Days 7 and 8

Day 7~I did a 45 minute work out on the treadmill and watched a little of The Blind Side. While doing my workout, I started thinking...a massage sure would be nice this morning. I came inside and called Regina Webb, scheduled one for that morning and experienced the ultimate =). I've had a few massages in my life, but Regina Webb's masseuse Heather Foster is the best around. It was nice being pampered for an hour. I wish it relaxed me more, but I had a morning filled with errands to run before getting the kids at MeMe's (post sleepover).

I picked up the kids around noon, and they were completely worn out. That's the nice thing about sleepovers--rarely is there sleep--and the kids are wiped out the next day =). All three of the kids took naps at different times. I found Miles on the laundry room floor napping.

When Matt got home that afternoon, he planted himself in front of the TV for the Master's. I made a trip to Lowe's for some lawn/garden necessities. I spent most of the late afternoon and evening doing yard work. Matt grilled out burgers and Ben, Andrew, and MacKenzie came over for dinner.

Day 8~We made our way over to the new Warren County Aquatics Facility. WOW, this place is very COOL! You'll have to excuse me for posting this information, but I don't want to will lose it (so ignore the next bit unless you're interested in it) Pool Office (270)467-0583; Hours M,T,Th and Fri. 7-7, Sat. noon-5; Fees: Family Membership: 1 mo. $40, 6 mos. $200, 12 mos. $285. Daily rates: 18 and up $6, ages 2-17 $5; Water Aeorbics $35 per month (no pool membership required)--M,T,Th at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Instructor Dianne Kinser (270)792-2219.

Our kids became water bugs last fall while were in Destin. We spent a good two hours at the aquatic center. I'm seriously thinking about getting a 6-month membership next fall. Swimming is a nice workout. I did 10 laps today and about killed myself.

After our morning of swimming, we ventured over to Lovers Lane Park and had a "picnic" lunch followed by ice cream at Baskin Robbins.

We unfortunately didn't get to go to Fairfield Glade this year with Pap and Nana =(. Matt's schedule at WKU didn't work out for us to go, but we sure did have a nice fun filled week. Pap and Nana were anxious to see the kids when the arrived home this afternoon. They are at another sleepover tonight at their house and Matt and I went to see...

to cap the week off!!!!

Days 4, 5 and 6

We spent days 4 and 5 of Spring Break in Louisville. We ventured over to the zoo Monday morning. We decided to fore go the strollers this time and get tram passes. It was nice not pushing those massive strollers around. And, the kids were absolutely PERFECT which helped make the visit nice.

Three little monkies!!!

Two springtime beauties =).

We snagged a great photo in this field of daffodils. I think they are one of my favorite spring flowers--very beautiful indeed.
I think my favorite site at the zoo this year was the penguin exhibit. They almost looked fake. I can hardly wait for Glacier Run which will open next summer and will feature polar bears, sea lions, otters and seals.

Isaac and King Louis the famous white alligator.

I think Isaac was more interested in the zoo map than actually seeing the animals. In the herpaquarium, he snagged my camera and took tons of pictures of all the snakes. It would be worth my while investing in a cheap digital camera for him. He loves mine so much.

They are adding new features to the zoo every time we go. The highlights this year were the Spongebob 4-D ride, Dinosaurs Alive Adventure Park, and riding the carousel.

After a long day at the zoo, we crashed at Uncle Mikes house and dined on pizza and Easter candy =). He and my grandparents had put together Easter goodies for all the kids.

The next day we took the kids to Iroquois Park which is practically in my Uncle Mike's front yard. I'm not sure if it's common or if it's because Louisville kids are on Spring Break this week, but the park was absolutely TRASHED. It was disgusting, but the kids didn't seem phased by it in the least and had a blast playing.
The park was really cool despite the mess. I tried not to let "it" distract me from watching the kids enjoy themselves in the garbage pit of a park. It makes me thankful for our parks in Bowling Green, and the people who work so hard to maintain them. I have been to many of the BG/Alvaton/Plano area parks and have never seen them trashed to this extent.

Miles was very impressed with his stool crossing skills.

Afterwards, we went to Okolona for an impromptu visit my Dad's side of the family. Fortunately, everyone was home. My Mamaw (above) and Papaw Pogue spend most of the winter months at their home in Florida. I absolutely love this woman. My Mamaw defines the words gentle, gracious, kind, serving, and on and on and on. She's precious. She has six children, and my dad is the oldest of the bunch. I have many wonderful memories at 5103 Famous Way. Matt and I are still so fortunate to have all of our grandparents (minus one--Matt's Papaw was killed years ago when he was a young teenager). I wish we were able to see my extended side of the family more often but certainly cherish the times when we do get to see them.

Miles has formed such a unique bond with my Dad and would most likely form that same bond with Papaw Pogue if we lived closer. He definitely inherited Pogue genes especially on the men's side. He loves lawnmowers, chainsaws, golf carts, trucks--he fit right in with my Papaw and all his gadgets and fixer-upers. I like to call them JUNK, but to Papaw and Dad, they are TREASURES.

Karson had a terrible time with eyes. Something flew into it and just sent her into a drama meltdown. Papaw leaned her head back and pulled out a giant piece of debris--not sure if it was from a flower or something blowing in the air. She probably picked it up at the park =).

Isaac showing Mamaw Pogue his beloved zoo map and checking out Papaw Pogue's golf cart.

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Day 6 was spent recovering from Days 4 & 5. My friend Melissa D. texted me around 7:45 a.m. and said she was walking at Freeman Park. SO, I power dressed the kids and met her there for a nice, cool morning stroll around the track while the kids played at the park. After the park, we went home and I finished laundry and some cleaning. Later I went to the grocery and gathered up the kids belongings for a sleep over and MeMe's house after church.

Day 3 EASTER SUNDAY

I decided to do a more traditional Easter look for the family this year. Matt's brother Andrew is getting married in September. He and MacKenzie are going with a traditional black and white theme (which I LOVE). I thought, hey, I'd like to do that for Easter and double up on the wedding day--win, win. I have had my eyes on Karson's dress at The Children's Place for weeks. Those of you that shop at TCP know they are always running awesome sales. Well, this dress was NEVER on sale--week after week. I checked it online, called, frequented the mall, and one fine day last week, it was on sale. The sales person even commented to me that the dress hadn't been on sale and now it was 50% off. It was still more than I wanted to spend, but I love it. I also snagged some half price black linen shirts for the boys. Hopefully, we will be able to get a nice family portrait at the wedding, but I thought my brother-in-law Paul managed to get a pretty great photo in front of the church.

Karson's Easter basket complete with neon green PEEPS, some items from Claire's and Gobstoppers.

Isaac's basket complete with a bakugan, LEGO sticker book and LEGO shirt.

Miles basket complete with a color changer Hot Wheels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Sticker book and gummie bunnies.

Easter morning came and went quickly. There aren't enough hours on Sunday morning--ever. Holiday mornings are especially challenging because the kids are extra excited and DON'T want to leave the house. And, then, there's the dreaded photos in their Easter attire.

After numerous threats to end their lives j/k, here are the finished poses.

Squatz were the highlight of the morning. Karson is a walking, talking commercial. Case in point, she went up to Matt recently and stated, "Dad, I had NO IDEA Burger King was better than MacDonald's. They have 30% more beef." Apparently, she's seen a few commercials about Squatz. Luckily, I found some at Target a few weeks back. These little boogers are almost like gigantic bath fizzers. Check out the video for more fizzing fun-ness.

Mom and Dad had a big brunch after church for us and the kids. It was a nice way to spend the rest of the afternoon.

Mom and I also managed to sneak away and see the movie "The Last Song". I'd read the book last week and could hardly wait for the movie. It certainly didn't disappoint. We're looking forward to a week full of fun beginning tomorrow in Louisville at the zoo.

Spring Break Days 1 and 2

Before I begin with DAY 1 of our Spring Break, I have to take a moment to tell everyone about my fabulous 33rd birthday. It's not hard to have a wonderful day with the way the weather has been. It's usually cool and rainy on my birthdays. NOT THIS YEAR! The day was bright and beautiful. I received dozens of happy birthday wishes on facebook which was neat. My birthday happened to fall on a school day and all the kids brought me bright colored flowers--each of them bringing in a stem or two making a large bouquet. I also received daffodils, chocolate cupcakes, a SOHO nails gift certificate, a Yankee candle and Cheddar's gift card. They are VERY good to us at EEP! My mom took the boys shopping and got me some great annuals and perennials for my flower pots. She also surprised me with my favorite sandwich from Arby's (the roast chicken club--makes my mouth water just thinking about it). My bestest bud Sarah (who just had a baby) met up with me with a plate-full of my favorite no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies. I met my friend Melissa D. at Freeman Park for a walk and talk while the kids played. Matt surprised me with a cake from Baskin Robbins and the movie NEW MOON. The day was super, and I never wanted it to end.

DAY 1

It's officially SPRING BREAK. Hooray for this gorgeous weather! We kicked off the break last night with the Caffey's and Vernon kids at the illustrious Franklin Drive-In for a double feature--How to Train Your Dragon and Percy Jackson-the Lightening Thief.

One of the major advantages of a mini-van is the cozy space in the back.

Isaac kept getting mad at me for taking pictures because the flash hurt his eyes. I did manage to get one though.

Miles and Ansley enjoying each other's company.

DAY 2

Since we didn't get in bed until the wee hours of the morning (12:20 a.m.) due to the drive-in, our morning was a little slower than usual which was nice. We decided to take the kids to the Great American Donut Shop--the best donut shop in the entire world. After the sugar rush, we went over to the church for our Community Breakfast. There are a million things that are cool about Community, but this is one of the coolest. Our church hosts a monthly breakfast (the 1st Saturday of each month) to feed the needy in our area of town. My parents hosted this month and did a fantastic job. Afterwards the kids invited themselves over to Meme's house =), and she relented. Matt and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous day and took a nice stroll around historic downtown BG. After our walk, we ate lunch at Buckhead Cafe and went to GiGi's Cupcakes. I wanted to get Mom and Dad an Easter surprise and GiGi's is the perfect place. When we got to Mom's, the kids had received the~above photo~ Easter goody. My grandparents got Shannon I GIANT hollow bunnies every Easter. I always loved that so I told Mom she needed to carry on that tradition with our kids. Hello .10 ounces of sweet, hollow yumminess! We're looking forward to tomorrow's goodies and worship with our amazing church family.