Claire ~ almost 9!

I am so far behind on keeping up with the kids.. but better late than never!

Claire has grown up so much.  She is beautiful inside and out.  She definitely has plenty of sass but can be so sweet and kind.

Her stats (from Feb)
Height: 52.5 (82%)
Weight: 63.4 (72%)

Wears a 3.5 shoe and just phasing out of size M (7/8) clothes

Some highlights from this year so far:

~Slime birthday party at home!
~Grandma and Grandpa took her and Max to MA to go skiing.  They had so much fun and did great.  Stayed at Aunt Clara and Uncle Lou's house.
~Played soccer through the Town of Apex. She was a bit timid in the beginning but ended up being a key defender!
~Went to a Kidz Bop concert!
~Was in Aunt Darcy's wedding!
~Started 3rd grade!
~Went to Disney for the first time in November!
~Cheering for Apex Cougars again.  They won Grand Champions in our local competition and are headed to regionals next weekend!

She loves to ride her bike and play with her best friends, Dylan, Harper and Kaylen.
They also like to play school!

Father/Daughter Dance

Max ~ 8(.5) years old

Well my goal last year was to start blogging more... and as you can see, that hasn't happened.  I thought for sure I wouldn't miss blogging about the kids' birthdays or special events/holidays, but it has.
So here we are! Updating my sweet Buds who is now 8.5!!

Since he turned 8:
~He played basketball though the Town of Apex.
~Ran with Apex Youth running club.
~Grandpa and Grandma took him (and Claire) to Massachusetts to go skiing!  It was their first time and they stayed with Aunt Clara and Uncle Lou!  
~Had a bowling birthday party (I dropped the ball.  He wanted one at XL sports but, per usual, I procrastinated)
~Played soccer through the Town of Apex.  Was on the Rattlers and played great!
~Went to fun Y Guides events with Dad
~Had a great year in second grade, ending with a school play.  He played the mouse.
~On Bella Casa swim team.  Super fast!
~Started 3rd Grade!

Stats (from well check in Feb)
Height  56.5 in - off the chart!
Weight  78.2 - 95th %
Clothing size - 10
Shoe size - 6!

Buds is the sweetest, kindest kid.  He has a huge heart, manners are on point, and overall great kid!  Him and Claire fight like typical siblings.  He is great with Kate.  Loves quality time with Mom and Dad.
Couldn't be more proud. Love watching our sweet boy grow!

In Ma. skiing!

8th bday party!

End of year play ~ 2nd Grade

First day of 3rd Grade! Ms. McMaster

Couples Mexico Trip

In December, we went to El Dorado Casitas Royale in Riveria Maya, Mexico.  It was perfect. This was our third time at this resort.  We went on our honeymoon and again in 2013.  This was our first time going in the Winter.  It was nice bc it wasn't blazing hot and humid, but the water was a bit chilly and the sun wasn't as strong.... which probably isn't a bad thing! lol.  The temps stayed in upper 70s, low 80s.

We have gone with the same two couples on every trip. The Gills and the Lyles.  It's great to go with them bc it is they are all so chill.  We kind of do our own things in the morning then meet up at the pool around 11!

This was our first trip together in Cancun! We had five kids total.

2018: 11 kids!!

The resort we stayed at! Love this place!

My love!

Our room is that upper right corner.

beach cabana

The swim up pool bar we stayed at almost the entire time!

We are already talking about when and where we are going on the next trip! We love El Dorado, but think it may be time to explore other places!

Christmas.. a little late!

I figured now was better than never to post out Christmas 2018!
We went to Nanny and Poppy's on the 23rd and made it our Christmas Eve dinner and presents.  Claire got a cool backpack that carries her doll and accessories, Max got Nerf guns, and Kate got a new purse with "makeup".  All big hits! I took lots of pics but this is the only one I could find! Cousin Landyn opening her gift from us!

Claire, Kate and I also got our nails done.  This was a tradition I started when Claire was almost Two.  We got get Christmas nails done together!

Christmas Eve we came home, did our second annual apps and drinks with neighbors, then got ready for Santa!

 We came home, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, then waited for Santa!

Claire's favorite and bigger presents were an Our Generation doll school set, and echo dot for her room.  Kate got this ice cream food cart and some fun costume jewelry and Max got sports things and  a Nintendo Switch from Us.  He was so excited!

Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Darcy came mid morning and we opened more presents!  All three kids got new bikes!!

The biggest surprise was Justin upgraded my engagement ring and wedding band!

We are a very blessed family!