Memorial Weekend = Family Traditions

Memorial Day is so special to us as we remember those who have fought for our freedoms, but this Memorial Day was even more special as Scott's late grandfather was honored at the Cumming Veterans' Celebration.

Scott's grandpa (Raymond Hubert Bennett) was one of 13 former veterans who was honored.
Scott's mom and her two sisters had the honor of untying his flag...
...and letting it blow freely in the breeze.
Scott's dad served in the Vietnam War, and we made sure to capture a picture of our kiddos with their Papa.
It was Red, White, and Blue everywhere.
Even the smallest kiddos coordinated. :)


On Sunday, our family went to my mom's house for some fun fishin' time! The weather was partly cloudy/partly sunny - but it was perfect for us!
Landon was so excited to catch a fish!
And he did!!!
So did Ella Beth!
They even touched the fish - but they sure wouldn't kiss them!
Ella Beth caught 6 fish in the span of about 20 minutes during her first fishin' outing of 2010!
Sea Doo rides make for a great break from fishin'.

Every time Ella Beth's rod was cast out into the water she caught a fish. It was comical how many crickets this tiny girl went through!
Scott's family always comes up to my mom's for Memorial Day. Kaitlin was up for swimming!
And Ella Beth thought she was too.
But she quickly changed her mind. ;)
Here is Landon yelling, "FISH!!! Come here fish! FISH!!!!!" So funny! (And I promise he doesn't have anger issues!)
All wrapped up for a boat ride.
L-O-V-E their smiles. :)
Wind-blown, but this Mama got in a picture.
Landon lasted about three minutes on the boat ride, then it was nap time for this fella.
After about an hour and a half, he was up and ready to drive the boat!
And so was Ella Beth!
See y'all again next year!

And in the blink of an eye...

...she starts growing up.

Introducing...

our PLAYSET!!!

Yes, we invested in this set for our kiddos. (A nice tax return put to good use!) We've only had it complete for about 4 days, and all of us are delighted! Ella Beth and Landon want to be outside All. Day. Long. and Scott and I couldn't be happier that they are entertained and (for the most part) playing nicely together. :)

Ella Beth loves that this playset has a "restaurant" for her to serve endless meals and drinks. I see a lemonade stand in our very near future!

Landon just loves everything because he is outside!


But, I will say that the airplane/glider is probably his most favorite. (Can you tell it's bright outside?! ;))

And, then, overnight Ella Beth became a true big girl. A girl so big that she can swing all by herself!

So...this is where we will be for many, many days in our future. Come play with us! :)

Dance Time!

Ella Beth had her first dance recital today. It was absolutely incredible watching Ella Beth come out of her shell. No shyness. Not even a hint!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. :)

Anna Leah and Ella Beth - best buds at school! (And both girls have double names!!!)





My pretty ballerina. :)














Love, love, L-O-V-E how much fun she had!





Such concentration. ;)














This girl makes my heart dance. Her smile is just too contagious. :)





Tap time! (Wow! Did it get noisy!!!)








Group shot! Ms. Pennie gave all of the girls matching necklaces at the end of their recital. They girls were just tickled!





Have I mentioned that this tiny girl makes me happy?!?! I am one proud Mama!!!

Things I love

There are things I like.

And then there are things I love.

I love Landon's smile when he's laughing.

I love Ella Beth's crazy hair each morning.

I love Landon's morning breath. Still as sweet as ever!

I love when Ella Beth and Landon run up to me and hug me when we've been apart.

I love long days when we get to stay outside and play as a family each evening.

I love putting exhausted kiddos to bed. ;)

I love bed time stories - over and over again.

I love winding down with Scott each day.

I love getting up and doing it all over again.

I love being a mom.