Charleston Falls Preserve

The waterfall was still flowing. I bet it was flowing like crazy after all the snow this year but still a pretty sight. It was nice and cool at the bottom of the lookout to which was nice after walking for a bit.

Big freaking Snake!! I was leaning right next to that tree and didn't even notice that huge snake next to me. Meegan calmly asked me to step back she had something to show me and then pointed out that huge snake. I could have died... We both screamed and then that was the end of our nature walk :)

A cave along the trail. The opening was too small for me to climb in. I was not about to climb in there on my hands and knees.... 1. because I don't like small spaces, 2. if something came at me i would not have a fast getaway

This little fort was just there right off the trail as we first started our walk. I thought it was neat so thought I would share it with ya!

Breaking the rules... shame on me! It was literally 2 steps off the path.

Ashton lost 2 teeth

Ashton lost one tooth early yesterday afternoon and then by bed time had lost the other bottom tooth! He is waiting now for the tooth fairy to come and bring him a treasure for his lost teeth :0) We will have to wait and see what she brings!

Ravens Game #3

Game #3 Ravens Vs Chiefs Score 0-32

Game 3 was a devastating loss for us. The weather was chilly and raining. The boys just did not seem into to playing that day. They were not passing very well and could not seem to run without going out of bounds. Hopefully the double header this weekend will prove to be better for us. It was just a terrible day all the way around.

BBQ

Justin your shoes are dirty :)

Ashley in the tree! What a monkey

Ashton and Riley

Owen Zane & Riley

Justin had some people from CACI over for a BBQ this past weekend. The weather did not cooperate because it rained on and off all weekend but we had a good time anyway. The kids ran around the backyard playing in the trees or playing football. The adults sat around and talked. We had wings, brisket, salsas, salads, and so much more. It was so delicious and a really great time! Looking forward to more BBQs this summer when we can get into the pool too!

Happy Birthday Taylor!

These 3 are dancing fools. Taylor got an Itouch for her birthday and a juke box to put it in so she can listen to it loudly. So naturally like every kid they have to try things out when they open it. So she plugged it in on the porch and all the kids started singing along and dancing to some gummy bear song. I thought the song was annoying but the kids seemed to enjoy it and danced along with it. It is so much fun watching them dancing around and singing because eventually they will be to big for that :(

Taylor with some of her birthday presents and all the kids! She got lots of neat stuff! Happy Birthday Taylor! Hope it was a wonderful day!

Ravens Game #2

Riley running in a touchdown

Ashton getting ready to play

Go get him Owen!

Game #2 Ravens vs. Broncos
score 20-12
Yeah Ravens!! We won the game and the boys did a wonderful Job!! Riley scored our touchdowns during this game. We ran one in and caught a pass for the final touchdown!! Go Riley!

Flag Football Pics

Go Team Ravens!!

Happy Birthday Cheri!

We took Cheri to Der Dutchman for her birthday!! It was so much fun and the food was exceptional. It is all home made cooking buffet style. They had everything you could imagine on that buffet line from roasted turkey to brat wurst to every homemade salad imaginable. I was so full by the time we left there but it was delicious. We all had our fill because we couldn't even think about eating the cake :) Happy Birthday Cheri and We hope it was a memorable one!!

Ravens First Game

The Ravens lost their first game but had a wonderful time. Dustin was still here to help coach their first game and the team really misses him! Ashton and Owen both play defense and offense. Each player is given the chance to run the ball or pass the ball which is nice. That way no one is left out and they get to try out all the positions. We have some really strong player even for most of them this is their first year playing. We have 5 wonderful dads who coach the team and the kids really seem to enjoy themselves so that is all that matters! Go Ravens and We are really looking forward to seeing how well the kids do this year!!

You'll shoot your eye out :)

So I now totally know how the Ralphie's mother felt in A Christmas Story. Justin bought the boys an official Red Rider BB gun yesterday and the first thing I could think of when he showed it to them was the famous line "You'll shoot your eye out kid" I was horrified at the fact that he got them a bb gun but it is a father son thing I suppose. He sat them down told them the rules and for the next couple of hours I watched Justin teach them how to properly handle and shoot the bb gun. He is such a awesome dad and I love the fact that he teaches them without yelling at them. I even took a turn with it. I must say I enjoyed the fact that there was no kick back like a real shotgun. I did okay but Owen is a natural. He was hitting the target with precision and even hit the bulls eye a few times. Papa Bill would be proud and Owen may even give him a run for his money when he gets older. Ashton wasn't feeling well yesterday but after his long nap he came out and shot of some rounds. He even did better than me. It is amazing how much he is like Justin. I was watching the two of them and it was like watching twins. They way they do things is almost identical. I am so blessed to have such a great family :) It was a beautiful day and it is finally starting to warm back up. I am about sick of one day hot then the next few cold. Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.

Go RAVENS!

Last Wednesday the boys had their very first flag foot ball practice. It was cloudy and kind of chilly but they didn't care. There are 9 boys on the team so that is nice and our neighbor is the coach which is also helpful. Justin will also be helping out during the games. He has to work on practice nights but has volunteered to help out at the games. I am so happy to see him so involved with the boys and I know they love it too. The kids had a great time and did really well. Most of the boys on their team had never played before but for boys that haven't played they showed wonderful spirit and team effort. Ashton wasn't going to play but a boy didn't show up so he is now a sub for their team. I am excited to watch them play and hope they have a great time. I told them that if they find after this season if they don't like it we can try a different sport. Ashton said he still wants to race which I am happy about. It is scary but I am glad he enjoys it. Owen wants to try out for baseball so we will see how that goes. But for now it is GO RAVENS!!

Wood floors

After my parents leave Easter Sunday, Justin, Dustin, & I got down to business tearing out the carpet in the living room. It was a long and tedious job but we got it done. Now we have hardwood flooring in the entire house except in the hallway. Now we are deciding on what color to paint. We are starting with one room and going from there. I have put up paint swatches for us to choose from. We have the living room down to just a couple of colors as well as the kitchen. I am super excited and can't wait to get going on the painting. Then hopefully next year we can get some new furniture. Our living room is an awkward shape so finding the right furniture with optimal seating is going to be difficult. Plus I want to wait until our puppies get a bit older before getting new furniture. It is like having a whole bunch of kids around :)

Easter Weekend

So again it has been awhile since I posted so bare with me because I am getting caught up today. My parents came to stay with us on Easter weekend. The boys (and us too) we so super excited to see them. Friday night we played cards all night while the guys hung out. Saturday the Easter Bunny arrived and brought the kids an Easter basket and some eggs to hunt in the yard. Our neighbors all joined us for the day. The kids had a blast hunting for treasure filled eggs, coloring eggs which they got very creative with some, and opening all the cool things from their baskets. It was a kind of chilly day on Saturday but we enjoyed playing games outside and riding the 4 wheeler. Mom even got on the back of Justins 4 wheeler. She had a great time even though Justin kept doing wheelies with her on it. We were sad when Sunday came around because it was time to say goodbye to Grammy and Papa (and Steve too ) but we were very happy they came to stay with us. Hope everyone else had a wonderful Easter too!