Celebrating Sydney!

Crazy, Sassy, Sweet Sydney girl turns 2 in a few weeks, but we celebrated a few weeks early! She had some of her best buds over for a party on Saturday.

We had yummy Chik Fil A for lunch, a water slide, and of course, the annual water balloon fight.

I filled up about 600 water balloons and the kids had a great time throwing them at each other. 

Sydney didn't really get into throwing balloons at anyone. But she did like to throw them at her feet. 

Staying hydrated with some help from grandma.

Tia hiding in the water slide ready to attack.

Sydney ready for some ice cream.

Why is everyone staring at me? I just would like my cupcake.

Thanks friends and family for a great birthday party! 

It's Been Crazy!

My goodness, I blinked and two weeks passed. It's been super hectic in our house. We are celebrating Sydney's birthday (a few weeks early) tomorrow so I've been preparing for that, plus I had 2 major projects launch at work so I've been feeling the stress! 

We've still had time for a little fun though!

Last weekend we went to get snow cones with my family.

We all squeezed in daddy's car so Maddie and I sat in the 3rd row. She loved this.

Sydney was mad she couldn't sit in the back but she cheered up quickly...

On Saturday and Sunday Chris had a golf scramble. I took the littles to church and then out to eat after. Madeline saw this rock and said, "Mommy, that looks like a great place to take a picture." So we did.

On Sunday, Chris was golfing again so we hung out with my parents for a bit. Madeline learned how to play battleship.

On Monday, Madeline had to get cavities filled. This was NOT FUN. She was not happy afterwards and ended up passing out on her bedroom floor.

We painted and sent some pics to Tia.

I have been cleaning our house in prep for having people over and I left the girls playing together in the playroom for maybe 5 minutes. I cleaned Maddie's bathroom and when I came back, Sydney was gone.

She was jumping, pants-less, on the guest bed. Because, obviously.

After this wild week I needed a little relaxation so mom kept Syd while Maddie and I went for pedicures.

Don't worry; Sydney still got glammed up after her nap!

I was able to get out one night to have dinner with my ladies!

We have a very busy weekend ahead and then hopefully some down time!

Grandpa turns 70!

On Thursday this past week, Grandpa Hughes turned 70! We were so excited to celebrate this milestone with him. On Wednesday, the girls and I got to painting some cards.

On Saturday we had a yummy breakfast and gave him the big surprise from the kids. We got several gifts, each were symbolic to a decade of his life. 

Laura had an idea to collect 70 cards from 70 of Phil's friends, family members and co-workers. 

And we did it! It was so fun watching him read his birthday cards and memories from people he's known throughout his life. 

Happy birthday grandpa Hughes!

Lots of Dane and Quinn time!

Maddie loves her cousin Dane. And this past week she got to spend several days with him which had her happy!

They came to spend several days with nana and grandpa so one day we went to the Splash Park.

Sydney wasn't terrified as she has been in the past, but she still preferred to stay close by.

On Friday night, nana treated us to see Peter Pan at Derby Dinner!

Maddie and Dane, all dressed up, ready to go.

Since they smiled nicely for me, they got to do some silly pics as well.

We had great seats!

The kids (and adults!) had so much fun. I can't wait to take Maddie back again. We plan to see Pinkalicious in the spring.

Thanks nana for a fun night!

On Saturday, we celebrated grandpa's birthday. This was his first of 2 celebrations. He's turning 70 so we are doing presents next weekend. On Saturday, we had lunch by the pool.

What do I do with her? I can't believe I'm saying this, but she might be more headstrong and independent than Madeline. My oh my. She refused to let anyone help her with her float.

We stayed close by though. 

The kids thought it was hilarious to push people into the pool.

Our neighbors gave us a Cheesecake Factory gift card for watching their cats a few weeks ago. In my mind, I imagined a nice dinner at Cheesecake Factory with my littles. But, they proved once again, we're just not there yet.

Sydney was a total nut. 

Maddie was slightly better but they did get into a sibling squabble over the ranch dressing. Sigh. This is real life people.  

One day, we will go out to dinner and it won't be crazy town!

That night, I captured Mads reading to her friends before bed.

How cute is that!

Next up: Grandpa Hughes turns 70!

Getting our Swim on!

We've been utilizing our Y membership like crazy. I wasn't sure if it was worth the cost, but so far, we're there all the time. Both Chris and I have been going on our lunch breaks a few times a week and then a few nights as well. 

I've been taking several classes and attempting to swim.

Yes, I look ridiculous. But my hair is so long it takes a sweet forever to dry. Swim cap, for the win! Plus, I'm such a terrible swimmer I like to maintain a certain level of anonymity. 

Chris has been swimming often and, of course, he's about a million times better than I am. He has decided after his marathon he's going to do a half-Ironman. You know, because he's CRAZY.

We got together with Kyle and Danielle at nana and grandpa's pool and the kids had a great time playing.

We also did a quick trip to the outlet mall. I let the girls have a little break from shopping.

Sydney is moving on up! She "visits" the two year old room at school this week and next week, she moves up. BIG GIRL!