Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Today was Mara's birthday snack day at school.  Regular snack days are a big deal around here but birthday snacks are even bigger.  My rule-homemade.  Mara's rule- yummy!  We decided together to make Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.  And she needed to help me.  

Earlier in the week the kids got their gear on and we began baking.  I love baking with them.  They do so well and are really capable in the kitchen.  I work hard to make it an experience for them, for them to be comfortable in the kitchen, to be helpful, and to have fun!

 The finished product!!!!  The ones the kids made turned out HUGE because they wanted extra yummy dough.  Mine were a bit more compact.  No matter- they were delicious and this face makes it all worth it!!!

***All you do is take any cookie dough and put a glob on top of the Oreo and a glob on the bottom of the Oreo and then pack together like a snowball so you can't see any of the cookie.  bake normal.  HEAVEN!!!!

Mother's Day

I woke up to kisses and hugs today and got to sleep in until 7:30!!!

 Then the kids showed me all the cards and special things they had made me

 Then we began preparing for our family brunch...two quiches, muffins, fruit, mamosas, and lots and lots of bacon ( my hubs knows me well)

 My angels

Chris'

The Fultons

My perfect family!

 Mom's

 The Bechtels

 My joy!

Alaric's First 5K!

Alaric decided a year ago at last year's Kirby Derby that he was going to train for the real race, not just the kids' race.  AND HE DID IT! 

Brian and I are beyond proud!  We even had t-shirts made!

 Look at that little boy...he's ready to go!

 My amazing family!

 The race was about to begin.  Alaric was nervous.  There were a TON of people.  We were in the back because we had a stroller. 

 As we approached our home, we could see all of Bubba's fans...first Jack and June.

 Then the granparents!  Can you see Bubba's sweet smile?  He's so excited to have people cheering him on!

 He ran the farthest he's ever run before he had to start.  More than 1.25 miles without a break.  He ran to the first water stop and our friends, The Parkers, were manning the station.  Made it extra sweet!

 Our friends were along the route to cheer Bubba on.  The Morrison Family

 The Haas'

 We were nearing the end.  Bubs had already taken a pit stop at the park for a poop ( he's so like his Daddy)  He was beginning to hurt.  Brian and I were doing all we could to keep him going.  And then the BEST thing happened....he saw his Karate Sensai just as he hit the 3 mile mark.  Sensai told him to run and that's just what he did!

Brian pushed him while I carried the camera and pushed the stroller.  Sorry for the wobbles!

his biggest fans were waiting for us!

 Look at this sweet boy!

 he finished!!!

 And in 46 minutes ( thats with a 3-4 minute  pit stop)

 Then it was the kid's race for Mara.  Unfortunately she was in a "mood" so Brian ran with her ( Brian the saint)

 Alaric ran too and his biggest fan ( his classmate's little brother) loved taking a picture with Alaric

 Alaric's teacher, Mrs. Elliot, came to support Alaric ( and a few other classmates!)

 Team ALARIC!

 What better way to celebrate Alaric than with Mexican!

it was an ABSOLUTELY amazing day!  My sweet 6 year old accomplished a fitness goal MANY never will.  He's ready for his next race and we are so proud to be his parents!  Love you BUBBA!

Gabby

Today sweet little Gabby passed away.  It is a tragedy for our entire community.  Just a week ago this sweet 5 year old contracted some sort of infection and after battling and fighting, she has gone to heaven.  Gabby was in preschool with Alaric and also in gymnastics. Her family owns the local Pizza place and is known by many.  I told Alaric today about Gabby.  He had so many questions.  But mostly he sad he was sad for her mommy and daddy.  Me too.

 A beautiful memorial has been set up at the pizza place.  Alaric asked to bring flowers.  So, of course, we did.  I was proud of him for wanting to. There were so many beautiful tributes

 It took my breath away.  Literally hard to breathe.  To imagine what their family is going through.  Please continue praying for the Galbo Family as they go through this difficult time.

Mother's Day at the Nursing Home

Today the daytime neighborhood kids ( while the older ones were in school) headed over to the nursing home across the street to meet with other moms.  While us moms tried to talk and ask questions of the grandmoms, the kids played and entertained. 

The played catch with a few

And sang songs for them and danced

And an hour later gave goodbye hugs!

It was a nice visit.  Something my kids had never done before and an event that made me so proud to have a sweet little girl who is so good at giving hugs!

Teacher Appreciation!

This week begins Teacher Appreciation Week!  We really are so grateful for each of our children's teachers and their aides.  What a blessing to know your child is loved, nurtured, and cared for during the day.

We made these sweet S'mores cards to kick off the week!

Church Celebrations!

Today we celebrate the graduations of our beloved Sunday School teachers, Brigid and Amanda.  And while this day is for them, Brigid brought us Ann Sather's Cinnamon Rolls ( her family owns the restaurant) so we could try.  We've been begging her for months to bring us back some!  YUM!  Can't wait!

 Molly made these GORGEOUS cookies for our potluck- who does this stuff?  She's amazing!

 We surprised our Director, Barb during church by each handing her a flower and giving her a hug and saying thankyou before she retires!

 Biggest hug was from her daughter!

 Then we honored Brigid and Amanda and gave them thanks ( along with a photo album, homemade cards, and cash for their hard work!

 Brian and I hosted a potluck after church for all the McKinley Families.  You never know with potlucks how many will show and it you'll have enough, diverse foods.  We were so blessed.  We had more than 50 people there!  What a great way to send off Brigid and Amanda and honor Barb!

May The 4th Be With You!!!!

Lincoln School OpenHouse

Tonight we got to go to the kids' school and see their projects!  This evening was mostly about Bubba and the work he had done. 

But I had to document his reason why he loves me....

 And his earth Day project

 And his Safari picture- it looks just like him!

We feel so lucky to have the kids together at Lincoln, just a block away from our home!

May Day

Today is May Day!  Every year we do something special for our neighbor, June.  We try to get the whole neighborhood together to do it but with the Marathon and the Karate Tourney and the Tea party- I was spent. I only had one day in between so we each decided to do something seperately.  Inspired by the lillies Brian and the kids made me for my birthday, we made colorful ones for June out of the kids handprints.  They turned out beautiful and June loved them!