31! & Mother's Day!

Sunday was a double-whammy for us: my birthday and Mother's Day.
It was a wonderful, sunny day.
One in which I did no cooking, we were all together, my husband & kids made me a CAKE, I was able to get in a lot of exercise (that always makes me happy), and we had delicious food & fun.
I am blessed to have such a thoughtful family.

Cillian gave me lots of smiles

 Me w/ the bigger boys at the park

 cool tree on the path we hiked

 it was just gorgeous

 3 of my loves

 the "big boys"

 Cillian snoozed most of the time

 more of the beauty

 the delicious cake!

Gatlinburg

I've been working on this Gatlinburg post since Tuesday (actually Monday night when we uploaded the pictures), but there was stress from our car, messed up routine, etc.

To sum it up, the trip we weren't sure about going on was actually really nice.

It was great to see my family, and we all got along pretty well. We enjoyed playing games (girls ruled in Taboo, once again!), Aidan & Brennan loved seeing their cousins, and my parents really seemed to enjoy just watching everyone hang out together.

The timeshare room was absolutely gorgeous...seriously beautiful. It was over 2,000 square feet, and the decor was pretty nice. We were in the Presidential Suite.

We left feeling like a little more time would have been nice, which is good when you think of the alternative. ;) So overall no complaints (except our car's a/c breaking with 5 hours still to drive home)

Picture Time:

View from gorgeous time share balcony

inside the suite

kitchen area, with full-sized appliances and nice island

the boys! I love this one. Jack, Aidan, Sebastian

Jack playing in the sprinklers

Sebastian & Perpetua having a blast in the water

My Dad! LOL His expression cracks me up

Me with the knife...watch out!

Most of the kids, playing the Wii

Me with my 2 goddaughters, Addie & Haleigh

Wordless Wednesday: The Look

Wordless Wednesday: New Bag!

It wasn't a planned purchase, but I couldn't resist this bag once I saw it!

Remember how we visited my good friend over the 4th?
Well that friend is the one who makes handbags (I've done some shameless plugs for her Etsy shop in the past).

I saw all of her wonderful bags & tried each on one. So fun! I have one for fall in mind.
I loved this bag instantly. The fabric pattern just clicks with me.

So it now belongs to me. :) It's such a good feeling to get a new bag. Isn't it?
Of course I have yet to do the dreaded act of cleaning out my current bag. Bla.

There's my not-so-wordless-Wednesday post!
Word Schmord.

Wordless Wednesday: Where were you six years ago?

I was in Hawaii, on my honeymoon. :)

I know it's been six years & bla bla bla...
I love reminiscing, and I absolutely loved our honeymoon. Not just because it was our honeymoon, but we both really enjoyed Hawaii. It was such an awesome place to visit.
I miss it every year at this time.
Hopefully we will go back one day.
Until then, I'm savoring my pictures.

What Does a Good Father Look Like?

This:

It brings a lump to my throat & tears to my eyes when I think about the father my dad is.
I have been very lucky. My siblings have been lucky.
Can a father care too much? I don't think so.
And my dad has proved...a father never stops caring, either.

I feel incredibly blessed to have married a man who takes his role as father as seriously as my own dad.
My husband is an incredible, amazing dad. And I'm not just saying it today because it's Father's Day. I say it so often, even when he doesn't know it.

That is what a good father looks like.


Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there!
You have such an important role.
Thank you for all you do.

Wordless Wednesday: Before & After Haircut

Too heavy & bla, and check out the terrible split ends

Much better!

Wordless Wednesday--Boy Meets Bear

Are you looking for the current giveaway? Click here!

Wordless Wednesday hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.

Wordless Wednesday: Scene in My Backyard

Hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom

Fun Times with the Fam

It's a good blogging break when it's due to family visiting. :)
My parents are visiting from South Carolina, and it's been a nice visit so far. We haven't seen them since Christmas!
Aidan (like usual) is talking their ears off, and Brennan is attempting to charm them into cookies, bananas, and ice cream. Both boys have been pretty successful.

We've enjoyed having them here, with playing outside, going for drives, and stopping by a local historical place. I've enjoyed snapping some photos:

Aidan & Brennan cruising on their "beep-beeps" to show off

Playing in the backyard on Friday (Aidan's friend was over)

Brennan w/ Grandmom & Pop-pop
I love this one
Brennan mooching some of Grandma's ice cream
Aidan & Pop-Pop checking out a pond at the historical place
What they saw (isn't it pretty?)
A frog!
Inside the botanical garden
Boy meets bear :)
Grandma & Brennan jamming

Even Pop-pop played some music
It's been a lot of fun. Aidan & Brennan are loving all the extra attention! What will we do when they leave?