Last Tuesday we explored 2 new waterfalls from my waterfall book. It's always a treat to be outside with my kiddos! We missed Jeremy but I think we will revisit at least one of these again.
Our first stop was Reedy Branch Falls. It was a very short walk to the pretty waterfall. Because there wasn't a bigger swimming hole we didn't stay too long.
We then drove a few minutes away to Woodall Shoals. This place is definitely on the list to repeat! There is so much to explore and we ran out of time. Great beach area and swimming spot but also a ton of huge rocks and the fast flowing Chattooga River. It was great!
So thankful for times like these! Highlight of the day for sure! We love the great outdoors!
Last Saturday we ventured out to the Pickens Azalea Festival with Abbey while Jeremy and Carson were at the Mens Retreat at church. I've heard of this festival for years and figured this was the year to check it out.
After checking out the crafts people were selling we grabbed some lunch and then headed to the rides. We bought some tickets and let the kids pick the rides. They first did the slide...
Then the swings….
Then we ALL (big…huge MISTAKE) rode this spinning ride
I may be all smiles here but I seriously thought I was going to throw up by the end of this ride!
This past Thursday we had the Reeves girls over for the day. We decided to head to Long Shoals and see the tadpoles. This is better than any science book! Love seeing them all discover!
Bryn is enjoying softball again this season. She has moved up to the 10 and under girls softball team. Last Saturday was Diamond Day where they scrimmaged and had their pictures.
She loves playing catcher! It's been fun to see her learn and improve. We are excited about her season!
I was proud of her getting a hit at the first game! Go Bryn!
After a great time with family and friends in Virginia we headed home with only 2 kids! My parents had been asking for awhile to have special time with some of our kids so Spencer and Lydia stayed with Grandpa & Grammy for almost a week! I missed them so much but also enjoyed a week with just our 2 big kids! My motto for the week was to try and do things each day that would not be possible or as enjoyable with all 4!
When we got back home I was overwhelmed with the beauty of our kwanzan cherry tree blooms! So pretty!
I really love walking around our yard seeing how our plants, trees, and shrubs are growing and changing. I'm quite attached to our plants and love seeing them grow especially this time of year! These are some of the pretty signs of spring we saw in the yard when we got home.
One day Carson, Bryn, and I headed to Long Shoals (sliding rock is what we call it). It was amazing how many tadpoles we saw in all the pools of water. It was so fun!
We also went to Meece Mill and walked up the creek by the falls. I enjoyed the faster pace we could go with my 2 bigs!
Carson also had his first flag football game one night. We enjoyed watching him play!
And one day Carson, Bryn, and I ventured out to the Pickens Flea Market. I was amazed at how many people were there! It was crazy to see all the different things people were selling! I was pretty excited to walk away with my very own bulb digger!
And y'all, one night I somehow got seriously blessed with a great foot massage from Bryn and Jeremy! I had a great week enjoying my 2 eldest while Lydia and Spencer were having a blast with grandparents!
This was a full March filled with lots of good things! Here is the run down….
Lydia had a terrible allergic reaction on her face which led us to the ER on a Sunday to get the medication we needed. The next day I got this sweet card from her. Sweet girl!
Grandpa & Grammy came for a visit and we worked hard! These are literally the only pictures I took! We did lots of yard work creating another mulch bed and planting some new things. And then Dad helped us install our new dishwasher. My wounds on my hands are the evidence of hard work! So thankful for my parents and their visits!
And here is our new mulch bed!
The kids and I enjoyed a day at the botanical gardens. We brought school, a picnic lunch, and then walked around.
One of my favorite things is watching things grow in the spring, especially in our yard. I really enjoy planting things and am so amazed by our God's creation! Here are the first wave of blooms in our yard.
I had a great night out with some dear girlfriends in Greenville. So thankful for my college friends and how the Lord has continued to sustain our friendships.
We had our traditional Easter Egg Hunt in our yard. The kids love this and make sure we do it every year.
More flowers!
I love my family!
We also enjoyed time at Papa & Nana's house to celebrate Easter. Amy always does a fun Easter Egg Hunt for her nieces and nephews. And Nana dyed easter eggs with the kids and cooked a yummy meal! Thankful for time with Chasteens & Elliotts.
We also enjoyed visiting Papa Simmons. "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent." Psalm 71:9
We had a great time surprising Grammy for her birthday. We drove to Virginia and surprised her good! So glad we got a video of her reaction:
Always funny to see childhood pictures of yourself at your parents (and that mullett). I asked our kids who they thought this picture was. Any guesses of who they said???
I was so glad my brother was able to join us on Mom's birthday evening! So good to see him and love on Mom!
We then headed to the lake and spent a few nights with our good friends, Wes and Sage, and their 4 kids. It was so fun and relaxing! So thankful for their friendship and this time together.
So thankful for my parents and their hospitality! I'm blessed with amazing parents!
February is hands down my least favorite month! I'd be fine if cold winter months lasted from November 1st to January 1st and then Spring came! But here are some things that made this February a little brighter.
School time
Spencer loves his buddy Nathan and made him a handwritten valentine;)
We rearranged some rooms. We put the boys upstairs in the bonus room and split up the girls in the other rooms. I've LOVED this change! These are not the best pictures (still wanting to paint and decorate walls better) but this was the first night in their new room/set up.
Fun day at Crossbowl with our church family on Super Bowl Sunday.
Spencer's Birthday Eve
And this handsome boy turned 5!!!! My baby is a 5 year old! What in the world!?
For Spencer's birthday we went out for a sushi lunch!
We celebrated as a family at home. We love you Spencer!
We have played lots of Skip-Bo (games help me survive February)
We celebrated Valentine's Day at home. Aren't I blessed with amazing valentines!?
A highlight in February was hanging out with my dear Slovak friend Dara! So blessed by our time! I met Dara when we lived in Slovakia back in 2001! She is now married with 4 kids and on staff with Cru. Love you Dara!
If the weather permits we work hard to get outside! This particular day I dragged the kids to a nearby trail which turned out to be over a 7 mile hike! Whew! We did it!
The kids enjoyed dressing up for Star Wars Night at Kids Connection. Can you guess who they are?
We enjoyed a hike with the Watsons!
And more outdoor exploring time with my kiddos! I am so grateful for my days with them. I count it a huge privilege to stay home with them learning and discovering.
