Sitting at the pool...

and watching the kiddos have a blast really has me thinking...

Thinking about how beautiful it is outside right now. 

Thinking about how lucky we are to be able to do what we're doing.

Thinking about how much I appreciate these summer months where I am able to spend 24/7 with my babes. 

Thinking about how grand life really is.

Here's to what's left of summer & soaking up each and every second of this beautiful life. 

Oh yeah...one more... 

I'm thinking about how I'm trying not to blink....

HAPPY SUMMER!! 

Another first..

for Miss Ty!! 

Yesterday's trip to the pool marked the first time Ty has jumped off the diving board!! Woot!!! 

I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, jumping off the diving board at the pool was sort of like a write-of-passage! You were now a real big kid & could pretty much conquer the world! I know it's a big deal for every kid, but I honestly didn't think she'd be at this point already. I was thinking more of a, "I'm in second grade" write-of-passage moment and not a "I don't even start kindergarten for another four weeks" moment!!! She's growing up soooo quickly!! But, I can't hold her back...if she says she's ready, then I have to learn to loosen the reigns just a (little) bit.

So, after getting measured to make sure she was taller than the 48" requirement, she doned her blue bracelet & hit the deep end. I stood by and made her prove she could swim in the deeper waters & showed her exactly which direction she'd swim after she hit the water. She said she was ready....

In cute fashion she claimed the steps, basically snail-paced it to the end of the board, immediately started biting her nails & looked at me with that' "I'm scared outta my mind!" look. I gave her a thumbs up & told her to only jump if she wanted to and that turning back was an option. Ty did turn around and walk back away from the water & the end of the board. But, before climbing down, she turned around again and headed towards the end of the board. She looked at me and smiled & said she was going to do it...

About 10 seconds & a face & belly flop later, I watched her swim to the side of the pool holding back tears that flooded out once she reached the ladder & climbed out of the pool. 

In her typical Tylee way, the sobs ended, she wiped her eyes, and told me she was going to do it again. This time we talked about doing a "pencil jump" and making sure that she jumped into the water FEET  first....

And, guess what...the second time (and the next hundred times) were exactly what she imagined when she first walked out on that board....

Way to go, Tylee!!! I'm so proud of you and so blessed to be able to be right there with you as you experience another first!! Love you to the moon and back!!!

POOL TIME!

I'm sure most of you know just how much we love to hit the pool in the summer. Today marked our first visit...

And, it was as fun as it's always been!!!

Tay-Tay joined us this year...and had a blast (once she finally worked up the nerve to get IN the water!!!)

Guess who's finally tall enough to ride the slides?!?! He seriously was like 1/4 of an inch too short last year! 

Here goes nothing!

Sassy Pants!

Getting brave...believe it or not, this getting the foot in the fountain action took 15 minutes!

But she figured out quickly just how much she liked floating around on her belly....

This one spent the WHOLE time working on her swimming underwater skills! She said she's getting better than ever before! Cutie!

My newest little fishy!!!

I definitely had fun watching these three hit the water, like I knew I would. 

BUT, unlike last year, I did not buy pool passes for this summer. I had been kinda bumming about not buying them, thinking about how much fun-in-the-sun action I'd be missing in the next few months. I have to admit though, after today, that I am GLAD I didn't buy them. Not only did I not get anything done around here, but I also ended up with two girls missing a nap (which made for a grouchy late evening) and a sore neck from trying to keep my eye on all three at the same time. I know they had a blast and I know we will be back again soon, but we will not be going every day like we did last year. 

And, this sun bunny isn't too upset about that! 

Spring Break FUN!

Well...Spring Break with three kiddos, 6 and under wasn't much of a crazy and expensive adventure. We didn't travel at all (at least not as a family of five) and actually had SNOW!

Boo! We are SOOOO ready for Spring (weather)....

Nothing but FAMILY FUN TIME.....

Here's a quick recap of a few of the happenings...

• St. Patty's Day breakfast...

Happy St. Patty's Day!

My first green shamrock pancake! Think it will be lucky?!?!

• Jason and I hit our first NBA game EVER...and had a little one day excursion "date" up in Minnesota!!! It was great to get a little time to ourselves. Do what we want, when we want?!? Imagine that!!!! I LOVED every second of my time away with the Hubbs (Minus the trip home in the blizzard, "travel not recommended" flashing all over the weather channel, schools closing, 40 mph wind conditions. Pretty sure my knuckles were white from gripping the door handle so tightly. YIKES! Semis and blowing snow DO NOT mix. Great driving, Babe!!)

• Hit "family swim time" at a local gym, which was super fun, but really just made us that much more ready for summer swimming pool trips!!!!

(Can you even believe that's my BABY?!?! Oh, where is the time going?!?!)

Working on that thumbs up thingy....

• Hung some window clings...

• Played outside when the temp actually got above freezing! Don't let that sun fool ya!!! Sidewalk chalk and hop-scotch are always faves! Playing catch is always a must too...

Gotta love Tay's "ups"....

• Hit up the theater for a little 3D action--The Croods style.....

(Ate a lot of popcorn....a large AND a refill! The kiddos have my popcorn tooth! But, everyone agreed that my popcorn is better than the theaters!!! (It's not as good as my Momma's, but pretty stinkin' close!!!)

• Got in some sisterly app time....

• Had at least 10 tea parties....with bunnies, babies, tea, and birthday cake....

• Colored with markers, crayons, paint, and colored pencils....

Ty's the PRO!

• Ran a science experiment....

Trey LOVES his new book...(Thanks, Aunt Lori!)

• And, last but not least, dyed and decorated Easter eggs....

Preppin' our eggs for their dye job! (Please don't mind the sweaty work out shirt....we had just got back from the gym and I had to start this before Tay's nap time. Priorities?!?! Obviously dying eggs with the kiddos and sticking to nap time schedules over showering and make-up!!!! I almost didn't put this pic on here, but I want my munchkins to know that I may not be in all the pics, but I'm always right there having a blast with them!!! We had a great time with those eggs...more to come on those babies....)

Overall, what an AB-FAB time with my little family. As cool as it would have been to travel to some far away destination, with sun and warm temps involved (you all know how much I LOVE the beach), this was just as good, if not better. I know these little cuties are not going to be young forever. Soon they will be busy with their own agendas and family times like these won't happen every day, all day. So, I'm cherishing every single stinkin' moment and making the most out of these youngster days!!!!

Now, BRING on the SPRING weather!!!!

There's just something about the....

BEACH that I just can't get enough of. Sadly, I don't get to make it down south as often as I'd like. BUT, this past 4th of July, our little family of five, packed up and headed on the 18-hour journey down to Gulf Shores, Alabama. I have a HUGE pool of memories associated with that place from when I was little. Thanks to my momma having roots down there, I was able to spend many summers down there soaking up the sun with my brother, Aaron, and my Nana and Pops. Since I've spent the last six years either pregnant, giving birth, caring for wee little ones, or moving, vacay time has really seemed to elude me. I seriously cannot tell you how long I've been looking forward to this little family adventure.

We left on a Thursday, hit StL, where we picked up MawMaw Cindy and did not return for the next ten days. The kiddos were wonderful, considering the long road travels and the fact that we were away from home for so long. Trey definitely manned the DVD player in the third row and Ty did quite a bit of coloring on her little lap top car set-up. Miss Tay, who was enjoying her first long road trip, was quite the NOISY traveler. That little 15-month old screeching is just not that enjoyable. For a little girl who can't seem to get enough of the Binky when we're at home, she surely wanted NOTHING to do with it while we were in the car. But, she did LOVE it the entire time we were NOT in the CAR.

Aside from the screeching over anything and everything, things really did go extremely smoothly and EVERYONE had an ab-fab time!! I LOVED every second of the vacay and will NEVER forget the fabulous time we had together.....

Tay, Trey, and Ty checking out the bay while waiting for the ferry ride over to Gulf Shores....

Ty & Nana enjoying the ferry ride...

Can you tell that Trey was excited?!?! I'm not sure if he was more excited about being on the ferry or the fact that he was finally able to get out of the car!!!

Taking in the view as soon as we arrived....beautiful!!!

All thumbs up for FINALLY making it to the beach!!!

Headed down towards the water....perfect first evening....

Tay getting her VERY first BEACH experience....

Ty checking out the shoreline...

Trey found a live sand dollar within the first five minutes on the beach....Lucky Guy!

Trey and Ty's room for the next seven nights. After pushing the beds together, they realized that it was going to all work out perfectly.....

The pictures above were all from our first 3 hours down there. Needless to say, I took over 300 pictures on this trip and there's no way I'll be able to get them all in on this blog. I've had a heck of a time picking my favorites, but I think knowing that Ty picked out a Gulf Shores photo album at the souvenir shop that will be able to hold all the photos gives me a little piece of mind. Enjoy a few (okay, more than a few) of my favorites.....

Trey and Nana enjoying the BEACH...

Ty LOVED the sand....

Trey dug a hole and climbed on in...

Yes, they did have to do a little work while we were on vacay...gotta keep that mind thinking ;)

Can't go to Gulf Shores without hitting Souvenir City and the giant shark mouth entrance...The kiddos LOVED this....

Ty's face after trying a little bite of oyster....not. so. much.

Jason and his kiddos....In my eyes, one of the best moments of the trip. Jason, being from Ottumwa and not having much beach history, doesn't love the place nearly as much as I do. This pic shows that he's keeping my love for the beach alive in the kids' eyes...Thanks, Babe...love you!!!

Ty posing...and having a ball...

I think this is a definite look of approval....

They were awesome on this trip...nothing like a little sibling love!

My Munchkins with their fingers and toes in the sand....LOVE.

We never travel without the Gun Show....Like father, Like son.

This was one of my favorite things to watch...Trey and Ty hitting the boardwalk and heading down towards the water. Something so peaceful, relaxing, and innocent about this view. It's like seeing the world through the kiddos' eyes!!!

Wave Time!

Trey & Ty going on little walk on the morning of the 4th....

Sisters shot!!! Building sand castles in their cute little matching 4th of July suits....ADORABLE!

Tay building a sand castle all of her own....

The tide came in a little too close...SPLASH!!!

MawMaw and the older two in the water!!! My mom was a true blessing on this trip. Not only was it great to spend time with her, but she also gave me extra hands on the beach while Jason hit the gym. She also let us sneak out for a night or two of date nights...THANKS MawMaw Cindy!!!

Nothing better than the water, sun, and sand toys!!!

Trey working hard...and he totally lived with those goggles on his head the entire trip!!!

Tay playing in the sand and water...and there's that BINKY she wanted NOTHING to do with during that car ride!!! Ha!

Ty napping on the beach...with her legs up and feet crossed!!! Too cute!

Trey and I having some fun times while the girls napped....

Goggle Monster....

Ty in her adorable mermaid towel. The kids each got one from MawMaw and they were PERFECT for the beach. No worries about having to carry their towels around!!!

Tay loving the turtle on the playground. The resort was totally kid friendly...LOVED that!

Ty (my little poser) heading into the van as we were off to get more souvenirs...there was a rain storm a comin'....

Me and my Tylee!!!

Nana stealing a smooch from her great-gran! Tay loved book time with Nana!!

Seems like a strange shot, but this is what we saw EVERY morning when Ty woke up. She'd head out to the balcony, step up on Nana's cooler, and just take in the gorgeous scenery! So cute...she loved everything about the beach!

Jumpin' in the pool with Uncle Norm! Ready. Set. JUMP. The kids LOVED spending time with Uncle Norm, Aunt Cathy, Nana, and the rest of the gang. They were AWESOME with the kiddos!!!!

The pool/beach combo was PERFECT! We'd start out on the beach in the morning and stay until 1 o'clock or so, grab a sandwich in the condo, hit the pool until 5 or so, grab a quick dinner, and head back down to the beach for shell hunting and sunset watching....PERFECTION!!!!

Tay working on her pool jumpin' skills...won't be long!!

The kids and I waiting for the fireworks to start. They closed off the beach entry during the show, but watching poolside was perfect. Thanks, Aunt Cathy, for all the glow stuff. The kids loved it all!!!

Daddy & Ty taking in the fireworks...poolside and through the palm trees. Great show!

The kids and I just beachin' it....the floaties were lifesavers. Not too much, but enough for them to float around and ride the waves!

Me and Ty with our cute little sand castle....

Trey could have done this ALL. DAY. LONG.

Nana, Ty, and MawMaw soaking up the sun. By the way, Cheez-its on the beach is a MUST!!

LOVE this shot of Ty and Nana. Ty had a blast squirting Nana and helping to keep her cool. The expressions are priceless!!!

My little Munchkins digging into a little watermelon on the beach....

Tay couldn't life her piece...so she went down to it! Love her cute little chunky legs, toes, and fingers!!

Trey dug right in...

Ty picked all her seeds out before the first bite. MawMaw Cindy even showed her how to shoot the seeds...fun!

Family shot in front of the dunes....was a little shadowy...

The whole gang!

Me and My CUTIES!

The generations shot!

Us with Nana...

Jason and his CUTIES! Tay was definitely ready to get down in that sand...

Tylee Jean, Taylen Jae, and Trey Jacob...LOVING the sandy, white stuff! Moments after this pic was snapped, it was a flyin'....

Awwwwww...

Sweet Kisses for a Sweet Sis...

MawMaw Cindy shot....my fave!

Started off as being a pic of just Jason and I, but the two older ones just couldn't handle it....and,

As you can see...the third one knew we were missing her!!!

Ty with her MawMaw & Gran-Nana...hand in hand. Cute, cute!!!

Sweet Tay-Tay....

Her absolute FAVORITE part of leaving the beach...she'd rinse her feet all day long, if people weren't waiting in line behind her. Good thing she's cute...I don't think they minded waiting a few extra moments so she could be EXTRA rinsed off!!!

Tay and Nana following the birdie....

LOVE this cute little 15 month stage. She's interested in EVERYTHING and is constantly stopping to take it all in. Oh, the little things!!! Love you, Baby Girl!

Walking to get on the super-slide and grab some ice cream on our last afternoon there...

What a great little trip....

Trey's turn to have his fun...super high water slide! Unlimited trips for $15. He saved some of his vacay money for the week just for this!!! Fun. Fun. Fun. In his own words, "Ty you have to try this, it makes me feel so FREE!" Ha! Ha!

Playing in the sand and water is fun, but playing in the sand and water with DADDY is the BEST!

They each wanted a name in the sand picture for their rooms....

Unfortunately, Blogger won't let me upload any more pictures to this blog entry without paying a fee to upgrade my picture storage, so I think I'll bring the picture frenzy to an end....as you can tell, and already knew, I tend to take a few too many pictures! But, I love them and am so glad I do. The good thing about pictures is that they never change even if the people in them do. They always capture that one little moment in time...the only way to hold on to it forever!!!

What a wonderful family vacay full of timeless memories and lots of love! As we begin to get back into the swing of high school football and the business of heading back to school and work, it'll be nice to sit back and remember all of the fun, fun moments from our little 10-day vacation to the place I love most!!!!!!!!

Like I said before, there's just something about the BEACH.....

Life. Is. Beyond. Good.