Maryn Gentry

Our little Maryn Gentry

 Our PreK graduate, the graduate who officially kicked off the graduate season for us!

 She was thrilled to have a day all to herself....a day of celebrating her!  

 Even one of her favorites was there to cheer her on too!  

 And Daddy was able to sneak away for a bit too!

 Oh how my girl is going to miss seeing Ms Lisa each morning next year.  Maryn loves Ms Lisa and especially loves visiting her in the office for a piece of candy at least five times a week!

 This pic of Maryn gave me of what the future will hold for our family over the next several years to come!  My babies are growing up and, with that, comes milestones in their lives that must be celebrated!  I am so proud of all six of them....

 Our graduate and her crew there to support....brothers had exams, big sisters had school :/

 But that was ok because this one felt special and that is all that mattered!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2018 was all things perfect!  If I am honest, these "special recognition days" kind of stress me out more than make me happy most years.  I really am not a flower person - they are pretty BUT if you are spending money on something, I would love for it to be on something other than flowers....but what???  Nothing.  I don't like for my family to spend money on me often because there is nothing that I want more than to spend time with each of them.  Yes, we are together every day but we don't get to really sit back and enjoy just "being."  Instead we are busy going here and there and trying to fit in a dinner around the table together and planning for the next day....basically, it isn't quality time.  Time is my love language.  

 So this year I asked for a weekend at the lake.  The children have been wanting to camp and this was the perfect weekend to make that happen.

 we borrowed a few kayaks.....

 we grabbed a few toys and chairs....

 and off we went!  I am pretty sure I told Ryan and the children THANK YOU a gazillion times.

 Everything about this trip was fabulous....we unplugged, we talked around the campfire.....we just had time to be....and then we agreed to make this a tradition, mother's day at the lake.  No gifts allowed because they, my six children who make me a mom, are my gifts.  

 Watching the girls come up with creative ways to play.....

 it was a bit messy but they had a blast!

 Watching Ryan....he even had a moment to sneak in a nap....

 The enos were a huge hit for all....

 and MK enjoyed being able to kayak in a single without help!

 There was a little island across the cove so we took some time exploring to see what that was all about....

 Maddox got a jewelry making kit from a neighbor and made the most beautiful necklace....

 my morning view....most of my people were still sleeping....

 and my snuggle bug....goodness this girl can be so busy but she is all about a good snuggle time too!

 Dirt and more dirt....oh, and dirt with snacks is phenomenal by the way!

 She was orange...

 They call me mom....this is a great pic of my crew....we aren't perfect, not even close some days, but we are one and one we will forever be.  They came to me in different ways....some bio, some not....but all beautifully placed in my care, our care, and I could not be more proud of them!  I love my babies!

May

May means riding bikes....this girl literally hopped on her sister's old bike and rode off into the sunset without ever looking back.  I didn't have to run behind her, I didn't have to hold the bike - she just did it and I was amazed!  We all were!  I am thinking her balance bike riding helped tremendously in this transition!

 May means celebrating Pryce.  Pryce turned 16 years old!  

 I am thinking all of his dreams came true....gifts, special dinner, time with friends...we were all full of smiles watching this guy enjoy his night!

May means the ending of baseball of your first high school baseball season!

 It was a season of phenomenal hitting, 3rd base playing and shortstop stopping!  

 May means Spring Formal...

 it's a favorite for all who live in our city....

 and a favorite for all who get to dress up and dance the night away with a thousand of your best friends while your parents try desperately to find you in the sea of formal evening wear that is amongst the arena floor.  

 May means Honors night....Beta Club inductions....and just celebrating your school year accomplishments!

 May means celebrating birthdays with friends....

 May means elementary chorus performances.....

 up this year? The Granny Awards!  

 May means end of school year pool parties....

 and pictures with your favorite teachers!

MK has been touched by this beautiful lady for two years!  Ms. V is a favorite for sure!  Each morning, MK insists that we arrive early to school so that she has time to go by and visit with Ms. V.  I am thankful for the time that she has taken to invest in our girl!  

May means strawberry picking....

 and not being so sure you even like the taste of strawberries!

May means your sister is going to turn all shades of reds because she positively, absolutely LOVES strawberries!

 May means being thankful for warmer temps and overcast skies!

May means Hawaiian themed nights at church....

 May means end of year ballet performances complete with lipstick....

 May means swimming, swimming, swimming.....with friends is the bonus!