Our very first {of hopefully many} Lake House vacations.

This is our happy place. I grew up going to a Lake House every summer and we are so thrilled to start this tradition with the kids. We were all in our element.

Every day was perfect. There were so many special moments but one of the best was when I took the girls up for a bath and looked out the window and saw Tim & Timmy sitting on the dock just looking at each other and talking. I could have cried really. It made me so happy to think of all the memories being made.

Timmy fished sun up to sun down. And he caught zero fish. But he’s such a sweet kid. He never had a bad attitude about it. We were all trying our hardest to stay patient and he’d say, “Hey mom how’s your fishing going?” And I’d say it’s going buddy and he’s say yea mines not going too bad either. And he’d just keep casting. He just loves being on the lake. Only kid I know that can appreciate a fishing day even without one catch.

Of course Grace spent her fishing time stealing worms and setting them free. We have Lydia the job of babysitting some worms in hopes it would keep her happy in the stroller but no such luck.

So then Daddy gave her her first fishing lessons.

The sunrise was out of this world. & add my two boys on the dock and it was the sweetest picture ever.

Drinking coffee in 60 degree weather with my Grace, watching the fog rise off the lake, while the boys fish and Lydia builds blocks.. it just doesn’t get better than that.

We went on a nature scavenger hunt hike and it was so nice to have Daddy with us. Then we did our nature journal.

We napped. Need I say more. That’s what real vacation looks like. When Lydia napped we all napped.

The house had stairs. The kids were most excited about this. I don’t know why. Lydia would climb the stairs then dance at the top like it was a stage.

I took Timmy & Grace down to the lake to let them explore the water. It was like replaying my childhood. The dug through the mud looking for alive clams. Grace found a mussel and Tim smashed it so we could see the insides.

We met the neighbors of course because my son can not help himself but to greet all the people. I swear it’s the only reason I have any friends. Anyways small world they are homeschoolers! They had the best time playing together.

This is what summer is about all summed up in that one photo. They will never forget this trip.

And let me point out the hourssss of research that went into making 100% sure there were no alligators in this water. I’m really working on letting my crazy anxiety take a back seat so that I don’t ruin their childhood with my constant worries.

Best trip ever.

Well my life is complete. A total perfect surprise.

I think it was just as much fun to be the mom as it was to be Grace. Every second of the day was magical and I got to watch it unfold. Her eyes lit up brighter and brighter all day. She must have said it was the best day ever at least 10 times.

At 4:30 am I snuck in her room super quiet so I wouldn’t wake up Lydia. She thought I was crazy. I brought her out into the dining room told her we were going to Disney just the two of us and got her dressed in her new Minnie Mouse outfit with matching shoes. She could not have looked any cuter and she was smiling ear to ear. I gave her some blueberry muffins and we were off to Magic Kingdom. When we got in the car I put on the Frozen CD and told she could go back to sleep. She was like how could I possibly go back to sleep I am too excited!

This is the new Rope Drop ceremony.

The park was empty. Every ride was a 5 minute wait. The first ride we went on was the Seven Dwarfs Train, her very first real big girl roller coaster! She’s so brave. Then we had breakfast at Gaston’s Pub, best cinnamon buns in town.

We went on Ariel’s ride and went to see her.

Then we went on Goofys barnstormer twice, Dumbo and it’s a small word. It’s a small world used to be her favorite ride because she was obsessed with dolls but now barnstormer is her favorite.

We went on the carousel and she had to find a horse with roses and she would not let me hold onto her, I wasn’t even allowed to touch the horse.

Then we had a few minutes to kill before the real magic began so we went to see the Philharmagic.

And then it was time to turn Grace into a real live Princess!

I was seriously so excited for this! We booked it months in advance and I really can’t believe I kept it a secret. When you check in they ask which princess you want to be, then you pick out your dress. They hang the dress in a dressing room and you head back.

Then someone comes to size your shoes and they introduce you to your fairy godmother. It’s straight magic from then on. Hair, makeup, nails and lots and lots of glitter.

Then she asks her for one wish. Grace wishes for a unicorn and they laugh & laugh it was the sweetest thing.

She is the most beautiful mini Cinderella ever!

Disney is the best! She was walking around the park and all the workers were like Hello Princess. Men workers were even bowing to her. We went on some more rides and thennnnn for the most magical lunch I’ve ever been to.

The Royal Table is worth all the pennies. As a kid I didn’t even know you could go in Cinderella’s castle. When you go in you are greeted by Cinderella. Then she invites you to the Royal Table.

Then you walk up a tower of winding stairs like right out of the movie.

The restaurant over looks Fantasy Land and we got the table right at the window. Could not have been better!

The food was out of this world, even the starter salad was better than ever. Gracie’s starter was grapes & cheese and for our meals she got macaroni and cheese, no surprise there, and I ordered filet with shrimp and potatoes. We ate like queens.

Every princess comes to the table. That in itself is worth it but really the whole experience is perfect.

Then they brought over make your own cupcakes and sang to her.

Grace was an angel. Her little legs walked the whole day. I don’t think she’s ever known what a blister was but she learned today. We went through 3 different pairs of shoes to try to find something comfortable. She didn’t complain once. We finally got back in the car at 4:30 and headed back home. Literally 12 hours of Disney Magic. This was her before we even got out of the parking lot.

I’m am the luckiest mom. Lucky to be this princesses mom, lucky to have a husband that thinks this special memory is worth the money and especially lucky because I get to do it all over again with Lydia when she turns five. I know with all my heart that this luck comes straight from the hands of God. He has blessed me beyond what I deserve and all day I was thanking him over and over for the beauty in my life. Grace I hope you never forget that you are the daughter of the most high King and you will always be a princess in our minds.

Brushing Graces hair and watching Cinderella. Feels like a dream come true.

Timmy just asked me if I only used the sun as light when I was a kid. Apparently my son thinks I lived in the time before electricity. I must be looking super old.

Lydia’s new phrase is “awww so boootiful!” Or “oh that’s cute mommy”

Tonight was Timmy’s first Tiger Cub Scout meeting with Daddy as the Den Leader. Seriously the most adorable thing ever. Timmy is so so serious about cub scouts.

Meanwhile at home is girls are eating brownie batter straight from the bowl hoping we don’t get sick because it’s so yummy we are willing to risk it.

I’m playing Hide & Seek with Lydia for the first time. She hides her eyes and say 1,2, hmmmmm mommy where are you. When she finds me she screams. It’s the cutest thing ever.

Yay! It’s Back to School!

Timmy is in 1st, Gracie in Kindergarten & Lydia in Tot School.I love homeschooling. I could talk about it for hours and hours and never get bored. It is a lifestyle that is a dream.

We don’t wake up to alarm clocks, we don’t scarf down our breakfast or rush to the bus stop. Every morning begins when it begins.

We learn as fast or as slow as we need. Everyday we pray to the Lord and literally sing His praises with songs. If my kids want to learn about lizards that’s exactly what we do. If they want to cook up a soup or make a pizza, done. There is so much freedom in their learning.

It is a blessing that few get to live and I am so grateful to God that He placed this in my hands and to my sweet husband who is such a big supporter and my biggest fan.

Happy Birthday to my girlies! I wonder how long they will be happy about sharing a birthday.

The idea was to have a small ice cream party with friends. It turned into a full blown celebration. I can’t help myself.

We had the girls photos taken with an ice cream themed background & I still haven’t figured out how to get the photos on my phone but I printed them for party decorations. I love them so much I haven’t taken them down.

We had an Italian feast with ravioli, meatballs and eggplant parm. I only invited our families for lunch because we are a party in of ourselves. 22 people and growing!

Then we had our friends come over for cake & ice cream. My sister made a piñata themed ice cream cone cake. It was amazing.

We played Pin the Cherry on Top and we had a piñata per Gracie’s request.

The girls were spoiled as usual with all the cutest gifts. Then Mustache Tom sprayed us all with silly string! I’m still finding it around the house.

It was so cute to watch Lydia blow out her own candles like a big girl. I don’t know how she got to be two this fast. I still think she’s a baby in my mind.

And we bought the girls a kitten. Our zoo is complete.

Five & Two. Sigh. This birthday is hitting me hard. I love watching them grow but I want to do it in slowwww motion.

There’s an extra special surprise in store for Grace & she has no idea. Eeeek it’s going to be magical 😉

Last year I hosted an End of Summer Mudpie Party so I decided to make it a tradition and do it every year. It’s so fun! My mom friends are certain I’m insane but it’s worth all the mess.

We had quite the crew. 15 kids and 4 babies. An extra full house but I love it.

Mud Pie Party staples are dirt, water bucket, strainers, measuring spoons & cups, pie tins, shaving cream, glitter, flowers and the cherry on top is WORMS!

Just scrumptious.

Grace even made some worm cupcakes.

Lydia didn’t get the memo that it was just pretend pie. She was literally spooning it into her mouth. I’m hoping she doesn’t get sick.

It’s so crazy to think that last year she was too little to get in on the fun & today she was one of them. Sometimes I forget what a big girl she really is. She totally understood that we were cooking up some pies. Timmy took it to the next level and became one with his mud pie. Then I brought out the tear free soap, hosed down all the kids and gave them ice pops.

More of my favorite photos…

And now I’m staring at my yard wondering where to start with clean up. I think I’ll wait until tomorrow.

Lydia lovesssss to throw out trash. If you’re finished with your food she is quick to swipe your plate to bring to the garbage.

She is following Graces footsteps in the momming game.

Tim took Grace to the dentist and they have a dress up station…

Denver is 16.5 years old. He has good days and bad days but this weekend we decided it was time. We told the kids and Timmy begged us not to. Tim called Denver to put his leash on and was walking out the door and that’s as far as he made it. We all starting crying and decided to let him go on his own time.

Lydia gave me this beautiful flower.

Grace is in the bathroom yelling knock knock at the top of her lungs. I go in there and ask her what is going on d she’s says I’m knocking on Jesus door but he’s not answering.

Lydia’s new phrase: NO WAY!

Her favorite game is for Tim to chase her around the house while she screams I’ll catch you Daddy. It’s so sweet.

We do a Questions book during our morning routine. The question was do you like being alone? Timmy said no way he likes to be with mommy bc he gets scared. But Grace. “I like to be alone because that’s when I spend time with Jesus.” She always surprises me. Timmy’s love for Jesus is so outward. Everyone knows. But Grace is more subtle and sometimes I can’t tell if any of it is sinking in. But then she says something like that. So sweet.