Weekend Fun

We had a pretty good Memorial Day weekend.  On Saturday, we did some major yard work. It took most of the day and was hard and dirty work, but now our yard looks so much better.

 On Sunday, we had tickets to go to another Atlanta Braves game. This game was in the afternoon, so we took Rachel with us. It was her first trip to see the Braves and she had a lot of fun. It also happened to be Kids Day at Turner Field, so many of the activities-batting cages, etc.. were free for kids! And we like anything free!  I think that Rachel pretty much ate her way through the afternoon, and we didn't last too long at actually sitting and watching the game. But we had a fun time together.

We had lunch at a restaurant that sits over the field so you can eat and watch the game. Rachel had to get a foam finger!

Trying to watch the game. It was a cloudy, but warm and humid day. Rachel didn't last too long.

She had a chance to try batting and throwing a baseball. She was quite proud of herself!

This is the view as you drive away from the field towards the freeway. I thought it was interesting to have the olympic rings and the state capitol in the same shot.

Then today, we wanted to go to the Memorial Day parade here in Dacula. We went for the last two years, but today it was a rainy and windy morning, so we changed our plans. The girls and I baked a cake for Rachel's birthday tomorrow! And we also worked on the basement. 

Trying to get my girls to both look at the camera!

Back tomorrow with pictures from Rachel's birthday!

                                                                            

What we have been up to...

The past few days have just flown by for us! Lots going on around here and Rachel is getting so excited for school to be over and summer vacation to begin!

  Saturday evening we went out to dinner with another couple-no kids!!! They have two girls also and we usually get together about once a month and have dinner with all of us. But this time, we decided we would go out with just the grown ups. We went to a restaurant near Atlanta- Pura Vida - and all the food comes as an appetizer. So you order about 10 to 12 items and everyone shares. It was a lot of fun and really good food. The owner of the restaurant was on Top Chef last year. After dinner we walked a down to an Italian gelato store for dessert. It was a great night and we are already planning a night out for June.

Gregg, Ashley, Raphael and me

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On Sunday after church we spent some time out in the backyard. It is already feeling like summer here- on Sunday it was ninety degrees and humid. So I put on the sprinkler and let the girls play. Rebecca wasn't quite sure about it at first, but seemed to like it after awhile. I also have a little activity table that she doesn't use anymore, so I filled it with water and she loved playing with it too.

I just love her chubby little legs!

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Then today was Dragon Pride Day at Rachel's school. The principal comes to each class and hands out awards for students with good grades, most improvement, good citizenship,etc....

Rachel did really well again and she received two awards this time.

Congratulations from the principal-Mrs. Torbush

When we got home from school, there was a package from my parents. They had sent gifts for the girls and a card for Rachel to celebrate her first year of school.  My Mom and Rachel both love to go to Wendy's for a frosty, so my parents sent money for us to go to Wendy's for dinner sometime. Rachel didn't waste anytime, and we went for dinner tonight! Thanks Nana and Papa!

                                                                           

Rainy Day

Rebecca and I were going to meet up with some friends at the park this morning, but had to cancel our playdate. It started raining last night and hasn't stopped yet. I am always confused how to dress on days like this- it is pouring rain, yet eighty five degrees and humid. Should I wear shorts or pants? I never know.

                                                                          
                                                                  
 I did decided to dress Rebecca like is a hot sunny day. She loves wearing sunglasses. She gets upset if they fall off and brings them to me to put back on her. She makes the cutest little faces and you can tell that she thinks she is cute.

She loves sitting in this chair.And climbing in and out of it. It is Rachel's chair that I bought for her when she was about two years old. I guess it is time to get a bigger one for Rachel's room and give this one to Rebecca.

                                                      Happy weekend!

Field Day

Today was an exciting day for Rachel- all the kindergarten classes had field day. They spent the entire day playing games and having fun. She couldn't wait to get to school and have fun with her friends.Rebecca and I went to check out the kids and it looked like they were all having a good time.

trying the rope climb

Rachel and her BFF

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This has nothing to do with field day-just made me laugh. On my way out of the school, I walked by Rachel's classroom. They had papers hanging outside on the wall.Each student had written a question and then went and "surveyed" the class and then made a tally mark for yes or no answers. The kids wrote" did you brush your teeth today? or do you ride the bus to school?"  Rachel's question:

"Does your mom let you have sugar?"

That girl is something else-ha! Gotta love her-and I do!

                                                            

Ice Cream for Dinner

It has been a crazy busy week around here. Rachel only has five days left of school!!! I can't believe how quickly her first year of school has gone by.  She has been having all sorts of parties and celebrations and get togethers and it has been keeping me busy.

                                                                

I was not in the mood to cook dinner tonight and we had to make a quick run to Home Depot, so on the way home we went to a great ice cream shop. Rachel loved the idea of ice cream for dinner and ordered a big ol' hot fudge sundae- then she took about five bites and asked for a corn dog-ha!  So I ordered her one of those too.       

Rebecca had no problems eating ice cream for dinner!

I just love these girls!

                                                                                                                 

Take me out to the ballgame

                                                                          

This past Saturday night, Raphael and I went to see the Atlanta Braves. We have lived here almost four years, and this was my first time to see the Braves play. It was a perfect night for baseball.  It was warm and not too humid evening and the rain stayed away!

We were given tickets that had really good seats- on the first baseline about fifteen rows from the front. But first we went to eat!  The tickets gave us access to a restaurant that overlooks the field. We were able to sit outside,eat and watch the game. The food was so good and we had the best time just talking and watching the game.  (Our waitress took our picture, but the pics are in Raphael's camera and he left again for a trip).

After dinner, we made it our seats and watched most of the game. The Braves were not having the best night and lost 10 to 1 or something like that. 

It was a wonderful night out with Raphael. In a few weeks, we have tickets for a day game and plan to take Rachel and a friend. I am not too sure how that will all go,but it will be and adventure.

                                                                            
                                                                         

Pizza Parlor

Today after school, the girls and I met up with my MOMS club at a nearby pizza place- Luigi's. They have really good pizza and pasta there. They let each of the kids make their own little pizza. All the kids loved it and the restaurant was empty except for us, so the kids were all having a good time.

It can be a bit stressful trying to keep Rebecca busy and out of trouble and help Rachel when we are out. But today, Rebecca was SO good. Bless her little heart. She was happy to sit in her stroller and watch all the action. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs for her and I to share. Rebecca hasn't let me feed her for quite awhile now and it can get a little messy- but she sure did like her pasta.

                                                                                                                                
                  

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

Ever since Raphael and I had our first house, I have loved working out in the yard. Planting flowers and pulling up weeds. I have always wanted to plant a vegetable garden,so I decided to give it a try this spring.
We have a spot by our swingset that is just bare dirt and weeds. I figured that would be the easiest place to set up my garden and it gets lots of sun too.

                                                           
                                        

I bought a raised garden kit and set it up and filled in with dirt. Rachel and I went to Walmart and bought some vegetables and herbs. I planted our little seedlings a few weeks ago, and so far, so good. Rachel "watered" the garden tonight. Which really was her spraying water everywhere and jumping in puddles with her rainboots on-ha!                                

We planted tomato,cucumber, cilantro, basil,strawberry plant, green pepper and parsely.  I am crossing my fingers that we manage to grow something out there this summer!

                                                                              

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!  On Saturday, I went to Chateau Elan(which is a beautiful hotel with a winery and spa) with my MOMS club friends.

the restaurant for our lucheon

                                                                      
                                                                         

 Every year the club puts on a luncheon for the ladies. We have a nice relaxing lunch, talk and each lady gets a letter from her husband. The letter tells why she is the best mom and wife. It is so sweet to read and really does brighten up your day and make you feel appreciated.

Me with my friend-also named Jennifer

After lunch I went to the Mall and did some shopping. It was nice to be out and about by myself. The girls had a great time with their Daddy while I was out.

Rachel and I before my party.

On Sunday morning, Rachel came in bright and early, to wish me a happy Mother's Day. She had made a cute gift for me at school and had wrapped up a box filled with stuffed animals to give me. Raphael made me a great breakfast and we went to church.  After church, we visited a park and had a picnic lunch and then the girls played.  It was a lovely day and I love my girls so much!