The kids and I took an overnight trip with my parents to one of their favorite little get-aways, Gulfport. After some swimming and bathtime, Mary Maw pulled out a surprise bag of toys, games, and books she'd brought along to keep the kids busy and happy at the hotel. And we all had a fun time. :)

 

 

 

 

Baby Curran Jammies

I keep wondering just how far 24-month Gerber onesies can stretch! Curran still occasionally sleeps in one, and Alaire will opt for "Baby Curran Jammies" over her own cutie jammies or nightgowns any chance she can.

A friend stopped by one night after bathtime, found these two like this, and asked me why on earth they were both wearing onesies at age 3 and almost 5!

 

 

 

Swimming at Aunt Bec's

Always a blast! This particular day even 8 hours in the pool were not enough for the Peekshners!

Ever Have One of These Days?

Little dude pooped out on his fritos before he even got the chili to go with it. :D

Preschool Closing Program

Playing dual role of Mommy to two children in the preschool closing and Teacher to about 25 others was a bit tricky! Luckily, Maren filled in as family photographer and got some cute shots of her little sister and brother having their little moment in the spotlight. Thanks Mamie! :)

Alaire was one proud little girlie.

 

 

 

Curran pleasantly surprised me with how great he did participating in the closing program!

 

 

 

 

Look Who's Graduating Tonight

Some families get a little choked up when they marvel over the first member of their family graduating college. Well here's a twist-- sweet Alaire is the first of our family to graduate pre-school as she's the first of our kids to ever attend preschool! I have truly enjoyed the unique opportunity of working at Alaire's preschool and enjoying so many moments of it with her.

My Happy Mother's Day

I had a beautiful Mother's Day with the one exception being that my sweet hubby wasn't able to join us. He did surprise me with a beautiful tulip arrangement and at least 47 phone calls to let me know he was thinking of me, though. And all the kids really outdid themselves with the sweetest, prettiest handmade gifts and cards and more hugs, kisses, "I love you-s" and "Happy Mother's Day-s" than I can possibly count! Something I'd hoped for was to have a nice picture of myself and all my babies snapped that day. Although that didn't happen, the kids did have a ball taking turns playing with my camera, so there were countless shots of me with various combinations of kiddos, and I love having those. :)

The real gift, of course, is the motherhood itself. Having been blessed with four happy, healthy, precious little souls wrapped up in such beautiful packages is more than I could've ever prayed for. On Mother's Day it's so nice to be appreciated by my family and the community, but it's also the perfect opportunity to reflect on how appreciative and grateful I am for being granted the amazing gift of being a mother.

Another Fun Weekend on the River

We had one gorgeous day of boating and tubing and crawfish and sunshine! The following day was a rainy day of arts and crafts...and even a puppet show! :)

 

 

 

 

Everyone got a turn in the tube! Ramsey and Maren got pulled around behind the boat ALL DAY LONG!! Alaire and Curran enjoyed it, but I'd only let them have a turn if Cook or myself rode along with them. I know, Mommy's a party pooper.

Audubon Zoo Peekshner Playdate!