Spring Break Staycation

This is really the first year spring break has had any meaning in our house. Brad and I both have jobs that don't really plan scheduled "breaks".  Now that the boys are in school it has brought on a new meaning. The schools here are doing a block schedule which means two weeks off in the fall, winter and spring. The first week of spring break Brad was gone traveling for work so it was just me and the boys :) We visiting the Children's Museum downtown, swam at the Abe Martin Lodge with cousins, built a snowman (WHAT!?!?, yep it decided to snow in spring), visited with friends and dyed Easter eggs. It's sad to say I'm kind of looking forward to a schedule again, YIKES! But, it has been nice to have a little weekly flexibility as well. We've also had many firsts these past two weeks which makes me excited for the summer!! A few of our exciting "first" moments:

-Matthew has begun full out crawling. Mason and Max have started hoarding their toys which I find hilarious!
-Mason had his first t-ball practice. Summers will never be the same and I kind of like it! I grew up on the ball fields during the summer so I hope the boys find as much fun in the sport as I did.
-Max started riding his bike with training wheels all by himself. No more tricycle for him!
-Mason started riding his bike WITHOUT training wheels. He did so great. Now to just get him to use the brakes!
-Mason climbed a rock wall at the Kidscommons.
-Mason and Max decided they could get up in the morning and hang out in the living room watching cartoons. Their statement "now you guys can sleep longer and won't be so grouchy". Can't say I disagree with them!
-I went in at nap time to find Matthew standing up in his crib. Pulling up on things now without any issues. Dare I think walking may be coming soon, YIKES!

Whew, what a week! With all these "firsts" I find myself so proud and sad at the same time. So excited that they are all accomplishing so much yet sad they are growing up so fast. Guess that's part of parenting, eh!

Mustache baby!

 The "crowd" watching Mason climb!

He did it!

Our snowman "Mister Happy". 

 

 Fossil digging and scuba diving at the Children's Museum

 Similar ?!?!

Teamwork

Enjoying the Museum

Little Man!

Easter Eggs!

Easter Weekend here we come!

It's a Party!!

Or, should I say parties. Yes, Mason is one lucky dude! For his 5th birthday he got to have not one, but TWO parties. It works out well really for the kiddos that Brad and my families live so far apart. And, this was the first year Mason had a friend party. It was SO much fun seeing all the kiddos bowling. We all had a great time. Mason, you are one lucky guy so many people care about you. Especially your dad and I. We love you. Now on with the photos!

Batman Party

Mason needed a little help with the candles. Yep, trick re-lighting candles :)

Enjoying the party :) Yep, sorry Matthew you were asleep ;)

 Papaw trying to get Mason's birthday money!

Policeman Party

Have I mentioned that Mason is slightly obsessed right now with superheroes and policemen. These were the two themed parties he wanted. Think there might be a job in protection of the human race in his future! We had his friend/policeman party at the bowling alley. What a blast. The kids did great and it was tons of fun!

 Thanks grandma for making the cake. It was awesome!

 The birthday boy before his party. All dressed and ready to go!

 Love these guys!

Of course, batman came to the party too!

Mason and Harper making sure everything is running smoothly!

  Yep, Matthew. You were sleeping at the party :) 

Just kidding buddy. You were awake for some of it!

 Harper and Hadley hitting the lanes!

Thanks Brandon, Tyler, Harper, Hadley, Finn, Isabelle, Amelia, Leyton, Lance, Lila (and adult!) for an awesome 5th birthday party!

Mason is FIVE!

I really can't believe it. My little guy is 5. It sounds a bit cliche but where has the time gone?!?! We're gearing up for Kindergarten next year, signed up for t-ball this summer and he's learning so many new things every day. Some good, some bad. HA! I'm so very proud of the "little" man. He brings so much joy, laughter, policeman stories and love to our family every day. Thank you, Mason, for introducing me to the many joys of batman, martial art fighting and create new inventions. We LOVE you!!  Plus, this special guy gets two birthday parties!! More to come :)

A birthday hug from his brother batman!

Cheezy boy!