MK is 13😊🎉

MK welcomed the new year with her birthday - not just any birthday, her 13th birthday! She loves the game Clue so her daddy made a real-life game of Clue for she and her friends to play. They had a lot of fun working thru it and discovering who was guilty. Cake and gifts came next and then, because it was extremely warm on this day, two of the girls plus MK decided swimming was a good idea. It lasted long enough for them to jump in and then out - and then they had a water fight with buckets, ha.
MK.  Hard to believe she is now a teen.  She is a hard worker, always making sure everything is turned in on time either by her or by us - for this trait, I am SO thankful!  I don't have to worry about whether or not her work is done because it always is and she usually is sure to turn it in before the actual due date if that is an option.  Middle school has proven to be a good place for her.....she has a great group of friends, she is active in youth group, she loves ballet, she has enjoyed teaching ballet to a group of 4/5 year olds each week, she is in high honors for school, she is hard to dress - the girl loves some short shorts and dislikes most things that may look a bit frilly, ha - to say that we are proud of who she is would be an understatement.  We love having a front row seat in her life!  She loves to laugh, enjoys winning - no mercy given to her younger siblings, ha!, she is a strong leader, she observes well and acts without impulse - a quality that is greatly respected.  To know her is to love her!

Disney 2020

The first week of March, we headed out to Disney World for a family vacation.  It was Colin's spring break from college and also the week of his 20th birthday.  

This trip was made possible with Gran and Pop's help.....and we are so thankful they were able to join us!

Our drive down provided us a bit of time to stop near the town we used to live in, Debary, and see the manatee in their natural habitat.  The springs in Florida are always beautiful!

We began our first night there with Cheesecake Factory....Gran and Pop joined us and we all were thrilled to be together.  

This trip, we visited Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  We all hung together which was wonderful.  Being in a large family, I love seeing how the bigs interact with the littles and vice versa.  It's a beautiful picture most of the time and makes my heart full.

We learned that Maryn is still frightened of roller coasters....she says she is afraid she is going to fall out.  I get this.  I was close to her age when I rode Space Mountain for the first time.  I rode with Kellie, my sister, and I was terrified.  I will always remember Kellie yelling to me, "I think that was the last drop..." and then we dove down into the biggest drop of the ride.  I got off in tears and swore I would never ride a roller coaster again. Ever.  Of course, I have ridden many roller coasters since then but that experience is one that will always be in my memories.  

Maryn is 7 and I told Ryan many times during this trip that she is the perfect age for Disney.  Tho all of the children had a great time, Maryn is the one that you could feel the magic in.  Pure joy!

Seabrook Covid Style 2020

Seabrook provided us with a little quarantine getaway and it did not disappoint!  We were all ready for a change of scenery and thankful for the opportunity to escape our backyard for a week!  

Our week was spent sleeping in, biking 10+ miles daily, relaxing on the beach, walking on the beach,  watching movies and eating.  Maryn lost three teeth while we were away - she pulled them all by herself - her smile is my favorite, toothless!  It's perfect!