VBS

After enjoying 4 VBS programs last year, we knew it would be a little more difficult being in a new state this time around. Thankfully, we found an absolutely GREAT VBS and nice church for all three kiddos to attend.

I didn't get to volunteer (SOOOO hard since I've been the cook for our TN church the past two years), but thankfully the church took some pics I got from their Facebook page...

Kaylie and some friends... Her teacher was great and loved Kaylie! After receiving Kaylie's cute hand-made card, she was in tears and even shared on video for the church how special getting that card was to her.

 Makenzie and her group of friends being silly :)

 Kaylie and her friend Jullian eating their octopus hot dogs...

 Dannen and the boys being goofy... love my little ham!

 Kaylie and Makenzie are to the left of the big pink flower... checking out the fun experiment.

We're thankful for a great environment to help our kids' love of God grow!

Boca Beach

One of absolute favorite beaches here in Florida is Boca Grande Beach... it's about an hour away, costs an extra $6 to go over the bridge, but the gorgeous white sands, clear water, quiet surroundings and DOLPHINS are totally worth it :)

We were thankful to spend time with family a few weeks ago... wanting to see the sun set, we killed time for 2 hours playing in the sand, searching for crabs and star fish, playing in the water, walking the beach and swimming 10 feet from the friendliest dolphin ever! It was perfect :)

Kaylie & Makenzie looking for crabs...

 Makenzie...

 Dannen...

 Kaylie...

 YES! THAT'S A DOLPHIN!!! It stayed by us the whole time and we even got to about 10 feet away before it got nervous and moved. We were right by the current, so getting closer meant the possibility of getting swept away...

 Going quickly...

 Makenzie running in the water...

 So calming :)

 Kaylie found this starfish... it was still alive!

 Cheesing it up for the camera...

 Fun in the water...

 Searching for shells...

 Playing in the sand...

 Storm in the distance...

 Keeping each other safe...

 Cousins hanging out...

 Group shot minus a few lol

 She saw the dolphin again lol

 Following the dolphin as we headed back to the vans...

Such a great few hours at the beach... it may be a pain in the butt with the sand (uggghhhhh!), but totally worth swimming so close to a dolphin, enjoying time together :)

Kittens!

What can I say? We're suckers for cute kittens! These cute little sisters joined our family May 27th, having been born on April 16th. We made 100% that they were all one sex... no more kitten-making experiences for this family LOL

(Yes, Peanut is no longer with our family. Though she was truly a mommy's girl and adorable, her bathroom habits and lack of wanting to be social with ANYONE other than me was causing a ton of issues. She was always very timid, but since moving here and adjusting, she would constantly go to the bathroom in our kids' rooms and hide from everyone but me. Not much fun to have a pet who was anti-social and making messes EVERYWHERE! She's well taken care of and I know will do just fine in her new home.)

William named his kitten "Cashew"... Kaylie named hers "Kitkat"... Makenzie named hers "Bubbles"... Dannen named his "Batgirl"...

Snack time!

Daddy and his kittens :) 

 They LOVE to cuddle!

 LLLLOOOOOVVVVEEEEE!!!

 "Kitkat" kisses are the best :) 

 This is their favorite way to nap lol

 Dannen was VERY happy to have his own kitty... "Batgirl" fits him well LOL 

 Look at that face!

 Tiny kittens means fun hiding spots!

A high school friend of mine posted a comment on Facebook... "Kristy I give you credit you always follow the if you're gonna do it do it big motto  enjoy those sweet kitties great way to start summer"

Sounds about right! LOL Yet another chapter in our crazy lives...

New Playground

While out and about, looking for Makenzie and Dannen's soon-to-be new school in the Fall, we not only found their school, but a fantastic park! Bonus is that they're right next to each other :)

Though it was super hot outside and I know we'll be bringing lots of liquids and snacks in the future, this place was pretty awesome!

 Hi!

 I think Kaylie almost launched Makenzie right off the teeter-totter lol

 The "spinning thingy"

 That's their elementary school in the back ground :)

 Girls-only hideout lol

 Can you spot Dannen?

 The slides were pretty hot :(

 AHOY up there!

 Monkey Kaylie!

 Long-legs Makenzie :)

This place was awesome! Can't wait to spend lots of time here this Summer :)

End of Year Awards

We're so proud of Kaylie and Makenzie! They worked very hard through our transition here to Florida, and we couldn't have asked for anything better from them. Lots of homework, TONS of reading, Math out the wahzoo, and a whole new group of teachers and friends meant adjusting like pros :)

Kaylie brought home a lot of ribbons and awards...

 Love our fantastic writer!

 Honor Roll kiddos

 Receiving her 5th grade graduation medal...

 As a "good-bye" to 5th grade, there was a cute slideshow... though she wasn't here for half of the year, she definitely made some impressions:

Roller Coaster on 5th Grade Field trip to Sea World (left)

 Kaylie fell asleep on the field trip bus lol

 "Dolphin" kids at Sea World...

 "Dr. Seuss Day" at school where Daddy dressed in jammies and read to Kaylie's class!

 Kaylie and her BFF's Lizbeth, Kalia, Sadie and teacher Mrs. Giampi

 Makenzie's award day was very fun to watch. All the kids did so well behaving and cheering for each other through waving their hands in the air lol

Ribbons and award collection for Makenzie :)

 She was so nervous, but very proud of herself!

 "Leadership" award was HUGE for Makenzie!

 Good bunch of kiddos...

 Honor Roll award!

Great job, girls!!! We're so proud of you... on to 4th and 6th grade :)