Mom's Day

I was fortunate to celebrate both my birthday and Mother's Day on the same day this year. And the love of my children on Mother's Day was the best birthday gift I could have asked for. It was also one year ago, on my 31st birthday, that my mom was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. And on my 32nd birthday, we got to celebrate her being cancer free. What incredible gifts.

For my birthday, Wade (unbeknown to him) treated me to plants from TLC for the front flower beds. I had a special helper with me, who was careful to ensure we picked out a wide variety of colors - blue, yellow, pink, red.

My same little helper even helped with planting after his nap. He hopped out of bed so eager to help that he completely forgot his pants. When I told him, "Henry! You don't have any pants on!" He explained, "That's okay, Momma. I don't need pants to help you dig."

With the flower beds in bloom, we were ready to entertain our family on the 13th. Ann and Omar brought their new baby girl, Molly, and we got to love on her all day. Because it was my birthday, I got first dibs. What a sweetheart. I'm smitten...and giddy about FINALLY being able to buy pink!

The boys showered Molly with kisses. They still ask about when they'll see Molly again...they LOVE her. Almost as much as I do.

She's perfect

A Rip Roaring Dinosauring Good Time!

Our friend, Andrew, had a birthday in April too. And he celebrated Dino style. I was so impressed (and inspired...that's right, Wade...blame Kristin for the moose shenanigans) with Kristin's clever dinosaur games. It's no wonder she's a teacher, and why I have a desk job.

When Henry first got to the party he was tasked with finding hidden dinosaurs in a tub of beans. Fun! He wasn't bashful at all and dug right in.

And because it's all about the presents at this age, the gifts were next.

Aunt Cara

Four birthday candles

Kristin is such a brave soul. After cupcakes, which the boys had the option of decorating themselves, it was on to the larger dinosaurs buried in a tub full of shaving cream. Yes, shaving cream. In her living room! I told you she was brave.

And last, but certainly not least, they busted out the GIANT dinosaur eggs (balloons with LED lights). Their faces say it all.

Your mom throws one heck of a party, Andrew!

Easter Weekend

We broke through our box and spent a non-traditional Easter weekend with good friends at Tablerock Lake. It was glorious.

In addition to giving thanks, hunting eggs and Easter bunnies, and enjoying good grub...there was wrestling. Lots and lots of wrestling. William and Sam were at it all weekend. WWF pandemonium.

Sgt. Slaughter Sam vs. William the Terminator

Pinned. Or, is he bluffing?

Psyche! Totally bluffing.

I want to know who taught Sam these moves?!

And when the boys weren't wrestling, the adults were zipping down cables.

Tower #1. Yes, it was as tall as it seems. No, I did not look down.

Even the fearless thought it was a mighty high climb.

There was plenty of time to wait...we were a slow bunch. William and Henry found the perfect rock to cop a squat and wait for our much anticipated acrobatics.

Kyle. Making sure everyone knows he was the first to climb the tower. Show off.

Me. Breathless and relieved to have made it to the top.

Kyle was the first to take the leap of faith.

Disclaimer: I'm a good friend and will not be posting any photos of myself or my girlfriends in our uber flattering (ha), uber snug harnesses, dangling from cables.

Henry's first introduction to bubble gum.

Buddies

The guys.

Throwing rocks to pass the time.

Group numero dos. Because we had to split kid watching duties, we had to zip in two shifts.

Andrew surveying his dominion.

"How."

Wade giving his variation of "how".

Hence the reason we waited so long...look at the size of their group. Any more people and I'm sure we'd have seen someone plumet to their death. (Not really.)

And you guessed it. More wrestling. Kyle had to get in on the action during this Round.

It's a Bug's Life.

After a day of zipping and sun, the girls took advantage of the clouds on Saturday and headed into Eureka Springs for an afternoon of shopping. We also found our first Geocache. For those who don't know, geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Any geocachers out there?

After finding our first geocache at the marina.
(The man taking the picture is obviously a fisherman, not a photographer.)

Carey - I have some pretty hilarious pictures of the boys in the whirlpool bath. I'll share these with you off-line.