Easter Weekend

So, I took a little blogging break. We decided last minute Friday to head out of town and we were already way behind with our house and life, and being away, has put us even further behind. So, I'm working on playing catch up.

Settle in with a cozy blanket and a cup of coffee because this is a long one.

#sorrynotsorry

.............................................................................................................................................................

Friday morning, I was talking to my mom while the girls and I were on our way to school. We were discussing our Easter weekend plans, and she told me that both her and my stepdad's family were planning on being at their house for Easter Sunday. 

 We honestly had no intentions of going out of town for Eater weekend..... I was behind on laundry, the house is a mess, and I was looking forward to a low key, relaxing weekend with a few Easter traditions mixed in. But, when my mom told me our family members that were coming, I felt a longing to go home. 

So, I called DJ (who had Adalyn with him at work that day) and he agreed that we could go! Which meant that we had to make sure we could kennel our dog, get the big girls picked up from school, pack for 5 people.... all while I had to sit in a late afternoon meeting that was running even later! 

Once I made it home, I scrambled to finish up the packing and we were in the car a little after 5 and on our way to Arkansas! The girls were pumped to see their Gee and PawPaw again! 

Since we hadn't taken the girls to see the Easter Bunny yet, we decided that we would go on Saturday. Thankfully, there's a new Bass Pro in Little Rock, so we headed there! 

Did you know that Bass Pro gives you a free photo for Christmas and Easter? We got there early, because I knew the line would be outrageous, and DJ stood in line while my sister in law and I took the girls to see the aquarium, and to wander through the store! 

We checked out the fish, played with the toys, took a bathroom break, explored the boats, and finally it was time for the line to move! 

Just hanging out with a grizzly bear at Bass Pro :) 

The girls took a while to figure out exactly where they wanted to sit! Adalyn refused to sit on Mr. EB's lap. 

Did you know that Bass Pro gives you a free photo for Christmas and Easter? We always have pictures made here for that reason! 

After we had pictures taken, we headed to the fire station to see my brother. My sister in law had to drop something off to him, and he let us explore the fire trucks! 

He even took Amelia, myself, and Megan on a ride around the block! 

Megan was afraid that he would turn on the sirens and that it would be very loud! 

Just hanging out at the fire station! 

All of the girls took a turn sitting in the driver seat. Uncle Matthew told them that the drivers had the windows rolled down and stuck their arm out of the window. 

And then we all had popsicles! 

Addy refused to sit on the fire truck, but the big girls did!

As soon as we got home, we had lunch and the girls played for a bit before it was time to dye eggs!

While my mom was baking, I set up the table so we could dye eggs. I love getting to dye eggs with the girls, and this year, it was so orderly! I feel like every year it's just such a big mess, but they did a great job this year! 

I set all of the cups in the middle and divided the eggs among each of the girls. I also gave each of them a large spoon, and they were only given one cup at a time. 

They waited patiently for their egg to color, and then were able to choose another color. They let me help them get the eggs out and we put them in a carton to dry. That evening, they decorated the eggs with stickers. We so do not get fancy with our egg dying. 

Once the eggs were finished, the little girls headed to my brother's house to play, Gretchen decided to stay and bake with my mom and I took a nap! 

And then, DJ and I went on a date night while my mom watched the girls!

We found ourselves at Best Buy, TJ Max, and then we headed to dinner. 

I decided to go low-cal and order fish, because I knew I'd be eating my weight in goodies on Easter!

Once we got home, we finished tucking the girls in and then got their Easter baskets together!

Each of the girls received a pair of Wellie Wisher rainboots from American Girl, and two pairs of knee socks. They all received a chocolate bunny, peeps, a movie, and a Matilda Jane outfit. They also received a little sequin bunny purse and a leather diffuser bracelet. 

Sunday morning the girls were up bright and early! I made them stay in their bedroom and watch a cartoon until 7, and then it was time to check out their baskets! 

Two of the girls were pumped! 

One, not so much! 

We ordered their diffuser bracelets from this shop.

We headed to church and attempted a quick photo before heading in. 

And, once we got home, we took a few more photos! 

It's never easy settling in for a family photograph!

After torturing the girls with pictures, we let them change and we headed inside for lunch.

 My stepdad's aunt was there, and she took to Adalyn right away! Honestly, many of our extended family members have never met our girls or it's been years since they've seen them! It was really neat watching generations come together. 

 Once lunch was over, we gathered for our egg hunt! 

 The Easter bunny never hides our eggs. For as long as I can remember, we would dye eggs and leave them in our baskets. On Easter, we would head to my aunt's house, gather all of the eggs, and the older cousins would go hide them in the yard for us to find. And, we still do that today!

 It was a mad dash to get out the door! 

We had real eggs, fake eggs, plastic eggs, and prize eggs! 

After all of the eggs had been collected, everyone checked out what they received! The prize eggs held bracelets, some money, and candy. 

 And then my mom gathered all of the kids around and gave each of them a fe M&M's. She used the M&M's to explain a little bit about Easter. 

We stayed at my parent's house until around 4. We visited, the kids played, and eventually we knew we would need to head home. 

It's safe to say that Easter wore them out! The little girls slept for half of our trip, while Gretchen read! And, we made it home without having to stop for a bathroom break! Which was the first time ever! 

We had a fabulous Easter! I'm so thankful that we headed home. Our family is so blessed. It was wonderful to see everyone. 

Friday Favorites: Easter edition

Today is Good Friday..... and it is Good indeed!!! As we enter in to this Easter weekend, I pray that you'll remember Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection. God sent His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall be saved. I am so thankful for a God that meets us where we are. A God that forgives. A God that shows us grace when we are so undeserving. A God that loves us despite our shortcomings. My friends, we will never be perfect. We will never be good enough. My purpose in this life is for God. For nothing that I have on this Earth will follow me on past my death. Only my Salvation in Christ. I pray that each of you have a relationship with Jesus, and if not, please know that I am more than happy to discuss Jesus with you. 

Today, I'm sharing my Friday Favorites.... as usual for each and every Friday :) 

First up, this cutie pie.... we cleaned out her closet last Sunday and found some of her big sister's hand me downs for her to wear! 

And Addy Pearl is wearing all the Easter dresses right now! 

We went to church Sunday morning.... I snuggled all the babies, and then we came home for lunch. 

The weather was gorgeous, so I sat outside and did some dreaming and the girls played for a little while. 

I picked up this gold shelf from Target several months ago, but look how cute it is in the girls bathroom! It holds their oil, bath salts, and sleepy cream perfectly, and we needed some extra storage! 

Happy Mail is always a favorite of mine, and this week, I sent out a ton of oil samples! 

In Kindergarten, Megan has been learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. She has also learned to correctly spell pee and butt. I think she's ready for 1st grade! 

Monday night, I came home and immediately changed in to work out clothes. Knowing full well that if I didn't that I'd never make it to the gym! Getting in a workout is my favorite! (Well, sometimes!)

In February, Gretchen came home from school with a cabbage plant. She was encouraged to grow the cabbage and once it's grown, we can measure it and submit it to the state's competition and she could win $1,000.00! 

I feel like we were set up to fail, because I had no idea that cabbage attracts worms, and those worms will eat every single leaf off the plant. 

So, we looked up which essential oils would help, made a concoction, sprayed it on, and so far, the worms haven't come back! Now, we're just crossing our fingers to see if the cabbage will come back to life. 

We pulled out all the Easter clothes for the week! I ordered the girls from Trendy Treehouse last year, and they still fit! So, we're getting one more wear out of them! 

And look at these cute bunny clips I found at Target! 

DJ's Miami Beach Bowl ring came in this week! I'm so proud of our football team and how hard they worked this year! 

On Wednesday, Gretchen's class had "highlighter" day.... each 3rd grade class was given a highlighter color to wear and her colors were orange and pink! She was getting ready for the state test and she's totally rocked it! Today's the last day, and we're so thankful that it's over! 

I ordered a diffuser bracelet from Put On Love Designs, and it arrived this week! I wore it all day yesterday, and it held on to the essential oil scent all day! Any time I needed to relax or destress, I inhaled the scent off my bracelet, and instantly relaxed! 

Adalyn's Easter party was yesterday, and her class made this cute little snack mix that went along with the Easter story. 

And her teacher grabbed a quick photo of her.... I sure did miss being at her party, but getting this photo was a favorite! 

Happy Easter weekend friends! 

Wardrobe Wednesday: Shoe Edition

Hey, Hey Wednesday!!! Today I'm sharing a few of my new Spring shoe finds!!! I'm not sure about y'all, but I haven't been shoe shopping a sweet forever! I'm in major need of some shoe retail therapy right now! 

I found these shoes from Nordstrom, and they're a bit price at $160.00, but these shoes are the perfect match for a girl on a budget! #me And, they're $100.00 less! 

I don't have a black wedge, and I totally need one. I love the zipper detail and the class espadrille on this pair. 

Last Fall, I purchased a pair of Converse from Nordstrom Rack, and I'm kind of in love with the simplicity of this shoe! I love that I can throw them on with jeans and a graphic tee, and there's still a bit of style!

I love these Sam Edelman sandals! They're simple, and not too fussy, which is a perfect shoe for transitioning from spring in to summer! 

I think these shoes are perfect for date night or even if you have a wedding or shower to attend! I absolutely love the fringe detail! 

Let me let you in on a little secret..... I'm a huge fan of Target's shoes! If I want something that won't break the bank, and will just get me through summer, then Target is the way to go. I love these strappy Mossimo sandals in black. Because I can wear these to the pool, or while the girls and I are running errands or visiting the zoo! They're also available in other colors too! 

Have you been shoe shopping for Spring? What are your favorite shoe finds?

What We're Watching

At the end of a long day, there's not much better than crashing on the couch (with DJ) and settling in to our favorite t.v. shows! 

Here's a round up of what we're watching!

Wednesday nights, our favorite is still Criminal Minds. With Spencer in prison, the episodes have two plot lines, which keeps it interesting! 

I've been watching Parenthood on Netflix since the fall, and I'm down to three episodes left. I'm in denial that it's ending..... Parenthood is one of the shoes that I think could totally stand the test of time. It's easy to relate to the characters. I feel like I know them. Like, they could be any of our neighbors. 

I first found When Calls the Heart on Netflix, and watched all of the seasons last spring. It's back on Hallmark on Sunday nights, and I enjoy the wholesomeness of the show. Although the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth is agonizing, because I just want to shout "Hurry Up and Get Married Already", I enjoy the crawling in to bed early on a Sunday to tune in. 

And, I'm ready for This is Us to come back. I haven't caught it in a few weeks, so I think that it's on a mid-season break, but I sure do miss this show! 

I have a love/hate relationship with Grey's Anatomy. I loved the early years of Grey's. And then it went downhill for a while, but I've enjoyed this season again. It's pulling at the heartstrings and the writer's are working hard to bring it back to what it once was. 

Okay, so, we totally need some new shows! Because we've been watching these for years!!!

What are some of your favorites?