I need a break...

This weekend Kipp was out of town so the kids and I held down the fort alone. I really missed him! Not just to help me take care of the kids, although that is a HUGE reason that I missed him, but I just missed him spending time with us as a family. I feel so blessed to have a husband who loves me and two healthy and adorable kids. The times that the 4 of us are together and having fun are the best times for me. It is nice to have time away to remind us of how great we have it.

When Kipp got home on Sunday night I was telling him how much we all really missed him. I am getting to go away next month for a girls weekend that I am really looking forward to. Kipp told me that if I had a hard time then he is going to die when he is alone with the kids for 3 days.

Being parents is a 24-7 job. It is nice to have a break once in a while. It helps us realize how great our life is.
Glad you're home baby.

Playing Dress Up

It's hard to believe that a year ago I was just getting used to having 2 kids. A year later I have no greater joy than watching my kids play and laugh together. My prayer is that they will be close forever.
Tanner's Mimi Spiker sent me a silly You Tube that made me cry like a baby about enjoying the ordinary days of being a parent. I really try to. On this day we were playing dress up. Peyton got this outfit as a hand me down from Halle and Tanner picked it out for her. I had to remind Tanner that even though he was a dragon he should not bit. It was just a simple, plain, wonderful, ordinary day.

Double Birthday

Several months ago I won a FREE birthday party at the Little Gym in SC. Peyton and Tanner's Birthday are 2 weeks apart so I decided to have a joint party. We were able to invite our family and some friends to play with us on Saturday.
Peyton loved rolling and running around. She is a great walker!!
There were 2 teachers who did a great job with all of the kids.
Halle Beth Smith and Haley Beth Templeton are about 6 months apart and they had a blast playing together.
The big kids.
All of the kids and parents had a great time. I kept looking around the room and feeling so blessed to have such wonderful friends. It is so nice to have friends that love our kids so much.
The babies...
Peyton B., Brody, Camryn, Karis, Peyton L., and Cyrus. Yes Peyton and I are matching!
Happy Birthday Peyton and Tanner.
Jafta made fast friends with Tanner's My Gym boys, Carson and Caden. (Happy Birthday to Caden TODAY!!) Love ya boy.
Kristen isn't doing anything in her life right now so she made cupcakes for the party. Thanks Kristen. They were perfect. We had a pot luck party where several of my friends and family brought things to the party. All I did was the favors. My mom brought ice cream and toppings, Grandma and Grandpa Lyons bought the pizzas, Jackie and Derek brought the soda, Uncle JJ brought the waters, Steph and Jon brought the fruit, and Andi and Dusty brought the veggies. THANKS FRIENDS. I will return the favor anytime.
My baby doll. Happy Birthday little princess.
After the party the grandparents came back to our house to open gifts. It was the perfect day. Tanner was bouncing off the walls. After we put the kids to bed we kept saying, why are we so tired?