10 Years and Counting...

Last night, Joe and I were able to attend a service recognition night for Fidelity Investments to honor Joe's upcoming anniversary of 10 years with them. It was at the Umstead Hotel in Cary...very nice! I was able to meet some of Joe's colleagues and the food was divine! Usually, spouses are not able to attend events, so this was a treat.

I can't believe 10 years have passed since Joe first started his daily "T" ride up to Boston's World Trade Center. A lot has changed in his career in those years, and our family has quadrupled. I'm so grateful for Joe's hard work and the dedication he shows to his job and company. Staying at a company this long is starting to become unheard of, but we have been blessed with a company that provides awesome benefits and opportunities to its employees.

Joe works hard to support our family, and I'm so grateful that his hard work has enabled me to be home raising our children for the past 10 years. Thanks, Joe, for your hard work to provide for our family!

Monday Morning

Lilly started the week off with a morning makeover courtesy of Emily. I used to dress up my cat; Emily dresses up her little sister. There's nothing like Lilly's cuteness to keep us all grounded around here.

And in other news, Dillon is officially a "Joy School Graduate." We're looking forward to more preschool adventures next year, although he wants to be going to Kindergarten with his brother and sister, poor thing.

My Emily

Funny story about Emily...

Yesterday was a beautiful day, a day when our cul-de-sac is filled with neighborhood children and no one wants to go inside for dinner. Later that night, Emily was trying to accomplish everything that needed to be done before bed--showering, finishing up some homework, reading, and was wishing she was still outside playing. She said to me, "Mom, there just aren't enough hours in the day." I told her I agreed 100%! I can't believe she's already figured this out in 4th grade. The responsibilities in life are just beginning.

Fast forward to this morning. Emily had gotten up early and was ready early even though she had chorus practice before school. I suggested she use her extra time wisely and work on cleaning her room and putting her laundry away. A few minutes later, I hear Cameron in her room and she's directing him on what to do. Then, Dillon joined in on the fun. I walked in to see what was going on only to realize that the 3 of them were busily working away in her room. What had she used as motivation for her brothers? A piece of candy! I guess whatever works. They were all so happy cleaning together. And I thought, "Only Emily would think of something like this!" She is one giant motivator! Why can't I get that to work all the time!?

Love you, Em! I hereby announce you are officially the Queen of our house...

Vacation time

We were able to take advantage of the kids' track-out from school and head to Orlando! And no, we did not go to Disney this time. We decided to do Universal, Islands of Adventure, and Sea World. We spent the majority of time at Universal and Islands. Had a marvelous, perfect-weather time.

Here are some of the highlights...

We learned Emily is a rockin-on-the-roller-coaster type of girl. She loved them! And she usually got a double ride with mommy and daddy thanks to the child swap. Our favorites were the Hulk and Dueling Dragons. I practically had to drag her on the Hulk, but then she loved it. She rode Dueling Dragons 8 times!

Our kids bonded. I snapped these cute moments between Dillon and Cameron. Ah, brotherly love.

We learned that Lilly doesn't like to sit in strollers or high chairs or anything that confines her. Oh wait, we already knew that! She definitely is a monkey!

Mom and dad learned that a vacation to a park isn't really a vacation. It's a lot of work, but worth it!

We stayed in a hotel for a few days and then in a Marriott time share. The kids loved the 2 pirate pools! It was worth saying no a million times during the "sales presentation".

Easter pics

Our lighting wasn't very good, but maybe Nana got some better pictures. Happy Easter!

Lilly's singing...

Hard to keep a 21-month-old's attention, especially when she's figured out how to open a door even when it's locked, but this was too priceless not to post for family far away! Best of all was Dillon and Lilly watching it with me after we taped it. They were laughing hysterically. Lilly loves to sing "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" (although she wasn't into singing it this time), "The Wise Man," and some others right now.

Easy Family Home Evening Treat

To go along with an Easter FHE lesson tonight, Dillon and I made these cute treats. Super easy Rice Krispie treat nests with jelly bean eggs and Peeps on top. (Dillon called them Pee-Peeps! Ooops!)