Back to School Celebration

We started a tradition last year of having a last hurrah before the kids go back to school. So this year the night before they started we decided to go with a movie themed party. The movies chosen were: Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. We had a blast hanging out and being goofy together. Below is a brief overview of what we did to celebrate!

Conlan as Indy

The kids did a series of games and a scavenger hunt. Here they are taking out the bad guys. Those straws were oh, so threatening!

The kids received invitations via owl to attend Hogwarts. The sorting hat welcomed them and sorted them into the different houses. Auntie Bree helped out by being the voice over the speaker phone.

Next stop was Ollivander's wand shop. With a flick of the wrist and a test run each kid found the wand destined for them.

In potions class they had the chance to choose which potion to make. The potions of choice were: Polyjuice, Love, Skele-Grow and Aging Potions. With a little baking soda, colored vinegar and imagination we were having a blast!

Conlan super focused on the right mixture for his Polyjuice Potion.

With a little help from Daddy, Aislinn made a successful Aging Potion.

Here is a bit of the bubbling potions. We all really liked the colors they created.

After a good wizarding duel, they stopped by divination class to learn to read each other's tea leaves.

And last but certainly not least, a trip into Hogsmeade to visit "The Three Broomsticks". Our young witches and wizards were in desperate need of refreshments. Brownie spiders, bat guano (whipped cream & brownie crumbs), broom sticks and wands did the trick!

And now the biggest challenge of all...school started the next day! We had a blast and look forward to our celebration next year!

Splish Splash

The summer heat is really getting to us lately. It has been hitting over 110 everyday. We have been in hibernation mode. So, we remedied that with some pool time with the cousins. Everyone (including the moms) were soaked to the bone and feeling good.


Bathing beauty Aislinn minus brother. He wouldn't let mom get his mug shot.

Kyla, ready for the dive.

Emmy with her first popsicle. She was covered head to toe and loving every moment.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Love this picture! Aislinn loves her shoes, keys and cell phone already.

It's A. . .

We have decided to find out this time. Drum roll please..........It's a girl! We have another little princess on the way and we couldn't be more excited. You can see Baby Bean's first picture below.

Nature In Our Own Backyard

Within the last week we have discovered little friends in our very own backyard. One night last week we were going to walk outside. Jenna went to step out on the porch and low and behold there were four furry little baby birds sitting there all curled up. They were the cutest little balls of fur and so friendly. We all were so intrigued we reached out to them and they immediately started climbing into our hands and chirping away. We couldn't take them in because of our two cats would think they were dinner. So, Jenna's sister has taken them in. We get to visit often. We did find out they are baby quails. We were a little worried that they may die without their mommy. Turns out they are very self-sufficient and can live on their own at 2 weeks. For the time being we are all enjoying them.

We have also discovered that we have a Peter Cottontail that has taken up residence in our backyard. He sits out there eating the grass and taunting the kitty cats at the window. Apparently we have really good grub. He sits out there enjoying the grass and being our little mower.

Kindergarten Graduation

With a tear and a smile we said good-bye to kindergarten and hello to first grade. It is amazing what one school year can do! Con has grown so much this year, and not just in height! During the graduation they asked the kids what they want to be when they grow up, Con has decided he wants to be an athlete. He has become a little man right before our very eyes and we couldn't be prouder. Congratulations Con on completing your first year of school. You did it!

Conlan and fellow classmates waiting to graduate.

Conlan, Dad and Aisy.

Conlan with 2 of his buddies from school. 3 Peas in a pod!

Here is the song Con's class sang (sniff, sniff, sniff).

It's Official!

We have had a Baby Peanut, and a Baby Pumpkin. . . now we are going to have a Baby Bean!

Jenna is preggers again and already 15 weeks along. Conlan is super excited to have another brother or sister on the way and Aislinn likes to give Mommy's belly kisses. Bryan and Jenna will now be out numbered. We are all very excited for our new little one's arrival!

Our Baby Bean is due on December 2nd.

A Mother's Day Pampering

Jenna got to celebrate Mother's Day a few days early. All of the Moms in Conlan's class were invited for a morning of pampering today. We were to bring a hairbrush and make-up. When we got there the kids desks had all kinds of goodies for us and it was super cute. We had muffins and juice (Con decided to serve Mom). After that 2 adorable songs (video below) and then the fun began. We got a hand and back massage. Conlan did Mom's hair and make-up! I brought all of my stuff (cover-up, spakle, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, sparkles and even mascara and eyeliner) and he went to town. He actually did a great job! Just call me "Princess Sparkles" today, cause I am covered head to toe in them! My cup is full right now and I feel so loved!



A heart for Mom

Con made an adorable little flower pot decorated with little bug thumbprints

Con working on Mom's hair

Getting made over

My sweet little man and Mom

Con singing his Mother's Day song