projects and parties

April was a big project-y month for us. Amidst and through all the crazy rain we've had we got several fun things done, both inside and out. First, our kiddos Christmas present from Andrew's parents was a swing set. We finally picked it out, ordered it, and invited Howard & Katherine over to help assemble it. If you've ever been so fortunate to do this, you know it is quite the undertaking! Howard & Andrew did a GREAT job and after about 14 hours we went from this

to this

It has been so much fun around here. Notice the giant tractor behind the swing set. We also took on the minor project of clearing a huge rock filled area out of our backyard. We borrowed a tractor and truck and began what turned into 11 truck fulls being hauled off. It was far more massive than we imagined. And we still need to now cover the area over with dirt. And plant grass. And water it. And wait. But overall, what could be more fun to a 3 1/2 & a 2 1/2 year old than a huge tractor in your backyard? Let's just not talk about the baby bunny family we (and I mean ME) dug up. I am still believing their mama came for them and they are thriving in a new home.

Soon after the swing set we had this sweet wonderful little fella come visit! Hudson & his mama & daddy came up for a few days and it was a blast! Becca & Matt live a few hours away but with little babes none of us travel much. This was their first trip here since Hudson was born. I was so glad for some qt with my sis. And he is so presh!

We also had a hail storm that the kiddos loved watching & eating and then some good movie snuggling with Uncle Matt & Aunt Becca. My kiddos really do love them like crazy!

Our next project was making popsicles one afternoon. We just made some lemonade, poured it into popsicle molds from good old Walmart, added food coloring and sweet tarts for a bonus kick, and froze them. After naps they were a delicious treat!

Our big inside project was turning the big empty wall in our kitchen into a white board. I got this idea from Andrew's office and we decided it would be perfect to do. We ordered the paint from Sherwin Williams, cleaned & sanded the wall, then primed and painted it, and waited 7 long days to use it. We absolutely love love love it. We write memory verses up, notes to each other, birthday wishes, and lots and lots of drawings and doodles. And it has inspired me to work on more learning-y activities with the kids. We are taking a letter a week and doing sounds, words, songs, pictures, and anything else I can come up with to go along with the letter to help them learn it. They have also been practicing writing their letters & are much better than I thought they'd be. Like I said, we love love love it!

Lots of fun going on at our house that I didn't photograph well, like Easter projects, a visit from North Carolina family, and a fun crazy Saturday with some friends and their kiddos. And coming soon...Ren's prom pics. She's a beauty for sure!