Yo Yo Yoshi Jack Is 14

FOURTEEN!  Yes, my boy is really 14.  I can hardly believe it.  Jack is growing into an incredible young man and I truly don't think I could be more proud to be his mother.

We celebrated at home as family on his real birth date, April 13th.  He was gifted presents by his sisters, which is getting nearly impossible to come up with.  He also enjoyed his favorite meal of fried shrimp and a giant birthday cake.  

If only I knew what he wished for...to be in the mind of a 14 year old boy.  I can only imagine.

 Jack opted for a small party at the lake house with his best buddies over the weekend. Okay, so what started out as a joke turned into a legit Yoshi themed birthday party.  I told those boys not to underestimate me.  They thought they were being funny, but I don't take birthday party themes lightly.

Their inner child got a great kick out of the Yoshi table all set up and ready for them.  It was complete with stuffed Yoshis for all, Yoshi Pez Dispensers, and even a Yoshi hoodie for each of them.

Look Mom...no braces and Yoshi!  Not a bad way to celebrate 14...the braces came off just a few short days after his real birthday.

Per Jack's request we dined on hot dogs off the grill, green Gatorade, and Nothing Bundt Cakes for dessert.  I even stuck an icing Yoshi on top of all the cakes.

I just adore these boys.  They have been friends since Kindergarten.  And although they have gone  their separate ways in middle school their bond has remained strong.  I am so grateful that Jack has these solid friendships in his life.  Best birthday gift ever!

Did someone say Yoshi Piñata?  Yep!  And those boys went at it with fury.

And you better believe we got some boating in, even in April.  What's a lake party without playing in the water?

 Happy Birthday my dear son!  All that you are growing in to has me beaming with pride.  Keep being smart, witty, strong, and kind.  Good things are in your future.  So glad God gave me you. 💙

Girls At The Greenbrier

We just spent the sweetest girl's weekend at The Greenbrier in Virginia.  I can't rave enough about this place.  My old soul was in absolute heaven with the decor, the southern hospitality, the nostalgia, and the delicious meals.  It has coined the name "America's Resort" and I couldn't agree more.

I'm ready to go back...like tomorrow.  But until then, I will relive the sweet weekend with my Mom and my girls through the pictures.

Unfortunately, with the Covid crisis, Delta halted direct flights to the resort.  That certainly made getting there for a weekend get away a bit of a chore.  We had a very early flight with a brief lay over on our way.   On the way home we opted to leave later in the afternoon with another lay over and arrived home pretty late.  We  definitely took advantage of every minute the weekend afforded us.

We stayed in one of the darling cottages located to the right of the property.  It was quaint with two double beds, one bathroom, a dressing area, and a living room with a fireplace.  The white front porch with the rockers were like cherries on top to our darling home away from home.

Like I mentioned, we squeezed a lot into a weekend get away.  Hang on to your hat, because we are going to be busy...

Grandma gifted the girls with a visit to the teeny tiny fairy house to make fairy gardens.  Everything inside the house was just as teeny tiny but, with big price tags.  The girl's gardens turned out adorable though and they have already put them on display at home.

We had high tea and cookies in the big house.

We did both Escape Rooms on property.  The Wizard Of Oz and The Titanic.  The girls had so much fun at one that they begged for the other.

                                      

We had the best southern fried chicken and ice cream ever at Draper's Cafe.  Which can I just say is adorable!

We spent a morning at the Greenbrier Spa.  We enjoyed a few services including their specialty, a Sulphur Soak.

We spent time at the Artist's Colony and even participated in a glass craft class ourselves.  We came home with two sun catchers and a set of wind chimes.

We swam in the atrium pool and were in complete awe of the style, history, and decor that surrounded us.

We had a very fancy dinner in the Main Dining Room.  My beautiful girls got all dressed up and practiced their best lady like manners. {It nearly killed them...way too many forks}

And mama enjoyed a Mint Julep to cheers to my girls  for a job well done.  I mean you can't go to the Greenbrier and not have at least one Mint Julep, right?

                                                         

It was such a lovely  Spring weekend.  If I have my way, I will be dragging the boys up soon enough for a weekend of fly fishing and golfing.  Any excuse to go back.

Everything Easter

Hoppy Easter!  The reason for this holiday fills me with so much emotion and always reminds how grateful I am for my family and faith.

This year was a double dose of happiness.  Not only did we actually get to attend Mass but Daddy's birthday also fell on Easter.  Try squeezing that all into one Holy Day.  I admit, we had to celebrate all weekend to squeeze in our traditions.

And speaking of traditions, I'd like to give kudos to myself for a getting a teenage boy to still dye eggs with us.  I can't lie, he was reluctant, but once he got going he was all in.

Check out this Chinese Easter egg.  If I remember correctly, this one was for his littlest sister and all that mumbo jumbo says, "Big Lu".

We stepped up our game this year and added this spinning egg decorator.  This kids gawfed at me when I brought it out...'so babyish'.  Within minutes they were all waiting their turn.  Who is laughing now?

Did I mention our sweet Sophia {who could also happily be considered my other child} joined us for the Easter excitement?

            

So grateful for this crew on Easter Sunday. 

{In case you are wondering...I think she didn't like her outfit or something...still grateful for this little love of mine though}

And Grandma too!

Hope your day was filled with love, family, and faith.

Happy Birthday Daddy!  We loved celebrating you too!