Daddy's Girls

We surprised Yaya with matching outfits for all of the kids to take pictures on the beach this evening.  They all looked like little angels but we know better!  It took a million shots to get the few that turned out but they look so sweet in their outfits.  We have the most previous children. (Just ask me;) 

Matt and I took Lilli, Austin and Katie on an adventure to find some "dolphin power" today.  We left after breakfast and made a quick stop at the fishing pier on the way.  We saw several fish being caught and most people took the time to let them look.  Then we were off to The Wharf marina to get on "The Sunny Lady" for a dolphin cruise.  We saw a Mom and baby close up and then another pod further off.  It was a nice boat ride and the kids said they had a lot of fun.   Katie was asleep before we made it back and the other 2 were exhausted as well.  It's been a big few days for little kids so we'll only go to the beach for a couple of hours later but I'm sure they'll be ready to take it on again tomorrow. 

We have had a great few days at the beach so far.  We got here Thursday afternoon and the girls wasted no time getting their suits on and in to the ocean.  I was surprised neither of them had any reservations about it from the start.   Friday and Saturday we spent ALL day at the beach and pool.  Katie even took her nap in the tent one day.  Matt brought a baby pool that they buried to play in and that's been a huge hit.  And last night Matt got out his fishing poles and the whole family went down to watch after dinner.  Each kid had a chance to reel in a hardhead catfish so needless to say they all loved that. Katie even got a double! 

First Friends celebrates Mother's and Father's Day each year with Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad.  Muffins with Mom was the week before Mothers Day and Donuts with Dad was today.  Lilli was so excited each time to get to celebrate with just us and very proud of our gifts.  I love this school and really can't believe tomorrow is her last day! 

Today was First Friends Pre-K graduation and Lilli was the star of the show. (I'm not biased or anything) Ok, well maybe not the star but she did start the ceremony with the opening prayer.  She wrote it herself and went something like this, "Dear God, thank you for our teachers and for First Friends and I hope everyone has fun at their school next year. Amen" Short and Sweet. :)  Afterwards we (me, Matt, Katie and Yaya) went to the reception in her classroom and then to lunch at Notini's.  So proud of our girl today! 

I've had a wonderful day today with just Matt and the girls and have been completely spoiled.  From a "huge" (at Lilli's request) bouquet of flowers, to chocolate covered strawberries delivered after church, to brunch at Jack Binion's all followed by an afternoon at Destiny Day Spa... I've been totally pampered.  I loved Matt's dessert plate :)  I really loved my day but time with those 3 is all I ever really need.  We went to the lake to give Yaya her gifts and start celebrating early yesterday.  I love these kids! Can't wait to all be on the beach together next week.  

First Friends celebrated the end of the year with a carnival at school today.  I "dropped in" Katie to Ms. Sheri's class so that Lilli and I could really play.  It was STORMING this morning so th vs taffy quickly moved it all inside but that didn't phase the kids. I didn't get the best pictures because we were too busy having fun but there was a clown making balloon animals  A cake walk plus several other games where you won prizes  But her favorites were the bounce house And the FOOD! Corn dogs, popcorn and Capri sun.  Then she and I went to lunch and shopping just the 2 of us.  Perfect day with my girl.  

We had a great time at the camp just the 4 of us last night and today.  Lilli is a country girl at heart because she loved our 30 minute ride to dinner on dirt roads with (most of) the windows rolled down and country music blaring. I say most of because Katie is just the opposite; she wanted her window up and  kept asking why we couldn't have the tv on. ;) We had a really good dinner and then were home just in time for bed time.  Katie slept in the "kid room" for the first time so she didn't fall asleep until 9:30 and was up at 5:30 but I thought that was pretty good for her first night in a new room.   This morning we got up and did some farming after breakfast.  I use that "we" loosely because I took Katie for a four wheeler ride while Matt and Lilli planted green beans but we were back for the very end.  They did a great job and I'm excited to have cans again soon.  After that we all rode around before stopping at low water for some fishing.  "...