Bear Creek Park Easter Egg Hunt

Today we took the kids to the Easter Egg Hunt at Bear Creek Park. They had bounce houses, game booths, and the good ole Easter Bunny. This was Hayden's first year to get to hunt for eggs, and unfortunately there were TOO many kids 0-3 years old. He got one egg and we have NO pictures. It amazes me how crazy parents are. They were shoving kids around and grabbing as many eggs as they could. They weren't even letting their kids do anything. There was one time Hayden actually got near an egg, and bent down to get it and a lady pushed him over and grabbed the egg. Are you kidding me? It is a stinking candied marshmallow egg. They are nasty, and you can buy a bag for $1. Oh well. We have more hunts to come. We had a good time despite the craziness. The kids got to see the Easter Bunny, and from the pictures you can tell Hayden was the ONLY one a bit interested. Hailey was not happy with me. I made her take the picture and I didn't receive a single smile. Hmmm, is she outgrowing the Easter Bunny already?

KidStand

Thursday, Hailey had a Christian group called KidStand come to her school and perform about teaching kids to take a Stand. She came home super excited telling me how "awesome" they were and that they were performing Friday at Hilltop Church. We got online and checked them out. I was really surprised a Christian group was allowed to come to her school. So, excited though. So, Friday guess where we went? Hilltop Church of course. The kids LOVED it. They had so much energy and passion for teaching kids to take a stand for Jesus. It was really a great performance. And when the kids are 8 or older and have a passion for the performing arts, I know exactly where to sign them up... CPAC.... Christian Performing Arts Center. If you ever hear about one of their performances, you ought to check it out.

No more baby bed...

When I found out my cousin was expecting her first baby it was very emotional. She has been told most of her life that she couldn't have kids. So, what exciting news to hear she was pregnant. I jumped the gun a bit. I offered up Haydens nursery to her. Both of the girls were out of the crib at 19 and 22 months. So, obviously Hayden would be too. Right? At first, my cousin said she wanted to pick something new out for the baby. (Thats part of the fun) Then, 2 months ago she decided that they did want our stuff. In March they picked up the chest of drawers, changing table and book shelf. I figured we would hand over the crib closer to Hayden being two. Well, Friday we handed it over. A little earlier than I really am ready, but I want her to be able to have the room prepared before the little guys arrival. They are expecting him to come early (high risk). So, I don't want her to stress over getting a nursery prepared. It was extremely emotional. I have had that furniture for six years and now we no longer have anything BABY in our house besides a pack-n-play and stroller. What am I going to do? Shane, can we adopt some day? ;)

Hayden is now sleeping in a pack-n-play until I can get him transitioned. we are in the process of painting his big boy room. Wednesday we get his furniture. Wish us luck that he will easily transition. He is such a good sleeper and I am very nervous about messing that up. We will see. PRAY - please!!!!!

How precious is this....

The other day I was having a tough day and just did not feel good at all. The kids can obviously sense when I am having a bad day, and I hate that. I want them to always remember how much fun mommy was and not how often mommy feels bad. Anyways, they were working on crafts at the table and hailey brings a piece of paper to me and says, "here mommy, hannah drew the picture and I wrote you a note". This is what it said.....

"Dear Mommy I hop you fill betr I love you We know your ms can't go awyway (away) butt God can make you betr. "

Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? It brought tears to my eyes, and honestly I felt a lot better. I gave them both a HUGE hug and off we went to play and read books.

On the subject of books.... Hailey has become quite a reader. I am so proud of her. She is on a 1st grade level and can even read some stuff on a second grade level. She loves school, and I hope she will always have the love and passion for learning just like her daddy. I on the other hand, liked it until 8th grade and then the passion was gone. I still need to finish college when the kids are all in school, but I honestly don't know if I could do it. I have 3 or 4 more years to get it figured out :)

Thank you God for my sweet and precious children.

MS Run / Walk 2009

Our Team

Crazy Girl - Abby and Reese in the back

Sweet Keri - she always puts herself available to be there for someone.

Greg Stamps

Tim Herron, Hannah, Shane and Hayden (Hannah slept most of the time. She was sooo tired and cold. She had to wake up about 6:50 and was not happy)

Saturday was the MS Run / Walk 2009. Despite the FREEZING cold weather, there was a GREAT turnout. 5000 people in DFW. We earned 1.5 million dollars for the cure. Woo Hoo!

We didn't put a lot of effort this year in trying to put together a BIG team, but we had alot of amazing friends who, despite the cold weather, came out to support us. Thank you guys! We are truly blessed to have so many special people in our lives. And thank you to those who gave donations.

Anyways, the walk was cold, but all in all pretty enjoyable. Afterward we got free Subway meals and had a picnic. They had bounce houses and face painting for the kids. I was tempted to go get a free massage, but the weather made me think twice. I was ready to get back to the warmth of our house, and take a nap before the birthday party Hailey had that afternoon.

Disney's Universal Studios

Lights, Motors, Action

happiest Little Girl Ever (she is watching Beauty and the Beast the Musical). Belle is her favorite Princess.

Crazy little Guy! Food is the key to his happiness. :)

the highlight to Hailey's trip

Thursday we surprised the kids with an extra day at the Universal Studios Park. The girls were really wanting to see High School Musical. Unfortunately we didn't know it was included in our park hopper passes. So, Shane woke up early Thursday morning and went down the the hotel lobby to buy the tickets. He was told it was going to cost our family a total of $275. We were willing to pay it even though it was a lot of money for one day at the park. When he got down there, the guy informed him that it was only going to cost $25. What a blessing. Thank you God. It was such a fun park. Next time we will make sure we hit it again. The shows were Amazing. Very well done. Beauty and the Beast, Lights Motors Action, and Playhouse Disney were some of the ones we were able to catch. We could have easily spent 1 or 2 more days in the park. There was ALOT we were not able to catch.

At the end of the day we waited 3 hours in line for FANTASMIC. We missed the 8:30 show even though we got in line at 7:10. So, we waited for the 10:00 show. It was a LONG wait. The kids did pretty good considering how late it was. By the time the show actually started Hailey was the only one awake. Hannah and Hayden slept right through it. It is definitely worth the wait. If you ever go to Universal Studios, you can't miss FANTASMIC. It is only shown two days a week, so check the schedule. And get in line REALLY EARLY!!!!

After the show, we went back to our car and headed out. The kids slept in the car until we stopped at a hotel at 3 am (2 am Texas time). It was so nice to get some mileage under us in the first night. We woke up Friday morning and headed back on the road. We ended up stopping early (6:30 pm) at a small town in Mississippi. It was nice to get a good nights sleep. It would have been nice to get more miles under us, but the sleep was even better. I woke up sick the next morning, so the ride was not so much fun. Saturday we stopped at The Riverwalk Hotel/Casino along the Mississippi river to eat lunch. An older couple in line in front of us paid for our lunch. Hey, We don't even have to step foot into a casino and we get lucky. :) The kids loved getting to see the River and learn all the facts about it. Hailey even wants to take a picture to school with her. She was so excited. We ended up arriving back at the house about 8 pm Saturday night 3-21-09. It was a LONG, but VERY fun trip. I can't wait to go back in 3 years.

More Disney Fun!

Mickeys 3D Philharmagic

The Best Item for Hot Weather :)

Haydens First Real Kiss "Princess Aurora"

We had so much fun at Disney. I can't even decide which photos to post. I know they are way out of order, but my main goal is to just get it all posted.

The kids loved watching Disney's Mickeys 3D Philharmagic. They were a little jumpy at times, but were super excited when we walked out. They would have gone and watched it again if the wait time wasn't so long. Hayden couldn't keep the glasses on (he broke them as well), so he even liked the show. It is amazing how still the active little man sits when shows at Disney world start. He is a total statue. He loves anything involving music.

One of the best items we bought on our entire trip was the fan/water spray bottles. All of the kids got one and they LOVED them. It helped with the constant complaining of "I'm HOT!"

This trip was the first time the girls have slept together in the same bed. Normally when they "try" to sleep together, they end up fighting the whole time. But, this trip was so EASY. They slept like little Angels. It was so cute. I obviously had to get a picture. Notice my sweet little girl who will NOT use covers and will not wear pants or socks. I don't know how she doesn't get sick. Speaking of getting sick. The first night (Monday) at Disney Hailey spiked a 103.2 fever in the middle of the night. I sent Shane out at 2:00 in the morning to get medicine. Thank goodness she felt better the next morning. She was still a little ill, but the fever was down in the 99 range. We never figured out what caused it.