Memorial Day Weekend

Last week ended the kid's 2012-2013 school year.  Sardis had a nice picnic, with ice cream, for the parents, kids, and siblings.  I attended both picnics for Payton and Griffin, and Brian made it to Payton's last day picnic.  It was bittersweet saying goodbye to teachers and friends, but since the kids are both in "summer camp" there, I'm sure we'll be seeing familiar faces :)  Griffin has moved into Payton's old room (the 2's) and Payton is in her new "3's" room.  I can't wait to hear how they liked their new teachers, and if they saw any familiar faces.

Lauren, Payton, Lexi...her best school buds

Payton and Charlie...they have a love/hate relationship.  I think it's their way of flirting!  I love how Payton has him in a choke hold.

Payton and her "boyfriend" Fynn

On Friday, "my" first baby, ie-Riley Madden Kreutzer, turned 13!  This is one of my oldest and dearest friend's first born.  The first of the babies...how could she be 13 when I'm still 29?  I just can't figure it out.  Anyway, we met them to celebrate...

Back row:  Gavin (9), Riley (13) looking excited to be there, lol, Morgan (4.5),  Front row:  Jacob (2 in June), Griffin (21 mo), Payton (3)

On Friday evening, we hosted a play, and dinner, date with one of Payton's first friends...Daniella.  Payton and Daniella went to Providence Baptist Mother's Morning Out together for the first two years of their lives.  Daniella and Payton were the divas, who always dressed up, and always had bows in their hair.  They absolutely get along, and we loved spending time with her, and her sweet family! They are moving to Florida soon, so we hope to get to see them at least one more time before that.

Angela with sweet baby Alexa

Payton with Daniella...little fishies!

Payton, Sienna (our neighbor), and Daniella...eating yummy cupcakes!

Callie and I went on a run Saturday morning.  It was 46 degrees when we left!  Nice for a run, but it's almost JUNE!

Look closely...at least it wasn't a 6 foot black snake in my face!  He just sat and posed for me!

Saturday was spent on the lake with friends.  Our neighbors bought a paddleboard, which we carefully transported on the boat...and took over to our friend's lake house.  Everyone got a turn.  One of these days I'm going to have one.  I just love the workout, peace, and fun of paddling these things!

And then there were THREE!  Griffin, Payton, and Mattie enjoying the ride.

Kim and me

Look closely at Griffin's left hand.  He commanded ALL the dogs with that tennis ball.  Once he figured out he had control, he kind of teased them.  He kept moving his arm around, watching them watch him.  Pretty funny.

Some friends and I spent the afternoon at the sandbar, while Brian was an awesome Daddy and stayed at the house during naptimes.  That evening, we took the boat over to Adrianne's lake house for a cookout.  As always, lots of people and lots of fun!

Madi

Up for some badminton anyone?  I was reminded the "birdie" is actually a shuttlecock.  That always makes me laugh.

Our sweet friend, Angie.

Our favorite Becki

Madi

Griffin and Roman (9 months)...I think they have the same blue eyes.  Just gorgeous little boys, if I do say so myself!

"Uncle" Gary!!

JUMP!

Adrianne (left) and her sister-in-law

Pushing a car.  Surprise, surprise, lol.

Watermelon face.

Sunday morning we all slept in, which was super nice and needed!  I went for a short run, then a group of us went to TBones for their yummy brunch.  When we tried to leave, the boat wouldn't start :(  Luckily Tobias was nearby and used his magic touch to get it to start.  We decided to park it until we can get some new spark plugs, so Diana and Tobias hosted us on their boat.  We spent the afternoon at the sandbar, then had a cookout with the neighbors.  It was a gorgeous weekend, and the kids were TROOPERS, with little to no naps.  Fun Fun!

Monday, Memorial Day, we spent ALL day at the pool.  The kids took naps, but other than that, we were outside from about 11am until 7pm.  I was exhausted and ready for bedtime (for us all!)  We traditionally host a Memorial Day cookout each year, and this year was no exception.  We all had a great time, on a beautiful day.

Rob and Madi

Payton pouring water over Sam's head

Bringing the water table and baby pool...BEST THING EVER!  The kids loved it!

Sam is a little fish!  He swam all over the place!

Our friend, Angie!

I finally got to see if my waterproof iPhone case was really waterproof.  Good news...it is :)

Griffin and our neighbor, Logan

Aunt Missy brought paint brushes for the kids to play with.  They loved painting the pool.  Great idea!

Just like his Gramps, Ben Topham!

Sam was bummed he had to leave :(

We had a wonderful time with friends all weekend.  I was glad when bedtime came last night, though. I hope you all had a fun and safe weekend!  Please check out "Melissa Topham Photography" blog that's linked at the top of this page (to the right).  It's a peek of our family pictures that Aunt Miss took for us on Mother's Day.  I just love how she captured our wild, crazy family.  And yes, she would LOVE to take your family's pictures!!  She did a wonderful job!