Mark and I (and apparently Tobin) survived on coca-cola!
I tried to get pictures of each of them swimming but rest assured, it was Liam, Silas and Ceili Rain. They all worked hard and improved times throughout the season. Ceili Rain loved each part but there’s not much that Ceili Rain doesn’t enjoy!
But by the end of season…swim parents are done. Just done. Mark was our model for this one.
Anyway, at the end of the month, we shipped Ace off with Papa and Grandmere for a mission trip and also had MRI #9 and a new brace fitting. We managed to squeeze in a visit with Ge & Granddaddy in between Emmie’s appointments.
Ace worked hard and learned a lot on the mission trip. We missed him so much. I think he missed us a little but he told us later he really enjoyed having the quiet.
Hanging out with Granddaddy is always a treat. They have matching heads!
After all the appointments, we headed out to a local park. It was a good stress reliever.
We were even able to cool off in the splash pads!
Tobin was done by the end of that day.
Emmie’s new Rigo brace. She has adjusted very well to it. Her orthotist told us she was the youngest at CHOA to be fitted for this brace. We learned in June that up until that month, she was the youngest at CHOA to have a halo brace. My girl, breaking the mold since 2014.
Tobin enjoyed the music and cuddling with big brother.
Our ladybug girl had quite the night. She had a wonderful time but ate way too much and wound up throwing up towards the end of the night. After that, she was much better. Never a dull moment with our crew.
We met up with several families from our church, picnicking and visiting.
Beautiful sunset after we watched the clouds form and a rainstorm barely miss us!
We took up two tables for the welcome dinner!
CTF loves on our kids…all of our kids!
Saturday, Mark and I sat in on meetings and learned a bit more about the research that CTF has helped fund. We also learned about new treatments and patient initiatives that we are looking forward to getting involved in in the future.
Tobin…well, he made friends (several people tried to take off with him and get all his cuddles), ate furniture and in general entertained everyone he saw.
After the conference on Saturday, we ate at The Varsity because…well, because we were in Atlanta of course! I couldn’t resist getting some pictures of our kiddos all matching in their CTF shirts…especially with the Olympic Torch in the background.
Mark’s parents came over for the conference. Papa echoed our thoughts about CTF. The organization is top notch. They have worked to become leaders in research into NF. Not only that but their innovative way of going through clinical trials has had broad reaches for other disorders and diseases. We are proud to support Children’s Tumor Foundation and the work they do to help our Super Ems!
This was only about twenty minutes from the hospital too. It’s a great way to run off doctor’s office pent up energy!
I honestly didn’t get a ton of pictures. This was one of those days that you just enjoy making memories.
And that we did!
Drawing pictures with a blindfold. I did a pretty good job.
Mark did pretty good too!
One of the negatives was the “snack” included. In fact with each box we have done, the snack was not very tasty. This was supposed to be cotton candy but it turned out to be a rock hard piece of sugar. It was awful ya’ll and the box could either do without it or up their game on it.
I liked the idea of a menu but the two menus we have looked at were all mostly spicy dishes. This may be a turn off for a lot of couples. We haven’t used the recipes yet and typically just grab takeout for our meals.
We purchased the “Faith” option which is a great way to include your faith in the themes.
Overall, the idea of the Date Night In box is a great one. You get a box once a month and you can plan out your date with it. Usually, the guide includes menus that you can prep together. These are great boxes for couples with only young kids who need or want to save a little cash by not hiring a babysitter and just having a date night in. I think these are a great way to invest in your family.
Mark’s brother and his family ventured our way in April. Nineteen kids (would have been 20 but one was away). Four adults. Lots of laughter, smiles. and love. We are so blessed to have family that just love each other.
Papa & Grandmere couldn’t physically be with us but we had them there in spirit and through technology!
How we sat through meals!
Tobin liked Uncle B’s beard!
Cousins! Two weeks (to the day) apart and a load of fun.
Tobin thought Cousin C’s toe would be tasty!
Ace stole C every chance he got.
And O took Tobin every chance she could get. Basically, I barely had to hold a baby the entire visit.
Someone decided Tobin needed new hair.
We volun”told” Uncle B that he would be dissecting animals. Zoe was studying biology and what better way to study biology than with a veterinarian as a teacher?
Water beads were made and Emmie and cousin A were ecstatic.
Liam taught his cousins how to play Axis and Allies.
The big kids loved the water beads too!
Soldier of the Lord!
Emmie decided cousin C was pretty fun to hold too.
Tobin the Chunker with Cousin C. It took nine babies but we finally have our big baby!
Nineteen cousins! The Lord has truly blessed us all!
This girl has all the love and none of the fear of animals. 
We make our membership worthwhile by riding the carousel as many times as possible.
Yes. We did the traditional lion picture. One day, I’ll find all of these pictures and put them in a book!
Right on the golf course and a short drive to the water park.
We decided to go out to eat for one night to Mama’s Farmhouse. Yummy eats and fun activities for the kids.
Three littles as snug as a bug.
It wasn’t all water play, we spent a good bit of time hanging out in the arcade too.
One night, the guys took a trip to the knife store. It turned out to be a pretty cool store.
Ace won the Most Amazing Pool Hair Award.
Mark and I snuck away for a lunch (and trip to the cast iron store). We chose Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant. It was absolutely outstanding. We were stuffed and enjoyed every single bite. We also got to watch snow fall (not stick, thankfully).
On the way home, we discovered Lay’s face bags. Freaky, weird, and good for a quick laugh.
This was a fun trip before all the last stretch for our school year.
