Randomness

Last month Taya was able to be part of a mini drill camp at the local high school. The drill team for the school taught the little gals. They practiced for three hours and performed before the varsity game that Friday night.

This year for Halloween, Matt and I were well protected. We had a blue ninja (Ethan), a white ninja (Corbin) and a kitty cat/tiger/tigger.

I was starting to have baseball/softball/cross country with drawls. I LOVE watching my kids in their sports. But I'm in luck....both boys have started basketball! Corbin's playing on the youth league and is super excited because Matt's the head coach! Ethan is playing for the middle school and has played two games so far. They lost the first game 11-10 but won the second 31-0! Corbin's first game is Saturday, December 7th. Go Tomcats!!!

Most people know that my dad is a high school teacher and a coach. He LOVES his job! A couple weekends ago his varsity football team had their last regular season game so my mom, brother and the kids headed to Lake Worth to support them. To our delight, we won! 35-21. We were headed to the playoffs!

The playoff game was this past Friday night. So, the cool, fun mom I am, decided to let the kids ditch school on Friday and Thursday night after Ethan's basketball game we headed back out to Lake Worth to spend the weekend with my dad. Friday morning we woke up, grabbed breakfast at IHOP, hit Target for some gloves and Charming Charlie's (my moms new favorite store) where I bought, yet another, phone case (yes, I'm addicted. I have a problem. Do they have iPhone case anonymous?) . After that, my mom and I took the kids to the Flight Deck trampoline park. SO MUCH FUN! And what a workout! My computer won't let me upload the video on the blog but if you have never been, you should definitely check it out!

Anyway, after all that we made the 2+ hour drive to the playoff game. We stopped for dinner at Cracker Barrel and made it the game with plenty of time to spare (this was first game we actually made it to before it started).

 Dreaming of when it will be them. I am in LOVE with this pic <3 p="">

Mr. Bullfrog was pooped!

Sadly, we lost the game but it was still a great season and I am so proud of my dad for the sacrifices he makes so that he can touch so many young guys and gals lives. One more year to go. My dad's due to retire from the job he loves the summer of 2015.

Welp, that about sums up our lives. It's been busy, but it's been great. Making memories to last forever :-)

Quick Escape

Life this time of year is crazy. Fun...but crazy nonetheless. Juggling work, school, sports and preparing for the holidays is down right exhausting.

A couple weekends ago the kids and I decided to "get away" for the night. After going to two fall festivals (or fairs as Taya called them) and some shopping, I was pooped. Matt had to work that night at the marina and the resort was pretty empty. The cabin with the best view was available and open for the taking. How about a night at the lake? Umm, yes please! As Matt headed off to work, I loaded up the kids and we headed to Target to pick up some new boardgames (since the 20 we already have are "boring" now). We bought two games, stopped at Taco Bell (healthy meal, I know)and headed off for our quick escape.

By the time we got to the lake the sun was setting and I was in heaven.

The kids ran from one side of the beach, down along the shore over to the other side. They played and seemed so at peace. I was at peace. The kids all made creations in the sand.

Ethan made this <3 p="">

 And this

Corbin made this---"I Love My Family"

Ethan made another---Ethan+Corbin+Taya+Amy+Matt=Perfect Family <3 p="">

As the sun set we decided to go back to the cabin and eat our dinner (that was now cold). The boys played basketball at the court while Taya and I chatted (best chatter EVER). Matt tried building a fire but due to the damp wood it never really lit all that well. The kids were still all able to roast marshmallows and had a good time. After dessert, we went in and played the games. Matt was able to hang out for a bit in between making rounds.

We put the kids to bed and Matt and I sat outside under the stars and just talked for a long time. It was a bit romantic and a lot peaceful. It was a wonderful night.

The next morning we woke up and headed home. Back to reality and the craziness. I've always tried to make spending time as a family a HUGE priority. It's a MUST in our family. But as the kids (the boys mainly) have gotten older, they want to spend more time playing outside with their friends, which is totally fine, I'm just realizing that soon they will be teenagers (5 months for Ethan!) and not want anything to do with us so I'm trying to treasure everything we have right now. And I do.

Our quick escape was well needed and well deserved. Can't wait to go back in a couple weeks.