May part 1

May was busy busy busy, but full of fun. Derek was in Houston the whole month and would try to come home and visit us on the weekends since we were so busy.

The kids handle him being gone better than I do, but we all miss him a lot. This last year Derek was basically gone at least every 2 months for a month. And it basically doesn't end until Christmas 2017. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? I am trying to have the mind set that it is preparing us for when he deploys someday. 

May was filled with visiting Pinkston's, BBQ's, Piano recitals, end of school parties, end of school, and a whole lot of random in between.

I love seeig all 4 of them hanging out together in the mornings.

Pie face never gets old for our kids.

Kael and Eden had their piano recital and did amazing jobs. I took several videos.

Waiting for Kael and Eden during karate is always entertaining...

Connor trying to kill himself... I pulled him away and had to take a picture. I was mortified. Shocked to say the least and a bit terrified.

Kael's hair was getting super long again, so he got a "trim".

Before

After

One last joy school for Elara.

Eden had a school field trip.

One more of random falling asleep in weird places.

Miss Elara

Eden became Nanny McPhee. And then she wanted two front teeth for Christmas.

Kael got some new glasses.

Many epic light saber battles took place.

The dogs were danced with.

More Connor opening the fridge when I forget to lock it. He loves yogurt...

And many many wall colorings from Connor who also has figured out he loves to color...

That was just the first part of the month.

Whew.

End of April - Connor turns 2

The day before Connor turned 2 I baked him a cake. I felt so bad for not writing a sentimental blog post for him last year when he turned 1 and that the month was so so crazy moving and sickness and then we did a nasty cupcake to celebrate him turning 1 I went a little crazy overboard this year...

 He loved "helping" me bake the cake. That is the best part about making cakes for my kids birthday's is that they get to do it with me. It becomes a special moment each year having them help me in the kitchen.

The kids had field day that day at school and a friend snapped some pictures.

Then after school on Friday I took the kids swimming at the pool for the first time of the season.

The next morning for Connor's birthday we party'd all day. We went to a bounce house and then came home and he opened presents and then had cake. We flew kites in the neighborhood and played with water balloons. Like I said, I felt really bad about the year before...

 His Grammy and Grandma spoiled him.

The big kids felt like they needed to help him with his presents.

Flying kites, and trying out his lawn mower.

 Eating cake!

AND... Bay Seas for dinner.

Yes, he is spoiled rotten. It definitely made up for my lack of effort last year.

My baby boy is 2.

Dearest Connor,

You may be the last, but you are not the least. You really complete our family. We all wouldn't be who we are without you in our family. Your smile is infectious. You smile with your eyes and light up the room. That being said you also have the best evil stink eye! You make your Dad and I smile each and every day. I love hearing you sing. Remember you sang before you could talk. You may not be able to express yourself with words quite yet, but you do express yourself remarkably well. You are a feisty boy. You play so hard outside each and every day. You roll around with the dogs. You chase them and they chase you. You love your family. You give the best kisses and hugs. You refused to say Mama for months and months and would laugh and laugh and say Da Da instead. You LOVE your Dad and he loves you. You boys just have a special bond just like Kael and Dad do. Your sisters adore you and your brother is your protector. In some ways your personality reminds me of Eden, you both know exactly what you want and you do what you must to accomplish your goals. 

You laugh and smile every day. You bring light into our home. You have been the best last baby a Mom could ask for. I have loved every minute seeing you grow into a toddler boy. You love life and enjoy the moment. 

Always remember Connor that Mom, Dad, Kael, Eden, and Elara and all your extended family love you very very much.

I love you always,

Mom

The very next day my 2 year old became a toddler. He caught a fledgling in the back yard and had to show me... The poor bird didn't make it... But in it's short life it sure brought Connor so much happiness.