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!

More Ballet pics and a preschool playdate.

This week went QUICK. Chris is ramping up his race training (11 miles this weekend!) and we've both had some crazy work weeks. He has a short trip next week to New Jersey so I'm hoping this weekend we can relax a bit. 

On Wednesday we played at home until dance class.

Thursday night, my ladies enjoyed some Happy Hour time together.

On Friday we met up with Audrey and her mom at House of Boom. Audrey and Maddie have been at Star Academy together since they were babies. They have been in the same class until pre-k and I was so sad they were separated. Audrey's mom, Amy, and I have gotten to be friends over the years so we met up at House of Boom and let them run around together. 

We came home for lunch and a little sand art.

I tried to help Sydney but, you know, it's Sydney so that wasn't happening. She kept saying, "I DO IT" and "MINE" in a voice that let me know I was clearly not helping.  

Then, we ended up at Audrey's house for more play.

 

I love watching Maddie develop relationships with her friends.

Looking forward to a great weekend!

A TIA SURPRISE!

On Friday, Chris and I headed to my parent's for dinner. When we got there, they were face-timing with Tia so we jumped in and chatted for a bit.

Madeline, completely unprovoked, said, "I wish you were here tia." And then...tia walked down the steps! She had flown in and surprised us all. The girls were JAZZED.  They were so happy to see her. And she brought gifts!

After a yummy dinner, we had some snow cones.

Loving their time with tia!

On Saturday, daddy and Dave ran 9 miles in preparation for their marathon. The girls and I introduced tia to House of Boom. 

She was all over it. 

Sydney runs around House of Boom like she owns it.

That night we went to Earth Fare after church. Sydney stood up, with her purse, while she ate.

 Side note: HER HAIR! Can you see it? It is coming in! And it is LIGHT. Like, white. 

She loved the Sydney-sized shopping cart!

Sunday night we hung out at the Norton Commons Pool with our friends.

 Maddie's crew.

Sydney's crew.

On Monday, I had the day off. We spent the morning with my sister and then did a little shopping in preparation for Sydney's birthday.

Can you believe she is turning 2 soon? STOP IT!