All the better to see you with, my dear

Due to a free vision screening (which we are thankful for) it was determined that Payton should be referred and have her eyes checked at the Children's Hospital. So, without hesitation we scheduled an appointment and here we are!!!! Given my family genetics it was no surprise that she would need some form of vision correction in her lifetime. I have to admit, it made me slightly sad to see her with eyeglasses - not because of the eyeglasses themselves, but because of how old/mature they make her look. She's not my little baby girl anymore:( Pray that she learns to love them!! :)

Litchfield Resort

Happy 13th Birthday Maya!

Silly Ella!

Only one injury!

While staying at the Litchfield Resort, we enjoyed great company, a few birthdays and some pool time! Payton became quite the independent (with a life jacket) swimmer and began jumping in on her own! Kale wasn't too sure of the water but with a little convincing he managed to enjoy a little time in with the family. We had a great time - thanks Litchfields!

Kale's 1 year/family photos

The love of family is life's greatest blessing. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us!

My new addiction....

Sad, but true. Russ and I are both addicted to this scrabble game on our phones. If you are able to download the app and join us - please do! I know I should be doing more productive things with my spare time (and I will, just give me time) but for now I like to sit down and compete in a good scrabble challenge on my phone. Dr. Rammer, if you read this, you would be impressed that I too have taken a love for the game..........maybe next time I visit I can actually compete with you and your mom!!! My username is "rspk" if you want to play!!


2 1/2 more days of school with the students; 3 1/2 more total days of school until............June 7 when I start summer school :( Oh well - I look forward to the afternoons off with my kids - going to the pool or playing in the backyard - whatever it may bring, I am looking forward to it!

What we've been up to

As you can tell, I haven't dedicated much time to blogging recently. Honestly, by the time the kids go to bed, logging onto the computer downstairs is the furthest thing from my mind. I usually head to bed for some relaxation myself! Baseball season officially ended last night with the end of the season banquet (which we attended to not only support Coach McDaniels, but for the free meal as well):) The kids enjoyed running around the high school both during and after dinner! We headed out before the seriousness of the speeches and recognition began - it was almost their (my) bedtime anyway.

Kale has been climbing the stairs for a while, but has just recently been able to make it all the way up! Once he discovered this ability, he hasn't stopped trying to get over to the stairs every moment he can! Time to invest in another baby gate!

Payton is as happy-spirited and playful as usual. She loves to play outside and be around her "friends" (neighbor kids). She loves painting pictures for everyone and saying hello to "dangers" (strangers) as she calls them. Also, note in the pictures that she insisted that she wear her "World's Greatest Sister" medal...........she's earned it! :)

Only two more weeks of school to go.........hope we can make it!!

May you be free

Thank you for showing us your strength and courage, Billie. I pray that you have found comfort, peace and freedom to fly.

Beatin' the heat

90 degrees today, heat advisory tomorrow.......where did spring go? Payton sure knows how to beat the heat!! Brother Kale watched but had no interest - he was asleep and in bed by 6:45 tonight - all tuckered out from a day at Grandma and Grandpa McDaniels! Enjoy the sunshine (and feel free to turn on your sprinklers and run carefree for a while too)!