Summer is finally here!!!

We've been having lots of fun outside...we just set up the backyard pools for the first time a few days ago. It's come so much later than normal, but I'm glad it's finally here! We joined the Y and hope to hit up the big pool a lot this summer! (FYI - I posted a lot today, so keep reading down through the Mother's Day post)

 Time at the zoo with Mimi and Pops

We saw 2 huge rat snakes crossing the sidewalk as we strolled the zoo. They have signs warning you "Snake Crossing" but in all our trips to the zoo, we'v never seen any snakes. This one slithered it's way all the way across the walkway into the chicken coop. Ewwwww

Driving at the Poth ranch while in Texas. Both kids had a chance at the wheel and loved it. Katelyn provided us with lots of laughs as she got distracted easily and would veer off in many directions, we almost hit a deer blind, a tree, you name it. We may be in trouble when she turns 16 :)

Snow cones in Pleasanton!

Homemade sidewalk chalk paint - big hit!

Even a bigger hit, spraying the driveway clean of sidewalk paint.

Planting the garden with Daddio. Katelyn was such a help and really got into the process this year, it was adorable.

Last day of K3

My-O-My how's she's grown. 

I really didn't think she had changed this much since September. It blows my mind how fast time is going. I wish it would slow down, I really love having toddler/preschoolers! And so excited for this summer - lots of time to play and swim!! 

Katelyn loved her teacher Mrs. Keeley (on the left) and the assistant, Mrs. Cook. She truly learned a lot this year and I am so proud!! 

Charleston Vacay

We've had a whirlwind of a week. We left Tuesday for Nanny's funeral, came home Friday with my parents waiting in our driveway (literally), Saturday was Katelyn's recital and then Lex and I left for a 3 night kid-free vacation to Charleston. I will admit I was more anxious than normal (mainly for my parents) since we had just gotten home from a trip and the kids were not in their normal routine. We headed out anyway and hoped for the best. And it all worked out, whew! We had a great time eating great food, shopping, laying on the beach, walking the Cooper River Bridge and plenty of....

This barge crossed under the Cooper River Bridge right as we walked across, it was pretty amazing!

Our lunch on the beach, so tasty!

Our dream house :)

We are so incredibly thankful for my parents, we had a great time!! But missed the kids so much. We can't wait to take them to the beach too, they would have had a blast. It was great to have a little down time too. 

Nanny

On Sunday of last week, Lex's grandmother (Sandra's mother) passed away unexpectedly. She had a stroke that morning and peacefully took her last breathe around 7 pm that evening. Although we knew she had been declining, it was still a shock and so sad. She was such a great lady in so many ways, I just wish the kids had time to get to know her better. She loved our kiddos so much and cherished every card and picture she could get her hands on. We know she is in a better place now and are thankful for the ability to see the Poth/Swierc family in a whirlwind trip this past week. 

Christmas 2012

First Dance Recital

 This past Saturday, Katelyn had her first dance recital through Let's Dance. They are a huge studio and had 38 performances at their 8 am show and just as many again at 11 am & 2 pm. I didn't realize quite what we were getting into when we started her free dance lessons back in November, but she sure loved every minute of it, so I'm glad for the opportunity! Here's a video:

Taking a bow with her classmates and teachers at the end of the show.

They performed at Furman University, which has a gorgeous campus. It rained all morning, but let up long enough for us to take a few pictures in front of this fountain outside the auditorium.  My parents were able to come, but unfortunately due to Lex's grandmother passing away the previous week, Grammy & Pappy weren't able to make it. No worries though because Katelyn gave them a personal show when we were in Texas for the funeral. Hopefully they will get to come to the next one!

They also had a little party on the last day of dance class where they all received a trophy and ate some yummy goodies. Lex and I were on our little mini vacay, so my parents took her to the party, I think she enjoyed showing them around!

Doing her dance pose with her flowers and trophy! She's so proud!

Swim Lessons

Katelyn started swim lessons at the beginning of May and she has learned so much very quickly. She was very hesitant in the beginning (wouldn't even put her head in the water), she is now jumping in without holding anyone's hand, putting her face in the water and paddling/kicking, etc....she's really doing great and finally having fun! Her teacher is a drill sergeant though, most of the kids cried the first couple of lessons, but apparently her tactics work :)