Spring time = strawberry picking!
The hail we had over the winter kept the strawberries from ripening when they normally do.
We were worried we wouldn't get a chance to pick this year...but several gorgeous sunny days helped these beauties to break through.
We had to hunt for the best ones...but we still ended up with several pounds of sweet delicious berries!
These cuties were begging for a hayride...
and Lexi actually offered to pay for Jackson and Hailey with her own money!
After picking, we were ready for some yummy pizza.
This guy came around to each of the tables and treated the kids to a balloon creation.
Once we got home...we wasted no time making some yummy strawberry shortcake!!!
Amy used up the rest of the fresh strawberries to make...
fresh strawberry cupcakes!
So yummy!!!
The birthday girl wanted to have a girls day to celebrate.
We went to CHOPT for lunch and then a haircut.
Before
After
We had the McCrorys and the Kennedys over that evening to celebrate...
and play a very intense game of capture the flag....parents vs kids!
Jason explaining the rules and the boundaries.
And then...game on!
The kids trying to block Alex and Christy from getting into the backyard.
Patrick taking the birthday girl to jail!
The kids won...but not without a pretty intense battle against their parents!
After all that running, we were ready for some cookie cake.
We are going to DisneyWorld in November...so this birthday girl got some presents to get her ready!
Sweet Hailey girl...you are EIGHT years old today!
Hard to believe you are not our little baby anymore...
no more bows in your hair...
no more baby talk...
or toddler giggles...
or squishy cheeks.
All of that to be replaced with your crazy humor...your delightful laughter...your "too cool for school" poses in every picture...
your obsession with selfies...
your outgoing bubbly self...
your singing at the top of your lungs...your sweet hugs for anyone and everyone.
Hailey girl...God is fashioning you into a beautiful little girl.
Daddy and I are so thankful that you were ALWAYS a part of His plan for our family.
It is hard sometimes to be the youngest...
and I know you can feel overlooked at times...
but you keep making your voice be heard.
Reminding us to take time to slow down and cuddle.
Praying your deep and insightful prayers over us.
Encouraging and cheering on your siblings.
And just being your precious self.
We love you, sweet girl!
Happy Birthday!!!
In preparation for Easter...we had a fun family morning decorating eggs.
Tyler was contemplating if he was "too old" to dye eggs...but soon gave in to the lure of fun to be had!
Jason explaining to the kids the "science" of dyeing eggs.
All eggs dyed. Zero shirts ruined. Egg-salad sandwiches for lunch. Smiles from everyone.
Easter Sunday, we served together as a family at church in the preschool.
The McCrory girls served alongside of us and we easily out numbered the amount of preschoolers that were in there.
But it was pretty evident that they loved having all the "big" kids helping out with them!
It was a beautiful service celebrating our risen Savior.
We were reminded that every day is resurrection day...from now until eternity.
The Fisher family came over for Easter lunch and for our annual egg hunt.
Get ready...get set...go!!!
Serious business...egg hunting.
Showing off their spoil and then the candy trading begins!
After the kid hunt, the adults took their turn searching for the "golden" egg - the one with tons of goodies hidden inside!!!
Taking a break after all the crazy egg hunting madness!!
Hailey's birthday is right around the corner so Angela made her an amazing Splash Mountain cake.
The birthday girl!!!
A beautiful day spent reflecting...celebrating...praising...serving...laughing...and enjoying the gift of salvation.
.JPG)
