Spring Break at Serenbe

Donald and I took Emily for a trip to Serenbe for Spring Break. It's one of our favorite places to visit - so close to home, and yet an entire world away! I think this was the most fun trip we've ever taken there. We went on a hay ride and fed all of the animals in the morning. Emily and the other kids even got to gather the eggs that the Farmhouse cooked for breakfast that day! She spent some quality time chasing the goats and rabbits around their pens, climbed the fabulous tree house, did some great leaf rubbings, and even went for an ill-fated canoe ride with Donald. I (luckily) stayed on shore for that one. All in all, a wonderful "stay-cation" full of incredible food, beautiful sights, and loads of fun. Enjoy the pictures!

Excited to be cozied up in her bed at the Guest House

Wonderful new gardens patterned after their labyrinth - think I can do this at the White House?

Oreo the baby goat who thinks he's a dog

Going for a ride in the leaky boat - This was before the canoe ride and the impromptu swim.

Smores time at the bonfire

It was pure luck that I took this picture of the bonfire sparks - not real photographic skills.  Cool, though, right?

Early morning feeding the horses

Having so much fun with all of her new friends!

Hope you enjoyed the breakfast frittata!

Mr. Robert caught her a chicken.

Getting friendly with a bunny

Love this tree house!

Trampoline time

She's got mad skills!

Getting ready to head home

Happy Easter!

This Easter seemed a little more rushed than most (not sure why) and I didn't get as many pictures as I usually do.  We hosted Easter at the White House, which may be one reason why I didn't stay behind the camera too much. I was too busy rushing around doing other things!  We were sad that CiCi was too sick to join us but excited that Bobby, Liz, Amy, and Lane made the trip for Easter lunch.  Emily sticks like glue to Adam whenever he is around and it's been nice to have him here for a visit.  Hope your Easter was full of family and Reese's chocolate eggs!

Heading off to church in Palmetto

Fun with water guns - Donald showed her how to shoot people in the crotch.  Classic.

In between squirt gun escapades

Loving up on Adam before he heads back home to walk the dog

Posing with Ringo and John for Auntie Yam

Sweet picture at church.  Thanks, Yam!

Little White House

As one of our jaunts during Winter Break, Donald and I took both girls to Warm Springs to visit FDR's Little White House.  Abby is a history buff and Emily has been learning about American history in school, so they both seemed to really enjoy the trip.They both especially enjoyed visiting the original rehab center and pools where FDR went to swim.  The water really does feel amazing - so warm and silky because of the mineral content.  Since my last visit (elementary school?) they've built a really impressive museum with all types of artifacts and interactive displays about FDR's life.  Good fun for a day trip!

Introducing Betsy Ross!

Our little diva was chosen to represent Betsy Ross in the first grade's annual Salute to the Red, White, and Blue program.  All of our first graders put on a tremendous performance but, and I may be biased here, I believe that Betsy was the star of the show!  There are pictures and a video clip of her performance below.  You be the judge!

Hopewell Talent Show

Emily's piano teacher recently asked her to play Jesus Loves Me in the children's talent show at Hopewell Methodist Church.  She agreed and, although she was a bit nervous before the show, did an absolutely fabulous job!  Watching all of the other kids take their turns performing on stage gave her a healthy dose of courage - she leaned over to me and whispered that she didn't need me to come and sit at the piano with her, after all.  So proud of my glittery, feather-haired girl!

We dressed for courage in the glitziest ensemble we could manage - and apparently it worked! Otter came along to support her, as well.

Weekend with the Zoellers

Our friends, the Zoellers, recently came to spend the night with us.  So much fun to see all of our children running around and playing together!  Sweet Kathryn babysat the little ones while we all had a delicious dinner at The Beirut.  If you haven't tried it, definitely give it a chance - so delicious!  Donald cooked us a delicious pancake breakfast VERY early on Sunday morning (why don't little people understand the need to sleep in on the weekend?) before the Zoellers headed back to Lawrenceville.  It's always fun to catch up with old friends!

Headed home from supper

Storytime - I LOVE Bootsie Barker Bites!

Pancakes and bacon - breakfast of champions!

A little Wii after breakfast

All bundled up and about to head out

Fun with Mustaches

Emily and I decided to "emulate" (that's Fancy Nancy-speak for copy) a cool Valentine we saw on Pinterest and spent an afternoon making goofy faces with a stick-on mustache before we discovered the cool photoshopping capabilities of picnik.com.  Although I ended up photoshopping in a great 'stache, I ended up with this funny series of photos.  Donald even got in on the action.  Hope you enjoy!

My personal favorite - she looks like she's from an old kung fu movie!

Finished products - aren't they funny?