FROGS AND SNAKES

Jay decided that our frog needed a pressure washing and a touch-up, and Cora was just the artsy person for the job:

 (She's singing along to Taylor Swift songs in these photos, not yelling at me)

 James got busy helping daddy plant wildflower seeds in the newly tilled beds and pots.

 Jay found a speckled kingsnake which required photos. Then a leopard frog.

 Jay created some bog pots for plants.

 And the kids did some yoga in the newly cleaned and organized sunroom

We had a very productive holiday at home!

WILL'S HIGH HEAVEN BIRTHDAY PARTY

The American Ninja Warrior-esque obstacle course at this place is so cool (much different layout here than at the trampoline park we visited in Stockton). The kids spent most of their time on the course, or jumping into the adjacent pit (attempting front flips), but they did run over to the trampolines and dodge ball park a couple times. Will's Star Wars themed party was a lot of fun and the kids can't wait to go back to High Heaven someday (soon)!

T-RAY'S BBQ

Our friend Shay Shay (Coltin and Emma's grandma, whose name is actually Sherrell) opened a BBQ joint with her twin brother, so we stopped by for lunch on our way to Will's birthday party today. It was good and inexpensive (and fast - always a plus with kids). Stop by if you're a local!

 (We wanted her hair tucked back tight for the trampoline park birthday party!)

HIDDEN HEART

The kids love to look for "hidden hearts" and "hidden Mickeys", so this little surprise in Cora's tiny Elsa egg this morning thrilled her ;-)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE RALLY 2017

JUNIOR WINNERS

The Garmin Vívofit Jr. watches have been game-changers at our house over the past couple of weeks! This morning, after monitoring their teeth brushing timers from my phone as I finished getting ready for workg, I came downstairs to two kids who were dressed, hair brushed, and backpacks on, with pets fed and dog walked, asking ME if I was ready to go! Awarding points for chores, and having different timers for chores, reading, finishing meals, their 5 minute warning (before leaving a playground, for example), and more, our mornings and evenings are just so much easier and calmer. They love all the praise they get, especially in the morning - and what better way to start the day than with confidence and a smile! I seriously can't recommend these enough!