A family affair

We love the ncaa tournament around here.  We fill out our brackets.  We watch most of the games, even if our team isn't in the tourney.  We all love it.

Since Micah was a baby we have filled out a bracket for him.  Each year it is neat to see how he understands it more and more.  Haleigh and Caleb have brackets too.

So today is a fun day for us.  I took Micah on a date to get some cokes, fries, and watch the games.  He was in heaven!  And as I cook dinner, they are updating brackets from the day.

Its moments like these that I will treasure forever!

Family Togetherness

Hello Spring!

Well apparently it's springtime!  And we are not complaining around here.  We are taking advantage of these warm days, and exploring our new city.  

The boys really enjoy having their daddy home.  Ed will often take the boys out riding bikes or going for a walk.  Yesterday they set up our tent in the back yard, had a picnic lunch, and played with their legos in the tent.  

Here's some pics from our hike...

No Time for the Pumpkin Patch

With us trying to get our house on the market, I new that we didn't have anytime to take the kids to the pumpkin patch or apple picking this year.  So sad to me because it is one of my favorite things.  I've already told myself that all the holidays this year will just be different.  It doesn't mean they won't be special, but they will definitely be different.  

So insert GRANDPARENTS!  Don't you just love them?  My parents came to the rescue and took the kids for the weekend so I could get some stuff done.  And they took them to the pumpkin patch!  And they even took pictures for me so I could document it.  I love them!  Although, they aren't in the "cute" clothes and Haleigh's hat is on wrong, I am thankful for these pictures and they way they love my kids.

 And for the memories...

2010

2010

2010

2009 - Days before Haleigh arrived

Some More Beach Pics

One of our friends is really gifted with the camera, so we asked bribed begged him to take pictures of our families.  With three young kids, my expectations weren't very high.  But with crazy friends to make our kids smile, and Ryan behind the camera, we got some pretty good pictures!

Where We've Been

Well we're wrapping up a glorious week at Holden Beach.  We learned that October is such a good time to go to the beach especially when every day is 75-80 full sunshine.  We didn't have one day of rain or clouds.  It was so perfect.  We were able to spend some time with college friends and watch our kids play together.

Here's a couple of pics to hold you over until the full post.

The Mountains are Calling

Last weekend we went away to the mountains for the day.  My husband absolutely loves going to the mountains and it reminds me of when we started dating back in college.  He likes the adventure, I like being with him!


So we picked a pretty well-traveled hike with lots to see along the way since we knew with three little we wouldn't make it all the way.  And we were right!  The kids did great considering their age, although Micah wanted more!  He always does.

A visit with cousins

Last weekend we went to visit some friends and then traveled to old Kinston, NC to see Ed's brother and family.  With the cooler temps, it turned out to be a great weekend.  Both nights we just sat outside talking, and I was actually cold!  (Very different from the heat we are feeling now!)


The kids enjoyed being with their only cousin, Emma Claire.  She is absolutely adorable.  She loves people and is pretty laid back.  She is a Martin.  


It makes me wish they lived closer.  I grew up with a big group of extended family that did many things together.  I think we had around 20 grandchildren, most being between 18-25 now.  So I am on the upper end, but always really loved our get togethers.  We celebrated holidays together, went on vacation together, had dinner at each other's houses, spent the night, and even were just friends.


I've always wanted that for our kids, but the reality is that just isn't really going to happen the way that I would design it.  But that's ok.  For whatever reason, the Lord is not designing either of our families to be in the same "phase" of life at the same time.  


Emma is a year younger than Haleigh and I know they will really enjoy that as they get older.  I also continue to pray that the Lord will put others in our lives that may not be family, but will fill that void in our lives.


Here's some pics we snapped of our families.

Micah decided to put a toy crab in front of his face right at the camera went off!

Cousins

An All American 4th of July

This year, I will admit, at first had no desire to go watch fireworks.  (Am I really that lame?! Yes!)  But we decided it was more for the kids, so we put on our best red, white, and blue outfits and found our patriotic spirit.


The weather looked a little if-y, but the family picnic was planned, so we went ahead.  We ended up having our picnic in the mini, creating a fun family memory.  I will say though everyone had a cozy seat except for mommy.

We played outside a bit once the rain stopped.  Caleb slid down the slide into a HUGE puddle and finished the night in his diaper.  Ed and Micah played frisbee in the parking lot.  And I learned that I can no longer throw a frisbee.  And I mean it.  Little Miss just loved happily prancing around in her own little world in her little patriotic dress.  Oh, I could just eat her!

In true Ed Martin form, Micah can catch and throw a frisbee better than many.   I swear he made a catch that Chris Dowdy could make all the way at the end of the parking lot!

Jimmy Mac

It's my Dad's birthday today!  


He's pretty much one of the best dads out there.  I mean he is as tough as tough can be.  But he also has three daughters that have made him a softie.  


He can fix virtually anything and even if he can't, he'll act like he can! 


He's the ultimate bug killer.


He's known to dominate the tennis court, and currently he's training for the Army Ten Miler.  Here he is at the Monument Ave 10K.

He's the one in the Orioles colors...he keeps it real!

He's such a good "Pop" to our kids.  They always want to go to Pop's house.  It may or may not have something to do with the fact they know they always get ice cream, McDonalds, or some other treat.  And it may or may not have something to do with the fact that he has a pool.  

He's a source of entertainment.  Whether he is making us laugh, or showing the kids his "toys", he is usually the source of fun.


He's a big kid at heart...see above.


Happy Birthday Dad!  Hope it's a great one!

Father's Day

We enjoyed a nice Father's Day here with Ed's family yesterday.  I really enjoyed putting together some things for Ed this year, one being this collage that I can't take any credit for. I got the idea from Positively Splendid and I have to say it turned out pretty good!