Nostalgia

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today... maybe it's because Cole just finished his first year of preschool, or maybe because Kellen is growing up so fast that my head is spinning. I am amazed every day at how proud they make me to be their mother. I can remember vividly the days they were born, and it seems like such a short time ago. Then again, in a way, it feels like they have always been with me. One of my favorite things about them lately is their friendship; their friendship with others as well as with each other. Don't get me wrong, they don't always get along, but I cherish those moments when I catch them in those simple acts of kindness. Sometimes it's as simple as Kellen asking where Cole is the minute he wakes up from his nap, or Cole asking for a snack and saying we should get one for Kellen too. Through the innocence of my children, I have learned so much about friendship. I have watched them form such strong bonds and it is so interesting to think about how they are just instinctively drawn to certain people. Two of Cole and Kellen's favorite people in the world, without a doubt, are Haley and Peyton. Haley is one of our neighbors who we absolutely adore. She is about 4 months younger than Cole, and both of my boys love spending time with her. She enjoys the things they enjoy and they play so well together. Peyton is Cole's favorite friend from his preschool class. We joke and say she is his first love :). Even the teachers say they just seem to be drawn to each other. Both Haley and Peyton are down to earth, energetic, and full of life. Hopefully they will all stay friends for a long long time.

We recently went to Vollmer Farm in Bunn to pick some organic strawberries with Haley, Peyton, and their moms. This will definately become one of our traditions with the boys and their friends.

Haley is in the middle of C&K and Peyton is on the right. These four blonde beauties make my heart smile :)

Peyton's mom, Katie, and the love birds ;-)

Taste testing their selection

There was a huge scale with a sign that said "Please weigh children before and after berry picking :)"

I love this one!

C&K couldn't get enough of the tire swing

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere." Tim McGraw

MY DAY OUT!

Morgan was having her baby shower, and I absolutely couldn't miss it. It had been WAY too long since I'd seen her, and her shower was the perfect excuse to make a trip and spend some time with her. I planned in advance for Justin and I to both be off work so that I could go for the whole day and not have to rush back for anything. It was so nice to see my college friends and catch up a little. I couldn't be happier for Morgan and I'm so anxious to meet sweet Camden Lukas Keeter :) I was also really looking forward to seeing Denise and Jessica and meeting their babies for the first time. It was a good day and I was even home in time to kiss my boys goodnight! I'm already looking forward to the next time I get to visit!

This girl is the reason I made it through Nursing School!! We were inseperable and spent more hours studying together than we probably slept those 2 years!

Gotta love the belly pics :)

UNCW girls reunited!!

Jessica and her daughter, Teagan, who kept us all entertained with her diva self :)

Denise's little man, Colton, was so laid back and such a sweetie!

I miss this age so much!

Easter Fun

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt! Good weather, good friends, good food, GREAT FUN!!

"Show me your eggs guys!" ... apparently I should've said "Show me your eggs AND look at me!!"

Our sweet Haley

Hot mess :)

The Easter Bunny didn't forget to come to our house :)

Easter fun at Suzi's house!

Ready, set, GO FIND SOME EASTER EGGS!

My boys can be entertained anywhere, anytime with nothing more than a spray bottle of water. Spraying bugs is pretty fun...

Cassidy's toes needed a little cooling off

Tag teaming Suzi!

... She's such a good sport :)

...and we can't forget that it was also "The Queen's" 85th birthday! We love you Gram!!

Play Date for 10!

I'm so thankful to have gotten so close to some great girls at work, and we've been making it a priority to plan more outings with our kids. Our kids had a blast and it was so nice for us to connect outside of work. Check out all our cuties!!


Steph with Brody and his new baby sister, Brynley and Courtney with Gavin
Kellen and Brody, 2 of the 5 2 yr olds present!!

Cole helping Kellen start 'er up!

Eme and her baby just doing a little shopping :)

Bumper cars anyone?

So sweet :)

Lukas, Payden, Emerson, and Kellen. Lukas just turned 4 and is the oldest of the 10 kids.

Sweet Cole rocking Brynley when she started fussing

Looking forward to many more playdates this summer!