

Shovel the sidewalk.....

Mommy's entertainment - cooking!

Nothing like some yummy soup and homemade cookies on a snow day...

Snuggle with brother and watch a movie.....

Help Mom sort the laundry -

and he is a really good helper with this chore!

Hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the snow!