Relay for Life

Tonight we joined with my parents and friends to celebrate LIFE and more birthdays at our local Relay for Life! I was so surprised to see how many people came out from the community to support such a wonderful cause!

The birthday cake I understood and thought was cute...the insane amount of drag queens (Kate wanted a picture with this one) I didn't get at all. They were funny I guess, but I did NOT see the point or the connection to the event. But, I think they are at most Relay for Life events? Maybe someone can explain their purpose to me...?

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Gabe fell asleep on the way to the event. He has almost completely given up naps at home now, but put him in the car in the late afternoon and he is OUT! He stayed asleep even after moving him to the stroller and entering the kid zone packed with LOTS of kids! Then, after sleeping about 45 minutes, I decided to wake him to play! Somehow I didn't get any pictures of him in the bounce houses....probably because there were soooo many kids....but he and Kate both had FUN! Oh, and I was told that the Kid Zone alone raised over $1000 for Relay for Life. WOW!

The Kid Zone





Kate and her friends!

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Pirates invade Fernandina!

It's that time of year again.....time for the Pirates to invade the beach! It's also the time when Kate & Gabe tranform from Princess & Prince....into PIRATES! Aaarrrgggghh!

Follow our rules or WALK THE PLANK!

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We ran into some friendly pirates along the route.

Kate & Gabe with Jessica, Nikki, & Mrs. Brenda

We found our spot....now bring on the parade!

The kids loaded up tonight on beads, candy, gold coins, and pirate/parade trinkets!

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There were Shrimp of course.

(This is the Shrimp Festival)

And LOTS of pirates and pirate ships!

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The kids were also spotted by Fox News Channel 30!!!!

Here is a link to the video on their website. The kids appear at around the 50 second mark.

Happy Birthday Mr. Scott!

Happy Birthday Mr Scott!!!

You may not be loved by many teenagers but you sure are loved ALOT by Kate & Gabe!

We hope you have had a great birthday!!!

Mr. Egg Head

For the past year I have been the craft coordinator for the Mom's Club. We meet once or twice a month, typically at a park, and I bring all the supplies for the kids to do a fun craft! Today is another craft playdate, only I decided to host it at my house instead of at the park.

Today's craft: Mr. Egg Head!

This is the sample I made a couple of weeks ago and have been growing for the kids to see.

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The kids picked out an egg shell, dipped a cotton ball into water, carefully placed it inside the egg shell, dropped in the seeds, then decorated their eggs. Now we just have to give it some sunlight and in a few days they should have their very own Chia Pets!

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Kate & Gabe's Egg Heads!!!

And some of their friends!








Some of today's crafty kids!
Gabe - Wyatt - Mallory - Emma - Kate - Amelia

The girls

Aside from craft time, we also had to play of course!

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Learning to Drive!

Now that Grandma & Pawpaw have moved into their new house, it's alot easier to take the kids over to drive Kate's car. And until today, Kate is the driver and Gabe the passenger.

Then, they decided to try something crazy...let Gabe in the driver's seat!

Kate gave him a quick lesson in steering.....

.....and then sent him out on his own! And the amazing thing - he did great! He drove the car like a pro! I think I know what we will be getting Gabe for his 3rd birthday!!!

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Happy 30th Birthday Mommy (& Daddy)!!!

After spending the first part of my birthday lounging on the beach with my friend Emily and watching our kids play, it was time to change gears and meet up with family for dinner. I again this year chose to have dinner at Sliders at the beach! The food is only okay, but it's on the beach so the setting is wonderful, outdoor dining on a nice night is amazing, live music, and best of all, a playground for the kids! It doesn't get much more relaxing than that while eating out with a 2 & 4 year old! Then, because I took Jon out on a date for his birthday, and since we turn 30 only 15 days apart, tonight was a celebration of us both. We invited our family and were so excited that it just so happened that Jon's Grandma and two aunts were in town this week and could also join us!

Happy 30th Birthday Daddy & Mommy!!!!

My beautiful babies

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Hafers & Dingmans

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My kids love their Grammy! And for my birthday, Grammy decided to willingly cooperate with pictures tonight - she even looked at the camera & smiled...without even a single complaint!

We love you Grammy!

The other Great Grandma - Jon's Grandma - Grandma Betty!

Kate was really excited to get to spend some time with Grandma Betty.

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Also joining us tonight were our cousins Jaime, Zane, and little Miss Hannah!

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My Mom, Grammy, & Aunt Deanna

Time for Cake!

The kids had fun adding sprinkles and LOTS of candles!

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Kate & Gabe each got us a small gift. I received a magnetic notepad from Kate & hand soap from Gabe. Jon got bug slime from Kate and mini Oreos from Gabe. They know us well! :)

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The sun is setting - Time to get wild!

Grammy started drinking.....

Aunt Deanna & the kids started dancing!

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And the band kept on playing!








Finally, just before leaving for home, we took Kate, Gabe, & Hannah out for a sunset walk on the beach. Thank you everyone for a truly wonderful 30th birthday!!!! I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and group of friends.