And now I'm going to cry.

First day...

Last day...

And now I'm going to cry. :)

It's a little thing we like to call a "Pool Membership"

This weekend we all emptied out our piggy banks and joined the pool!  Ok...so it's just a little bit more expensive than that.  We couldn't quite pull it off on spare change. (Carter had been looking forward to this moment for quite some time and couldn't wait to get inside)...  

I have fond memories of spending my summer's at the pool growing up...

It's hard to imagine Summer without a diving board...

Or a baby pool...

When I was a kid we perfected the art of free lemondade.  One ice cold water, one packet of sweet n' low and a few slices of lemon.  I'm looking forward to teaching my girls the tricks of the trade.  But Saturday we celebrated our new membership by splurging on popsicles for everyone (I chose a fudge bomb channeling my sixth grade cafeteria days)...

I could watch Emerson eat a popsicle all. day. long.

The other plus side to days at the pool are built in playmates...

You never know who you might run into (Emme hit the jackpot and got to spend the afternoon with her best bud Claire)...

I'm thinking when it comes to friends at the pool this Summer life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna' get!

I have high hopes for Summer...

I think after the past three days it's safe to say the pool isn't going to let me down...

Throw in a couple of family bike rides...

Some monkeying around...

Sisters who actually get along (hallelujah!)...

And a looooong Sunday afternoon nap...

And I'd say this Summer gig is off to a pretty good start!  Wouldn't you agree Emme...

That's her, "I absolutely POSITIVELY agree" face in case you were wondering.  Cheers to Summer!

Kat

I'm sure the Survivor "journey" has meant many different things to those of us that have traveled through it with Kim over the past year.  I know there have been several unforgettable moments for me along the way.  One thing I know for sure is I now have a very special place in my heart reserved for a little Kitten Swag.


When I met Kat for the first time last Summer she made quite the impression.  America saw on their big screen what I watched with my own two eyes as she practically tackled Rob and left us all laughing uncontrollably.  Selfishly I loved her from the moment she picked Kim and I to hang out with them for the afternoon.  I would have done just about anything to get to spend a little more time with my sister that day and she made it possible.  To be honest that would have been enough for me to put Kat in the "I'll never forget you" category.  But that wasn't the end of it.  Kat has become one of the people that we all can't help but love.  Every time we have a chance to be around her we are left smiling and looking forward to the next time our paths will cross.


And then came the icing on the cake, her unforgettable speech during the final episode of Survivor.  To see the girl who so many had categorized as immature and naive deliver one of the most eloquent statements on forgiveness I have ever heard left me in tears and sealed the deal...Kat's family.


So HOORAY for family visits!  Kat is here and she definitely makes everything a little more fun.  I was lucky enough to get to pick her up from the airport and deliver her to the Taco Cabana grand opening where Kim was hanging out...

While we are obviously big fans of Kat it's also ridiculously clear we are big fans of the TC...

They gave us a feast fit for 50 (too bad we only had 5)...

My bank statement and their drive thru are really good friends...

Carter also got a taste of the spotlight when she was interviewed about her love of bean and cheese tacos (that's my girl)...

Later that night we headed out to catch Bob Schneider...

Bryan (aka Mr. Big Shot) had gotten us a booth (he's kind of a big deal)...

The next morning Kim and Kat made Carter's day when they paid a visit to her Kindergarten class...

Kim talked about trying things that are hard and Kat talked about forgiving your friends when they hurt your feelings ie voting you off the island (love that girl).  You may want to pause the music at the bottom before hitting play...





The kids got to feel and shake a few coconuts and then they presented the girls with some books that had made them.  Adorable...

These party animals are headed to South Texas for the rest of the weekend but we are so glad they spent a little time with us first...

Kat you're precious and we couldn't love you more.  So glad you're part of the fam!

Featured

Almost a year later Carter's Wipeout Party is living on thanks to a few cool features.  This one on Lil' Sugar...

And another one over at Momtastic!  Both blogs have some other really fun "kid" ideas to explore as well!   

Back to Reality

We've taken a bit of a break from our "normal" lives over the past few months.  We were just a tad bit obsessed with a certain reality tv show.  This past week we've been slowly getting back to the "real" reality.  Lucky for me it involves spending my days with two very cute little people and their stud muffin dad...

We've been busy with things like Field Day at Carter's school...

And hanging with friends over Pizza and Pina Colada's in a bag (which I might add are delicious, who knew?)...

I'm also thankful that this Survivor addict hasn't had to come off the "reality high" cold turkey.  I got to tag along with Kim as she made the rounds...

And while she stayed busy at Nascar this past weekend (yes that is totally Colby Donaldson...and yes I was totally jealous)...

We stayed busy too celebrating one of our FAVORITE people turning 30!  Happy Birthday Sweet Cayce...

Nothing says "Happy Birthday Friend" like getting peer pressured into what may or may not have been my very first tequila shot...

You better not forget this Cayce!

It's been a good week.  Finding the balance in enjoying all that has happened and taking in what is happening right now.  The right now would involve things like Emme entertaining herself with some dry erase markers while I talked to my dad on the phone (luckily those bad boys wash right off)...

Carter wanting to "look pretty" for her end of the season soccer party...

And devouring this SUPER thoughtful box of goodness that arrived fresh from DC (you're amazing Sarah)...

We're all welcoming the slower pace that is sure to come as we get back to "normal".  A normal that now includes my sister showing up un-announced with sweet things like this (it's a tough job being related to that girl but somebody's gotta' do it)...

It's been quite a ride and for all of you that have followed along via this blog I just want to say thanks.  We've had a blast and it was fun to have you to share it with!  You've been encouraging, sweet and the best fans Kim could have asked for.  I love what a special little spot this blog has become in my life and I'm so glad you are a part of it.  Thanks for coming along for the ride!