Sisters- Krystle, Meredeth, Jessica, and Jamiie and soon..... Sally

Jessica had a 2 week trip to Florida.  She probably wont be able to have another chance to come to Florida until late fall...when SALLY AND JEREMIAH get MARRIED!  Well we couldn't miss out of having some sort of celebration about getting a new sister in October without Jessica so we had a mini bachelorette party.  It was a last minute thing,  I am planning on throwing a more planned one when the wedding gets close but until then we had to spoil her with some sister love. 

The whole family, I mean the whole family stayed in our little house.  Dad, Mom, Jon, Merry, Owen, Jessica, Jeremiah, and Jamiie- yeah that means 12 people in our house.  It was fun!  Everyone survived and I think everyone was reasonably comfortable- hopefully.    All the ladies plus Owen went out to dinner with Sally's a few roommates. We went to Mirku's an old favorite of Josh and mine.  It was yummy as always.  Then Jessica, Jamiie, Sally and I went out downtown.  We had so much fun dancing and being silly. 

Sally's dinner

 I love little Owen in the picture above.  He thought it was very interesting to look at the floor.  Sally was a little shy or embarrassed about some of the gifts she got ;)  I love the looks I caught on film.

A sisters' night on the town

Merry had to get Owen to bed but the rest of the Williams sisters and future sister Sally ventured downtown Gainesville.  While walking around we walked past a gorgeous church that I have never really noticed before.  We thought it was fitting to take our picture and one of sally in front of the church.

We had fun and I love hanging out with my family as usual.  I love my family!

Williams family visit

Fun at Lexi's

Landon and Arabella are having fun hanging out with Lexi.  Glad we get to catch up with my little friend and her family this summer.  Griffy, the little Yorkie laying with Landon, is especially a favorite with my kids.  They talk about Lexi and Griffy all the time. 

Father's Day

Silly dress up fun with Daddy, Photo edit fun with Mommy ;)

Josh is an amazing father. We are so blessed to have him in our lives.  I love that Josh is not just a great father in his actions and thoughts.  He always is trying his best to be the best father he can be at work, home or wherever he is.  We spent Father's Day going to church, and just relaxing with the family (one of Josh's favorite things to do).  It was a good day to relax because Josh has been working 12-15 hour days 6 day a week and I have been pretty busy nannying and being alone most nights because of Josh working.  

The kids and I made Josh a father's day shirt, got him some Sponge Bob and Batman boxers (Landon was super excited about Daddy getting Batman boxers because he had just gotten Batman pjs from my parents) and Landon and I did one of the questionnaire cards for Josh.  

The questions on the card and Landon's answers are underlined. Some of his answers had Josh and I laughing pretty hard.  For the height and weight we measured Landon, Arabella and I so that Landon could have a reference on what our height and weight were.  We also talked about how Landon and Arabella weren't as different as Landon and Mommy.  I think he did pretty good a guessing for a 3 year old ;)

My Daddy's name is Joshua.

He is 3 years old, 123 inches tall, and weights 150 pounds.

His favorite food is spicy stuff.

My daddy is really good at painting, puzzles, and painting puzzles.

He loves to play.

My favorite thing too do with my dad is play puzzles, trains, blocks, and gears, Snuggle with Dado.

 I'm just like my dad because I am  the same color as him. (He then asked me what color that was )

What I love most about my daddy is how he makes dinner for me

It makes Dad happy when I am able to do something myself

Love Landon

Thank you, Josh, for being a great example to my children, a wonderful leader of our household and just a great guy to have around.  WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Japanese Taiko Drums Show

This was a last minute decision.  One that I am not sure to forget because it was awesome!  I hope that Landon remembers it for a while too. 

I am a nanny for a little girl who I babysitted for when I was in getting my Masters.  She was Arabella's age and younger when I use to watch her.  It is fun and sad seeing her all grown up as an almost 1st grader. 

I asked the kids about 20 minutes before the show started if they wanted to go because everyone seemed ready to get out and do something but it was SOOO hot outside.  So we quickly packed up and headed to the downtown library.  We got a great spot up front.  The man who played the drums was from Tampa Taiko.  If you go to the website below, Ron, who played for us, is the one on the right.  
http://www.tampataiko.com/

After teaching the kids a few songs he let them come up and play the songs.  It was such a great experience.  Arabella was a little weary because it was so loud but she was interested in the drums and people playing.  My only regret was I didn't have my camera so the pictures are from my phone and not the best quality since it was so dim in the room. 

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo... What about you, you, you

We join several friends from MOPS at the Santa Fe zoo for a play date.  It was Arabella's first time to the zoo.  We had a lot of fun.  The weather was great, warm but not hot.  I was a little worried because Josh has been painting the new Christian Campus House so we have a trunk full of painting supplies and I forgot to add the stroller back to the trunk.  My worries were unfounded.  Arabella and Landon did super.  Both walked the whole way!  I think Arabella would have been unhappy riding in the stroller.  She wanted to get up close to all the fences and just watch the animals.  I love that my children love animals!   Most of the time we were last because we just spent so much time watching the animals and answering Landon's questions.

MOPS Play Date at the Zoo

I was quite impressed and proud when we were at the giant tortoise exhibit.  One of the zoo keepers were feeding the tortoises and asked the kids if they had any questions.  Landon told me he had a question.  The lady came over and asked Landon what his question was.  He didn't want to tell her so he told me (loud enough for her to hear).  Landon said, "What is the difference between tortoises and turtles?"  What a great question!  The lady was impressed too when especially after she asked how old he was.  Landon told my parents (on the phone) and Josh later that day what the difference was between turtles and tortoises.

After walking and visiting with all the animals the kids played on the playground there.  Landon wanted to wear his rain boots to the zoo since it had been raining before we left our house.  The boots were great until we played on the playground.  Climbing and playing doesn't mix well with rain boots.  Good to remember for next time ;)

Since it was Arabella's first time to the zoo and Landon and Arabella did so well, we stopped by the Dollar Tree on our way home to pick out a "souvenir."  Landon really wanted a peacock, which we didn't find.  So instead we ended up with a huge squishy frog for Landon and Arabella picked out a horse with her foal.

Thanks Rebecca for planning a great play date!

Home Visit- Dad's Surgery

The kids and I headed home with my parents for a week.  My dad had 2 types of skin and needed to have surgery to remove several spots on his face and upper body.  I wanted to be able to to be home when Dad had the surgery and stay with my Mom in waiting room while he was under.  Jamiie happened to have the day off from school so she could watch the kids.

I am very thankful to all of those who were praying for my Dad.  We were concerned with the surgery because of all the heart medication he is on.

On the way home we stopped in Tallahassee to see my brother.  Landon was super excited to see Uncle Adam.  Adam treated us to dinner.  Thanks Adam!

So on a weird note, on the way to Tallahassee this trucker honked at me and then waved.  I was passing him so I didn't realize he was trying to get my attention.  A minute later he came up next to me and started waving again.  I thought there must be something wrong with the car or something and he was trying to get my attention.  Well, I was wrong.  He started blowing kisses and doing weird inappropriate things with his hands.  This went on for over 30 mins.  I keep drive away and he would catch up to me after lagging behind to the point of barely being able to see him in my rear view mirror.  Then he would get super close to the rear of the car and then come up side of me super close.  I called the Florida Highway Patrol.  As far as I know, they went after him.  I was able to seek off the Tallahassee exit before he could see me.  It was pretty scarey and creepy especially since my two little ones were in the back. 

Fun with the Gormans

We also got to spend some time with Aunt Leah and my cousin Tyler.  I hadn't seen Tyler in probably over a year so it was nice to spend some time with him.

While we there my parents took us to the mall so the kids could ride the train and the ice cream truck ride.  It runs all around the whole mall.  It was the first time I had been on the train.  It was pretty cool!

Other than the trucker issue, the trip was a great trip!
And my Dad is currently skin cancer free!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

We didn't have a long weekend with Josh, he had to work on Monday painting the new UF campus House.  We still had a good Memorial Day weekend.
 I babysat Saturday morning for a friend of ours (I use to babysit her daughter when I was in college).  Arabella came with me. We had a fun girl morning!
 Around lunch time, Josh and Landon picked us up.  We had lunch in the car on our way to High Springs. We were invited by our friend, Chris (Josh met at Harvest a couple of years ago and has keep in touch) and his family to the Springs and dinner.  We all had fun in the water, even though it was a little cold especially for Arabella(that 72 degree water feels good but when it isn't blazing hot out it feels a little chilly).  After some fun in the water we went out to dinner.  It was yummy food and good to catch up with Chris and his family.

We spent Sunday just hanging around the house, enjoying each other, relaxing, and enjoying each other.  We also went to the pool for a pool side dinner.  One of our favorite summer things to do.  

Thank you to all the men and women and their families who protect and sacrifice for our freedom and liberties.  Without you, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy our weekend. 

May Flowers

We had a lot of fun in May.  Aunt Jamiie came to visit, we went to the splash park, we played, we were silly, we visited with our friend Ashlee, enjoyed our library, and enjoyed our last MOPS meeting.  Plus lots more!

We picked up Jamiie and brought her back to Gainesville to spend the week with us between here Spring and Summer semesters of college.  Owen and Merry came over to visit while we were at the Williams. 

Landon loves babies, especially his cousin. The boys spent probably 10 minutes giving each other hugs and kisses.  Both of them loved all the love ;)

Aunt Jamiie, Vernine, Kayla, and Zach joined us at our farewell MOPS playdate at the splash park. I think everyone had lots of fun in the sun and water!

Dress up, reading books, and silly play time is always more fun when your Aunt is visiting! P.S. isn't Bella's "smile" too funny?!

We have the best dogs. Bourbon-cuddly and watchful. Callie-playful and energetic.

A great year with a small group of wonderful ladies!  I enjoyed getting to spend time with each of you!

Bug day at the Library was LOTS of fun!

This little lady bug of ours LOVES her nails painted.  She even gets out the polish and asks for them to be painted. I have to say these are the prettiest little toes I have seen.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to me, my mom, and all the mothers out there!

So blessed to be the mother to such wonderful children.

Pool side mother's day dinner was the perfect way to end the day!

My Silly Monkeys

Chang Chiang and his silly self

Our good friend from back home and college, Ashlee stopped by to visit.  We all went out for ice cream, target adventure, and a walk.  Thanks Ashlee for stopping by to visit!

We love our Ashlee

 It isn't very fun to have to replace appliances.  It means one probably broke and now you have to to through the cost and hassle of getting a new one.  Sometimes you get to upgrade but either way it is time and money spent when more important things like playing could be done.  Well when our range broke we didn't have the time to fix it right away, maybe not even the knowledge, and we didn't have the money to go get a new one.  So we made do with what we had.  A little portable single burner and a crock pot for a month.  We when we had great friends who have be showing us with their love and support how much they love us and we appreciate it so much.  But they went an extra step and put their time and money into replacing our range.  They surprised us at our small group meeting.  Now I am not one easily surprised.  Only a VERY small handful (if it is even worth calling it that) have been successful at it.  Boy did they surprise me.  Now getting a new range is super! but knowing that our friends thought of us, pooled their hard earned money, and spent the time getting the range means a lot more to us than that range.  Words can not express how much all of these wonderful people mean to us.  Just know, wonderful friends of ours, that you are in our prayers and hold a special place in our hearts!  Thanks for making us feel so loved!!  Oh, and if you can't tell from the picture below, our kids love the "range" too.  Well the cardboard that came with it :)

HUGE box, cardboard racing ramps, hours of fun, a BRAND NEW range courtesy of several very special people in our lives!

Some good ol' fun, Yelling as loud as possible while eating lunch.  Goofy Kids!

Mother Son Date Knight

Chic-Fli-A had an event recently.  Mother Son Date Knight.  It was really a great experience.  Landon helped me pick out my outfit and his.  We both wore orange-his favorite color.  I painted my nails and prettied my self up for my handsome date.  We joined the Bolins so the Daddies could care for the little ones while Ashley and I took our little men out on a date.  Matt and Josh took the boys to get us flowers while Ashley and I finished getting ready. 
Once there we let the boys play on the indoor playground while we waited for our reservations.  We were able to see our friends Julie and Ben, who had reservations before us.  Landon and Ben were very excited to see each other. 
Chic-Fli-A did a tremendous job of making a fast food place feel fancy.  They decorated a corner of the restaurant and put table clothes down.  We were even served our food at the table with fancy plastic plates.  They had a hostess who greeted you at the area reserved for the date night.  She had the boys pick out flowers for their mommies and also were give a sword and surcoat with a Chil-fli-a coat of arms on it.  It was really nice.
We were served our food.  It was yummy, as always, but I do love Chil-fli-a.  The Cow came around to all the tables to knight the boys.  Landon said "Hi cow!  You are not a real cow.  You are just someone dressed up as a cow."  That sent our whole table laughing and the cow "crying."  Since we were the last group, the boys were able to spend some time with the cow.  The camera guy was really great.  He was so patient with the boys there plus took great pictures.  He also had a sword fight with Landon and Noah.  They loved it!
We had a fantastic time!  I am looking forward to more date nights with my sweet boy!

 

Dear Friends, please read

This month we, especially me, have really been amazed by some of our friends.  I have always had friends, even great friends.  I feel like as you get older friends, or how you have friends, changes.  You get a job, get married and have children. Some people don't depend on their friends as much.  I don't know if that is me, but friends aren't always who I go to first.  I have an amazing man who I call my best friend and who is also my husband.  We tell each other everything... I really mean everything.  We share everything from our deepest secrets to our most meaningless event of the day, sometimes that means we stay up until 2am talking.  I also have 2 little loves that take most of my time, energy and thoughts. 
I  have generally never been one to ask for help or seek out a friend when I am in need.  But you know what makes a great friend..? the ones who are there for you even when you don't ask and maybe don't even know you need them.  Isn't that what truly makes a real "friend" anyway?

  I have that.

Not just one, but several.

I think they know who they are- I hope so.  I hope they know by how I can actually ask them for help (which is something I almost never do- I don't like it. It is a pride thing and I am trying to get over it, but it is hard).  I hope they know because they have encouraged us.  I hope they know because they have seen tears of sadness, pain, and gratefulness.  I hope they know because of smiles they have seen in times when smiles wouldn't have been possible without them.  I hope they know even though we might not talk every day, week, or month we can still get together and it be as if not much times has past since we saw them.  Maybe everyone has GREAT friends, even lots of great friends- but I think that's probably not true.  I think people have friends, who they get along with, and do fun things with.  Maybe they have great friends and don't even know it because their friends never were given an opportunity to shine.
My friends who have been there for me, us, this month, past months, and I am sure in the future- please know you are treasured in my heart.  You have made a difference in my life, and my family's life. I know I could never repay you or express what it means to me.  So thank you for being there and making a huge difference. 


And thank you, my Heavenly Father, for times that may be difficult because through them I would never know how blessed I truly am.