Kate's babies

Kate got several of her babies, set them up outside, and then put on a performance for them.

It was soooo cute!

Even Gabe decided to join in on some of the fun.

He mostly just drove his firetruck around the babies, but he did pick one baby for a dance.

My BMX Boy

Gabe has been begging to go back to the bike track at Jacksonville BMX for months! He asks about it almost every day, and every day I tell him it's either not open (they are only open certain days), too cold, or it's raining. Finally, it was my turn to bring it up! I knew the weather was going to be pretty nice today so when I picked the kids up from school, I asked Gabe if he wanted to go to the track tonight. He said YES!!!!

The kids are also spending the night tonight with my parents. I asked Gabe if he wanted to just skip the track and go to Grandma's earlier with Kate, but he actually said no! I knew then that he was serious about riding tonight. This might be the only time he has ever chosen anything over Grandma! So, we dropped Kate off to begin the slumber party festivities and headed south to the track!

As soon as we pulled up at Jacksonville BMX,
Gabe was ready to jump out the car, get on his helmet, and race off to the "bumps!"

We first made Gabe start at "half track" because the first half of the track is rough! The starting drop is so steep, all cement, and drops down to then an immediate steep dirt hill back up! The first half of the track is definitely meant for speed....and not 3 year old little boys! The back half has more hills, but they are smaller, and the bikers use these for jumps...but they are the perfect height for Gabe...in mommy's opinion! But, my little daredevil knows that everyone else starts at the top, and of course he wants that too! So after a few successful runs on the back half without needing any assistance, Jon gave the okay to send our baby up to the top!

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Gabe came down FLYING but smiling! Unfortunately though he slowed himself down just before the steep climb back up the dirt hill. This caused him to lose his momentum and he couldn't reach the top...and since he hasn't mastered riding backwards down a hill....he crashed pretty hard. He cried a tiny bit but was ready to get back on his bike and try again! I was so proud of him! We then learned to start him half way up the steep starting hill and each time thereafter moved him back a few feet until, by the end of the night, he was finally able to successfully fly down from the very top and fly right up the dirt hill! Everyone watching was amazed by him. I can't tell you how many people told us they were shocked to see him ride and that he is a natural at this! I know one thing.....he LOVES it!

Go Gabe Go!

After over an hour of non-stop fun, it was time to call it a night!
Gabe had a blast and just wondered why he couldn't stay longer to race with the big kids! :)






Beginning next week, Gabe will be an official member of the National Bicycle League!

Our little artist

Kate LOVES art!

There isn't a day that goes by that she hasn't drawn, painted, or created something! And today, she decided to draw a picture for Daddy to take to work! She thought about what to make and very quickly decided that a submarine would be perfect...since he works on the missiles in subs.

Goodbye Gavin

Living in a military town means having to get used to saying goodbye....if that's even possible. I still remember how hard it was to leave Atlanta and say goodbye to all of Kate's first friends and their mommies. I can't imagine what it would be like if that had to be our lifestyle! I am extremely thankful to the many men and women who serve our country, but also thankful that Jon's job with Lockheed doesn't require us to move very often (or hopefully ever again!).

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All that said, after school today we came to McDonalds for lunch and to say goodbye to our friends Gavin, Sophia, and their mommy Maryory. We are really going to miss you guys but hopefully we will see you again someday! Gavin was one of Gabe's 1st guy friends his own age and they have had fun in preschool together this year.

Gabe will miss playing cars and trains with you Gavin!

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Yellow Apple Friends!
(Madeline was here too but didn't want to be in my picture!)

Gabe & Gavin

Silly Sister!

Notice the big smiles from Makenzie & Kate...while Gabe is crying.

Apparently he wanted to play alone with Makenzie but Kate wouldn't leave them alone...too funny!

Cowgirl Kate

Kate LOVES to play dress-up....from Princesses, to Fairies, to Cowgirls!

She has so much fun and can really get into character.

I love my fun-loving very active little girl!

Amelia's Fancy Fifth Birthday

Today we got to celebrate with one of Kate's best friends, Miss Amelia!

Amelia decided to have a "Fancy Nancy" party....and Kate had so much fun dressing up!

And in case you are wondering, YES, Kate picked out her own outfit! :)

Kate's understanding of the word "Fancy" and mine are not the same,

but she did look cute and had so much fun!

After playing for a while, it was time for the pinata!

I missed seeing Kate hit it, but Gabe sure had fun!

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After all the kids had a turn, Amelia's big brother Sean got to burst it open!

Grab that candy!!!!

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Just before leaving, Kate decided to make a quick stop to the hair and make-up station.






Gabe and his Valentine....Miss Riley!
He loves to say that his buddy Wyatt is his "Best Boy" and Miss Riley is his "Best Girl!"

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I just had to add this beautiful picture of little Miss Courtney!

(a.k.a. Riley's little sister)

Barnum & Bailey - Fully Charged

The circus is back in town....and we have tickets!!!

I was excited to take the kids back this year because they are at even better ages now to really be able to enjoy all the animals and performers! We were also happy to be going with my parents and our cousins!!!

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Mommy and my two cute clowns!

Our clown family!
Grandma just can't say no to the kids!

Silly Grandma!

Rewind from family pics.....here is how our afternoon began!

We got to the arena early and had to wait outside in line for a bit while we waited for the doors to open.
Fortunately, the weather was mostly nice...just a bit chilly.

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Once the doors opened we rushed inside and headed down to the arena floor to get up close and personal with the entertainers! Gabe still wasn't thrilled to see the clowns, but at least he was okay to get near them this year!

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The tight rope!

Kate ran to the line and after seeing her, Gabe wanted to take a turn too!

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Time for the show to begin!!!

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The elephants are always so amazing!

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Gabe was especially excited to see these two bikes cross the tight rope....incredible!

Okay, so these "strong men" were interesting.
They were incredibly strong, but also had fun showing us their ballet-like moves.

They were able to lift these heavy logs, holding a girl on each of the 4 points in a swing, plus a guy on top.
They started spinning until they were flying the girls around!

Kate and Gabe LOVED the circus!!!

PawPaw can be silly too!

Kate ~ Hannah ~ Gabe

Cousin Hannah and her cousin Vincent

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This circus, "Fully Charged," was probably one of the best we have seen!

It was like going to a broadway circus....lots of songs and very high energy!

On the way to our car, this guy was outside the arena selling flowers he made from leaves.

He was so sweet to the kids and of course we bought a couple as souvenirs!

Being with all our cousins, we decided to head to Cracker Barrell for a family dinner!
Kate, Gabe, Zane, Hannah, and her cousin Vincent all did great and had such a fun evening together!

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