Touch A Truck

We took a family outing this weekend to the annual Touch A Truck event.  It's hard for me to believe, but somehow we have missed this little shindig due to one reason or another in the last six years we've lived here.  When our Saturday was somehow clear, I knew we had to give it a whirl.

I was for sure that Jack would pretty much be over it at his mature age of 7 and Lucy would be all over it.  I was wrong on both accounts.

Jack had a fantastic time and didn't want to miss one steering wheel, gear, or siren.  Lucy could have taken it or left it.  She was actually more enthralled with the one man band more than anything.  And Maggie pleasantly surprised me by really taking an interest in all the vehicles.  Most especially the pink limo.

All in all it was a great {and very inexpensive} way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning outdoors.  I'm hoping our calendar is clear next year.

The event was much more than just "touching".  The kids got to climb in and push anything they could find.  And clearly, it was much more than just trucks.  That turned out to be Jack's most pleasant surprise.  He could not wait to check out this police cruiser.   I'm hoping this is the only time I see these two in the back of one of those.  

There was some serious horn honkage going on around that place.

My kids spotted a Game Truck, and although they are not big video game players {actually not at all}, Mario Cart had them both entranced.

It didn't hurt that Maggie got to be the princess.

I'm still trying to figure out what this vehicle was.  All I know is they literally had to climb a steel ladder to board it.  Helllloooo up there!

My favorite was this postal truck.  I think it had something to do with the jolliest Postman I've ever met.  He was beyond kind and gracious to my kiddos.  Gee, how I wish my lane was on his route.

And as I mentioned, Lucy found herself happiest in front of the one man band who was playing kid's music.  She was shaking her little groove thing too.  I think we may have a music lover in the family.

We came home with a slew of goodies junk too.  I'm waiting for the novelty of it all to wear off so it can touch my trash can.

Love a Saturday in the sunshine with my crew.

Easter Morning

I titled this post "Easter Morning" because the rest of our Easter was spent traveling.  However, that didn't stop us from starting the day with a bang.

My little trio woke up Easter morning wide eyed and bushy tailed.  Jack had kindly reminded me the night before how the "Easter Bunny hides the baskets and leaves notes".  Apparently there was no wiggle room for this one...even on vacation.

So as any good Easter Bunny would do, he followed through with his tradition.  Before I could even brush my teeth or even turn my camera on for that matter, all three baskets had been found.  It seems big brother was feeling extremely helpful this Easter Sunday.

Either way, all three kiddos were very happy.  And you'll just have to take my word on that because in all the madness we are lacking pictures.

With the anticipation of finding the Easters Bunny's eggs sprinkled on the lawn, Easter is hands down the easiest Sunday I have getting Jack, Maggie, and Lucy dressed before Mass.

Once that was done, the hunt began...

It was just as fun a second time around.  And this time there was no sand to contend with.

I rounded those cuties up and took a few pictures in their Easter best before we went to Mass to celebrate the real reason for the day.

I will have no problem remembering this was our "Easter in Florida" when I look back at this family picture.  Apparently we all could have used a nice pair of shades.

I think it best if I end the post with this preciousness...

Happy Easter Friends!  How blessed we are.

Easter Saturday

We woke up Easter Saturday in Florida with our beloved Grammy.  After a hefty jaunt to the south we were all happy to start our day with some Easter fun.  But none, more than the littles.

We headed over to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Shoreline park.  This was Lucy's first egg hunt as a walker and Jack and Maggie's first in the sand.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well Maggie handled the sand filling up her shoes.  Knowing my Mags, this was something I had to prepare us both for.  Happily {and more so, shockingly}, she handled it like a trooper.

I was utterly amazed at how many eggs there were.  There must of been thousands and I'm not even kidding.  All three of my children had their baskets filled to the rim and trust me, my girls are not fast.

There were literally holes dug out of the sand filled with eggs.  It was the likes of a sea turtle nest.  Lucy would cop a squat and fill her basket one at a time.  She was completely enthralled with the process.  And I was enthralled with watching her.  Cuteness at it's finest.

Jack returned from the 7 & 8 age group with enough loot to hold his own private hunt.

After the Easter excitement we loaded the kids up for the primary purpose of our visit to Florida.  We headed over to celebrate the life of the dearest Grampa in the world. Friday was the one year anniversary of his passing and I could never begin to express how dearly he is missed.  It was heart warming to take time out of our weekend to pay tribute to him with the entire family together.  He was truly a wonderful man.

After a family lunch at a bayside restaurant and much needed naps, we set up Easter Egg Dying on Grammy's porch.

This too was a first for little Lu.  I regret to admit that I forgot the aprons among the other 100 things I had to remember.  It was about a third of the way in when Grammy offered up some old tees for the girls.

And wouldn't you know even with that, we had a major spill.  The blue dye, of course, and by none other than the oldest child.  Go figure.  I almost weeped at the sight of my girl's pants.  Thankfully Grammy saved the day and somehow got the blue tie dyed clothes spotless.  These sweet outfits will live to see another day.

But even with that major incident the kiddos thoroughly enjoyed their annual tradition.  And I loved seeing Lucy experience it for the first time.  You would have thought she was an egg dying pro the way she dove right in {literally at times}.

I was certainly thankful for helping hands from Aunt Catlin...

...and Grammy.

And I most especially adored Jack's safari egg.  Decorated with every detail from a jungle scene to a cheetah.  I think he's still on a birthday high.

Those little bunnies of mine were plain tuckered out come evening time and for good reason.  And there was only more celebration awaiting them on Easter Sunday.

Easter At My Honey Bunny's School

I attended Maggie's Easter party at school today.

It was wonderful, she didn't even cry this time.  Or refuse to participate for fear of losing the opportunity to climb back in the womb.  No, she was just happy to see me with that precious Maggie grin that melts my heart.

She did, however, refuse to take her coat off that she was still wearing from her earlier egg hunt.  One of my biggest pet peeves.  That is...a coat in the classroom...I think it stems from my teaching days and I just can't seem to let it go.

But, all in all it was a sweet little celebration with my most darling Magpie.  I tend to let these events linger longer for I know all too well they will come and go.

Thank you for letting me celebrate with you my sweet Honey Bunny!

We are heading to Florida for Easter this year.  A first for us.  I'm off to help the Easter Bunny pack!

A Wild 7th Birthday

I think it's high time I post the birthday boy and his wild adventure.  This is where the real fun is.

Jack waited patiently for his guests to arrive.  He wanted to be the first to greet them in full safari attire. If your curious about the backpack, I can assure I was to.  But, that was all part of his ensemble.  He filled it with everything an adventurer could  possibly need.  I'm talking from a water bottle to a change of clothes to a magnifying glass.  I kid you not.  He was in full character for this celebration.

At the sign of the first few boys, Jack had his guests out "exploring" the yard.  The boys could hardly wait to finish their "pre safari show" animal masks so they could run around on Jack's pseudo expedition.

I was finally able to round them up, all 15 boys, to sit down for the wild animal presentation.  The 4 girls were already sitting beautifully waiting for the show.

But, once they did, there was finally some civility to this wild day....and they were mesmerized.

Lucy grabbed a set in Grandma's lap.  She made it about a third of the way through the animals and then took a break to go jump on the trampoline.  She came back, but only to leave again and hit the sandbox and then the swings.

Maggie found a perfect spot front row with the only other girls in attendance.  Jack wouldn't think of celebrating his birthday without his dearest friend Sophia.  It was blessing, as Maggie needed some girls with all those wild things running around.

The best part about the show, was the special attention the birthday boy got.  He had the most hands on experience out of any of the guests and he was loving every minute of it.  So much so, he asked for the same birthday party next year just with different animals.

I'm sure you are aware of my irrational fear of snakes.  So these next few pictures are a true testament of my love for this super 7 year old.

After the wild animal show, we enjoyed our Safari snacks and some Jungle Juice.

And then, of course, it was time to sing to the birthday boy!  I had prepared myself to be in tears at this moment, but somehow I held it together.

My sweetest girls enjoyed their cupcakes on the lawn while all the boys headed to the upper deck of the playhouse to devour theirs.

After the sugar rush from cupcakes, jungle jollies taffy, and the jungle juice, it was time to run off some of that energy.  I gave strict directions to those wild things about the Wild Scavenger Hunt list.  I then sent them off with binoculars, safari hats, their lists, and jungle pencils.

I was loving that the little sisters participated too.

After we said our goodbyes and thank yous to our guests, I wrangled in the wildest one of them all for a few family pictures.  Jack was more than obliged to do so.

These are pictures I will cherish forever.  And I'm certain Jack will too someday.

Happy Birthday to the wildest, most adventurous, and lovable explorer I know!  There is no other 7 year old on the globe that I would rather celebrate with.  All my love Jack!